() serves as a multi-host-pathogen regarded as an alarming foodborne infectious disease, causing illnesses of variable severity in both livestock and human beings. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility profiles, and associated antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) of isolates obtained from diseased broiler chickens and native Egyptian buffaloes in Kafr El-Sheikh and Dakahlia governorates, Egypt. In addition, this study investigated the antibacterial activity of chitosan (CS) and chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs), including the estimation of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of CS at concentrations of 1% and 2%, as well as CSNPs. Furthermore, the sub-MIC values were utilized to assess the inhibitory effects of CS and CSNPs on swarming motility. was detected in 68% (34/50) of broiler chickens and 40.74% (11/27) of buffaloes. Interestingly, all isolates were tested against 21 antimicrobial drugs and showed high resistance against either critical, highly important, or important antimicrobial drugs. For chicken-originated , 50% (17/34) of isolates were revealed to be extensively drug-resistant (XDR) and 50% (17/34) of isolates were revealed to be pan-drug-resistant (PDR). Meanwhile, 9.09% (1/11) of buffalo-originated isolates were revealed to be XDR and 90.91% (10/11) of the isolates were revealed to be PDR. Among isolates from broiler chickens, the prevalence of resistance genes was as follows: 1 (97.06%), A1 (100%), 2 (97.06%), A1 (44.12%), A1 (97.06%), (M) (81.82%), B (23.53%), A (0%), A (47.06%), S (0%), A (0%), 1 (11.76%), (97.06%), (26.47%), (2.94%), (41.18%), and (0%). The corresponding detection rates in buffalo-derived isolates were 100%, 100%, 90.91%, 63.64%, 100%, 70.59%, 18.18%, 0%, 9.09%, 0%, 0%, 18.18%, 81.82%, 18.18%, 18.18%, 63.64%, and 0%, respectively. Carbapenemase genes were found in none of the isolates from either species. CSNPs demonstrated superior antibacterial and anti-virulence activity against resistant . CSNPs exhibited significantly lower MIC (0.067-0.081 mg/mL) and MBC (0.167-0.177 mg/mL) values compared with conventional CS formulations (MIC: 3.25-4.5 mg/mL; MBC: 6.67-9.08 mg/mL) in both broiler and buffalo isolates. In inhibition zone assays, the CSNPs + ciprofloxacin (CIP) combination showed the highest efficacy with a 50-58% increase in the inhibition area. Both CSNPs and CS 2% substantially reduced swarming motility by 45-52%, with CSNPs showing the strongest inhibitory effect. These outcomes highlight how carries and disseminates antibiotic resistance, presenting serious threats to health policy and livestock. Also, CS or CSNPs, either alone or enhanced with CIP, are effective in vitro against resistant , which promotes the treatment of infections to guarantee a bactericidal impact.

The ecological role and overlap with urban environments make wild carnivores useful epidemiological sentinels for several pathogens. The present study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of , and in red foxes () from Central and Southern Italy. Sera from 120 foxes were analyzed using IFAT with a 1:20 cut-off value. Overall, seropositivity was highest for (68.5%), followed by (15.0%) and (3.3%). Multivariable logistic regression models with stepwise selection identified age class and location as significant predictor factors for exposure, with adults and red foxes from Southern Italy showing higher levels of prevalence. No significant associations with epidemiological risk factors were detected for or . Co-infections were detected in 15% of red foxes with a statistically significant positive association between and . These findings highlight that red foxes, being scavengers, are particularly exposed to food-borne pathogens, especially to , and prove once again that they are reliable epidemiological sentinels for parasites that circulate at the wild-domestic interface.

