We present the complete genome sequence of the goatpox virus vaccine isolate LRIGP01 from the Livestock Research Institute in Bangladesh. The genome is 150,342 nucleotides long and encodes 151 genes with a 25.3% GC content. Phylogenetically, the isolate clusters with several goatpox isolates from India.
Objectives: The poultry industry makes a significant contribution to food security, employment generation, and affordable protein supply in Bangladesh. This study aims to investigate consumer misconceptions about broiler meat and to identify the socioeconomic factors influencing consumer preferences. Materials and Methods: Survey data were collected from 369 consumers across rural, semi-urban, and urban areas. Respondents represented diverse occupational groups, including farmers, students, businessmen, and service holders. Descriptive statistics and econometric analyses (Ordinary Least Squares method) were applied. Misconceptions were measured using a five-point Likert scale, ranked through index values. Results: Consumers exhibited strong concerns about hygiene at processing points and associated broiler meat with unsafe chemicals, growth hormones (4.2), heavy metals (4.1), and lower nutrition compared to Deshi meat (4.06). Respondents even perceived that broiler meat might cause cancer. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) estimation shows that residence, education, occupation, and income significantly influenced broiler meat consumption. Urban residence and higher education were positively associated with consumption, whereas higher income and professional occupations showed a negative relationship. Conclusions: The study provides new evidence on how perceptions and socioeconomic factors interact to shape broiler meat consumption in Bangladesh, offering insights for nutritional policy remodeling and poultry sector sustainability. It also highlights the importance of addressing consumer misconceptions and strengthening food safety communication to sustain broiler meat consumption all over Bangladesh.
Transmissible viral proventriculitis (TVP) is an emerging disease in chickens, linked to chicken proventricular necrosis virus (CPNV), a recently identified birnavirus. Here, we provide the first molecular confirmation of TVP in Bangladesh from a coloured meat-type parent stock (PS) flock, while documenting a contemporaneous white layer flock with consistent clinical signs and characteristic gross lesions. Affected birds exhibited growth retardation, diarrhoea, and increased mortality, alongside hallmark gross changes in proventricular enlargement and wall thickening. From the meat-type PS, proventricular samples were collected for histopathology and molecular diagnostics. Histological analysis revealed severe glandular epithelial damage, necrosis, mononuclear infiltration, epithelial hyperplasia, and metaplasia. Using RT-PCR on nucleic acid extracted from FTA card samples, CPNV was detected. In addition, infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), and avian reovirus (ARV) nucleic acids were also identified. The amplified CPNV VP1 fragment was sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis placed the Bangladeshi strain within clades of previously reported CPNV isolates. This study represents the first molecularly confirmed report of CPNV associated with TVP in Bangladesh, highlighting the need for active surveillance in commercial and breeder poultry flocks to understand the virus’s epidemiology and support the development of control strategies.
We report the draft genome sequences of four Escherichia coli isolates obtained from migratory birds in Bangladesh. Genome sizes ranged from 4,772,145 to 4,873,191 bp, with 72-81× coverage and approximately 51% GC content, providing enhanced understanding of E. coli diversity in wildlife reservoirs.
This study investigated the occurrence of pathogenic and multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli in migratory birds inhabiting wetland habitats. A total of 167 freshly voided faecal samples were collected from migratory birds during the winters of 2023 and 2024. Isolation and identification of E. coli were performed using standard cultural and molecular techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed against 19 antibiotics, followed by the detection of resistance genes. Overall, the E. coli detection rate was 68.62% and 46.15% in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Multiple diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes (ETEC, EAEC, EHEC, EPEC and EIEC) were identified, where the isolates from 2023 showed greater diversity. Most of the E. coli isolates were identified as MDR, with MDR patterns being more frequent in 2024. Resistance genes associated with tetracycline, β-lactam and aminoglycoside antibiotics, where tetB, tetO, tetC, blaCTX, blaSHV and blaTEM were more prevalent than the rest of the genes. Our findings indicate that migratory birds are potential mobile reservoirs and disseminators of MDR E. coli within the wetland ecosystems, warranting coordinated and sustained One Health surveillance across environmental, wildlife and public health.
