Prevalence of Antimicrobial Drug Resistance in <i>Streptococcus suis</i> and Treatment Outcomes in Thailand and Vietnam: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

<div xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="d34190056e143"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <p class="first" dir="auto" id="d34190056e144"> <b>Objective:</b> This study was aimed at conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of antimicrobial resistance patterns and treatment outcomes of <i>S. suis</i> infections in Southeast Asia, where this zoonotic pathogen poses a major public health concern through consumption of raw or undercooked pork. </p> </div><div xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="d34190056e152"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <p class="first" dir="auto" id="d34190056e153"> <b>Methods:</b> We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching nine databases through December 2024. Studies reporting antimicrobial resistance profiles of <i>S. suis</i> isolates or clinical outcomes among infected patients from Southeast Asian countries were eligible for inclusion. Pooled estimates were calculated with random-effects meta-analysis, and country-stratified analyses were performed to explore temporal resistance dynamics. </p> </div><div xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="d34190056e161"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <p class="first" dir="auto" id="d34190056e162"> <b>Results:</b> Ten eligible studies from Thailand and Vietnam were identified, contributing 763 bacterial isolates and 618 patients. The pooled penicillin resistance was 2% (95% CI: 0–18%), and substantial heterogeneity was observed across studies (I ² = 68.8%). Country-stratified analysis revealed distinct temporal patterns: Thailand demonstrated non-linear resistance dynamics, whereas Vietnam maintained consistently low resistance throughout the study period. The pooled mortality was 16% (95% CI: 11–22%) in humans. Ceftriaxone, penicillin, and vancomycin remained effective first-line treatment options. </p> </div><div xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="d34190056e170"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <p class="first" dir="auto" id="d34190056e171"> <b>Conclusion:</b> Although penicillin resistance remains low overall, reports of intermediate resistance warrant continual regional surveillance and strengthened antibiotic stewardship in pig farming. These findings should be interpreted cautiously, given the limited eligible studies and substantial heterogeneity. </p> </div>

scienceopen.com

Bacterial Outer Membrane Vesicles in Veterinary Vaccinology: Immunological Insights and Translational Opportunities

<p xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="first" dir="auto" id="d34190991e152">Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), nanoscale proteoliposomes naturally released by Gram-negative bacteria, have emerged as promising platforms for next-generation veterinary vaccines. OMVs possess intrinsic self-adjuvanting properties and preserve diverse bacterial antigens in their native conformations, thus enabling the induction of strong humoral, cellular, and mucosal immune responses without a need for additional adjuvants. Compared with conventional inactivated or subunit vaccines, OMV-based vaccines offer enhanced antigenic diversity, improved immune stimulation, and versatile antigen-delivery capabilities. Recent advances in genetic engineering and synthetic biology have enabled the development of detoxified and engineered OMVs with diminished reactogenicity, improved biosafety, and customizable antigen presentation for terrestrial and aquatic animal species. Experimental studies have demonstrated the potential of OMV-based vaccines against several important veterinary and zoonotic pathogens, including emerging applications against <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> using engineered vesicles capable of inducing robust mucosal and systemic immunity. However, major challenges remain, including interspecies variation in innate immune recognition, large-scale manufacturing, batch standardization, residual endotoxin activity, and regulatory standardization of production and quality-control frameworks. Emerging technologies such as Generalized Modules for Membrane Antigens (GMMA), scalable bioprocessing systems, advanced antigen-delivery platforms, and standardized quality-control approaches are expected to accelerate translational development and commercial application. This review critically summarizes the biological properties, immunological mechanisms, antigen-delivery strategies, species-specific immunological considerations, production and quality-control requirements, veterinary applications, translational barriers, and future prospects of OMV-based vaccines. </p>

scienceopen.com

Development of a Colloidal Gold Immunochromatographic Strip for Rapid Serological Detection of Antibodies to <i>Borrelia burgdorferi</i> in Canines

