Disease Control Strategies Research Articles

Molecular characterization of Fasciola hepatica obtained from cattle and horse in Central Chile

Liver fluke infection, caused by the trematode Fasciola hepatica, is a parasitic zoonotic disease affecting various mammals, including humans, and has significant implications for public, animal, and ecosystem health. This study provides the first genetic characterization of F. hepatica in Chile, focusing on the complete mitochondrial gene cox1. Samples were collected from two different host species: cattle and horses. Our findings revealed that 70 % of detected haplotypes were found in either cattle or horses, which coincides with their geographical origin. Interestingly, the use of full-length sequences resulted in the identification of 80 % unique sequences, whereas this reduced to 45 % when analyzing the traditionally used short sequences. This underestimation of genetic diversity suggests that broader sequencing efforts might be essential for a more accurate understanding of F. hepatica genetic landscape. This research underscores the importance of understanding the genetic variability in parasites to improve strategies for disease control and treatment.

Friends and Foes: Bacteria of the Hydroponic Plant Microbiome

Hydroponic greenhouses and vertical farms provide an alternative crop production strategy in regions that experience low temperatures, suboptimal sunlight, or inadequate soil quality. However, hydroponic systems are soilless and, therefore, have vastly different bacterial microbiota than plants grown in soil. This review highlights some of the most prevalent plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and destructive phytopathogenic bacteria that dominate hydroponic systems. A complete understanding of which bacteria increase hydroponic crop yields and ways to mitigate crop loss from disease are critical to advancing microbiome research. The section focussing on plant growth-promoting bacteria highlights putative biological pathways for growth promotion and evidence of increased crop productivity in hydroponic systems by these organisms. Seven genera are examined in detail, including Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Rhizobium, Paenibacillus, and Paraburkholderia. In contrast, the review of hydroponic phytopathogens explores the mechanisms of disease, studies of disease incidence in greenhouse crops, and disease control strategies. Economically relevant diseases caused by Xanthomonas, Erwinia, Agrobacterium, Ralstonia, Clavibacter, Pectobacterium, and Pseudomonas are discussed. The conditions that make Pseudomonas both a friend and a foe, depending on the species, environment, and gene expression, provide insights into the complexity of plant–bacterial interactions. By amalgamating information on both beneficial and pathogenic bacteria in hydroponics, researchers and greenhouse growers can be better informed on how bacteria impact modern crop production systems.

Antimicrobial Functions of Galectins from Fish, Mollusks, and Crustaceans: A Review.

Galectins are a member of the β-galactoside binding protein family, which play a pivotal role in the immune defense of vertebrates as a pattern recognition receptor and occupy an important position in the innate immune system of invertebrates. The study of galectins in aquatic organisms has only recently emerged. Galectins in aquatic animals exhibit agglutination activity toward bacteria, inhibit bacterial growth, and enhance phagocytosis of immune cells. Additionally, some galectins contribute to the antiviral immune defenses of aquatic animals. This review aims to review recent advancements in the antimicrobial mechanisms, molecular structures, and evolution of galectins from fish, mollusks, and crustaceans. The antimicrobial galectins, as crucial components in the innate immune defense, pave new avenues for developing innovative disease control strategies in aquaculture.

Prevalence and virulence profiles of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli in urinary and blood infections in South Korea.

Escherichia coli is a significant pathogen in extraintestinal infections, and ESBL-producing E. coli poses a major clinical challenge due to its antibiotic resistance. This study comprehensively analyzed E. coli isolates from urine and blood samples of patients with urinary tract and bloodstream infections at three major tertiary hospitals in South Korea. The goal was to provide insights into the distribution, antibiotic resistance, and virulence factors of these strains. Our analysis identified CTX-M and TEM as the dominant ESBL types, found in 71.7% and 61.7% of isolates, respectively, with 46.7% showing co-occurrence. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) revealed the predominance of high-risk clones such as ST131, ST69, ST73, and ST95, with rare sequence types like ST410 and ST405 also identified. The high prevalence of virulence factors, including iutA (80.8%) and kpsMII (74.2%), further highlights the complexity of these strains. In addition, 38.3% of clinical isolates contained a combination of siderophore, adhesin, protectin, and toxin-related genes. There was no significant difference between urinary tract and bloodstream infections or regional differentiation in Korea. This study highlights the importance of controlling ESBL-producing E. coli infections, especially given the increasing incidence among patients with underlying medical conditions and older adults who are more susceptible to urinary tract infections. These findings serve as valuable indicators for pathogen analysis, especially those harboring antibiotic resistance and toxin genes. The insights gained are expected to contribute significantly to the development of infectious disease prevention and control strategies.

