Apicomplexan parasites are intracellular protozoa with global distribution and broad host range. Among them, Toxoplasma gondii is notable for its zoonotic potential, infecting various warm-blooded animals as intermediate hosts, with felids serving as definitive hosts. This study investigated the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies and Apicomplexa protozoa DNA in 29 free-living yellow armadillos (Euphractus sexcinctus) from 5 municipalities, 16 captive collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu), and 10 captive agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) from one municipality, totaling 55 animals from the Caatinga biome in northeastern Brazil. Blood samples were collected from each animal, and anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were tested using the modified agglutination technique (MAT) with a cutoff of 25 for yellow armadillos and 16 for the other species. Organ fragments were collected from animals that died (E. sexcinctus and P. tajacu). Apicomplexa protozoa DNA was detected using nested PCR targeting the 18s rDNA gene, followed by Sanger sequencing. Antibodies were found in seven (24.13%) armadillos and six (37.5%) peccaries. No antibodies were detected in the agoutis. Apicomplexa DNA was detected in six (31.57%) seropositive armadillos; however, peccaries tested negative by PCR. The presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies and Apicomplexa DNA confirmed parasitic infection in free-living E. sexcinctus from the Caatinga and in P. tajacu kept in a conservation center for the species. These results highlighted the public health risk of consuming raw or undercooked meat from the free-living animals by the local population and underscore the importance of health monitoring and surveillance in wildlife conservation centers.

Chemical defenses produced by lichens represent a yet underexplored force shaping trophic interactions beyond direct consumer deterrence. In termites, dietary intake of such compounds may extend their effects to gut-associated microbial consortia, with consequences for host physiology and colony performance. However, the extent to which lichen-derived metabolites influence microorganisms in insect hosts remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the bacteriostatic effects of the lichen-derived phenolic compound atranorin on cultivable gut-associated bacteria of the Neotropical termite Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae), a generalist species known to include lichens in its diet. Atranorin is a widespread lichen secondary metabolite with documented antimicrobial activity, making it suitable for evaluating diet–microbiota interactions. Atranorin was extracted and chemically characterized from Parmotrema praesorediosum (Lecanorales: Parmeliaceae), yielding a highly pure compound subsequently used in bioassays. Cultivable bacteria were isolated from the crop and P3 hindgut of workers and soldiers, enabling controlled assays and revealing differences across gut compartments and castes. Antibacterial assays demonstrated that atranorin exerted a dose-dependent bacteriostatic effect across most isolates, significantly reducing bacterial growth even at low concentrations. However, microbial responses were taxon-specific, as Sphingomonas paucimobilis exhibited marked tolerance and proliferation under atranorin exposure. These findings suggest that atranorin can act as a selective chemical agent affecting the growth of cultivable gut-associated bacteria, rather than as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial. By linking a lichen-derived metabolite to differential bacterial responses, this study provides evidence that dietary secondary compounds may act as selective factors shaping host-associated bacteria.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in natural environments and wildlife is an escalating threat to global health and biodiversity conservation. Neotropical primates of the genus Sapajus may act as reservoirs and ecological sentinels of resistant bacteria. The absence of systematic microbiological screening in wildlife rehabilitation centers, coupled with empirical antimicrobial use, can facilitate resistance spread in vulnerable ecosystems. This study characterized phenotypic and genotypic resistance profiles and biofilm-forming ability of Staphylococcus spp. and Mammaliicoccus sciuri isolated from Sapajus libidinosus undergoing rehabilitation in Northeastern Brazil. Rectal swabs were collected, and bacterial isolates identified by MALDI-TOF MS, followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, molecular detection of resistance genes, and biofilm assays. Nineteen isolates were recovered: 63.2% Staphylococcus spp. and 36.8% Mammaliicoccus spp. The predominant species were M. sciuri (36.8%) and S. simiae (31.6%). Rates of resistance to penicillin (63.2%) and tetracycline (57.9%) were the most frequent. The main resistance genes detected included tetM (36.8%), tet(38) (31.6%), blaZ (26.3%), msrA (26.3%), and mecA (5.3%). Perfect agreement existed between mecA presence and cefoxitin resistance (kappa = 1.00; p < 0.01), with moderate agreement between msrA and non-susceptibility to erythromycin and clindamycin (j= 0.56; p = 0.0265). Biofilm production was mostly weak (94.7%), with moderate production in one isolate. Multidrug resistance occurred in 21.1% of isolates. This pioneering Brazilian study highlights wildlife rehabilitation centers as critical hotspots for AMR surveillance and contributes to understanding the ecological health and conservation of Neotropical primates.