Microneedle (MN) technology is an appealing route for treating skin cancers, but remains many challenges, such as accommodating multiple theranostic functionalities and configuring personalized sensing, particularly given that MNs typically collect sample volumes from microliters to milliliters, necessitating suitable trace analysis techniques. In this study, we developed a versatile, multilayer, detachable MN administration system capable of simultaneous photocontrolled drug delivery therapy that operated based on real-time in situ conditions monitored by droplet-based PCR (dPCR). The detachable MN consisted of an innermost poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate extraction layer, an outer gelatin methacryloyl drug-loaded layer containing Vemurafenib and black phosphorus (BP), and a polyvinyl alcohol connection layer designed for thermal detachment. The outer layer enabled light-responsive drug release through BP's photothermal properties, achieving 78% release within 24 h. Subsequently, the significant mechanical strength and swelling characteristics facilitated the effective extraction of approximately 26 µL of interstitial fluid within 10 min. Both in vitro and in vivo studies on melanoma demonstrated the platform's capability to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity. It enabled dPCR-based monitoring of MCAM and BRAF genes, including the drug-resistant V600E polymorphism, with detection limits of 223 copies/µL, along with digital proximity ligation assay detection of the protein markers IL-6, VEGF, and Ki-67 at 0.64 pg/mL. This well-designed biosystem highlighted its capability to interact with the pathophysiological environment, providing a preclinical proof-of-concept for minimally invasive theranostics in superficial tumors.
In border regions where small ruminants are lifelines, peste des petits ruminants (PPR) remains a silent killer for the small ruminants, undermining food security and rural economies. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between June 2023 and February 2025 in Comilla, Kushtia, Meherpur and Panchagarh districts of Bangladesh. A total of 389 goat blood samples were collected and performed competitive ELISA for peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) antibody detection. Among the unvaccinated goats 39.34
Persistent Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) outbreaks in Bangladesh, indicate inadequate vaccination strategy, low vaccination quality or inconsistent coverage of all the poultry production in terms of IBV. This study investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of IBV in commercial poultry farms in Bangladesh. A total of 390 samples from commercial broiler and layer flocks (July 2022-June 2025) were screened by RT-qPCR, with selected positives subjected to in ovo isolation and S1 gene sequencing for phylogenetic analysis. IBV was the most prevalent respiratory pathogen, detected in 26.67% of samples and often co-circulating with others. Phylogenetic analysis of the S1 gene revealed the co-circulation of three distinct IBV genotypes: GI-1, GI-16, and GI-24. The GI-1 (Mass-type) genotype was predominant and exhibited high nucleotide identity (99.8-100%) with commonly used vaccine strains, including Ma5, H120, and B-48. Additionally, two other genotypes were identified for the first time in Bangladesh: GI-24, closely related to nephropathogenic Indian strains, and GI-16 (Q1-like), a highly transmissible variant widely reported in Europe and Asia. Pairwise genetic distance analysis demonstrated measurable divergence between vaccine strains and circulating field isolates, potentially explaining continued viral circulation and disease occurrence in vaccinated flocks. Notable genetic variation was observed within S1 hypervariable regions, including mutations affecting predicted neutralizing B-cell epitopes, suggesting antigenic divergence that may contribute to reduced vaccine-induced protection against emerging genotypes. These findings suggest IBV introduction events in Bangladesh and support continuous molecular surveillance in order to test the cross-protection capability of the commercially available vaccine strains.
Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a rapidly spreading transboundary viral disease of cattle and water buffalo that poses a significant threat to livestock health and economies of Bangladesh. Calf mortality is steadily increasing over time. This study documented fatal calf mortality with vasculitis-driven multisystemic pathology, which has been rarely reported in Bangladesh. To investigate the rising incidence of calf mortality in Bangladesh, this study conducted a pathological investigation of six deceased calves and molecular analyses of the viruses. Clinically affected calves in north-central Bangladesh exhibited high fever, skin nodules, lymphadenopathy, joint swelling, respiratory distress, ocular and nasal discharge, and edema. Cutaneous nodules often sloughed off, leaving deep ulcerative lesions. Gross pathology of six deceased calves revealed multisystemic lesions, including congestion and edema of the nasal passages, tracheitis, pulmonary consolidation, renal congestion and necrosis, hepatomegaly with multifocal necrosis, splenic atrophy, and lymphadenopathy. Histopathology demonstrated necrotizing inflammation, severe broncho-interstitial pneumonia, hepatic centrilobular necrosis, myocardial infarction, interstitial nephritis with vasculitis, and marked lymphoid depletion. Molecular detection confirmed moderate to high viral loads in the skin and internal organs, consistent with the pathological findings. Whole-genome phylogenetic analysis placed the isolates within cluster 1.2 (classical African/Kenyan sheep and goat pox [KSGP]-like lineage), with one strain clustering closely with isolates from India, Serbia, and Russia, indicating possible cross-border viral movement and genetic evolution. These findings confirm the continued circulation of classical cluster 1.2 LSD virus (LSDV) in Bangladesh, with accumulating genetic variation possibly enhancing virulence in calves. The study underscores the need for sustained genomic surveillance, expanded vaccination, and improved biosecurity to mitigate future LSD outbreaks.