<div xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="section"><a class="named-anchor" id="d208951e196"><!-- named anchor --></a><h5 class="section-title" id="d208951e197">Objective:</h5><p dir="auto" id="d208951e199">This study was aimed at developing and preliminarily validating a colloidal gold immunochromatographic lateral flow (ICLF) strip for rapid serological screening of antibodies to <i>Borrelia burgdorferi</i> in canine serum.</p></div><div xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="section"><a class="named-anchor" id="d208951e204"><!-- named anchor --></a><h5 class="section-title" id="d208951e205">Methods:</h5><p dir="auto" id="d208951e207">An OspC-BmpA fusion antigen was expressed in <i>Escherichia coli</i>, purified, and used to assemble an antigen-based ICLF strip. Analytical performance was evaluated with serially diluted Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-positive serum, interferent-containing negative sera, stability and reproducibility testing, and 500 clinical canine sera tested in parallel with a comparator ELISA.</p></div><div xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="section"><a class="named-anchor" id="d208951e212"><!-- named anchor --></a><h5 class="section-title" id="d208951e213">Results:</h5><p dir="auto" id="d208951e215">The strip detected ELISA-positive control serum at a dilution as high as 1:64 under the tested visual interpretation conditions and showed no false-positive reactions in the tested interferent panel. Detectable performance was maintained after storage at 15–25°C for 12 months. Compared with ELISA, the strip showed a relative sensitivity of 91.00% (95% CI: 83.77–95.19%), relative specificity of 98.75% (95% CI: 97.11–99.46%), relative accuracy of 97.20% (95% CI: 95.36–98.32%), and Cohen’s kappa coefficient of 0.911.</p></div><div xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="section"><a class="named-anchor" id="d208951e217"><!-- named anchor --></a><h5 class="section-title" id="d208951e218">Conclusion:</h5><p dir="auto" id="d208951e220">The OspC-BmpA-based ICLF strip is a rapid and simple serological screening tool for detecting antibodies to <i>B. burgdorferi</i> in dogs. Positive results should be interpreted together with clinical findings, exposure history, vaccination history, and confirmatory testing, when appropriate.</p></div>

scienceopen.com

Comms Competition

asv.org

A High-Resolution Geospatial Framework for Zoonotic Plague Risk Mapping in Madagascar

<div xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="d16933881e108"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <h5 class="section-title" id="d16933881e109">Objective:</h5> <p dir="auto" id="d16933881e111">Plague ( <i>Yersinia pestis</i>) remains endemic in Madagascar and causes recurrent outbreaks leading to substantial mortality. This study was aimed at developing a high-resolution spatial risk assessment integrating environmental suitability and population exposure. </p> </div><div xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="d16933881e116"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <h5 class="section-title" id="d16933881e117">Methods:</h5> <p dir="auto" id="d16933881e119">A total of 174 confirmed plague occurrence records (1939–2023) were analyzed with a Maxent ecological niche model to predict nationwide environmental suitability. Variable contributions and permutation importance were assessed. Model outputs were downscaled to 100-m resolution and integrated with LandScan ambient population data to generate a plague exposure risk index. Commune-level spatial clustering was evaluated through Getis-Ord G _i* hotspot analysis. </p> </div><div xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="d16933881e124"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <h5 class="section-title" id="d16933881e125">Results:</h5> <p dir="auto" id="d16933881e127">Suitability was strongly associated with elevations of 1,000–1,750 m, moderate precipitation, and cooler temperatures in the Central Highlands. Elevation contributed 57.8% to model performance, whereas temperature seasonality showed high permutation importance (37.4%). Hotspot analysis identified 484 significant communes across 13 regions, and five highland regions accounted for 82.9% of hotspots. Approximately 14.8 million people (62.8%) reside in areas with some degree of risk, including 9.4 million people (40.1%) in high- to very-high-risk zones. </p> </div><div xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="d16933881e129"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <h5 class="section-title" id="d16933881e130">Conclusion:</h5> <p dir="auto" id="d16933881e132">Plague risk is concentrated in Madagascar’s highlands, where substantial populations remain exposed, thus supporting targeted surveillance and public health planning. </p> </div>

scienceopen.com

Interpretation of the Global Tuberculosis Report 2025: Global Epidemic Trends and China’s Control Strategy

<p xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="first" dir="auto" id="d2626e402">This comprehensive interpretation of the World Health Organization’s Global Tuberculosis (TB) Report 2025 integrates data from 2024 to appraise worldwide and Chinese TB epidemic trends, progress in control measures, and persisting challenges. The estimated 10.7 million incident cases and 1.23 million deaths worldwide correspond to decreases of only 12% in incidence and 29% in mortality since 2015, far short of the 2025 End TB milestones of −50% and −75%. Drug resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) remains a formidable obstacle: 390,000 people developed multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant TB (MDR/RR-TB), only 42% of whom accessed treatment, and China accounted for 7.1% of this burden. Although China achieved the target 20% decrease in incidence, its 696,000 cases, including 28,000 with MDR/RR-TB, still ranked among the highest worldwide, and the 2.4-million global case-detection gap underscored diagnostic deficits. Herein, we synthesize advances in rapid molecular assays, 6-month all-oral regimens (BPaLM/BPaL), 18 novel vaccine candidates (six in phase III), shorter preventive therapy, and digital adherence tools. Moreover, we map fragile health systems, comorbidities, catastrophic costs, and a funding shortfall of US $16 billion. Finally, we propose multi-sector accountability, universal health coverage, social protection scale-up, and sustained research and development investment to accelerate progress toward the 2030 elimination goal. </p>

scienceopen.com

Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of MTBC at the Human-Livestock Interface Across Five Regions of Tanzania