BACKGROUND:Equine genital leptospirosis (EGL) is associated with reproductive disorders in mares. However, its occurrence in embryo transfer (ET) programs remains poorly characterized. AIMS/OBJECTIVE:Given the scarcity of data on the circulation of Leptospira spp. in mares enrolled in ET programs, this study aimed to investigate the serological and molecular occurrence of Leptospira spp. in mares with a history of reproductive disorders from 13 stud farms dedicated to embryo transfer in Brazil. METHODS:Serum and endometrial cytobrush samples (ECS) were collected from 70 unvaccinated mares. Serological analysis was performed using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), and molecular detection was conducted by PCR targeting the lipL32 gene. Positive samples were subjected to sequencing. RESULTS:In the MAT, 68.6% (48/70; 95% CI: 56.9-78.2) of mares were reactive at titers ≥ 1:100. PCR detected pathogenic Leptospira DNA in 45.7% (32/70; 95% CI: 34.5-57.4) of ECS, with at least one positive mare identified in 92.3% (12/13) of farms. Sequencing of one sample showed ≥ 99% nucleotide identity with Leptospira interrogans. Functional classification was significantly associated with PCR positivity, with recipient mares presenting higher odds of detection compared to donors (OR = 3.15; 95% CI: 1.05-9.43; p = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS:These findings demonstrate high serological exposure and molecular evidence of infection in the reproductive tract of mares with reproductive disorders, reinforcing the importance of molecular investigation in breeding herds enrolled in ET programs.

The presence of Listeria monocytogenes in food represents a major challenge to food safety, especially in ready-to-eat products stored under refrigeration. This risk is associated with the ability of the pathogen to survive and multiply during prolonged refrigerated storage, making these foods potential sources of infection and a relevant public health concern. In this context, the aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in chilled processed meat products sold in bulk in the Metropolitan Region of Recife, PE, Brazil, as well as to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the isolates. A total of 48 samples of sausages and ham from different brands were analyzed, obtained from public markets and supermarkets in the region. Detection of Listeria spp. was performed using conventional methods recommended by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, and antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed by the disk diffusion method. Of the analyzed products, 27/48 (56.25

Tick-borne diseases are among the most widespread vector-borne infections, including zoonoses caused by bacterial and protozoal microorganisms. This study consisted of a serosurvey for Rickettsia spp. in 270 horses from 11 farms in the coastal region of Pernambuco, Brazil. Through the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) based on antigens of five Rickettsia species, 164 (60.7%) horses were seroreactive to Rickettsia spp., with seroreactivity among farms ranging from 10 to 100%. Through molecular analysis, all 270 horse blood DNA samples tested negative by PCR assays targeting Anaplasmataceae family or genus Borrelia agents. A total of 1,852 ticks was collected from horses and identified as 1,850 Dermacentor nitens Neuman, 1897, and two Rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini, 1888). No rickettsial DNA was amplified from horse ticks. Additionally, 48 tick specimens were collected from 14 wild vertebrates from the same study region, and identified into six species: Amblyomma fuscum Neumann, 1907, Amblyomma longirostre (Koch, 1844), Amblyomma nodosum Neumann, 1899, Amblyomma rotundatum Koch, 1844, Amblyomma varium Koch, 1844, and Ornithodoros mimon Kohls, Clifford & Jones, 1969. Twenty-five of these ticks were processed by molecular analysis, which resulted in no amplification of DNA from Anaplasmataceae, Piroplasmida, Borrelia, or Coxiella. However, three adults of A. nodosum contained DNA of Rickettsia parkeri Lackman et al., 1965 strain NOD, and two larvae of A. longirostre contained DNA of Rickettsia amblyommatis Karpathy et al. (2016). This study provides serological evidence of exposure to spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae in horses and reports two SFG agents infecting ticks from wildlife in Northeastern Brazil.