species isolated from chicken meat pose an increasing threat to public health. According to ECDC data, salmonellosis cases have shown a significant upward trend in many European countries between 2019 and 2023, almost reaching pre-pandemic levels. EFSA reported 77,486 confirmed human cases in the EU in 2023. This corresponds to a notification rate of 18 cases per 100,000 people, compared to 15.4 cases per 100,000 in 2022. This study evaluated the prevalence of spp., antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles, and the effectiveness of natural biological preservatives in raw chicken meat obtained from retail outlets in Southeast Turkey. Among 100 samples analyzed according to ISO 6579-1:2017, suspicious colonies were detected after selective enrichment in XLD and n = 3 isolates were confirmed to be subsp. serovar Infantis by real-time PCR. Disk diffusion tests performed in accordance with EUCAST showed that all isolates were resistant to beta-lactam, tetracycline, trimethoprim, sulfonomid and aminoglycoside groups. All isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant. PCR detected (all isolates), (all isolates), (two isolates), and (all isolates), while / genes were not detected. Among the natural compounds tested, carvacrol showed the strongest antimicrobial activity (MIC 1.56 µL/mL; MBC 3.125-6.25 µL/mL; inhibition zones 32-35 mm). Eugenol showed moderate effects with higher MIC/MBC values (3.125-6.25 µL/mL/12.25 µL/mL), while α-terpineol was effective only at higher concentrations. These findings are consistent with the global increase in Infantis and AMR, supporting carvacrol followed by eugenol and α-terpineol as promising natural alternatives for controlling MDR spp. in food safety applications.

Pangenotypic direct-acting antivirals (pDAAs) have transformed hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. In Italy, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) are available. While both show similar efficacy, differences in patient profiles and potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) may influence treatment choice. This study examined factors affecting pDAA selection and potential prescribing gaps. Using administrative databases (2018-2023) covering 3.7 million citizens, HCV patients were divided into SOF/VEL and GLE/PIB cohorts and compared by demographic, clinical, and therapeutic data. Among 5565 patients, 2837 (51%) received SOF/VEL and 2728 (49%) received GLE/PIB. SOF/VEL patients were older (60.8 vs. 57.6 years, < 0.001) and had more comorbidities: diabetes (24% vs. 17%), mental disorders (22% vs. 14%), cancer (14% vs. 9%), and cardiovascular disease (31% vs. 22%). Hospitalization rates were higher (19% vs. 13%), as were exemption codes for chronic hepatitis (58% vs. 50%) and hypertension (32% vs. 23%). Polypharmacy was more common with SOF/VEL; 25% used ≥10 non-pDAA drugs (vs. 17%), and mean medications per patient were higher (6.3 ± 5.6 vs. 4.9 ± 5.2). SOF/VEL was often used for older, frailer patients, likely due to a more favourable DDI profile. These prescribing trends highlight the importance of tailoring pDAA choice to patient comorbidity profiles, ensuring appropriate and individualized HCV treatment.

and are intracellular protozoan parasites that cause reproductive failure and production losses in ruminants. Considering the limited information on the epidemiology of these infections in goats in different climate regions, this study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence and potential risk factors associated with parasitic infections in Mexico. Blood samples were collected from 627 goats in dry and temperate climates in two different states. The levels of and IgG antibodies were determined using commercially available ELISA kits. The prevalence of in the dry and temperate climate, dry climate alone, and temperate climate alone were 52.0%, 57.1%, and 48%, respectively. The prevalence of in the dry and temperate climate, dry climate alone, and temperate climate alone were 15.5%, 19.0%, and 12.7%, respectively. Using animal characteristics and farm management information obtained from a questionnaire and remotely sensed climate data, bivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with parasite infections. Significant differences in the seroprevalence of in goats were observed between sexes in the temperate climate. The history of abortion was the most significant risk factor for in the dry climate. Factors such as goat age and history of abortion were significantly associated with high seropositivity of in the dry climate. Sex and the presence of cats were identified as significant factors for in regions with a dry and temperate climate. Abortion and climate regions were common risk factors for these infections in the dry and temperate climate regions. The results indicate that regionally adapted monitoring and control programmes may be developed to reduce the prevalence of these two parasites and reduce production losses in the livestock industry.

In the original publication [...].

is a spirochete associated with Lyme borreliosis and is widely distributed across Eurasia. Although its genomic features have been well characterized in Europe, genomic data from East Asian isolates remain limited. Two strains, HN13 and HN18, were isolated from a wild rodent () in South Korea and subjected to whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomic analysis. Their genomic features were compared with those of a tick-derived Korean strain 935 and additional global reference genomes. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that strain HN18 clustered closely with French strains CIP103362 and 20047, whereas strain HN13 showed high chromosomal similarity to the Korean strain 935. Both rodent-derived strains harbored plasmids carrying virulence-associated genes, including and silent cassettes, which were absent in strain 935. This study provides new genomic insights into circulating in East Asia and reveals host-associated plasmid variation linked to virulent potential. This study also suggests possible trans-Eurasian gene flow and underscores the need for continued genomic surveillance to better understand the evolution and epidemiology of species.