Systematic Review on Citizen Science and Artificial Intelligence for Vector-Borne Diseases

Abstract. Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) pose a significant threat to public health globally. VBDs are a significant public health concern worldwide, with infections such as Malaria, Dengue Fever, Zika Virus, and Lyme Disease posing a threat to global health security. There is a need for innovative and effective strategies to control these diseases. One potential solution lies in the integration of citizen science and artificial intelligence technologies. Citizen science, which involves the participation of volunteers in scientific research, can greatly contribute to data collection and monitoring efforts for vector-borne diseases. Artificial intelligence can enhance the analysis of this data, leading to improved disease surveillance, prediction, and control strategies. Citizen Science involves active public participation in scientific research, data collection, and analysis, while AI and Machine Learning (ML) techniques offer powerful tools for processing and interpreting large datasets. By leveraging the power of citizen science and artificial intelligence, we can harness the collective efforts of volunteers and advanced technology to better understand, track, and mitigate the spread of vector-borne diseases. Through the combination of citizen science and artificial intelligence, a more comprehensive and efficient approach can be taken to gather data on vector-borne diseases, analyze the data, and inform public health interventions. This systematic review aims to explore the role of citizen science and artificial intelligence in addressing the challenges associated with vector-borne diseases. It will examine the existing literature on the use of citizen science and artificial intelligence in vector-borne disease research, including their applications, benefits, and limitations, in order to provide insights and recommendations for future research and public health strategies.

Advanced optimal control approaches for immune boosting and clinical treatment to enhance dengue viremia models using ABC fractional-order analysis

IntroductionThis work focuses on the Dengue-viremia ABC (Atangana-Baleanu Caputo) fractional-order differential equations, accounting for both symptomatic and asymptomatic infected cases. Symptomatic cases are characterized by higher viremia levels, whereas asymptomatic cases exhibit lower viremia levels. The fractional-order model highlights memory effects and other advantages over traditional models, offering a more comprehensive representation of dengue dynamics.MethodsThe total population is divided into four compartments: susceptible, asymptomatic infected, symptomatic infected, and recovered. The model incorporates an immune-boosting factor for asymptomatic infected individuals and clinical treatment for symptomatic cases. Positivity and boundedness of the model are validated, and both local and global stability analyses are performed. The novel Adams-Bash numerical scheme is utilized for simulations to rigorously assess the impact of optimal control interventions.ResultsThe results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategies. The reproduction numbers must be reduced based on specific optimal control conditions to effectively mitigate disease outbreaks. Numerical simulations confirm that the optimal control measures can significantly reduce the spread of the disease.DiscussionThis research advances the understanding of Dengue-viremia dynamics and provides valuable insights into the application of ABC fractional-order analysis. By incorporating immune-boosting and clinical treatment into the model, the study offers practical guidelines for implementing successful disease control strategies. The findings highlight the potential of using optimal control techniques in public health interventions to manage disease outbreaks more effectively.

Host combats porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection at non-coding RNAs level.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) poses a significant threat to the global swine industry. The emergence of new, highly virulent strains has precipitated recurrent outbreaks worldwide, underscoring the ongoing battle between host and virus. Thus, there is an imperative to formulate a more comprehensive and effective disease control strategy. Studies have shown that host non-coding RNA (ncRNA) is an important regulator of host - virus interactions in PRRSV infection. Hence, a thorough comprehension of the roles played by ncRNAs in PRRSV infection can augment our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying PRRSV infection. This review focuses on elucidating contemporary insights into the roles of host microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in PRRSV infection, providing both theoretical foundations and fresh perspectives for ongoing research into the mechanisms driving PRRSV infection and its pathogenesis.

Design and implementation of an IoT-based monitoring system for early detection of lumpy skin disease in cattle

Livestock farming serves a crucial role in global food security and sustainability, yet infections like Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) present huge difficulties. LSD reduces the marketability and productivity of cattle, but it is not fatal. Current preventive measures that rely on routine veterinary testing can be time-consuming and miss early signs of infection, requiring a more effective management strategy first works This article presents an IoT-enabled intelligent system to prevent LSD in animals. The system uses a smart wearable sensor device to collect real-time health information including body temperature, heart rate and 3-axis motion data. Advanced analysis of data is considered to identify early diagnosis of potential LSD infection results based on deviations from normal parameters, this data prevents further infection within livestock by supporting immediate isolation. On a cloud-based online platform, and integrated into the mobile application provides a comprehensive experience and timely alerts to provide potential health issues. Furthermore, the IoT features of the system enable farmers and veterinarians to quickly guide and optimize disease control strategies, improving biosecurity protocols and overall livestock health management. This creative approach represents a significant improvement over traditional methods, providing a cost-effective, accurate and real-time solution for animal health monitoring and management.

