University of Tabriz Journal of Zoonotic Diseases 2476-535X 10 1 2026 01 01 Leptospirosis in southern Coastal Karnataka, India: Analysis of clinical and laboratory characteristics 1043 1051 20572 10.22034/jzd.2025.20572 EN Arunima Sreelekha Department of Microbiology, Student of KS Hedge Medical Academy (KSHEMA), University: Nitte (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, India City: Mangaluru Country: India Pratibha Bhat Department of Microbiology Faculty of KS Hedge Medical Academy (KSHEMA) University: Nitte (Deemed to be University) City: Mangaluru Country: India Sharika Ramdas Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Malabar Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, University: Kerala University of Health Sciences, Kozhikode, India 0000-0002-6897-9994 Ann Mary Anil Department of Microbiology, Faculty of KS Hedge Medical Academy (KSHEMA), University: Nitte (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, India Journal Article 2025 08 04 The current study analyses the clinical, haematological and biochemical characteristics in patients diagnosed with leptospirosis. This study was retrospective of a period of two years from March 2021 to February 2023. A total of 138 patients clinically suspected of leptospirosis with positive Leptospira IgM ELISA results were included in the study. The clinical presentation, complications, treatment, outcome, haematological parameters like haemoglobin, leucocyte count, platelet count, prothrombin time, biochemical parameters like total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea and serum creatinine were studied. Males were majority (n=99, 71.7%) and average age was 47.5 ± 13.3 years with maximum number of cases (n=68, 49.2%) noted in age group of 41 to 60 years. Fourteen patients (10.1%) succumbed to leptospirosis. Fever (n=115, 83.3%), vomiting (n=56, 40.6%), malaise (n=49, 35.5%), decreased urine output (n=40, 29.0%), and abdominal pain (n=37, 26.8%) were common complaints. The common complication was acute kidney injury (n=87, 63.0%). Majority of cases showed deranged haematological and biochemical parameters with leucocytosis (n=65, 47.1%), significant neutrophilia (n=95, 68.8%), thrombocytopenia (n=109, 80.0%), raised ESR (n=121, 87.7%), raised prothrombin time (n=27, 19.6%), hyperbilirubinemia (n=103, 74.6%), raised AST (n=108, 78.3%), raised ALT (n=86, 62.3%), hyperuremia (n=92, 66.7%), and raised creatinine (n=98, 71.0%). AST was significantly (p=0.011) higher in deceased patients compared to patients who recovered. Most of the patients received doxycycline antibiotic therapy (n=134, 97.1%). Febrile illness with deranged haematological, renal and liver function tests should raise a suspicion of leptospirosis in endemic regions. Prompt supportive treatment along with antibiotic therapy with doxycycline has favourable outcomes. Significantly elevated AST levels were associated with mortality.

https://jzd.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_20572_f7ce0d4e49b6f43c8463b7c61a9e23ea.pdf

University of Tabriz Journal of Zoonotic Diseases 2476-535X 10 1 2026 01 01 Initial insights into the genomic detection of hepatitis E virus in goat milk and feces in Iran: The need for surveillance and control measures 1052 1061 20513 10.22034/jzd.2025.20513 EN Mojtaba Khosravi 1. Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran. Seyed Hani Mirzadeh 2. Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran Kosar Maghsoodi 2. Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran Ahmad Nazaktabar 1. Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran Sedigheh Mohamadzadeh Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran Journal Article 2025 08 07 Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is recognized as a novel zoonotic agent. Due to lack of data on the presence of HEV in small ruminants in Iran, the study aimed to detect the HEV RNA in goat feces and raw milk samples. To address this gap, 155 pooled samples, including 83 feces and 72 milk samples, were collected from 83 goat farms during December 2022 to December 2023 in Mazandaran province. All samples were screened for HEV RNA by conventional PCR and nested RT-PCR. A total four farms were found positive for HEV RNA, exclusively in feces samples, while all milk samples were negative. These finding propose that fecal-oral transmission still remains as the prevailing route of HEV transmission. Although, all milk samples were negative, we cannot eliminate the potential risk of HEV transmission through dairy products. This data has provided insight into the circulation of HEV in the targeted population and emphasizes the need for comprehensive surveillance and routine diagnostic programs. Furthermore, epidemiological investigations are necessary to evaluate viral dissemination among livestock and to identify potential risk factors to humans.