The porcine origin rotavirus A (RVA) G5 genotype is notable for its unique and sustained human circulation in Brazil, primarily as G5P[8] during the 1980s-2000s. This study aimed to characterize and investigate the full genome of a rare G5P[6] strain detected in 2013 (RVA/Human-wt/BRA/IAL-R406/2013/G5P[6]) to elucidate its evolutionary origin throughout RT-PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. Whole-genome assessment revealed an atypical G5-P[6]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T7-E1-H1 constellation. The IAL-R406 VP7 (classified in Lineage I) was closely related to G5 strains that have circulated in both humans and pigs in Brazil for nearly three decades, showing no evidence of recent variant introduction. The VP4 P[6] (assigned as Lineage I) was genetically similar to Paraguayan and Argentinian G4P[6] porcine-like strains, indicating a regional swine reservoir and zoonotic RVA spillover in South America. The remaining nine segments support the animal-human reassortant origin of IAL-R406, showing broad similarity to porcine-like human and porcine strains described worldwide, with additional relationships to bovine (Republic of Korea, USA), feline-like human (Brazil), equine (UK), simian (Caribbean), wild boar/fox (Croatia), and classical human (Japan, USA) strains. In particular, the NSP1-A8 and NSP3-T7 genotypes, extremely rare in humans yet widespread in animals, especially swine, strongly indicate interspecies reassortment, likely resulting from porcine-to-human transmission. Together, these findings reinforce swine as a persistent reservoir for zoonotic RVA infections and highlight the importance of a One Health approach integrating human and animal surveillance to better understand RVA cross-species transmission and evolution.

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a major cause of preventable morbidity in low- and middle-income countries. As the most serious sequel of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) caused by , RHD arises from molecular mimicry that drives autoimmune damage of cardiac valves. We systematically reviewed human studies (1977-2025) following PRISMA to clarify systemic immune signatures associated with valvular pathology. Searches of PubMed, LILACS, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science found 29 studies: 22 RHD and 7 ARF. In ARF, elevations in IL-6, IL-8, IL-17F, GM-CSF, TNF-a, and CXCL10 occurred alongside increased activity of CD4 Th1 and MAIT cells. In RHD, a consistent inflammatory-fibrotic profile emerged with raised IL-17, IFN-γ, TNF-a, TGF-β1, Tenascin-C, and prothymosin alpha (ProTα) in blood and valve tissue. CD4 and CD8 T cells were implicated in valve injury; ProTα correlated with cytotoxic activity of circulating CD8 T cells. Several mediators (IL-6, TNF-a, IL-8, CXCL10, CCL2, CCL19) were identified in RHD studies as being associated with inflammation, cell recruitment, and clinical severity. Systemic dysregulation mirrored local valve inflammation, suggesting circulating molecules may index ongoing cardiac damage. These findings underscore a central role for T cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines in RHD and highlight candidate prognostic markers and therapeutic targets to inform translational studies and trials.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is widespread in multi-cat environments and typically causes acute upper respiratory tract disease (URTD). FCV also causes outbreaks of virulent systemic disease (VSD), mainly in adults, with multiple organ involvement. In this study, an FCV-VSD infection was described in a less-one-month-old Maine Coon kitten originating from a cattery where an outbreak of FCV-URTD had previously been reported. After spontaneous death, post-mortem examination as well as histopathological, immunohistochemical, bacteriological and virological investigations were carried out. Pathological findings were consistent with severe pneumonia and cutaneous oedema of the footpads. No concomitant bacterial infection was detected. FCV RNA was detected in several organs and the highest amount of viral RNA was observed in the lung sample, in which the presence of the FCV antigen was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. With the same immunohistochemical technique, the IBA-1 antibody detected sparse alveolar macrophages, the main viral target cell and pulmonary replication site. The nucleotide sequences of the viral ORF2 gene amplified from all positive tissues were identical with each other and phylogeny confirms that highly virulent FCV strains are not distinguishable from FCV-URTD phenotypes. Our findings reinforce the hypothesis that VSD outbreaks can occur even in small populations, due to the high genetic variability of FCV.

