Abstract

Background The specific pathophysiological drivers and host–pathogen–environment factors that dictate the pathogenicity of Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm) remain poorly defined, hindering accurate clinical interpretation and effective disease control. This study provides detailed mechanistic insights into CMhm-associated anaemia in naturally infected cats by integrating analyses of concurrent diseases and comprehensive clinicopathological panels, alongside molecular characterisation in an under-represented region.

Two groups of CMhm-infected cats (anaemic, n = 13; non-anaemic, n = 25) were systematically screened for 14 concurrent infectious, metabolic, or endocrine conditions, alongside extensive haematological, biochemical, and iron profile assessments. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent risk factors, while CMhm molecular diversity was assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results Multivariable analysis identified flea infestation as the sole significant driver of anaemia (OR 7.77; P = 0.04), underscoring a key vector-trigger role and contributing evidence to the ongoing debate on CMhm’s flea-borne transmission. Although specific conditions such as feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukaemia virus, Mycoplasma haemofelis, Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis, and hyperglycaemia were not statistically significant, they may still be biologically relevant. Notably, most cats in the non-anaemic group also had comorbidities, suggesting that disease stage or severity may be more critical than mere presence. Supporting this, the anaemic group showed significantly lower lymphocyte counts and a downward trend in other leucocytes. Anaemia appeared deceptively normocytic-normochromic and non-regenerative despite ongoing CMhm-induced haemolysis, indicating additional counteracting mechanisms. Detailed clinicopathological and concurrent disease investigations pointed to true iron deficiency (flea-related) and functional iron deficiency (inflammatory comorbidities) as contributors. The coexistence of these three opposing pathophysiological processes shaped the paradoxical haematological and iron profile. Molecular analysis identified three CMhm nucleotide sequence types (nSTs) new to the region.

Conclusions The results of this study suggest that CMhm-associated anaemia is likely a secondary condition, in which environmental triggers and host immune status shape disease manifestation. This study elucidates the complex pathophysiological mechanisms underlying anaemia, providing insights to enhance clinical diagnosis and inform control strategies.

Keywords Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum, Feline haemoplasma, Genetic characterisation, Pathophysiology, Pathogenesis, Phylogenetic analysis, Vector-borne transmission, Flea, Retroviruses, Egypt

Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a widely distributed zoonotic foodborne pathogen capable of surviving under harsh environmental conditions, including low pH and high salt concentrations. Eggs and egg products represent one of the most common sources of human salmonellosis, primarily caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. enteritidis). Accordingly, the present study was conducted to perform a molecular investigation of L. monocytogenes and S. enteritidis in table eggs and stool samples obtained from diarrheic patients. A total of 58 pooled samples of fresh hen’s eggs, along with 34 stool samples, were collected and subjected to DNA extraction followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. The results revealed the presence of L. monocytogenes and S. enteritidis DNA in 55.2% and 50% of the examined egg samples, respectively. A higher prevalence of L. monocytogenes was detected on eggshells compared to egg contents. Variations in infection rates were observed based on gender and age; L. monocytogenes infections were more frequently identified in males and younger individuals, whereas S. enteritidis infections were more common among females and older children. Gastrointestinal symptoms were associated with both infections, with abdominal pain being particularly prevalent in patients infected with S. enteritidis. In conclusion, the findings of this study highlight the potential zoonotic risk posed to consumers and underscore the urgent need for implementing effective control programs in laying hen farms.

Keywords Eggs, L. monocytogenes, S. enteritidis, PCR, Stool

Abstract

Probiotics represent a beneficial approach to boost the welfare, health, and meat quality

of poultry. One hundred and twenty one-day-old male Muscovy ducklings were divided

among 24 floor pens (five ducklings per pen). The pens were randomly distributed among

one of four dietary treatments with six replicates (G-C) without any supplementation of

probiotics; (G-A) was supplemented with 0.4 g/kg of Amnil.; (G-M) was supplemented

with 0.5 g/kg of M-Mobilize.; and (G-A-M) was supplemented with 0.4 g/kg of Amnil.

(1–30 day) and 0.5 g/kg of M-Mobilize. (31–60 day), respectively. The results indicated that

BW at day 60 was improved in (G-A) birds compared with (G-C) ones, IL-6 was decreased

in (G-A) and (G-A-M) in liver and spleen in comparison with (G-C) (p < 0.05), but no

differences were observed between (G-C) and (G-M) (p > 0.05); IL-10 was decreased in all

the probiotic-fed ducklings compared with (G-C) birds in the spleen (p < 0.05), and IL-10

was decreased in the (G-A) birds compared with the other treatments in the liver (p < 0.05).

Probiotic-fed birds showed a higher enumeration of Lactobacillus spp. compared to (G-C)

group (p < 0.05). In addition, the (G-M) group showed improved breast meat flavor, general

acceptability, and water-holding capacity (WHC%) compared to (G-C) group (p < 0.05).

These results suggest that the probiotic supplement (G-A), could be a good management

tool for improving Muscovy ducks’ health and production and further research is needed

to improve meat quality traits.

Keywords: Muscovy ducklings; probiotic; welfare; immunity; meat quality