Diversity of lice and flea- and lice-borne pathogens in free-ranging dogs in Uzbekistan.

Vector-borne diseases pose a significant threat to human and animal health worldwide, with arthropods, including fleas and lice, acting as key vectors for transmitting various pathogens. In Uzbekistan, where millions of domestic dogs coexist with humans, the diversity of vector-borne pathogens carried by ectoparasites remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the diversity and prevalence of lice and pathogens carried by fleas and lice collected from domestic dogs in Uzbekistan. Ectoparasites were collected from 77 dogs across five regions and subjected to morphological identification and molecular analysis. The 47 lice collected were identified as Trichodectes canis Fabricius, 1780 (Psocodea: Trichodectidae), Linognathus africanus Kellogg and Paine, 1911 (Psocodea: Linognathidae) and Bovicola bovis Linnaeus, 1758 (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae), alongside with 197 fleas. Notably, L. africanus was detected for the first time on dogs worldwide. Molecular screening detected Rickettsia spp. in 27.9% fleas and 44.7% lice, Dipylidium caninum Linnaeus, 1758 (Cyclophyllidea: Dipylidiidae) in 1.5% of fleas and Bartonella spp. in 0.5% of fleas. Sequencing confirmed Rickettsia asembonensisMaina et al., 2016 (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), Rickettsia helvetica Beati et al., 1993 (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), Rickettsia monacensis Simser et al., 2019 (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), D. caninum and Bartonella clarridgeiae Lawson and Collins, 1996 (Hyphomicrobiales: Bartonellaceae). These findings highlight the potential role of dogs as reservoirs for vector-borne pathogens and emphasises the need for further research to inform effective disease control strategies.

Pan-flavivirus analysis reveals sfRNA-independent, 3' UTR-biased siRNA production from an insect-specific flavivirus.

RNA interference (RNAi) plays an essential role in mosquito antiviral immunity, but it is not known whether viral small interfering RNA (siRNA) profiles differ between mosquito-borne and mosquito-specific viruses. A pan-Orthoflavivirus analysis in Aedes albopictus cells revealed that viral siRNAs were evenly distributed across the viral genome of most representatives of the Flavivirus genus. In contrast, siRNA production was biased toward the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the genomes of classical insect-specific flaviviruses (cISF), which was most pronounced for Kamiti River virus (KRV), a virus with a unique, 1.2 kb long 3' UTR. KRV-derived siRNAs were produced in high quantities and almost exclusively mapped to the 3' UTR. We mapped the 5' end of KRV subgenomic flavivirus RNAs (sfRNAs), products of the 5'-3' exoribonuclease XRN1/Pacman stalling on secondary RNA structures in the 3' UTR of the viral genome. We found that KRV produces high copy numbers of a long, 1,017 nt sfRNA1 and a short, 421 nt sfRNA2, corresponding to two predicted XRN1-resistant elements. Expression of both sfRNA1 and sfRNA2 was reduced in Pacman-deficient Aedes albopictus cells; however, this did not correlate with a shift in viral siRNA profiles. We suggest that cISFs, particularly KRV, developed a unique mechanism to produce high amounts of siRNAs as a decoy for the antiviral RNAi response in an sfRNA-independent manner.IMPORTANCEThe Flavivirus genus contains diverse mosquito viruses ranging from insect-specific viruses circulating exclusively in mosquito populations to mosquito-borne viruses that cause disease in humans and animals. Studying the mechanisms of virus replication and antiviral immunity in mosquitoes is important to understand arbovirus transmission and may inform the development of disease control strategies. In insects, RNA interference (RNAi) provides broad antiviral activity and constitutes a major immune response against viruses. Comparing diverse members of the Flavivirus genus, we found that all flaviviruses are targeted by RNAi. However, the insect-specific Kamiti River virus was unique in that small interfering RNAs are highly skewed toward its uniquely long 3' untranslated region. These results suggest that mosquito-specific viruses have evolved unique mechanisms for genome replication and immune evasion.

