University of Tabriz Journal of Zoonotic Diseases 2476-535X 10 2 2026 06 01 Barriers to cross-species viral transmission: Molecular mechanisms and ecological factors 1130 1149 21726 10.22034/jzd.2026.21726 EN Varuni Bhardwaj Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala, India Journal Article 2026 02 23 Viral host jumps, the process by which viruses adapt to and infect new species, play a crucial role in the emergence of infectious diseases. This phenomenon has been responsible for major outbreaks, including SARS, MERS, HIV, influenza, Ebola, and most recently, COVID-19. Receptor compatibility accounts for 65% of spill over failures between 2000 and 2026, but successful adaptation enables viral replication and sustained disease transmission in new hosts, representing the primary molecular barrier of high-risk ecological interfaces, such as wet markets and livestock farms. Key determinants include viral attachment proteins, such as spike proteins in coronaviruses and hemagglutinin in influenza, which enable receptor binding in new hosts. Additionally, host immune responses, environmental stability, and transmission dynamics influence the likelihood of spillover events. Anthropogenic activities, including deforestation, wildlife trade, and global travel, further increase the risk of viral emergence by facilitating close human-animal interactions. Case studies highlight how habitat disruption and the movement of infected hosts have accelerated pathogen transmission. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the devastating consequences of rapid viral emergence, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and robust mitigation strategies. Understanding the molecular and ecological factors driving host jumps is crucial for predicting and mitigating future pandemics. This review explores the mechanisms of viral host jumps, focusing on receptor binding, cellular entry, and ecological barriers. By identifying key determinants of cross-species transmission, specific strategies can be developed to monitor and control emerging viral threats, thus reducing the likelihood of future outbreaks.

https://jzd.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21726_74c4f9bb767028db381e864cda5b3214.pdf

University of Tabriz Journal of Zoonotic Diseases 2476-535X 10 2 2026 06 01 Detections of Brucella infection in serum samples and aborted fetuses of small ruminants in East Azerbaijan province (northwest Iran) 1139 1147 21523 10.22034/jzd.2026.21523 EN Yaser Jafari Khataylou Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Monireh Khordadmehr Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Hassan Sadri Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Jafar Shirazi Animal and Animal Products- borne Diseases Research Center, Iran/ Veterinary Organization (IVO), Tehran, Iran Saeed Babazadeh Animal and Animal Products- borne Diseases Research Center, Iran/ Veterinary Organization (IVO), Tehran, Iran Ali Mosayyebzadeh Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Farinaz Jigari Asl Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Saba Eskandari Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Abolfazl Hajibemani Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Katayoun Nofouzi Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Journal Article 2026 02 22 Brucellosis, a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella species, results in significant economic losses in both animal production and human health. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of Brucella infection in aborted fetuses and serum samples from adults with history of recent abortion using serological, molecular, and pathological studies in East Azerbaijan Province. A total of 62 aborted fetuses and 373 blood samples were collected from sheep and goat flocks. The conventional PCR method was employed for the detection of Brucella infection following DNA extraction from the abomasal contents of the aborted fetuses. The serum samples from the adults were evaluated using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), Wright, and 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME). Moreover, the formalin-fixed tissue samples from the aborted fetuses were conducted for histopathological examinations. Molecular and serological findings revealed that Brucella infection was present in 88.7% (56 out of 62) of aborted fetuses and 79.09% (272 out of 373) of serum samples. Histopathological studies revealed necrotic and inflammatory responses associated with severe hyperemia and hemorrhagic lesions in the tissue sections, particularly in the brain, lung, liver, and kidney. In conclusion, the detection of Brucella infection in both aborted fetuses and blood samples indicates of its significant role in sheep and goat abortions in East Azerbaijan. More importantly, it remains one of the most common zoonotic diseases worldwide. Therefore, effective management and vaccination strategies are crucial for preventing and controlling the disease from a public health perspective.

https://jzd.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21523_1a517be88ea7cff5cb1b4bcc7755cbb1.pdf

