Eduardo Martínez-Manzanares

Veterinarians are routinely exposed to occupational infectious hazards at the human–animal interface, making vaccination an important preventive measure within a One Health framework. However, evidence on vaccination coverage and immunization practices in this professional group remains limited. This study assessed self-reported vaccination coverage, attitudes toward vaccination, perceived barriers, and training needs among registered veterinarians in Málaga, Spain. A cross-sectional anonymous survey was distributed to all actively practicing veterinarians registered with the Official Veterinary Association of Málaga. The questionnaire collected sociodemographic and professional information, self-reported vaccination status, attitudes toward vaccination, and perceived training needs. A total of 164 veterinarians participated (response rate: 15.2%). Given the voluntary nature of participation, findings should be interpreted as descriptive. Vaccination coverage was low for several vaccines relevant to occupational or adult immunization, including seasonal influenza (21.3%), rabies (23.2%), and tetanus–diphtheria–pertussis boosters (47.3%). Nearly half of respondents (49.1%) were uncertain about their hepatitis B vaccination status. In contrast, COVID-19 vaccination uptake was high (96.9% received at least one dose). Although most participants considered vaccination highly important, self-reported coverage remained limited for several recommended vaccines. Qualitative responses identified barriers related to access to vaccination, information, and the absence of structured occupational vaccination programmes. Among the surveyed veterinarians in Málaga, these findings support the need for clearer occupational vaccination recommendations, improved access to immunization services, and enhanced vaccinology training. Such measures could strengthen occupational health protection and support One Health prevention strategies at the human–animal interface.

Veterinarians are occupationally exposed to zoonotic pathogens and may therefore be at increased risk of vaccine-preventable diseases. However, evidence on vaccination coverage and immunization practices in this professional group remains limited. This study assessed vaccination coverage, perceptions, and barriers to immunization among registered veterinarians in Málaga, Spain, within a One Health framework. A cross-sectional anonymous survey was distributed to all registered veterinarians in the province. The questionnaire collected sociodemographic and professional information, self-reported vaccination status, attitudes toward vaccination, and training needs. A total of 164 veterinarians participated. Vaccination coverage was low for several occupationally relevant vaccines, including seasonal influenza (21.3%) and rabies (23.2%). Nearly half of respondents were unaware of their hepatitis B vaccination status. In contrast, COVID-19 vaccine uptake was high (96.9%). Although most participants considered vaccination highly important, a marked gap between positive attitudes and actual vaccination practices was identified. These findings highlight important gaps in occupational immunization among veterinarians and support the need for improved vaccination strategies, easier access to immunization programs, and enhanced vaccinology training. Strengthening vaccination coverage among veterinary professionals may also contribute to zoonotic disease prevention and preparedness at the human–animal interface within a One Health approach.

Vibrio proteolyticus DCF12.2 has demonstrated its ability to be used as a probiotic for fish species. This study investigates how different culture conditions influence the activity of its extracellular products (ECPs) in aquaculture, focusing on enzymatic and antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity, biofilm modulation, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles, and effects on Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida virulence. Enzymatic assays showed a variety of hydrolytic activities, including amylase, caseinase, and collagenase, which can enhance digestion and nutrient absorption in fish. Antibacterial assays revealed that ECPs from V. proteolyticus grown in an experimental aquafeed and a partial replacement of that aquafeed by 25% of a blend of microalgae inhibited P. damselae subsp. piscicida and P. damselae subsp. damselae. Cytotoxicity assays indicated variable effects across fish cell lines, with increased viability in SAF-1 and DLB-1 cells under specific conditions, and decreased viability in PLHC-1 cells, suggesting potential antitumor properties. Biofilm assays showed that certain ECP conditions reduced biofilm formation by Vibrio anguillarum, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Tenacibaculum maritimum. SCFA profiling detected acetic, iso-valeric, butyric, and valeric acids, which may contribute to antimicrobial activity and gut health. The ECPs significantly downregulated aip56 gene transcription, reducing the virulence of P. damselae subsp. piscicida. These findings suggest that ECPs from V. proteolyticus could be valuable aquafeed additives for enhancing fish nutrition, health, and disease resistance. Future research should aim to isolate and characterize the specific bioactive compounds responsible for these effects and elucidate their mechanisms of action for optimized application in aquaculture and other biotechnological fields.

