Aug 2026· Veterinary parasitology· Vol 347, pp.
110894
· 0 citations· 174 references
Medicine
TL;DR
This review systematically synthesizes key advances over the past decade concerning host-Eimeria interactions, molecular regulatory mechanisms, and novel control strategies, while contextualizing these findings with earlier seminal discoveries.
Abstract
Avian coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria spp., remains a major parasitic disease of poultry and imposes significant economic burdens on the global poultry industry. This review systematically synthesizes key advances over the past decade concerning host-Eimeria interactions, molecular regulatory mechanisms, and novel control strategies, while contextualizing these findings with earlier seminal discoveries. In recent years, novel diagnostic tools based on molecular detection and antigen capture have emerged, offering improved sensitivity and interspecies specificity over conventional methods. These techniques complement traditional approaches relying on oocyst morphology and histopathology, and provide critical support for accurate assessment of field infection status, species and genotype discrimination, monitoring of drug-sensitivity shifts, and elucidation of transmission dynamics. Epidemiological investigations have further revealed the impacts of rearing management, environmental temperature and humidity, host genetic background, and gut microbiota composition on infection kinetics, underscoring the necessity of integrating biosecurity and precision management into regionally tailored control programs. Utilizing chicken embryo and chick infection models, in conjunction with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, single-cell transcriptomics, and high-resolution proteomics, researchers have gained deeper insights into key regulatory genes governing invasion, asexual multiplication, and gametogenesis, as well as invasion-related effector molecules and resistance-associated markers, thereby laying a foundation for the identification of novel intervention targets. In immunology, growing knowledge of the intestinal epithelial barrier response, Th1/Th17 polarization, regulatory T-cell function, and immune evasion strategies (e.g., antigenic variation and downregulation of host antigen presentation) provides a theoretical basis for the rational optimization of subunit vaccines and live oocyst vaccines. On the therapeutic front, novel combination regimens of conventional anticoccidials and plant-derived bioactive compounds have shown efficacy in reducing oocyst shedding and alleviating intestinal lesions, while nanoparticle-based targeted delivery systems and adjuvant combination strategies are being explored to enhance drug bioavailability or vaccine-induced protective immunity. Nevertheless, the effective integration of ever-expanding omics data, immune-protective mechanisms, and field-applicable control measures, while concurrently addressing drug residues and resistance management, remains a central challenge for achieving sustainable coccidiosis control.
Simple Summary Brucellosis imposes heavy economic burdens on livestock and poses a persistent zoonotic threat. Although infection rarely causes death, it commonly triggers abortion and stillbirth; however, the genomic and immunological drivers of this variable clinical outcome are largely unknown. This review brings together scattered findings from genetics, genomics, and transcriptomics to explain how both the animal host and the bacterium shape disease outcome. We highlight practical advances most relevant to veterinary practice: genetic markers that may contribute to breeding programs after independent validation to produce naturally resistant cattle, goats, sheep, and buffalo, and gene-expression signatures that may sharpen diagnosis and disease staging. We also clarify why antimicrobial resistance in Brucella may involve regulatory, metabolic, and chromosomal mechanisms that are not fully captured by classical acquired resistance-gene databases. By identifying where current evidence is strong, weak, or missing, this work offers researchers and practitioners key research priorities for advancing genetics-informed disease control, improving animal welfare, and reducing zoonotic transmission.
Abdul Qadeer, M. Tharwat, Ibrahim F. Halawani et al.· Veterinary Sciences· 0 citations
SUMMARY Leptospirosis, a widespread zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira species, remains a major public health challenge, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Despite advances in understanding Leptospira biology and pathogenesis, effective disease control continues to be limited by the lack of rapid, early diagnostics, and broadly protective vaccines. This review comprehensively examines recent progress in deciphering Leptospira–host interactions, with emphasis on key virulence factors, immune-evasion mechanisms, and host immune responses that influence disease outcomes. Particular focus is placed on the molecular and cellular basis of adhesion, invasion, immune modulation, and persistent colonization. We further discuss the limitations of current vaccines and diagnostic approaches, and highlight how emerging technologies, including pan-genomics, proteomics, reverse vaccinology, immunoinformatics, and omics-based antigen discovery, are facilitating the development of next-generation vaccines and diagnostics. Finally, we outline major translational challenges and future perspectives for improving clinical management, surveillance, and prevention of leptospirosis. The concepts discussed in this review may also provide broader insights into vaccine and diagnostic development for other zoonotic bacterial infections.
Bothammal Palanisamy, Syed M. Faisal· Clinical Microbiology Review...· 0 citations
Abstract Advances in molecular technologies have revolutionized veterinary parasitology, providing highly sensitive and specific tools for the detection, characterization, and surveillance of parasites in domestic and wildlife species. Approaches such as next-generation sequencing, metabarcoding, and metagenomics have significantly enhanced the ability to identify previously unknown or uncultivable species, detect complex coinfections, and deepen our understanding of parasite genetic diversity, evolution, and population dynamics. Beyond their impact on laboratory diagnostics, these tools have proven essential for the early detection of zoonoses, environmental monitoring, and the development of integrated surveillance systems under the One Health framework. This review synthesizes the major technological advances and their practical applications in both global and Latin American contexts, particularly Brazilian, highlighting how the incorporation of these tools has the potential to transform strategies for surveillance, prevention, and response to emerging and re-emerging parasitic diseases. Challenges related to standardization, cost, infrastructure, and technology transfer are also discussed, along with future perspectives for large-scale implementation aimed at strengthening diagnostic capacity and epidemiological surveillance in the face of increasing parasitic threats in a rapidly changing world.