<div xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="d7323223e182"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <h5 class="section-title" id="d7323223e183">Objective:</h5> <p dir="auto" id="d7323223e185">Zoonotic tuberculosis (TB) caused by members of the <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> complex (MTBC) remains an important but under-recognized public health concern in settings where humans and livestock closely interact. Although TB transmission is well documented in Tanzania, limited molecular evidence directly linking livestock infections to human cases leaves uncertainty regarding the extent of cross-species and reverse-zoonotic transmission. This study assessed the prevalence, species distribution, and potential interspecies transmission of MTBC among livestock and humans across five regions of Tanzania. </p> </div><div xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="d7323223e190"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <h5 class="section-title" id="d7323223e191">Methods:</h5> <p dir="auto" id="d7323223e193">A total of 132 post-mortem livestock samples and 101 human samples were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for MTBC detection and species differentiation. </p> </div><div xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="d7323223e195"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <h5 class="section-title" id="d7323223e196">Results:</h5> <p dir="auto" id="d7323223e198">The MTBC detection rate in livestock was 2.3%, with all positive cases identified in cattle. Among humans, MTBC positivity was 20.8% and occurred primarily among adults aged 35–54 years. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and a history of TB were strongly associated with MTBC positivity (p<0.001), whereas exposures such as consumption of unpasteurized milk, livestock contact, and household ventilation showed no significant associations. </p> </div><div xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="d7323223e200"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <h5 class="section-title" id="d7323223e201">Conclusions:</h5> <p dir="auto" id="d7323223e203">The findings suggest ongoing MTBC circulation at the human–livestock interface and potential zoonotic transmission risk. Strengthened One Health surveillance is recommended to mitigate zoonotic and reverse-zoonotic TB transmission in Tanzania. </p> </div>

scienceopen.com

Scanning the horizon: deep mutational scanning approaches in virology | Journal of Virology

The development of deep mutational scanning (DMS) approaches has led to a fundamental shift in our ability to connect viral genotype and phenotype (1) and accelerated our understanding of viral evolut...

tinyurl.com

Isolation, Prevalence, and Antibiotic Susceptibility of <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i> Circulating in Smallholder Dairy Farms in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

<div xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="d22689784e157"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <h5 class="section-title" id="d22689784e158">Objective:</h5> <p dir="auto" id="d22689784e160">A cross-sectional investigation was performed between November 2020 and May 2021 to detect <i>L. monocytogens</i> in raw cow milk, and to assess its prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns among smallholder dairy farms in Kombolcha town and Kutaber district in the Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia. </p> </div><div xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="d22689784e165"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <h5 class="section-title" id="d22689784e166">Methods:</h5> <p dir="auto" id="d22689784e168">A total of 384 milk samples were randomly collected and examined with standard bacteriological procedures, biochemical assays, and the Listeriolysin O latex agglutination test for confirmation. The antimicrobial susceptibility of 15 <i>L. monocytogenes</i> isolates to nine frequently applied antibiotics was assessed with the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. </p> </div><div xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="d22689784e173"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <h5 class="section-title" id="d22689784e174">Results:</h5> <p dir="auto" id="d22689784e176">The overall prevalence of <i>Listeria</i> spp was 12.8% (49/384), among which <i>L. monocytogenes</i> accounted for 4% (15/384). Farm management conditions and herd size were significantly associated with <i>Listeria</i> spp. occurrence ( <i>p</i> < 0.05). The isolates displayed complete resistance to sulfamethoxazole and nalidixic acid but sensitivity to most other antibiotics tested. </p> </div><div xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="d22689784e190"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <h5 class="section-title" id="d22689784e191">Conclusions:</h5> <p dir="auto" id="d22689784e193">These findings highlight the zoonotic and public health implications of <i>L. monocytogenes</i> in raw milk. Strengthening hygienic practices, farmer awareness, and safe milk handling measures will therefore be essential to mitigate potential health risks. </p> </div>

scienceopen.com

Unusual Clinical Features of Toscana Virus Central Nervous System Infections in Italy