Sporotrichosis is a fungal infection often characterized by complications related to wound healing. This study was performed to evaluate the use of skin from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) as a biological dressing in a sporotrichosisinduced wound in a feline. Amputation was initially indicated because of an extensive injury with bone necrosis in the distal third of the limb. To promote proper healing, the tissue (xenograft) was applied to the lesion, and the dressing was changed every 48 hr for 3 weeks. Histological analysis of tilapia skin revealed intact collagen fibers and preservation of cellular architecture. After complete healing, the animal’s skin and mobility were restored, improving its quality of life. This report demonstrates the applicability of tilapia skin as a xenograft for treating wounds in domestic animals, achieving satisfactory results in reducing dressing changes and shortening healing time.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among Staphylococcus and Mammaliicoccus species is a growing concern in wildlife care settings, as rehabilitation centers may represent contact points among wild animals, captive environments, and human handlers. This study characterized antimicrobial resistance profiles, multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) indices, and biofilm formation in Staphylococcus spp. and Mammaliicoccus sciuri isolated from wild mammals housed at a wildlife screening and rehabilitation center in Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. Oropharyngeal and rectal swabs were collected from 84 individuals representing 15 species. Isolates were identified using MALDI-TOF MS, and susceptibility to oxacillin, cefoxitin, clindamycin, erythromycin, gentamicin, norfloxacin, and tetracycline was assessed by disk diffusion. Multidrug resistance (MDR) and MAR indices were determined, and the resistance genes mecA, mecC, norA, msrA, tet(38), and tetM were investigated by PCR. Bacterial growth on mannitol salt agar was obtained from samples collected from 63/84 (75.0

Leptospirosis is an important zoonosis that can affect the productivity of small-ruminant herds. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against spp. and investigate associated risk factors in goats and sheep raised in a multispecies production system in the Cerrado region of Piauí State, northeastern Brazil. A total of 287 animals (144 goats and 143 sheep) from nine farms were evaluated. Serum samples were tested using the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) with a panel of 32 spp. serovars. The overall seroprevalence was 29.96% (86/287; 95% CI: 24.7–35.3). Seroprevalence was 31.25% (45/144; 95% CI: 23.7–38.8) in goats and 28.67% (41/143; 95% CI: 21.3–36.1) in sheep. The predominant serogroup in goats was Icterohaemorrhagiae (63.6%), whereas Bataviae (28.6%) and Louisiana (28.6%) were the most frequent serogroups in sheep. In the multivariable analysis, the implementation of quarantine measures was independently associated with seropositivity (OR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.26–3.52; p = 0.004). These findings demonstrate the widespread circulation of spp. among small ruminants in the Cerrado region of Piauí State and highlight the need for further epidemiological and molecular investigations to support the development of effective prevention and control strategies.

In Brazil, bovine rabies causes significant economic losses and poses a risk to both human and veterinary public health. Its persistence is associated with agricultural expansion, environmental factors, and the presence of reservoirs that favor viral circulation. In this context, spatiotemporal analyses are essential to identify high-risk areas and guide effective surveillance strategies. This study aimed to analyze the spatiotemporal, and temporal trends of bovine rabies in Brazil between 2015 and 2024. An ecological study was conducted using data from the National Animal Health Information System (SIZ), applying spatiotemporal, and temporal trend analyses. A total of 7458 cases were reported during the study period, with higher concentrations in the Southeast (28.26%), South (27.76%), and Central-West (21.99%) regions. The highest incidence risks were observed in the South (8.15/100,000), Southeast (5.69/100,000), and Northeast (2.73/100,000). At the state level, Amapá (81.04/100,000), Paraná (8.51/100,000), Pernambuco (8.41/100,000), Amazonas (8.24/100,000), and São Paulo (7.83/100,000) stood out. Desmodus rotundus plays a central role in the maintenance and transmission of rabies virus to herbivores in Brazil, with case density and records of this species overlapping mainly in Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Paraná, particularly in areas of pasture, temporary crops, and environmental mosaics. Retrospective analysis identified eight high-risk spatiotemporal clusters, with the primary cluster located in the South and Southeast (2015-2019), showing a relative risk (RR) of 2.86. Prospective analysis revealed five recent clusters, with the primary one located in Paraná and Santa Catarina (2022-2024; RR = 3.88). Joinpoint regression demonstrated an overall decreasing trend in incidence risk (APC: -8.6%). This is the first nationwide study integrating spatiotemporal, and temporal analyses of bovine rabies, highlighting its widespread occurrence across Brazil and identifying strategic areas for strengthening control measures. KEYWORDS: Bovine rabies Spatiotemporal analysis Epidemiology Risk clusters Brazil.