https://jzd.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_20513_516bfb6c8090845d7fe52d3be1e462cf.pdf

University of Tabriz Journal of Zoonotic Diseases 2476-535X 10 1 2026 01 01 Pyrazinamide resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from northwest Iran and neighboring countries 1062 1072 20303 10.22034/jzd.2025.20303 EN Seyyed Reza Moaddab Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Mehdi Roshdi Maleki Department of Microbiology, Male, C., Islamic Azad University, Malekan, Iran Journal Article 2025 06 09 Tuberculosis (TB) is a treatable disease that affects both humans and animals. Pyrazinamide (PZA), a first-line anti-TB drug with potent sterilizing activity, shortens treatment duration, yet its resistance patterns in northwest Iran remain underexplored. This descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted at the Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Research Center in Tabriz, evaluated PZA resistance among 100 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from 50 Iranian and 50 foreign patients (from Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and the Republic of Azerbaijan) referred for diagnosis and treatment between September 2014 and June 2019. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed using the proportion method on Löwenstein-Jensen (LJ) medium for isoniazid (INH), rifampin (RIF), ethambutol (EMB), and streptomycin (STM), and Middlebrook 7H10 agar for PZA. Among 100 isolates, 60 (60%) were resistant to at least one of the first-line drugs. Of these, 18 (30%) were resistant to PZA. Out of the PZA-resistant strains, only one isolate was resistant exclusively to PZA, and the rest were resistant to at least one of the main drugs (INH, RIF, STM, and EMB). Out of the 60 strains, 21 (35%) were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Of these, 12 (57%) were resistant to PZA. Of the 18 PZA-resistant strains, 13 (72.2%) were isolated from foreign patients (P < 0.05). No PZA resistance was observed in isolates from East Azerbaijan province. These findings indicate a strong association between PZA resistance and MDR-TB, particularly in foreign patients, underscoring the need for routine PZA susceptibility testing, including pncA gene sequencing, and enhanced screening in border regions like Tabriz to control drug-resistant TB spread.

https://jzd.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_20303_69edad2cd4f52aed0a8dca1953b3b64e.pdf

University of Tabriz Journal of Zoonotic Diseases 2476-535X 10 1 2026 01 01 Study of fungal species in the uterus of cats referred to the clinic for ovariohysterectomy during different estrus cycles 1073 1083 20069 10.22034/jzd.2025.20069 EN Mohammad Behboudi Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Reza Asadpour Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Farzad Katiraee Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Siamak Kazemi-Darabadi Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Journal Article 2025 01 23 Reproductive system infections in cats, often caused by fungi, can negatively impact fertility and health, posing risks to humans as well. Fungi species exhibit variability in the uterus during different sexual cycles in animals due to the dynamic interactions between microbial communities and the hormonal changes associated with reproductive stages. However, studies on the frequency and prevalence of fungi in the uterine flora during different stages of the estrus cycle in cats are limited. This study aimed to identify fungal species that are present in the uteri of 24 cats referred for ovariohysterectomy during their estrus cycle. Swab samples were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol, and yeasts and molds were examined using macroscopic, microscopic, and slide culture techniques. Definitive diagnoses were made using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), with amplified fragments sequenced and compared to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. The abundance of different types of fungi at each estrus stage, across breeds, and age ranges were expressed as percentages. The Chi-Square test evaluated the relationship between age, breed, and fungal infection frequency. Results showed that 20 of the 24 cats (83.33%) had a fungal load, with Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus, Penicillium, and Candida albicans being the most common species. No significant relationships were found between age or breed and fungal load frequency. The findings of this study highlight a significant level of fungal species in the reproductive systems of cats. Although age and breed do not affect the presence of fungi, some differences may be seen in fungal species in various sexual stages of the cats. This underscores the urgent need for enhanced hygiene and management practices, effective treatment of genital diseases, and the maintenance of sanitary conditions for feline health.