Brucellosis remains a critical public health and economic concern in Bangladesh due to its zoonotic transmission and severe reproductive losses in cattle. This study evaluated the safety, immunogenicity, and field effectiveness of an experimentally developed inactivated alum-adjuvanted Brucella abortus biovar 3 vaccine prepared from a local strain, using BALB/c mice for safety assessment and dairy cattle for field evaluation. A total of 1,570 dairy cattle from 30 farms across 6 regions were enrolled, of which 1,227 were vaccinated and 343 remained unvaccinated. Animals were monitored for one year using serological assays, including RBPT and i-ELISA, molecular confirmation by AMOS-ERY PCR, and cellular immune response assessment through delayed-type hypersensitivity testing and histopathology. Vaccinated cattle developed detectable antibody responses by 15 d post-vaccination, with titers peaking at 90 d and remaining elevated compared with baseline and unvaccinated controls up to 180 d post-vaccination. Delayed-type hypersensitivity responses and histopathological findings further supported vaccine-induced cellular immunity at antigen-injected sites. Field evaluation showed a marked reduction in seropositive abortion, with total abortions declining from 89 before vaccination to 33 after vaccination. During the post-vaccination period, seropositive abortion occurred in 1 of 1,227 vaccinated cattle and 32 of 343 unvaccinated cattle. After accounting for farm-level clustering, vaccination remained strongly associated with reduced abortion risk. The cluster-robust Poisson model estimated an adjusted risk ratio of 0.0074, corresponding to an adjusted vaccine effectiveness of 99.26% (95% CI: 94.08-99.91%). Mixed-effects logistic and farm-clustered GEE models produced comparable estimates, supporting the robustness of the finding. No adverse effects were recorded in either mice or cattle, and vaccine sterility was confirmed by culture, indicating the absence of viable bacteria. These findings indicate that the locally developed inactivated alum-adjuvanted B. abortus vaccine is safe, immunogenic, and strongly associated with reduced seropositive abortion under farm-clustered field conditions, supporting its potential use as part of brucellosis control strategies in Bangladesh.
BACKGROUND:Low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus H9N2 has been endemic in Bangladesh since 2006. While the molecular epidemiology and pathogenicity of circulating tribasic H9N2 viruses are well-documented in chickens, data on pathogenicity in quails remain limited. Given the fact that quails serve as potential mixing vessels for avian influenza viruses, understanding of currently circulating tribasic H9N2 viruses' pathobiology is crucial. OBJECTIVES:The aim of this work was to observe pathogenicity, including clinicopathological changes, virus shedding, and cytokine expression of the recent circulating tribasic H9N2 virus-infected Japanese quails in Bangladesh. METHODS:A total of 64 quails were randomly assigned into two groups: an infected group (n = 32) and a control group (n = 32). Infected quails (at 4 weeks) received 500 µL of virus (106 EID50/mL) via the oculo-nasal route. Quails were subsequently monitored for clinicopathological changes, virus shedding, and cytokine expression at various intervals until 70 days of age. RESULTS:Infected quails exhibited decreased egg production (7%-24%) and reduced weight gain (5%-12%) compared to controls, though no mortality was observed. Gross lesions included congestion and mild-to-moderate haemorrhages in the trachea, lungs, intestine, and kidney until 10 days post-infection (dpi). Histopathology revealed mild tracheitis, pneumonia, slight haemorrhages and degenerative kidney changes at different dpi. The virus replicated prominently in the trachea, lungs, intestine, and kidney up to 5 dpi, with peak shedding via the oropharyngeal route. Following infection, IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-β, and IFN-γ were expressed in the trachea, lungs, intestine, and lymphoid organs at 2, 5, 10, and 15 dpi. Proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α was upregulated to the significantly higher levels (p ≤ 0.001) in trachea and lungs at 10 dpi in tribasic H9N2-infected quails compared to non-infected control group. Notably, quails exhibited a robust early antiviral response (IFN-β and IFN-γ on 2 dpi) against H9N2 infection except for lymphoid tissues regarding IFN-γ. CONCLUSIONS:This study gives valuable insights into host-pathogen interaction and confirms that the circulating tribasic H9N2 virus remains phenotypically low pathogenic in Japanese quails in Bangladesh but cause long-term impairment of important productivity parameters (weight gain, laying rates).