The use of postbiotics for dietary fortification in aquaculture is gaining increasing attention due to their potential immunomodulatory and gut health benefits. In this study, we evaluated the effects of postbiotics derived from Vibrio proteolyticus DCF12.2 on intestinal histology, microbiota composition, and the expression of genes related to epithelial integrity and inflammation in juvenile gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Fish were fed either a control (CRTL) diet or the postbiotic-supplemented diet (VP) for 62 days. At the end of the feeding trial, a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge was conducted to evaluate the immune response in fish. Histological analysis revealed a healthy mucosa in both groups, though fish fed the VP diet reduced fold height and mucosal layer thickness, alongside a significant increase in goblet cells. Microbiota profiling indicated higher alpha diversity and significant shifts in community composition in the VP group, including enrichment of potentially beneficial genera (Pseudomonas, Sphingomonas) and depletion of opportunistic taxa (Enterococcus, Stenotrophomonas). After the feeding trial, fish fed the VP diet exhibited downregulation of pro-inflammatory markers (tnfα, cox2). Following LPS challenge, cdh1—a key epithelial adhesion protein required for maintaining intestinal barrier integrity—expression was upregulated significantly in the VP group, suggesting enhanced epithelial resilience. These findings demonstrate that dietary fortification with V. proteolyticus-derived postbiotics supports mucosal health as well as modulates the intestinal microbiota and immune responses in gilthead seabream juveniles, offering a promising strategy for functional aquafeed development in sustainable aquaculture.

Background and Aim: Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus aureus are common colonizing pathogens in companion animals. These opportunistic pathogens can cause infections of varying frequency and severity in humans and pets. Studies on Staphylococcus colonization in veterinarians are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the colonization of the nostrils and hands by S. aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and S. pseudintermedius among healthy clinical practice veterinarians in the province of Malaga (Spain), with a particular focus on their potential antibiotic resistance. Materials and Methods: A request for voluntary participation was extended to professionals from the Official College of Veterinarians of Malaga. Nasal and hand swabs were collected by two trained technicians in January 2024, and all samples were delivered to the laboratory within 24 h. Gram staining, catalase, oxidase, and coagulase tests were performed. The susceptibility of the isolated bacteria to 11 antibiotics was evaluated. Results: A total of 50 clinical practice veterinarians were enrolled in the study, comprising 36 women and 14 men from 31 veterinary clinics across Málaga province. A total of 32% of the nasal samples yielded S. aureus, whereas 64% were found to contain S. epidermidis. In total, 30% of the hand samples yielded S. aureus and 30% yielded S. epidermidis. The participants did not exhibit any strains of S. pseudintermedius in their nasal samples or hands. Two strains (11.1%) of methicillin-resistant S. aureus were isolated from 18 strains isolated from nostrils. Furthermore, a high prevalence of S. aureus strains resistant to ampicillin (94.4%) and amoxicillin (72.2%) was observed. Conclusion: The colonization profiles of veterinary professionals were similar to those observed in the general population. Further research is required among veterinary professionals, companion animals, and their owners to better understand the colonization processes and the pet-human interface within a “One Health” approach. Keywords: antibiotic resistance, drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, one health, Seroprevalence, Staphylococcus colonization, veterinarians.

The use of functional feeds in aquaculture is currently increasing. This study aimed to assess the combined impact of dietary green microalgae Chlorella fusca and ethanol-inactivated Vibrio proteolyticus DCF12.2 (CVP diet) on thick-lipped grey mullet (Chelon labrosus) juvenile fish. The effects on intestinal microbiota and the transcription of genes related to metabolism, stress, and the immune system were investigated after 90 days of feeding. Additionally, the fish were challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila and polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) to evaluate the immune response. Microbiota analysis revealed no significant differences in alpha and beta diversity between the anterior and posterior intestinal sections of fish fed the control (CT) and CVP diets. The dominant genera varied between the groups; Pseudomonas and Brevinema were most abundant in the CVP group, whereas Brevinema, Cetobacterium, and Pseudomonas were predominant in the CT group. However, microbial functionality remained unaltered. Gene expression analysis indicated notable changes in hif3α, mhcII, abcb1, mx, and tnfα genes in different fish organs on the CVP diet. In the head kidney, gene expression variations were observed following challenges with A. hydrophila or poly I:C, with higher peak values seen in fish injected with poly I:C. Moreover, c3 mRNA levels were significantly up-regulated in the CVP group 72 h post-A. hydrophila challenge. To conclude, incorporating C. fusca with V. proteolyticus in C. labrosus diet affected the microbial species composition in the intestine while preserving its functionality. In terms of gene expression, the combined diet effectively regulated the transcription of stress and immune-related genes, suggesting potential enhancement of fish resistance against stress and infections.