University of Tabriz Journal of Zoonotic Diseases 2476-535X 10 2 2026 06 01 Latent Toxoplasma gondii infection, general health, and academic performance in veterinary students 1150 1160 21301 10.22034/jzd.2026.21301 EN Maryam Ansari-Lari Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinay Medicine, Shiraz University Azadeh Yektaseresht Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz university Mozhgan Sedigh-Ardekani Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran Journal Article 2026 01 06 Emerging evidence increasingly links latent Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection to a range of physical, psychological, and behavioral disorders. Simultaneously, higher education environments, particularly in veterinary programs, are known to exert considerable psychological pressure, potentially compromising the health and well-being of students. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the interplay between latent T. gondii infection, general health status, impulsivity, and academic performance among veterinary students at Shiraz University, in southern Iran. A total of 99 students participated in this cross-sectional study. Latent toxoplasmosis was assessed using an ELISA to detect IgG antibodies. General health and impulsivity were evaluated using the validated shortened General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and the revised Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), respectively. Demographic and academic data, including grade point average (GPA), were also collected. Eight students (8%; 95% CI: 3–14%) tested positive for latent T. gondii infection, suggesting a decreasing trend compared with previous studies. Elevated general health scores, indicating potential psychological distress, were observed in 32.3% of participants (95% CI: 23–42%), while 45.5% (95% CI: 36–55%) exhibited high impulsivity scores. No statistically significant associations were found between latent toxoplasmosis and general health, impulsivity, or GPA. However, GPA was significantly and negatively correlated with both general health and impulsivity scores. These findings highlight the decreasing trend in T. gondii seroprevalence. However, simultaneously raise significant concern in student well-being and emphasize the urgent need for targeted interventions and supportive policies to promote the general health and academic success of veterinary students as future professionals in the field.

https://jzd.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21301_0ed1e704804f6d0547666de0185f3940.pdf

University of Tabriz Journal of Zoonotic Diseases 2476-535X 10 2 2026 06 01 Retrospective evaluation of the determinants of compliance with the Egyptian mass drug administration programme for lymphatic filariasis 1161 1171 21703 10.22034/jzd.2026.21703 EN Mohammed Abdelmoneim Abdelham Alwehedy Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt Ali Alsaid Ali Bohas Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Banhā, Egypt Atef Hussein Hussein Abdelhamid Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Banhā, Egypt Gehan Abdelrahman Rashed Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Banhā, Egypt Marwa Mohammed Ghallab Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt Journal Article 2026 04 13 Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease capable of causing significant morbidity, disability, and economic burden. Egypt launched the national LF elimination programme in 2000 via mass drug administration (MDA) and was recognized by WHO as having successfully achieved LF elimination in 2017. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a former Egyptian village included in the anti-LF MDA programme, to identify the determinants of individual compliance with MDA. From August 1 to December 31, 2022, all individuals who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were randomly selected from attendees of the Alkorain Endemic Diseases Centre. The study participants were interviewed to recall their MDA participation, and the data were then recorded in a structured questionnaire. Of the 75 individuals studied, 65.3% reported full compliance with MDA, and 57.7% of the non-compliant participants mentioned discontinued drug delivery as the reason for non-compliance. Full compliance was found to be significantly associated with age, education, and LF knowledge level. Moreover, univariate regression analysis showed that adults, males, government employees, those with academy/university education, and those with good LF knowledge had significantly higher odds of full compliance with all MDA rounds compared with children, females, students, those with elementary school education, and those with poor LF knowledge, respectively. However, multivariate analysis indicated that educational level could be the most significant independent predictor of full compliance. Our study concluded that the individual's age, educational level, and knowledge level regarding LF can play a significant role in full compliance with anti-LF MDA programmes.

https://jzd.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21703_043db3fcb1987f659fe18d711209bac2.pdf

