https://jzd.tabrizu.ac.ir/ Journal of Zoonotic Diseases en daily 1 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0330 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0330 https://jzd.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_20572.html 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_20513.html 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_20303.html 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_20069.html 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_20894.html 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_20947.html 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_21018.html 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_21043.html 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_21074.html 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_20512.html 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_20895.html 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_21300.html 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_21301.html 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_21316.html 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.