This study was designed to determine the differences between brucellosis patients whose standard tube agglutination test (SAT) titers decreased or not after successful treatment. This retrospective study included patients with a course of antibiotic therapy at least 6 weeks for acute brucellosis or 12 weeks for osteoarticular involvement, and whose post-treatment clinical findings improved. The mean age of the 276 patients was 45.2 years, and 50.7% were female. The SAT titer decreased in 166 patients (60%). No significant differences were found in terms of demographical and epidemiological characteristics between the groups. Patients with decreased SAT titers exhibited an elevated pre-treatment erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and the lymphocytosis was more prevalent. In the non-decreased SAT group, liver enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values after treatment were higher. The initial SAT titer of 1/160 and the pre-treatment rates of anaemia and thrombocytopenia were significantly higher in patients whose SAT titers became negative. Among patients whose SAT titers remained positive, the initial SAT titer was more frequently ≥1/320, and the post-treatment AST value was higher. This study showed that a serological response can be obtained with a high ESR and lymphocytosis prior to treatment. It should be noted that SAT negativity cannot be observed immediately in patients with pre-treatment SAT titers ≥ 1/320. The healthcare providers are advised to consider the complete clinical picture without relying solely on serological results.

Antimicrobial resistance in healthcare-associated infections represents one of the greatest threats to global health. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted infection control and antimicrobial stewardship, potentially affecting the prevalence of pathogens and the development of resistance. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and clonal dissemination of ESKAPE pathogens isolated from bloodstream infections during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic in four tertiary-care hospitals in Mexico. A total of 926 isolates were analyzed: (22.4%), (22%), (21.5%), (12.5%), (9.4%), (8.4%), and (3.8%). High rates of multidrug resistance were observed in (70.9% XDR) and (71% XDR plus MDR with 79% ESBL). and showed the highest susceptibility rates (53% and 48%, respectively) to all antimicrobials. The main β-lactamases involved in resistance were , , and in while the predominant carbapenemases were , in and in Among Gram-positives, methicillin-resistant accounted for 33.8% of isolates, and vancomycin resistance was higher in (28%) than in (1.3%). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed endemic circulation of clones (Pulsotypes 1AC, 2AM), persistent for over a decade, and interhospital dissemination of and clones. These findings underscore the epidemiological relevance of MDR ESKAPE pathogens during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight the urgent need to optimize empirical therapy and maintain continuous genomic surveillance to enhance infection control in Mexican hospitals.

Enteritis is a common and recurrent disease in shrimp aquaculture, causing significant economic losses and management challenges. However, its specific causative pathogen remains unclear. Here, a pathogen strain, VSP1, was directly isolated from shrimp with enteritis, and its pathogenicity and genomic characteristics were analyzed. Diseased shrimp exhibited lethargy, empty gut, hepatopancreatic atrophy, and severe intestinal damage. The gut bacterial community of diseased shrimp differed significantly from healthy shrimp (PERMANOVA, < 0.05), with a 129% increase in relative abundance. Nine operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were enriched in diseased shrimp, and the dominant OTU1 shared 100% 16S rRNA identity with VSP1. VSP1 grew rapidly, utilized diverse carbon sources, and induced enteritis symptoms in over 90% of challenged shrimp. Genome analysis revealed 98.34% average nucleotide identity with ATCC 17802 and identified 156 putative virulence-related genes, mainly related to adherence, motility, and secretion systems. Unlike the strain ATCC 17802, VSP1 lacks thermostable direct hemolysin (TDH) and type III secretion system 2 (T3SS2), but contains alternative virulence factors such as -like type IV pili and lipooligosaccharides, suggesting a distinct virulence strategy. This study identifies the pathogen responsible for shrimp enteritis and provides a foundation for targeted control strategies in aquaculture.

Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is a life-threatening complication of sickle cell disease (SCD) with complex infectious and non-infectious etiologies. Bacterial pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and atypical organisms such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, play crucial roles in ACS pathogenesis, particularly in immunocompromised SCD patients with functional asplenia. Despite the importance of infectious triggers, regional data on pathogen identification rates and antimicrobial management strategies in ACS remain limited, especially from high-prevalence SCD regions. This study aimed to investigate the infectious etiologies, pathogen identification patterns, and antimicrobial management outcomes of ACS in adult SCD patients in Eastern Saudi Arabia. A five-year retrospective analysis was conducted on patients aged ≥14 years with SCD who were admitted with ACS to Dammam Medical Complex between 2018 and 2022. Comprehensive microbiological evaluation included blood cultures, sputum cultures, and atypical pathogen testing (Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae). Data on antimicrobial regimens, pathogen identification rates, vaccination status against encapsulated bacteria, and clinical outcomes were systematically analyzed. Empirical antibiotic strategies and their effectiveness in this immunocompromised population were evaluated. A total of 60 adult SCD patients experiencing 80 episodes of ACS were included. Despite comprehensive microbiological workup, specific infectious pathogens were identified in only 8 (10.0%) episodes, highlighting the complex multifactorial etiology of ACS. Blood cultures yielded pathogens in 5 (6.3%) cases, sputum cultures in 4 (5.0%) cases, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae was identified in 3 (3.8%) episodes. All patients received empirical broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy, with ceftriaxone and azithromycin combination being the most frequent regimen (76 cases, 95.0%), providing coverage for both typical and atypical bacterial pathogens. Antibiotic escalation was required in 16 (20.0%) episodes. Vaccination rates against Streptococcus pneumoniae were suboptimal at 30 (50.0%), representing a significant risk factor for invasive bacterial infections in this functionally asplenic population. The intensive care unit (ICU) admission rate was 15 (18.8%), and in-hospital mortality was 3 (3.8%), with infectious complications contributing to severe outcomes. In this cohort of SCD patients, ACS demonstrated low rates of specific pathogen identification despite systematic microbiological investigation, supporting the multifactorial infectious and non-infectious etiology of this syndrome. The predominant use of broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy targeting both typical and atypical bacterial pathogens proved effective in this immunocompromised population. However, suboptimal vaccination rates against encapsulated bacteria represent a critical gap in infection prevention strategies. These findings emphasize the importance of empirical antimicrobial coverage for suspected bacterial pathogens in ACS management and highlight the urgent need for enhanced vaccination programs to prevent infectious complications in functionally asplenic SCD patients.

is a cause of severe clinical bovine mastitis; however, it is not yet fully understood what makes mastitis-associated bacteria different from commensal strains at the genetic level. The goal of this study was to compare the genomic features, sequence types, virulence, and antibiotic resistance profiles of isolated from healthy cows and cows with clinical mastitis in Northern Italy.

Bacterial liver abscess (BLA), accounting for approximately 80% of all liver abscesses, is a severe suppurative infection of the liver. Although gut microbiota dysbiosis has been implicated in BLA pathogenesis, causal evidence remains limited. Here, we integrate Mendelian randomization (MR) and clinical cohort studies to systematically evaluate the causal role of gut microbiota in BLA. Using summary-level genetic data from MiBioGen, GWAS Catalog, and the Pan-UK Biobank, we identified several causal microbial taxa: Coprococcus, Veillonellaceae (including Dialister), and Klebsiella were positively associated with BLA risk, whereas Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium appeared protective. Clinical validation confirmed significant enrichment of Veillonella, Dialister, and Streptococcus in the gut and oral microbiota of BLA patients, contrasting with the predominance of Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium in healthy controls. Klebsiella was the most abundant genus in abscess pus, and gut microbial metabolic profiling revealed marked upregulation of glycolytic pathways in BLA patients. These results indicate that gut dysbiosis exacerbates BLA development through microenvironmental disruption and metabolic reprogramming. Our findings provide mechanistic insights into BLA etiology and suggest microbiota-targeted interventions as promising strategies for prevention and treatment.

Blood transfusions are indispensable in Veterinary Medicine, providing therapeutic support in cases of hematological disorders. Several pathogens can cause disease and/or exacerbate the condition of immunocompromised dogs or those requiring a transfusion. This study aimed to investigate the molecular occurrence of hemopathogens ( spp., spp., spp., piroplasmids, and hemoplasmas) in blood donor and patient dogs using samples from a clinical veterinary laboratory in Brazil. One hundred blood samples were collected from each group. All dogs tested negative for spp. in all performed assays. Among the 100 dogs from the clinical veterinary laboratory, 15% (95% CI: 9.3-23.3) tested positive for spp., 6% (95% CI: 2.8-12.5) for spp., 3% (95% CI: 1.0-8.5) for spp., and 2% (95% CI: 0.6-7.0) for hemoplasmas. Blood donor dogs tested positive for hemoplasmas (5%) (95% CI: 2.2-11.2). Additional conventional and real-time PCR assays followed by sequencing confirmed the presence of , , , ' Mycoplasma haematoparvum', and . The molecular detection of , , '. M. haematoparvum', and in dogs from midwestern Brazil reinforces the relevance of molecular tools in diagnosing hemopathogens. This is the first molecular detection of hemoplasmas in canine blood donors from Brazil. This finding indicates their silent circulation and highlights the importance of molecular screening to prevent the worsening of clinical conditions and the risk of turning recipients into new sources of infection.