University of Tabriz Journal of Zoonotic Diseases 2476-535X 10 2 2026 06 01 High prevalence of Coxiella burnetii coinfection in brucellosis patients: Molecular evidence from an endemic region in Iran 1171 1182 21820 10.22034/jzd.2026.21820 EN Zahra Montaseri Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran Maryam Ghasemzadeh Student Research Committee, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran Abbas Abdollahi Department of Bacteriology, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran Maryam Montaseri Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran 0000-0002-0533-1648 Mahmoud Agholi Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran Mehdi Sharafi Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Journal Article 2026 04 19 Brucellosis and Q fever are important zoonotic diseases with overlapping clinical manifestations. Their concurrent occurrence is limited in Iran. This study investigated the prevalence and molecular characteristics of Coxiella burnetii infection among brucellosis patients in Fars province, Southwest Iran. A total of 152 blood samples were collected from clinically suspected brucellosis patients (68 men and 84 women) with clinical manifestations of fever, chills, and musculoskeletal pain of less than 8 weeks’ duration. All patients were confirmed for brucellosis using serological assays and PCR. Subsequently, all samples were evaluated for C. burnetii infection using a species-specific PCR assay. Demographic data and potential risk factors were also analyzed. A remarkably high prevalence of C. burnetii infection (76.31%) was detected among brucellosis patients. Livestock exposure was significantly associated with coinfection (p=0.036). Phylogenetic analysis showed close similarity to internationally reported strains. All patients received combination therapy with doxycycline and streptomycin, resulting in clinical improvement. All patients received combination therapy with doxycycline and streptomycin, resulting in clinical improvement. This study provides compelling molecular evidence of a high rate of brucellosis and Q fever coinfection in an endemic region, highlighting a potentially underrecognized public health concern. The findings emphasize the need to consider Q fever in the differential diagnosis of brucellosis, particularly in high-risk populations with livestock exposure. Incorporating doxycycline into empirical treatment regimens represents a rational and effective strategy to ensure adequate coverage against both Brucella spp. and C. burnetii in endemic settings.

https://jzd.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21820_e18eaa635300492859d456a02576bea6.pdf

University of Tabriz Journal of Zoonotic Diseases 2476-535X 10 2 2026 06 01 Genotyping of Echinococcus granulosus Specimens Isolated from Dogs in Southeastern Iran 1183 1193 21812 10.22034/jzd.2026.21812 EN Mahdi Khoshsima Shahraki Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran Saeidreza Nourollahifard Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran Mehdi Golchin Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran Bahman Fouladi 2Health Clinical Sciences Research Center, Zah. C., Islamic Azad University, Zahedan, Iran Mansour Dabirzadeh Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Zabol, Sistan-Baluchistan Province, Iran. Journal Article 2026 04 30 Cystic echinococcosis is an important zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus and remains endemic in Iran. Identification of circulating genotypes in definitive hosts is essential for understanding local transmission patterns and supporting molecular epidemiological surveillance (1). A total of 260 fecal samples were collected from owned, stray, and shelter dogs in Kerman, Zabol, and surrounding areas in southeastern Iran. Samples were examined microscopically for taeniid eggs, and DNA was extracted from microscopically positive samples. Polymerase chain reaction (2) assays targeted an approximately 450 bp fragment of the mitochondrial cox1 gene and an approximately 460 bp fragment of the nuclear ITS1 region. Amplicons were sequenced and analyzed using BLASTn and phylogenetic approaches to determine genetic identity and relationships (3). Among the 260 samples examined, 17 contained taeniid eggs and/or cestode proglottids, and 13 samples (5%) were confirmed by PCR as E. granulosus. Clear single amplicons were obtained for both markers. BLASTn and phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that all isolates belonged to E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1–G3 complex). The cox1 sequences showed high similarity to reference strains (98.07%–99.76%), indicating marked mitochondrial homogeneity. In contrast, ITS1 sequences showed greater variability (97.71%–99.75%) and were distributed into shallow subgroups related to isolates from neighboring endemic regions (2).The coexistence of mitochondrial homogeneity and moderate nuclear variation reflects the established genetic structure of the E. granulosus sensu stricto(s.s.) population in southeastern Iran. It supports the predominance of the G1–G3 complex in this region.

https://jzd.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21812_bf9b549777e84ab2ae73eb802356752f.pdf