https://jzd.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_20069_d0d6f2dfbde2df8dc84627d299ce77ff.pdf

University of Tabriz Journal of Zoonotic Diseases 2476-535X 10 1 2026 01 01 Prevalence of Salmonella and Edwardsiella spp. in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) sold in some retail fish markets in Tehran, Iran 1084 1091 20894 10.22034/jzd.2025.20894 EN Hannaneh Sadat Emadi Department of Veterinary Medicine, SR. C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Abbasali Motallebi Department of Food Hygiene, SR. C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran 0000-0002-6805-3075 Journal Article 2025 09 02 Salmonella spp. and Edwardsiella spp. are major zoonotic pathogens associated with seafood, responsible for foodborne illnesses and significant public health risks. This study investigated their prevalence in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) sold in retail fish markets in Tehran, Iran. A total of 108 samples were collected in autumn 2024, including 68 fresh whole fish, 24 imported frozen fillets from the main market, and 16 fresh samples from retail outlets. Two skin swabs were taken from each fish and analyzed according to ISO 6579-1:2017 standards, using selective enrichment, bacteriological plating, and biochemical confirmation. Initial screening suggested Salmonella in 48 samples (44.4%) and Edwardsiella in 8 (7.4%). Confirmatory testing identified Salmonella spp. in 8 samples (7.4%): 4 from frozen fillets and 4 from fresh retail fish. Edwardsiella spp. was confirmed in 4 samples (3.7%), all originating from frozen fillets. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in Edwardsiella contamination between fresh and frozen samples (p = 0.0147). Salmonella contamination also differed significantly between the main market and other retail sources (p = 0.0026). These findings suggest contamination may be linked to poor packaging and non-specialized handling in retail settings. As tilapia is increasingly consumed raw or undercooked, routine microbial monitoring is necessary to protect food safety.

https://jzd.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_20894_8c57f87532d0754147800b627da6400e.pdf

University of Tabriz Journal of Zoonotic Diseases 2476-535X 10 1 2026 01 01 Serological evidence of zoonotic Hepatitis E virus transmission: A cross-sectional analysis of high-risk occupational groups in central Kalimantan, Indonesia 1092 1098 20947 10.22034/jzd.2025.20947 EN Nawan Nawan Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Palangka Raya, Palangka Raya, Indonesia Septi Handayani Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Palangka Raya, Palangka Raya, Indonesia Agnes Immanuela Toemon Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Palangka Raya, Palangka Raya, Indonesia 0000-0002-4067-2931 Seth Miko University of Palangka Raya, Palangka Raya, Indonesia Journal Article 2025 09 27 Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant cause of acute viral hepatitis, with zoonotic transmission from pigs representing a recognized public health concern. In Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, where close human-pig interaction is common, specific risk factors for HEV exposure remain poorly understood. This knowledge gap hinders the development of effective, targeted public health strategies. This study aimed to identify the occupational and environmental factors linked to HEV seropositivity in this high-risk population (n=59). The cohort was stratified into four exposure groups: pig farm workers (n=14), butchers/pork sellers (n=7), household pig owners (n=28), and a control group with no direct pig contact (n=10). A structured questionnaire gathered detailed data on demographics, occupational history, and hygiene practices. Serum samples were analysed for anti-HEV IgG antibodies using a commercial ELISA. The overall seroprevalence was 8.5% (5/59). All seropositive cases were found exclusively among participants with direct pig exposure, suggesting a zoonotic pathway. A clear risk gradient emerged when comparing the groups: Butchers and pork sellers showed the highest prevalence at 28.6%, followed by pig farm workers at 14.3%. In contrast, risk was substantially lower for individuals raising pigs residentially (3.7%). No infections were detected in the control group (0%). All seropositive individuals reported prolonged pig contact and inconsistent PPE use. In conclusion, our findings are consistent with occupational exposure being a key driver of HEV infection in Palangka Raya. This underscores the pig-to-human transmission route and highlights the need for targeted interventions focusing on hygiene and PPE use for high-risk workers.

https://jzd.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_20947_7fb7cbc3195be01881996daf35973a26.pdf