Scavenging domestic ducks significantly contribute to the transmission and maintenance of highly pathogenic H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses in Bangladesh, a strain of growing global concern due to its broad host range, high pathogenicity, and spillover potential. This study investigates the molecular epidemiology and pathology of HPAI H5N1 viruses in unvaccinated scavenging ducks in Bangladesh, with the goal of assessing viral evolution and associated disease outcomes. Between June 2022 and March 2024, 40 scavenging duck flocks were investigated for HPAI outbreaks. Active HPAIV H5N1 infection was detected in 35% (14/40) of the flocks using RT-qPCR. Affected ducks exhibited clinical signs of incoordination, torticollis, and paralysis. Pathological examination revealed prominent meningoencephalitis, encephalopathy and encephalomalacia, along with widespread lesions in the trachea, lungs, liver, and spleen, indicative of systemic HPAIV infection. A phylogenetic analysis of full-genome sequences confirmed the continued circulation of clade 2.3.2.1a genotype G2 in these ducks. Notably, two samples of 2022 and 2023 harbored HPAIV H5N1 of clade 2.3.4.4b, showing genetic similarity to H5N1 strains circulating in Korea and Vietnam. A mutation analysis of the HA protein in clade 2.3.4.4b viruses revealed key substitutions, including T156A (loss of an N-linked glycosylation site), S141P (antigenic site A), and E193R/K (receptor-binding pocket), indicating potential antigenic drift and receptor-binding adaptation compared to clade 2.3.2.1a. The emergence of clade 2.3.4.4b with the first report of neurological and systemic lesions suggests ongoing viral evolution with increased pathogenic potential for ducks. These findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and biosecurity to control HPAI spread in Bangladesh.
Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is one of the most economically important transboundary animal diseases that emerged in Bangladesh in 2019. It has a significant economic impact on household cattle owners in rural settings in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was undertaken in selected areas of the Mymensingh districts of Bangladesh between July 2021 and May 2023. A total of 1,161 blood samples were collected from 105 households and four herds comprising 904 and 257 cattle, respectively. The presence of LSD virus (LSDV) antibodies in serum was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The overall seroprevalence of LSD in the study area during the sampling period was 26.2% (n = 304/1,161; 95% confidence interval: 4.90–10.20). Based on the disease status, the seroprevalence of the recovered animal was 40.07%, significantly higher than that of unvaccinated animals that had been in contact with affected cattle but never showed any visible clinical signs of LSD (23.27%), and the seroprevalence in cattle that were showing clinical signs when serum samples were collected (18.0%). Nonetheless, seroconversion in the vaccinated population lasted 6–12 months after vaccination, and animals that recovered natural infection also exhibited measurable seroconversion up to 6 months after exposure. The study demonstrated the seroprevalence of LSD in cattle kept in rural Bangladeshi households and the duration of antibody responses in animals recovered from natural LSD infection, cattle that were clinically healthy but had circulating LSDV in the herd, and animals vaccinated with vaccines containing goat pox virus or attenuated LSDV. The results of this study help in defining an effective and feasible vaccination strategy considering the duration of immunity after vaccination or natural LSD infection.
Exosomes derived from tumors are critical agents in intercellular communication and the tumor microenvironment, offering a rich source of signatures for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) diagnosis. Conventional diagnostic techniques often suffer from limited sensitivity and can be invasive. This study presents an innovative approach using near-infrared (NIR) digital PCR (dPCR) with black phosphorus-embedded gelatin microcarriers for profiling exosomal miRNAs and modulating STAT3 signaling and macrophage polarization. Microcarriers produced via microfluidics, characterized by their phase-change and photothermal properties, are subjected to thermal cycling using a custom NIR source. The study identified a 4.2-fold increase in miR-210 levels in RCC cells (ACHN and A498) compared to normal cells (HK-2), with miR-126 and miR-30c levels decreasing by 7-9 times. Additionally, the method achieved a 20-fold enrichment of miRNA-34 in exosomes, leading to reduced STAT3 expression and decreased M2 macrophage polarization after co-incubation. This pioneering dPCR method provides a robust tool for early RCC detection through exosomal miRNA profiling and opens new avenues for therapeutic exosome engineering. The study underscores the potential of dPCR-based exosome genotyping in identifying cancer biomarkers and developing novel treatment strategies.