University of Tabriz Journal of Zoonotic Diseases 2476-535X 10 2 2026 06 01 Bibliometric analysis of digitalized veterinary surveillance frameworks for zoonotic disease mitigation in resource-limited countries 1194 1203 21300 10.22034/jzd.2026.21300 EN Kunta Adnan Sahiman Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia Siti Azizah Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia Muhammad Halim Natsir Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia Kuswati Kuswati Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia Journal Article 2025 12 13 Digital veterinary surveillance constitutes a critical component of infrastructure for mitigating zoonotic disease transmission within the One Health framework adopted by developing economies. This bibliometric analysis examines global scholarly output on technology-enhanced livestock monitoring approaches targeting zoonotic threats in resource-limited settings. The study aimed to quantify publication impact and to identify evolutionary patterns and thematic structures within this research domain. Bibliographic records were retrieved from Scopus and analyzed using Biblioshiny (Bibliometrix v4.1.4) and VOSviewer (v1.6.18), incorporating metadata on authorship, institutional affiliations, keywords, and citation performance. The dataset comprised 473 publications spanning 1986–2024, predominantly research articles (66.6%) and reviews (24.3%), published primarily in English (96.8%). Contributions from 103 countries involved 2,156 authors, yielding a collaboration index of 4.56. The United States accounted for the largest share of publications (42.9%), followed by the United Kingdom (33.2%), Nigeria (18.2%), India (17.8%), and Kenya (17.1%). The corpus accumulated 15,418 citations (mean of 32.6 per document), corresponding to an overall h-index of 58 and a compound annual growth rate of 2.78%. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified 44 consolidated descriptors forming seven thematic clusters. “Zoonosis” emerged as the most frequent term (73 occurrences), followed by “one health” (64), “surveillance” (52), and “epidemiology” (48). This study provides the first comprehensive bibliometric mapping of digital veterinary surveillance research focused on zoonotic disease prevention in developing contexts. Targeted investment in surveillance capacity within endemic regions may further strengthen global preparedness against zoonotic threats.

https://jzd.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21300_0bfce32afd4b06355823b4fb5504c716.pdf

University of Tabriz Journal of Zoonotic Diseases 2476-535X 10 2 2026 06 01 In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial activity of Poulk (Stachys schtschegleevii) hydroethanolic extract against Nocardia isolates 1204 1215 20895 10.22034/jzd.2025.20895 EN Hamed Jafarzadeh Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Boukaga Farmani Department of Food Science and Technology, Ahar Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Samad Bodbodak Department of Food Science and Technology, Ahar Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Journal Article 2025 08 20 Biofilms represent a fundamental mode of microbial existence, enabling bacteria to adhere to surfaces and persist in challenging environments. Nocardia species cause opportunistic infections in humans and animals. This study sought to determine the antimicrobial performance of Stachys schtschegleevii hydroethanolic extract in inhibiting biofilm-forming Nocardia isolates obtained from the water supply systems of industrial layer pullet farms. Data were organized and classified in Excel, then analyzed using SPSS software (SPSS Inc., Version 23, Chicago, USA). Mean comparisons were carried out, and statistical significance was evaluated via one-way ANOVA with Duncan’s post hoc test. Biofilm development was measured using the Tissue Culture Plate assay. To determine the extract’s antimicrobial properties, serial dilutions were prepared, with the highest concentration tested at 200 mg mL⁻¹. Phytochemical analysis revealed substantial bioactive constituents, including a total phenolic content of 83 mg GAE mL⁻¹, total flavonoid content of 24 mg QE mL⁻¹, and an antioxidant capacity of 65%. The MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) and MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) values for the Nocardia isolates were quantified. For the S1-2 isolate, there was no MIC and MBC up to 200 mg mL⁻¹. While the isolate S1-6B required 100 mg mL⁻¹ as MIC and MBC. Also, for the S1-8 isolate, MIC and MBC were 50 mg mL⁻¹. Additionally, the efficacy of sodium hypochlorite (3 mg L⁻¹) was tested via the agar well diffusion assay. Results demonstrated that the S1-8 strain exhibited resistance to sodium hypochlorite, whereas the S1-2 and S1-6B isolates remained susceptible. These results demonstrate the promising potential of S. schtschegleevii extract as a novel natural antimicrobial compound against biofilm-forming Nocardia isolates, particularly in settings where disinfection resistance poses a challenge.