The sentence “Although efflux pump and mecC genes have been documented…” has been corrected to “Although efflux pump genes and mecC have been documented…” to improve grammatical parallelism and scientific clarity. The gene name tet38 has been standardized throughout the manuscript as tet(38) to ensure consistent nomenclature.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in wildlife-associated bacteria represents a growing One Health concern. This study described the occurrence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Mammaliicoccus sciuri and Staphylococcus spp. isolated from reptiles undergoing rehabilitation in northeastern Brazil. Oropharyngeal and cloacal samples from 87 reptiles yielded 87 isolates identified by MALDI-TOF MS, and antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed by disk diffusion. Five bacterial species were detected, with a predominance of M. sciuri (79/87; 90.8

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by spirochetes of the genus Leptospira and is widely recognized for its ability to infect a broad diversity of hosts. Infection by this agent can compromise reproductive efficiency, however, the involvement of ovarian structures in the dynamics of infection remains poorly understood. In this context, the present study aimed to investigate the presence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies and bacterial DNA in ovarian structures of cows and ewes naturally exposed to the pathogen. In total, blood, follicular fluid (FF), and corpus luteum (CL) samples were collected from 55 cows and 87 ewes. Serum samples were subjected to the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT), while ovarian structures were analyzed by PCR targeting the lipL32 gene. By MAT, 22/55 cows (40.0%) and 50/87 ewes (57.5%) presented anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies. A predominance of the Autumnalis (40.0%) and Sejroe (25.0%) serogroups was observed in cattle, whereas Sejroe (31.4%) predominated in sheep. Notably, molecular analysis revealed Leptospira spp. DNA in 2/55 (3.6%) CL samples from cows and in 19/87 (21.8%) CL and 8/87 (9.2%) FF samples from ewes, representing the molecular evidence of the agent in these ovarian compartments in naturally exposed ruminants. The detection of Leptospira spp. DNA suggests that the agent or its genetic material may reach temporary ovarian structures involved in reproductive physiology, however, the viability of the bacterium and its functional consequences remain to be determined.

Bovine mastitis caused by Enterobacteriaceae represents an important sanitary and economic challenge in dairy production systems. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the reported prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae isolated from bovine mastitis cases in Brazil and to describe the main epidemiological, diagnostic, and antimicrobial resistance characteristics reported in the literature. The search was conducted in January 2025 across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Springer, BVS, Scielo, and Google Scholar, following PRISMA guidelines. Studies conducted in Brazil, published in Portuguese or English, and reporting primary data on Enterobacteriaceae associated with bovine mastitis were included. Screening, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment using the JBI checklist for prevalence studies were performed independently by two reviewers. Eighty studies published between 1985 and 2024 met the eligibility criteria. The included studies encompassed at least 70,815 mammary quarter samples and 43,068 dairy cows. Research was geographically concentrated in the South and Southeast regions. Studies focusing exclusively on clinical mastitis reported higher prevalence ranges compared to those evaluating subclinical cases. Escherichia coli was the most frequently reported species, followed by Klebsiella spp. and Enterobacter spp. Diagnostic approaches evolved over time, with increasing use of molecular methods and MALDI-TOF after 2010. Only a small proportion of studies reported antimicrobial resistance data. The marked methodological heterogeneity and regional concentration of studies limit national comparability and preclude pooled prevalence estimation. Nonetheless, the evidence consistently indicates that Enterobacteriaceae, particularly E. coli, are frequently reported among mastitis etiological agents in Brazilian dairy herds. Standardized reporting and broader regional surveillance, including systematic AMR assessment, are needed to improve epidemiological interpretation and support mastitis control strategies.