We aimed to describe the Hepatitis A virus (HAV) cases that arose in Malaga (Spain) in 2016 and 2017 when the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reported several outbreaks among men who have sex with men (MSM). Therefore, we conducted a retrospective study gathering demographic, clinical, and immunological data from the acute HAV patients attending our hospital between March 2016 and December 2017. Additionally, VP1/P2A region was amplified from serum samples, sequenced, and genotyped. We finally performed a phylogenetic analysis, including the HAV strains from the other European outbreaks. A total of 184 HAV cases were reported, with the highest number in March 2017. The cohort mostly comprised Spaniards (81.0%), males (84.8%), and MSM (72.3%), with a median age of 33.0 years (interquartile range (IQR) = 25.0–43.0). Most patients exhibited symptoms. In addition, a successful amplification and sequencing of the VP1/P2A region was performed in 25 out of 106 serum samples (23.6%). All the sequences belonged to the genotype IA, and 20 were phylogenetically related to VRD_521_2016, first described in the United Kingdom (UK). In conclusion, HAV cases emerged in Malaga in 2016 and 2017, showing an epidemic character phylogenetically related to the predominant strain first detected in the UK. Characteristics of the cohort were similar to those from the European outbreaks.

One of the main bioactive compounds of interest from the Ulva species is the sulfated polysaccharide ulvan, which has recently attracted attention for its anticancer properties. This study investigated the cytotoxic activity of ulvan polysaccharides obtained from Ulva rigida in the following scenarios: (i) in vitro against healthy and carcinogenic cell lines (1064sk (human fibroblasts), HACAT (immortalized human keratinocytes), U-937 (a human leukemia cell line), G-361 (a human malignant melanoma), and HCT-116 (a colon cancer cell line)) and (ii) in vivo against zebrafish embryos. Ulvan exhibited cytotoxic effects on the three human cancer cell lines tested. However, only HCT-116 demonstrated sufficient sensitivity to this ulvan to make it relevant as a potential anticancer treatment, presenting an LC₅₀ of 0.1 mg mL⁻¹. The in vivo assay on the zebrafish embryos showed a linear relationship between the polysaccharide concentration and growth retardation at 7.8 hpf mL mg⁻¹, with an LC₅₀ of about 5.2 mg mL⁻¹ at 48 hpf. At concentrations near the LC₅₀, toxic effects, such as pericardial edema or chorion lysis, could be found in the experimental larvae. Our in vitro study supports the potential use of polysaccharides extracted from U. rigida as candidates for treating human colon cancer. However, the in vivo assay on zebrafish indicated that the potential use of ulvan as a promising, safe compound should be limited to specific concentrations below 0.001 mg mL⁻¹ since it revealed side effects on the embryonic growth rate and osmolar balance.

Zoonotic parasitic diseases are considered a global threat to public health. In this sense, canines and felines may be infected by different cosmopolitan parasites, with playgrounds serving as an important focus of infection for humans, as well as domestic or wild animals. Knowledge of the epidemiological situation of parasites in animal reservoirs integrated into the environment, identifying the spread pathways, is a key element for an effective response to this threat. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the frequency of intestinal parasites with zoonotic potential in 120 playgrounds in the Malaga province (Spain). Samples were processed and analysed following standard parasitological procedures. Some 36.7% of playgrounds were parasite-positive with one or more zoonotic parasites. The most common parasites recovered were nematodes (60.0%), followed by protozoan species (33.3%) and cestodes (6.7%). In the parasite-positive playgrounds, Toxocara spp. (17.0 ± 3.5%) and Giardia duodenalis (17.0 ± 3.4%) were the most predominant parasites. In addition, 34.1% of playgrounds were infected with multiple parasites. Our results show a high presence of parasitic forms with zoonotic potential in playgrounds in Malaga, Spain. Due to the close contact between pets and humans in playgrounds, the potential zoonotic risk may increase if prevention and control measures are not designed.

The present study was carried out to determine the bioactivity of polysaccharides extracted from Euglena gracilis (EgPs). These were characterized by FT-IR and GC-MS. Cytotoxicity analyses (MTT) were performed on healthy human gingival fibroblast cell lines (HGF-1), obtaining an IC₅₀ of 228.66 µg mL⁻¹, and cell lines with anticancer activity for colon cancer (HCT-116), breast cancer (MCF-7), human leukemia (U-937, HL-60) and lung cancer (NCl-H460), showing that EgPs have anticancer activity, mainly in HTC-116 cells (IC₅₀ = 26.1 µg mL⁻¹). The immunological assay determined the immunomodulatory capacity of polysaccharides for the production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α in murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) and TNF-α in human monocytes (THP-1). It was observed that the EgPs had a stimulating capacity in the synthesis of these interleukins. The antioxidant capacity of polysaccharides and their biomass were analyzed using the ABTS method (18.30 ± 0.14% and (5.40 ± 0.56%, respectively, and the DPPH method for biomass (17.79 ± 0.57%). We quantitatively profiled HGF-1 proteins by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis, coupled with 2-plex tandem mass tag labelling, in normal cells. In total, 1346 proteins were identified and quantified with high confidence, of which five were considered to be overexpressed. The data is available through ProteomeXchange, under identifier PXD029076.