https://jzd.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_20895_4e43f495fcfd619f12fcb2c1da502243.pdf

University of Tabriz Journal of Zoonotic Diseases 2476-535X 10 2 2026 06 01 Molecular Detection of Escherichia coli in Blood and Tissue Samples Collected from Broiler Chickens in Different Poultry Farms of West Azerbaijan Province, Iran 1216 1228 21509 10.22034/jzd.2026.21509 EN Reza Ghaffari Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Iran Abdolghaffar Ownagh Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Iran Amir Tukmachi Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Iran Ahmad Enferadi Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Iran Journal Article 2026 02 03 Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) represents a major threat to poultry production and public health due to its high virulence potential and the rising prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. This study investigated the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes among E. coli isolates recovered from broiler chickens in the West Azerbaijan Province of Iran. A total of 120 isolates obtained from blood and liver samples were identified using standard bacteriological methods and confirmed by PCR amplification targeting the 16SrRNA gene. The presence of fluoroquinolone resistance genes (qnrS and qnrB) and the adhesion‑associated virulence gene fimA was assessed. Isolates were analyzed according to bird age, season, and geographic region. All isolates (100%) were positive for the 16SrRNA gene. The overall prevalence of qnrS and qnrB was 47.56% for each gene, while fimA was detected in 29.27% of the isolates. The highest prevalence of qnrS (52.63%) and fimA (31.58%) occurred in 10‑day‑old chicks, with a marked decline in fimA expression at 30 days of age. Regionally, qnrB was significantly more prevalent in the southern region (79.17%) compared with the central (23.81%) and northern (40.54%) regions. Seasonal analysis showed higher detection rates of qnrS and fimA during winter. The co‑occurrence of fluoroquinolone resistance and virulence genes in APEC highlights a critical One Health concern, as these resistance determinants could potentially disseminate to human extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli. Continuous molecular surveillance and prudent antimicrobial usage are strongly recommended.

https://jzd.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21509_8ba03d70bc75c769a4dcdaf9f13a22b2.pdf

University of Tabriz Journal of Zoonotic Diseases 2476-535X 10 2 2026 06 01 Phytochemical analysis and antifungal activity of Satureja hortensis and Zataria multiflora essential oils 1229 1238 21316 10.22034/jzd.2026.21316 EN Soghra Valizadeh Department of Food Hygiene and Aquatic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Hamed Behniafar Department of Medical Parasitology, Sarab Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sarab, Iran Farzad Katiraee Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Leili Valizadeh Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran Mohammad Hashemi Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Journal Article 2025 10 28 Over the last few decades, the rising incidence of fungal infections has become a significant and growing threat to healthcare systems worldwide. Candida species, particularly C. albicans, and C. tropicalis, constitute zoonotic, opportunistic pathogens transmissible from animals to humans, potentially driving the emergence of novel infectious diseases and underscoring the urgent need for innovative antifungal agents, and treatment strategies. This study was conducted to evaluate the antifungal effects of two natural products, Satureja hortensis and Zataria multiflora essential oils, against four pathogenic fungal microorganisms: Candida species, including C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, and C. tropicalis, as well as Penicillium chrysogenum. The extraction of essential oils (EOs) was performed using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The chemical constituents of S. hortensis EO were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Finally, to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) of S. hortensis and Z. multiflora, the broth microdilution method was employed. Findings from this investigation demonstrated that the main compound of S. hortensis was Thymol (36.51%). The MIC range was from 0.039 - 0.156 µL/mL for Z. multiflora and from 0.019 - 0.312 µL/mL for S. hortensis Bioss. Corresponding MFC values ranged from 0.039- 0.625 µL/mL for S. hortensis, and 0.078- 1.25 µL/mL for Z. multiflora Boiss. These results suggest that the studied EOs may represent promising candidates for the development of new agents to treat cutaneous and mucosal Candida infections.

https://jzd.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21316_3130e7f3864ad3cd8b423b15fa95b24a.pdf