Fowl adenovirus serotype 8b (FAdV-8b) is a major cause of inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) and significant economic losses in the Bangladeshi poultry industry. In this study, FAdV-8b was identified by PCR and confirmed by sequencing in multiple organs from naturally infected commercial broiler and broiler breeder flocks, using 45 samples (three birds per flock). Liver samples from all flocks tested positive, while FAdV-8b was also detected in the spleen (94.3 %), bursa of Fabricius (80 %), kidney (68 %), and pericardial fluid (53.3 %). Gross and histopathological lesions included enlarged, friable livers with necrotic foci, hydropericardium, and characteristic intranuclear inclusion bodies in the liver, kidney, spleen, and thymus. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the detected FAdV-8b strains are closely related to other Bangladeshi isolates. Notably, natural infection resulted in significant upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-18, TNF-alpha) and antiviral IFN-gamma, particularly in the liver and spleen, suggesting a strong innate immune response associated with tissue pathology. These findings establish FAdV-8b as the predominant IBH pathogen in the regions of Bangladesh and underscore the need for ongoing broader surveillance across additional districts and targeted control strategies to mitigate its impact on poultry health and production.
Zoonotic poxviruses, including monkeypox virus (MPV), the causative agent for Mpox disease, have gained significant media and scientific attention due to recent outbreaks in human populations across the globe. The increase in human cases of poxvirus infection is not unexpected, as routine vaccination against smallpox (a disease caused by the poxvirus variola virus, which cross protects against other orthopoxviruses) was discontinued in the 1980s after its eradication. Large numbers of vertebrate and invertebrate species are susceptible to infection by Poxviridae. Clinical signs and histologic lesions caused by genetically different poxviruses can be strikingly similar with some notable exceptions (eg, poxviral infections in fish). The purpose of this article is to review poxvirus pathology and pathogenesis observed in species of agricultural significance including poultry, cattle, goats, sheep, camels, swine, rabbits, horses, salmon, and carp.
In the original publication [...].
Rodents are among the most widespread mammals globally and serve as critical reservoirs for a wide array of zoonotic parasites that significantly impact human health. This review explores the growing public health concern of rodent-borne parasitic diseases, encompassing protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites. Key protozoan parasites include Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania spp., Giardia intestinalis, and Cryptosporidium spp., all of which are capable of causing severe diseases in humans and are found in rodent populations. Zoonotic helminths such as Hymenolepis spp., Trichinella spiralis, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Capillaria hepatica, and Baylisascaris procyonis also demonstrate substantial zoonotic potential. Moreover, ectoparasites like Xenopsylla cheopis, Ornithonyssus bacoti, and Ixodes spp. play key roles in the transmission of vector-borne diseases, including plague, murine typhus, and Lyme disease. Anthropogenic factors, including urbanization, poor sanitation, habitat destruction, and climate change, exacerbate the emergence and spread of these infections. These drivers not only disrupt rodent ecology but also increase the frequency of human–rodent interactions, facilitating zoonotic transmission. Despite the severity of these threats, rodent-borne parasitic diseases remain underrecognized, particularly in low-resource settings where surveillance and control efforts are often limited. This review highlights the pressing need for integrated One Health strategies that encompass rodent population control, environmental hygiene, vector management, and public education. Strengthening global surveillance systems and investing in interdisciplinary research are critical for early detection, risk assessment, and prevention of future outbreaks. Tackling the ecological and environmental drivers of rodent-borne parasitic diseases is essential to safeguard both human and animal health in an increasingly interconnected world.
Objective: Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) subtype H9N2 and Newcastle disease (ND) are the two major economic diseases worldwide. Continuous genetic evolution of both viruses raises concerns about potential vaccine failure under field conditions. The efficacy of commercially available bivalent inactivated vaccines in preventing ND and avian influenza subtype H9N2 in Bangladesh has not been comprehensively assessed. This study aimed to contribute crucial insights into the evaluated vaccine's performance against local field strains and to contribute novel data to optimize poultry vaccination strategies in endemic regions. Materials and Methods: The experimental birds were divided into several groups and were vaccinated according to the manufacturer's recommendation. Serum samples were collected at regular intervals. Antibody levels against H9N2 and ND virus (NDV) were assessed using hemagglutination inhibition and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests, targeting each virus individually. Following the final booster dose, vaccinated and unvaccinated groups were challenged with locally circulating NDV and H9N2 AI virus strains. Results: Vaccinated chickens developed robust antibody responses, with titers progressively increasing after each booster and peaking following the final dose. Upon challenge with circulating strains of NDV and H9N2, the immunized birds exhibited no clinical signs of disease. Moreover, no detectable viral shedding of H9N2 was observed, and only minimal NDV shedding was detected in the vaccinated groups. Conclusion: Our study revealed that all three bivalent inactivated vaccines are effective against LPAI and ND in poultry and elicit a quick and robust antibody response.