Induction of defence response in peanut elicited by Bacillus sp. CHEP5: A biological strategy for control of smut disease caused by Thecaphora frezzii in the field

Induction of defence response in peanut elicited by Bacillus sp. CHEP5: A biological strategy for control of smut disease caused by Thecaphora frezzii in the field

Association of Apple Scar Skin Viroid (ASSVd) Infection with an Emerging Disease in 'Saiwaihong' Apples.

A novel disease affecting small immature fruits has surfaced in 'Saiwaihong' apples (Malus pumila), a recently developed variety extensively cultivated across more than 20,000 ha in China. In an effort to pinpoint the causal agent(s) responsible for this ailment, RNA sequencing analysis was conducted on four symptomatic and four asymptomatic apple samples. The results revealed a diverse range of viruses and viroids, indicating mixed viral infection in diseased samples. However, a more focused examination involving 152 symptomatic and 122 asymptomatic fruit samples, using RT-PCR and dot-blotting hybridization techniques, highlighted a close association between the disease and the presence of apple scar skin viroid (ASSVd). Among the ASSVd variants obtained from diseased 'Saiwaihong' apples, 20 were identified, and they were either identical or closely related to isolates from various apple varieties cultivated in different regions and countries. This suggests that ASSVd isolates in 'Saiwaihong' might have been introduced from other apple varieties. Furthermore, the analysis indicates the possibility of two separate introductions, as the ASSVd 'Saiwaihong' isolates exhibited two distinct phylogenetic groups. These insights provide valuable guidance for disease control strategies and emphasize the significance of ongoing monitoring for ASSVd, both in its familiar forms and potential new variants.

Detection and Localization of IL-8 and CXCR1 in Rainbow Trout Larvae in Response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa Lipopolysaccharide

The salmonid industry faces challenges due to the susceptibility of fish to opportunistic pathogens, particularly in early developmental stages. Understanding the immunological capacity during these stages is crucial for developing effective disease control strategies. IL-8R, a member of the G-protein-coupled receptor family, acts as a receptor for Interleukin 8 (IL-8). The binding of IL-8 to IL-8R plays a major role in the pathophysiology of a wide spectrum of inflammatory conditions. This study focused on the immune response capacity of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) larvae by analyzing IL-8/CXCR1 response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Previous research demonstrated that LPS from P. aeruginosa acts as a potent immunostimulant in teleost, enhancing pro-inflammatory cytokines. The methodology included in silico analysis and the synthesis and characterization of an omCXCR1-derived epitope peptide, which was used to produce omCXCR1-specific anti98 serum in mice. The research revealed that rainbow trout larvae 19 days post-hatching (dph) exhibited pronounced immune responses post-stimulation with 1 µg/mL of LPS. This was evidenced by the upregulated protein expression of IL-8 and omCXCR1 in trout larvae 2 and 8 h after LPS challenge, as analyzed by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, fluorescence microscopy successfully revealed the colocalization of IL-8 and its receptor in cells from mucosal tissues after LPS challenge in larvae 19 dph. These findings underscore the efficacy of LPS immersion as a method to activate the innate immune system in trout larvae. Furthermore, we propose IL-8 and its receptor as molecular markers for evaluating immunostimulation in the early developmental stages of salmonids.

Morphological and Molecular Diversity of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Causing Yam (Dioscorea alata L.) Anthracnose Disease in Côte d’Ivoire

Yam is a plant of great importance for the Ivorian people in terms of food, nutrition, economy, and socio-cultural value. However, its production is threatened by several biotic factors, including anthracnose, one of the most destructive diseases affecting yams. The objective of this study was to assess the morphological and molecular diversity of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides isolates responsible for anthracnose in yam (Dioscorea alata) in Côte d'Ivoire. Twenty-seven previously isolated strains were collected from Plant Health Laboratory of Nangui ABROGOUA University and analyzed. The study examined the cultural (coloration, growth mode, texture, and colony diameter), microscopic (conidial shape, size, and spore concentration), and molecular characteristics of these isolates. Significant morphological diversity was observed among the isolates. Macroscopically, three major groups were identified based on colony coloration (whitish, orange, and grayish). Colony textures varied, presenting cottony, flaky, downy, or filamentous appearances, with growth patterns ranging from concentric and radiating to regular rings. Colony diameters ranged from 37 mm to 82 mm. Microscopically, sporulation varied significantly among isolates, ranging from 1.1 × 10⁵ to 85.4 × 10⁵ spores, as did conidial size, which ranged from 10.54 to 19.29 µm in length and 3.93 to 6.43 µm in diameter. Molecular analysis through comparison with GenBank nucleotide sequences revealed homology rates of 99-100% and varying proximities between the rDNA sequences of the isolates. In conclusion, the characterization of these isolates provides valuable insights for improving disease control strategies for yam anthracnose.