University of Tabriz Journal of Zoonotic Diseases 2476-535X 10 1 2026 01 01 Coxiella burnetii excretion in cattle and small ruminants, respectively, during one and two successive calvings following Q fever infection in Guinea 1099 1105 21018 10.22034/jzd.2025.21018 EN Mama Agnès Tea Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Science and Medicine of Dalaba, Dalaba, Guinea 0009-0003-6187-9696 Dieudonné Tialla Department of Biomedical and Public Health, Scientific Research Institute, National Centre for Scientific and Technological Research, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Institute for Rural Development (IDR), Nazi BONI University, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso Albert Sourou Salako Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Science and Medicine of Dalaba, Dalaba, Guinea Martin Bienvenu Somda Institute for Rural Development (IDR), Nazi BONI University, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso Lanan Wassy Soromou Department of Applied Biology, University of Labé, Labé, Guinea Spéro Ulrich Koba Edikou Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Science and Medicine of Dalaba, Dalaba, Guinea Lanceï Kaba Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Science and Medicine of Dalaba, Dalaba, Guinea Germaine Millimono Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Science and Medicine of Dalaba, Dalaba, Guinea Journal Article 2025 11 09 This study examined the excretion of Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) in domestic ruminants and its association with reproductive disorders in Guinea. Blood samples and vaginal swabs were taken from 163 cattles (110 females), 131 goats (99 females), and 142 sheep (110 females) in four ecogeographical regions of Guinea, and then subjected to PCR analysis to determine the prevalence of Q fever. Clinical examinations identified females with reproductive problems. The dynamics of C. burnetii shedding were monitored in selected females over two consecutive calving seasons. After the first calving season, PCR tests identified shedding females among those that had calved. During the second season, similar monitoring was only possible in a subgroup of small ruminants. PCR analyses confirmed the shedding of C. burnetii in females that aborted or experienced stillbirth during their first pregnancy after infection, with rates of 42.86% in goats, 29.41% in sheep, and 21.87% in cattle, with no statistically significant difference between species (p = 0.348). This shedding was strongly linked to the peripartum period, with an intermittent pattern in cattle (an increase from 4 to 12 positive cases after the first kidding), a transient pattern in goats (no shedding at the second kidding), and a prolonged or recurrent pattern in sheep (an increase from 3 to 8 positive cases). These results confirm species-specific shedding dynamics and the central role of kidding in the dissemination of C. burnetii.

https://jzd.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21018_ee6fde2128f3ed79289df7d4c63408a6.pdf

University of Tabriz Journal of Zoonotic Diseases 2476-535X 10 1 2026 01 01 Prevalence and zoonotic implications of Dirofilariasis in shelter dogs in Gilan province, Iran 1106 1113 21043 10.22034/jzd.2026.21043 EN Bahar Ghanbari Department of Parasitology, Faculty of veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Seyed Hossein Hosseini Department of parasitology, faculty of veterinary medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Shahram Jamshidi Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Fateme Jalousian Department of parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Niloofar Mosavat Department of internal medicine, faculty of veterinary medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Fatemeh Manshori Ghayshghorshagh Department of parasitology, faculty of veterinary medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2025 11 11 Dirofilariasis, caused by Dirofilaria immitis (D. immitis), is a zoonotic disease. Iran is an endemic country, and shelter dogs are particularly susceptible due to limited veterinary care, high-density housing, and increased exposure to mosquito vectors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of D. immitis in shelter dogs in Gilan province, northern Iran, using a combined parasitological and molecular approach. A total of 271 blood samples were collected from shelter dogs across seven cities in Gilan province. All samples were initially screened for microfilariae using the modified Knott's test. Subsequently, they were analyzed by a species-specific PCR targeting the 155 bp partial sequence of the ITS1 gene of D. immitis, with the beta-actin gene amplified as an internal control. The modified Knott's test identified microfilariae in 32 dogs (11.80% prevalence), while PCR analysis detected D. immitis DNA in 143 dogs, corresponding to a significantly higher prevalence of 52.8%. Measurements taken with Axiovision software (v4.1) yielded average microfilarial dimensions of 301.89 µm in length (±13.351) and 6.392 µm in width (±0.5). This discrepancy highlights a substantial number of occult (amicrofilaremic) infections, and the hyper endemic status of D. immitis in shelter dogs in Gilan province. Within the shelter environment, the high-density housing of susceptible dogs creates an amplification hotspot. In Gilan province, the hyperendemicity is likely driven by environmental and entomological factors. These findings necessitate the development of integrated control strategies, including routine molecular screening, preventive chemotherapy, and formal shelter management protocols, to mitigate animal suffering and reduce zoonotic risk.