The aim of this study was to identify Enterobacteriaceae in healthy milk, mastitic milk, and rectal swab samples from dairy goats and kids in herds located in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, and to evaluate the phenotypic profile of ESBL-producing isolates, as well as to detect the genotypic expression of ESBL resistance genes and virulence factors. Rectal swab and milk samples were collected from 56 goats and 14 kids. Gram-negative bacillary colonies were identified using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The double-disk synergy test (DDST) for the detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) was performed using the antibiotic discs ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, aztreonam, and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Genotypic profiling for ESBL and virulence factor genes targeted blaSHV, blaTEM, blaCTX-M, stx1, stx2, eaeA, and hlyA. Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., and Cronobacter sp. were identified. The phenotypic test revealed that 27

Toxoplasma gondii infection is widely recognized as an important cause of reproductive losses in goats and sheep. However, the impact of this parasitic infection in mares remains poorly investigated, reflecting the neglect of this pathogen in equine production. The present study aimed to conduct a serological survey in 100 mares from farms enrolled in embryo transfer (ET) programs in Northeastern Brazil, report the first molecular detection of T. gondii in the placenta and aborted fetus of a mare in the country, and evaluate potential risk factors associated with infection. Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were detected using the indirect fluorescent antibody assay (IFA) with a cutoff of 1:64, followed by serial titration. Placentas and fetal organs from three mares from a farm with an abortion outbreak were also analyzed by PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene of the family Sarcocystidae and the 529-bp repetitive element of T. gondii. A total of 31% of mares were seropositive (95% CI: 22.3-40.9), and both the fetus and placenta from one mare tested positive for the 18S rRNA gene and the 529-bp RE. The presence of cats on the farms and a history of abortion were identified as factors associated with seropositivity. These findings provide novel evidence contributing to the understanding of T. gondii infection in equine production systems.

INTRODUCTION:This study aimed to investigate the effects of the extract and purified protein from the microalga Chlorella vulgaris against T. gondii in infected Vero cells. METHOD:The extract was obtained through magnetic stirring with Tris-HCl buffer and evaluated for cytotoxicity and anti-Toxoplasma activity. The purified protein was isolated using Sephadex G- 75 chromatography and assessed in light microscopy assays. RESULTS:Results indicated that the CC50 of the C. vulgaris extract was > 2000 μg/mL. Both the extract and the purified protein effectively inhibited parasite multiplication, with IC50 values of 132.6 and 8.6 μg/mL, respectively, and selectivity indices of 11.5 and > 20, respectively. DISCUSSION:Microscopic analysis showed that the purified protein, even at higher concentrations, did not exhibit toxicity to the cells and reduced the number of intracellular tachyzoites. CONCLUSION:These findings suggest that both the extract and purified protein of C. vulgaris possess the ability to inhibit T. gondii tachyzoites without causing toxicity to healthy cells, indicating their potential as bioactive compounds for pharmacological applications against toxoplasmosis.

The study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections among dogs from the microregion of Pajeú, Sertão, state of Pernambuco. Blood samples (n = 247) of dogs apparently healthy were collected through puncture of cephalic vein and serum evaluated using the Immunofluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT). Risk factors were calculated using univariate analysis and logistic regression. We determined the spatial distribution of seroreactive animals through maps created using the QGIS software. The overall seroprevalence was 61.54

This study aimed to analyse the magnitude, temporal trend, and spatial pattern of Chagas disease mortality in the state of Alagoas, providing a detailed epidemiological profile and identifying priority areas for intervention. A retrospective, population-based study was conducted using data on Chagas disease-related deaths from 1999 to 2019, obtained from the Mortality Information System. Descriptive analyses were applied to characterise deaths by sex, age, education level, and geographic distribution. The temporal trend was assessed using joinpoint regression, with calculation of the annual percent change. For spatial analysis, the global Moran's I index and space-time scan statistics were applied to identify high-risk clusters. The results showed higher mortality in males (56%-64%), a predominance of deaths in individuals over 50 years old, and a concentration of the chronic cardiac form of Chagas disease in approximately 80% of the records. Low educational attainment was associated with higher mortality, indicating social vulnerability. The spatial distribution revealed that 95.0% of municipalities reported Chagas disease-related deaths, with risk clusters primarily located in the Zona da Mata region, particularly in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Regional Health Superintendencies. These areas have a history of high vector infestation and socio-environmental conditions conducive to transmission. Although the overall temporal trend remained stable or showed a slight decline, the persistence of endemic areas and clusters underscores the need for targeted actions. Thus, it is concluded that Alagoas remains an endemic area for Chagas disease, with mortality influenced by social and environmental factors. This study highlights the importance of strengthening surveillance, diagnosis, and control in priority regions and suggests that future research incorporate predictive models integrating social determinants to improve disease management.