Occurrence of Anaplasmosis among Cattle in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Anaplasmosis, a tick-borne disease affecting cattle, poses significant economic challenges in Benue State, Nigeria. Despite its prevalence, detailed studies on its pathology and economic implications are limited. The study investigated the prevalence and seasonal occurrence of anaplasmosis in cattle, along with its distribution across different age classes and sexes. Blood samples were collected over a three-month period covering both dry and wet seasons. Samples were obtained from 432 cattle via jugular vein puncture and processed using the thin blood film method. Microscopic examination was conducted to detect tick-borne hemoparasites. Statistical analysis, employing the chi-square test, was performed to evaluate differences within categorical variables. Of the 432 cattle examined, 31.0% were males and 69.0% females. Female cattle exhibited a higher overall prevalence of infection (68.1%) compared to males (31.9%). A prevalence of 58.7% was recorded for the wet season compared to the dry season (41.3%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Adult cattle had the highest prevalence of anaplasmosis (71.0%), followed by juveniles (14.6%) and calves (14.1%). Among males, adult cattle had the highest infection rate (28.3%), while among females, adult females had the highest prevalence (71.7%), with statistical significance at P < 0.05 compared to other age classes and sexes. The findings provide valuable insights into the epidemiology of anaplasmosis in cattle and underscore the importance of considering location, season, age class, and sex in disease management and control strategies.

Synergistic co-evolution of rhizosphere bacteria in response to acidification amelioration strategies: impacts on the alleviation of tobacco wilt and underlying mechanisms.

Soil acidification represents a severe threat to tobacco cultivation regions in South China, exacerbating bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. The comprehension of the underlying mechanisms that facilitate the restoration of rhizosphere microbial communities in "healthy soils" is imperative for ecologically managing tobacco bacterial wilt. This study focuses on acidified tobacco soils that have been subjected to continuous cultivation for 20 years. The experimental treatments included lime (L), biochar (B), and a combination of lime and biochar (L+B), in addition to a control group (CK). Utilizing rhizosphere biology and niche theory, we assessed disease suppression effects, changes in soil properties, and the co-evolution of the rhizosphere bacterial community. Each treatment significantly reduced tobacco bacterial wilt by 16.67% to 20.14% compared to the control group (CK) (p < 0.05) and increased yield by 7.86% to 27.46% (p < 0.05). The biochar treatment (B) proved to be the most effective, followed by the lime-biochar combination (L+B). The key factors controlling wilt were identified through random forest regression analysis as an increase in soil pH and exchangeable bases, along with a decrease in exchangeable acidity. However, lime treatment alone led to an increase in soil bulk density and a decrease in available nutrients, whereas both biochar and lime-biochar treatments significantly improved these parameters (p < 0.05). No significant correlation was found between the abundance of Ralstonia and wilt incidence. Nonetheless, all treatments significantly expanded the ecological niche breadth and average variation degree (AVD), enhanced positive interactions and cohesion within the community, and intensified negative interactions involving Ralstonia. This study suggests that optimizing community niches and enhancing pathogen antagonism are key mechanisms for mitigating tobacco wilt in acidified soils. It recommends using lime-biochar mixtures as soil amendments due to their potential ecological and economic benefits. This study offers valuable insights for disease control strategies and presents a novel perspective for research on Solanaceous crops.

Beyond the Basics: Taxonomic Classification and Pathogenomics in Recently Discovered Dickeya dadantii Isolates

The genus Dickeya consists of Gram-negative bacteria capable of causing soft rot symptoms in plants, which involves tissue breakdown, particularly in storage organs such as tubers, rhizomes, and bulbs. These bacteria are ranked among the top ten most relevant phytopathogens and seriously threaten economically valuable crops and ornamental plants. This study employs a genomic analysis approach to taxonomically classify and characterize the resistome and virulome of two new strains, CCRMP144 and CCRMP250, identified as Dickeya dadantii. These strains were found to be the causative agents of soft rot symptoms in chili pepper (Capsicum spp.) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa), respectively, in the northeastern region of Brazil. The methodology employed in silico techniques, including tetra correlation search (TCS) and Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) analysis, in association with a phylogenomic tree inference. TCS and ANI analysis showed that the studied strains belong to the Dickeya dadantii species. The phylogenomic analysis grouped the studied strains in the D. dadantii clade. The genomic characterization demonstrates 68 virulence genes, 54 resistances of biocide and heavy metal genes, and 23 antibiotic resistance genes. As far as we know, this is the first genomic study with Brazilian D. dadantii strains. This study demonstrates the efficacy to taxonomic classification and provides insights into the pathogenesis, host range, and adaptability of these strains which are crucial for the development of more effective management and control strategies for soft rot diseases.