Tayná Padilha Basqueroto Antunes, Edward Antunes· Revista brasileira de parasi...· 0 citations
Anaplasmosis is an important tick-borne disease affecting livestock, companion animals, wildlife and humans worldwide. The disease is caused by obligate intracellular bacteria of the genus Anaplasma, which infect different hematopoietic cells and produce diverse clinical manifestations depending on the host species, pathogen strain, immune status and environmental conditions. In recent years, the epidemiology of anaplasmosis has evolved considerably because of climate change, expansion of tick vectors, increasing animal movement, emergence of novel Anaplasma species and growing zoonotic concerns. Advances in molecular epidemiology, genomics and diagnostic technologies have improved understanding of pathogen diversity, host-pathogen interactions and disease transmission dynamics. This review critically synthesizes recent advances in the epidemiology, genomics, pathogenesis, diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccine development and integrated one health control strategies of anaplasmosis in animals. Recent molecular studies have revealed substantial genetic diversity among circulating Anaplasma isolates and highlighted the emergence of zoonotic species such as Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma capra. The pathogenesis of anaplasmosis involves sophisticated immune evasion mechanisms including antigenic variation, intracellular persistence, apoptosis inhibition and modulation of host immune signaling pathways. Molecular diagnostics such as polymerase chain reaction and next-generation sequencing have improved detection sensitivity, limitations remain in field applicability and carrier-state detection. Therapeutic management continues to rely primarily on tetracyclines; however, persistent carrier states, antimicrobial resistance concerns and incomplete pathogen clearance remain major challenges. Integrated control strategies involving vector management, vaccination, surveillance, biosecurity and climate-resilient approaches are essential for sustainable disease control. Anaplasmosis remains a major constraint to livestock productivity and public health globally. Future control will depend on integrated multidisciplinary approaches combining molecular surveillance, precision diagnostics, vaccine innovation, vector ecology and One Health policy frameworks to address the evolving epidemiology of this economically and zoonotically important disease.
Rajbir Singh, A. Verma, P. S. Maurya et al.· Indian Journal of Animal Res...· 0 citations
Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections represent one of the most significant constraints to the health and productivity of small ruminants worldwide, leading to substantial economic losses and animal welfare concerns. Control of these parasites has historically relied on the extensive use of anthelmintic drugs; however, the rapid emergence and global spread of anthelmintic resistance (AR) have compromised their effectiveness. Resistance is now reported across all major classes of anthelmintics and is particularly prevalent in key species such as Haemonchus contortus. The development of AR is driven by complex mechanisms, including genetic mutations in drug target genes, enhanced drug efflux mediated by transport proteins, alterations in receptor function, and polygenic adaptations. Accurate detection of resistance remains challenging, with conventional methods such as fecal egg count reduction tests and in vitro assays offering limited sensitivity, while molecular diagnostics provide improved specificity but remain constrained by technical and economic factors. Sustainable control of GIN infections requires a shift toward integrated parasite management strategies. Approaches such as targeted selective treatment, maintenance of refugia, improved nutrition, genetic selection for host resistance, and alternative control methods including phytotherapy and biological control have shown promise in reducing reliance on anthelmintics. In conclusion, a multidisciplinary and sustainable approach is essential to mitigate the impact of AR and ensure long-term effectiveness of parasite control strategies in small ruminant production systems.
Zeenat Korai, Shahrukh Khan, S. K. Korai et al.· Molecular and biochemical pa...· 0 citations
This review summarizes the 2025 update of the DISCONTOOLS gap analysis for Paratuberculosis, which was based on scientific literature review combined with expert knowledge. It summarizes recent advances across key areas including diagnostics, epidemiology, pathogenesis, vaccination, genetic resistance and alternative therapies. Progress in understanding host-pathogen interactions and immune responses is highlighted alongside developments in diagnostic tools such as molecular assays and phage-based detection. Vaccination strategies continue to evolve with efforts to improve efficacy and reduce interference with bovine Tuberculosis testing. Genetic studies reveal certain heritability of resistance traits, supporting breeding programs as complementary control measures. Alternative therapies including antibodies, mycobacteriophages, and probiotics show promise for early-life infection management. This review also addresses potential public health implications mostly related to the association with Crohn's disease. Despite advances, significant knowledge gaps persist, emphasizing the need for advanced control strategies or therapies to effectively manage Paratuberculosis in ruminants.
R. Arrazuria, M. Alonso-Hearn, R. Juste et al.· BMC Veterinary Research· 0 citations