Swine respiratory disease (SRD) is a complex interaction whereby viral infection predisposes the host to secondary bacterial pulmonary invasion, which may be fatal. Antimicrobial agents remain an important therapy and serve to reduce morbidity and mortality in treated animals. Pradofloxacin is the newest of the veterinary antibiotics to be approved to treat SRD. It is a dual-targeting fluoroquinolone with in vitro and clinical activity against Gram-negative and -positive bacteria, along with atypical agents including anaerobes. In this study, we compared the killing of , and by pradofloxacin and comparator antibiotics in a 3 h kill assay, using four clinically relevant drug concentrations. Pradofloxacin was bactericidal against the three pathogens, with kill rates ranging from 94.4 to 99.9% () following 15-20 min of exposure to the maximum serum and maximum tissue drug concentration. For , the kill rates were 68.7-96.9% following 5-30 min of drug exposure at the maximum serum drug concentration, and 91.7% following 5 min of drug exposure at the maximum tissue drug concentration. For , pradofloxacin killed 92.4-99.4% and 71.6-97.1% of cells following 60-180 min of drug exposure at the maximum serum and maximum tissue drug concentration, respectively. Pradofloxacin appears to be an important addition to the drugs currently available for treating SRD.

Bromoepiandrosterone (BEA), a synthetic analog of the adrenal steroid DHEA, holds promise as a host-directed therapy for both active and latent tuberculosis (TB). Unlike DHEA, BEA lacks hormonal side effects yet retains potent immunomodulatory activity. It promotes a Th1-skewed immune response by enhancing interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), critical cytokines for macrophage activation and intracellular control of (Mtb), while suppressing Th2 cytokines such as IL-4. BEA also inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1, lowering intracellular cortisol levels and reversing the local immunosuppression commonly seen in TB. These features enable BEA to restore immune competency in TB-infected tissues. In murine TB models, BEA halted bacterial growth, reduced pulmonary inflammation, and synergized with standard anti-TB drugs to enhance bacterial clearance. Additionally, DHEA and its analogues have demonstrated direct antimycobacterial activity, likely by interfering with Mtb mycolic acid synthesis, a property BEA is believed to share. For latent TB, BEA's ability to sustain Th1-mediated immunity and counteract immune suppression could help maintain latency and prevent reactivation, especially in immunocompromised individuals. By boosting immune surveillance and potentially contributing to bacillary clearance, BEA offers a unique adjunctive approach that complements existing TB treatments without contributing to drug resistance. Its dual function, an immune modulator and antimicrobial agent, supports its use across the TB disease spectrum. These properties position BEA as a novel candidate for host-directed therapy aimed at improving outcomes in both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB, as well as therapies aimed at enhancing long-term containment of latent infection.

remains the leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in children under five years, despite widespread vaccine use. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare and vaccination delivery, while non-pharmacological interventions may have influenced transmission. We conducted hospital-based surveillance of gastroenteritis at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre, Malawi, from October 2019 to October 2024. Children under five presenting with acute gastroenteritis were enrolled; 99.1% of vaccine-eligible participants had received at least one vaccine dose. Stool samples were tested for by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and genotyped using RT-PCR. Among 1135 enrolled children, 29.1% (330/1135) were -positive. Cases occurred year-round except for December 2020-January 2021, when no infections were detected, and February-March 2023, when no samples were collected. The prevalence varied significantly by age group between children greater than 23 months of age to the rest of the age groups (<6 months, 6-11 months, and 12-22 months) ( = 0.0046). The most common G-genotypes were G3 (38.7%), G2 (25.4%), and G12 (17.2%), with G2 emerging as the predominant strain from June 2023. G3P[8] was the most frequent G-P combination (25%). Its overall prevalence did not change during the pandemic; however, genotype distribution shifted compared to pre-COVID-19 patterns. Sustained surveillance and genomic analyses are essential to monitor evolving strain dynamics and inform vaccine policy.

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