https://jzd.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21043_0766a71b8601ce4e206cd035fb5b6bbc.pdf

University of Tabriz Journal of Zoonotic Diseases 2476-535X 10 1 2026 01 01 Concurrent seroprevalence of the zoonotic diseases Q fever and brucellosis and their association with abortion in small ruminants from Medea province, northern Algeria 1114 1122 21074 10.22034/jzd.2026.21074 EN Salah Eddine Merdja Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria Ali Dahmani Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria Hamza Khaled Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria Abdallah Bouyoucef Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria Journal Article 2025 11 25 Q fever and brucellosis are two important zoonotic diseases. They affect reproduction in small ruminants and have significant consequences for public health and the economy. This study aimed to investigate the presence of exposure to zoonotic pathogens, Coxiella burnetii and Brucella species, in small ruminants and to determine their seropositivity in the province of Medea, Northern Algeria. A total of 157 blood samples were collected from 17 flocks in Medea province from unvaccinated small ruminants. Only animals more than six months of age and that had stayed more than one year in the herd were sampled. Two indirect ELISAs were used to detect antibodies against C. burnetii and Brucella spp. This survey was conducted in sheep and goat flocks, indicating that antibodies were detected in 16.5% (95% CI, 10.8 - 22.4) for C. burnetii and 7.6% (95% CI, 3.5 - 11.8) for Brucella spp. This study provided seroprevalence data for two major zoonoses, Q fever and brucellosis, using the same small ruminant samples. Our results showed that C. burnetii infection was higher than that of Brucella spp. infection in small ruminants in this area. An intriguing result of the present study shows that co-infection was detected in the farm P in the Medea province. These findings are essential to implement a One Health approach to assess the incidence of these zoonoses in humans and to study transmission routes, particularly among people in direct contact with these animals.

https://jzd.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21074_5c18aab2d52fe22ef6ba76978918d21e.pdf

University of Tabriz Journal of Zoonotic Diseases 2476-535X 10 1 2026 01 01 Molecular detection of Brucella species in rodents from Tehran livestock farms: Implications for zoonotic transmission and control strategies 1123 1129 20512 10.22034/jzd.2025.20512 EN Shahrokh Khani Department of Veterinary Medicine, Shab.C, Islamic Azad University, Shabestar, Iran Jalal Shayegh Department of Veterinary Medicine, Shab.C, Islamic Azad University, Shabestar, Iran Saeed Alamian Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran Journal Article 2025 08 04 Brucellosis is an important zoonosis affecting public health and livestock, mainly caused by the genus Brucella. This study aimed to isolate and identify Brucella species from rodents associated with livestock farms in Tehran using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 31 rodent samples were collected over three months, 17 from cattle farms and 14 from sheep farms. Genomic DNA was extracted from spleen and liver tissues using the MBST nucleic acid extraction kit, followed by AMOS multiplex PCR targeting the bcsp31 gene (223 bp for the Brucella genus) and species-specific primers (731 bp for B. melitensis and 498 bp for B. abortus). PCR analysis showed a positivity rate of 9.7% for Brucella, with all positive samples identified as B. melitensis. The positive samples were mainly from the cities of Islamshahr, Robat Karim and Shahriar. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in Brucella prevalence between the different housing systems or locations. However, all positive samples were from mature rodents, indicating a significant difference in age distribution (p<0.05). The results highlight the role of rodents as potential reservoirs for brucellosis and emphasize the need for accurate identification of Brucella species in epidemiological studies. This research helps to emphasize the importance of implementing effective control measures to mitigate the risks associated with this zoonosis.

https://jzd.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_20512_3564fa0274b112440dda05096dfea664.pdf