<div xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="d21391485e188"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <h5 class="section-title" id="d21391485e189">Objective:</h5> <p dir="auto" id="d21391485e191">This study was aimed at reviewing a case series of 35 patients with neuroinvasive Toscana Virus (TOSV) infections, to evaluate clinical findings and outcomes. </p> </div><div xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="d21391485e193"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <h5 class="section-title" id="d21391485e194">Methods:</h5> <p dir="auto" id="d21391485e196">A retrospective analysis was conducted in two secondary referral facilities in Italy. Patients with confirmed TOSV infection were included. Biochemical and serological analyses of blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), as well as radiological imaging, were conducted. </p> </div><div xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="d21391485e198"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <h5 class="section-title" id="d21391485e199">Results:</h5> <p dir="auto" id="d21391485e201">A total of 35 cases of neuroinvasive TOSV infection were analyzed (in 28 men and 7 women): 32 (in 25 men and 7 women) with a diagnosis of meningitis with clear CSF and 3 (in only men) with a diagnosis of encephalitis. No fatalities or permanent outcomes were observed in the meningitis cases. Three patients with encephalitis were admitted to intensive care because of psychomotor agitation that lasted at least 12 hours and tended to worsen. All but one patient with encephalitis fully recovered with no neurological sequelae after a mean of 6.3 days of acute care. A 73-year-old man developed a chronic psycho-organic syndrome. </p> </div><div xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="d21391485e203"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <h5 class="section-title" id="d21391485e204">Conclusions:</h5> <p dir="auto" id="d21391485e206">Most TOSV infections are asymptomatic, mild, or undiagnosed; however, cases of severe disease are increasing, because of TOSV’s specific affinity for the nervous system, both central and peripheral. </p> </div>

scienceopen.com

Human Parvovirus B19 Co-infection in a Patient with Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome: A Case Report

<p xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="first" dir="auto" id="d1548935e204">Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), a significant rodent-borne disease in Eurasia, particularly in China, can lead to acute kidney injury, coagulation abnormalities, and even death. Co-infection with other pathogens typically exacerbates and complicates this disease. In this study, through metagenomic analysis, we identified the co-infection with human parvovirus B19 (PV B19) in a 41-year-old man with HFRS and no other underlying disease. In addition to typical HFRS symptoms, he exhibited a longer duration of renal injury than other patients with HFRS, along with a persistent decrease in erythrocytes and hemoglobin. The complete PV B19 genome was amplified and showed 86.6–99.7% nucleotide identity and 94.0–100.0% amino acid identity to known PV B19 strains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the newly identified PV B19 strain clustered with genotype 1a and had the closest relationship with strain HZ1/China-HZ from Zhejiang Province, China. This study emphasizes that routine screening for PV B19 co-infection in patients with HFRS is essential, particularly in cases with a prolonged course, and persistent decreases in erythrocytes and hemoglobin. </p>

scienceopen.com

ACREME Call for Application: MASTER-MAP Travel and Training Awards - MESA

The Australian Centre of Research Excellence in Malaria Elimination Modern Acceleration Strategies for Eradication of Malaria in the Asia-Pacific (ACREME MASTER-MAP) calls for applications for its Travel and Training Awards to support ACREME MASTER-MAP affiliated PhD students and Postdoctoral Researchers to participate in activities such as training workshops, laboratory exchanges, and field-based training. Application deadline, 24 July 2026 5.00pm AEST

mesamalaria.org

Making a SNAP decision to prescribe penicillin over anti-staphylococcal penicillins for PSSA bacteremia

A study compared benzylpenicillin with anti-staphylococcal penicillins for the treatment of PSSA bacteraemia in adults.

bit.ly

The First Molecular Characterization of Pediatric Visceral Leishmaniasis in Jordan

<p xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="first" dir="auto" id="d1936030e172">Leishmaniasis is a neglected endemic, vector-borne tropical disease that poses a substantial public health threat in Jordan, yet data on visceral leishmaniasis, particularly in human cases, remain limited. To our knowledge, this article is the first peer-reviewed report describing the clinical and molecular aspects of the locally acquired pediatric visceral leishmaniasis cases in Jordan. Current literature associated with the disease’s emergence in the region is also reviewed. Three pediatric cases presenting symptoms of visceral leishmaniasis were clinically evaluated. Diagnosis was confirmed according to bone marrow aspirates, cytology, molecular techniques, and sequencing to identify the causative <i>Leishmania</i> species. Two cases were caused by <i>L. infantum</i>, and one case was caused by <i>L. tropica</i>. The sequences of the studied samples showed a high similarity to regional isolates instead of the isolated strains showed close genetic similarity to regional isolates. The identification of autochthonous human visceral leishmaniasis cases in Jordan is a critical public health concern. The emergence of such cases in new geographic areas might strain healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable populations. Improved surveillance, research, and crisis management plans for both human and canine leishmaniasis in Jordan are urgently needed. </p>

scienceopen.com