Induced resistance to control postharvest stem-end rot by methyl jasmonate in mango fruit

Induced resistance is an alternative disease control strategy for postharvest fruits and vegetables. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is a crucial phytohormone in the defense response to biotic and abiotic stresses. The effect and relevant mechanism of MeJA on the control of postharvest disease in mango fruit remain unclear. This study investigated the effect and possible mechanism of MeJA against stem-end rot caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae in mango fruit. The results showed that MeJA significantly inhibited the lesion expansion on mango fruit inoculated with L. theobromae. 10 μM MeJA treatment effectively induced disease resistance against L. theobromae during postharvest storage. MeJA enhanced the activities of defense-related enzymes, including phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), peroxidase (POD), β-1,3-glucanase (GLU), and chitinase (CHT), increased the accumulation of endogenous jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) contents, up-regulated the expressions of the related genes on JA pathway (AOS, JAR1, MYC2, and COI1) and SA pathway (ICS, and PR1), stimulated the contents of total phenolics and flavonoids, and inhibited the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, MeJA delayed the ripening and senescence of the fruit by inhibiting the peel yellowing, flesh softening and change in soluble solids content (SSC) of mango fruit. The results indicated that the enhanced resistance of MeJA-treated mango to stem-end rot was potentially due to the activation of defense responses induced by synergistic interaction between JA and SA pathways, as well as delayed postharvest ripening. The MeJA treatment is a promising strategy to control stem-end rot of mango fruit.

Sustainable Approaches in Aquaculture: Pharmacological and Natural Alternatives to Antibiotics

Aquaculture, a vital component of global food production, faces challenges such as antimicrobial residues and resistance due to the extensive use of antibiotics. This review explores sustainable alternatives to antibiotics in aquaculture. Vaccines play a critical role in disease prevention, significantly reducing antibiotic reliance. Phage therapy targets specific bacterial pathogens, offering an environmentally friendly solution, while quorum quenching disrupts bacterial communication, reducing virulence without promoting resistance. Probiotics and prebiotics enhance gut health and disease resistance, with synbiotics showing synergistic effects. Emerging technologies such as parabiotics and postbiotics, along with advances in metagenomics and next-generation sequencing, improve our understanding of microbiomes, leading to more effective disease control strategies. Medicinal plants provide cost-effective, natural antimicrobial and immune-stimulating properties, while nanoparticles degrade antibiotics, reducing pollution. A multifaceted approach that integrates these methods can mitigate antimicrobial resistance risks, ensuring the sustainability of aquaculture. Tailoring strategies to specific environmental conditions, species, and pathogens is crucial, emphasizing the need for continuous development and adaptation to maintain the long-term viability of the aquaculture industry.

Comparative analysis of changes in immune cell in the chicken spleen across different ages using flow cytometry

BackgroundConcurrent emerging and reemerging avian infectious diseases cause multiple risk factors in poultry. A body amount studies attempted to understand pathogen-associated immunity in chickens. Recent research has made progress in identifying immune functions in chicken, there are still gaps in knowledge, especially regarding immune responses during infectious diseases. A deeper understanding in chicken immune system is critical for improving disease control strategies and vaccine development.ResultsThis study proposes analytical method for chicken splenocytes, enabling the tracking changes in T cells, monocytes, and B cells across three ages. Optimized lymphocyte-activating conditions were suggested using concanavalin A and chicken interleikin-2, which facilitate immune cell activation and proliferation. Next, splenocytes from embryonic day 18, day 5, and day 30 were compared using surface markers and flow cytometry analysis. We observed an increase in T cell subsets, including activated T cells (CD4+CD44+ and CD8+CD44+), and B cells, along with a reduced monocyte population after hatching. However, morphological changes and genetic expression of functional immune molecules were limited.ConclusionsThe present findings on chicken immune system development offer valuable insights into the avian immune system, including analytical methods and the phenotypic and functional changes in immune cells. Updated immune-boosting strategies during the early stages of life are crucial for developing preventive measures against major infectious diseases in the poultry industry.