Tofazzal Md Rakib

Background: Lumpy skin disease (LSD), caused by lumpy skin disease virus, is an economically important transboundary cattle disease that has expanded from Africa into Asia in recent decades. Despite the substantial economic impact of LSD, sero-epidemiological evidence remains fragmented across Asia and Africa. Recurrent outbreaks and continuing geographic expansion highlight the need for pooled estimates that can guide surveillance, vaccination, and risk-based control. Objectives: Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled seroprevalence of LSD in cattle across Asia and Africa from 2000 to 2025 and to identify study-level and animal-level factors associated with variation in seropositivity. Results: Twenty studies involving 13,356 cattle were included. The overall pooled seroprevalence of LSD was 31.2% (95% CI: 21.0-42.5), with substantial between-study heterogeneity (I² = 99.43%, p < 0.001). Pooled seroprevalence was higher in Asia (39.1%) than in Africa (22.2%) and was higher during outbreaks (44.0%) than in endemic settings (26.4%). By diagnostic method, the highest pooled estimate was observed for ELISA (36.1%), followed by virus neutralization test (33.5%) and indirect fluorescent antibody test (11.3%). Studies with smaller sample sizes showed higher pooled seroprevalence than larger studies. Meta-regression indicated that sampling year and sample size contributed significantly to heterogeneity. Risk-factor analysis showed higher odds of LSD seropositivity in cattle aged over two years (OR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.01-2.15), females (OR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.06-1.65), crossbred cattle (OR = 2.92; 95% CI: 1.41-6.05), and cattle managed under extensive rearing systems (OR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.26-2.12). Conclusions: LSD seroprevalence in cattle remains substantial across Asia and Africa, although estimates vary markedly by region, study design, sample size, diagnostic method, and management factors. The findings support the need for harmonized serological surveillance, standardized reporting, risk-based vaccination, and targeted control strategies, particularly in high-risk production systems and regions with active transboundary spread.

Healthcare waste (HCW) management is a critical determinant of occupational safety, infection control, and environmental protection, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. Using the knowledge–attitude–practice (KAP) framework, this study assessed cognitive, behavioral, and institutional dimensions of HCW management among healthcare workers in urban Bangladesh. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 342 cleaners and nurses in hospitals in the Chattogram Metropolitan Area (CMA) and Cumilla City Corporation (CuCC). Marked disparities were observed across professional groups. Training coverage was significantly lower among nurses than cleaners in CMA (22.5% vs. 48.7%; p = 0.002), whereas in CuCC nurses showed higher coverage (69.0% vs. 52.3%; p < 0.01). Knowledge of color-coded waste segregation was generally inadequate, with only 39.3% of CMA cleaners correctly identifying pharmaceutical waste bins compared with 60.0% of nurses (p < 0.01); CuCC nurses demonstrated substantially higher awareness (82.8%). Attitudinal indicators favored nurses, with strong hygiene and environmental risk awareness (95–100%) compared with cleaners (66–87.3%; p < 0.001). Despite this, compliance with segregation practices remained low across both sites (<30%). Several institutional support indicators were more favorable among nurses, particularly in CuCC. These findings indicate a significant knowledge–practice gap, emphasizing that effective HCW management requires not only training but also strengthened institutional structures and enforcement mechanisms to reduce public health and environmental risks.

Acinetobacter spp. represents critical opportunistic pathogens driving severe bloodstream infections (BSIs) in intensive care unit (ICU) and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) settings. The convergence of carbapenem resistance and emerging biocide tolerance, often mediated by mobile genetic elements, has intensified concerns regarding co-selection and persistence in clinical environments. A total of 90 molecularly confirmed Acinetobacter isolates (ICU = 44; NICU = 46) from bloodstream infections were analyzed. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method in accordance with CLSI M100 (2024) guidelines and extended-spectrum β-lactamase production was assessed by combined disc diffusion. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect carbapenemase genes (bla _VIM , bla _NDM , bla _IMP , bla _OXA-23 , bla _OXA-58 ), biocide resistance determinants ( qacE , qac Δ E1 ), and the class 1 integron-integrase gene ( intI1 ). Multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) phenotypes were identified in 71.1% (64/90) and 22.2% (20/90) of isolates, respectively. High resistance (>71%) was observed against meropenem and cephalosporins, whereas colistin (58.8%, 53/90) and amikacin (47.8%, 43/90) showed moderate susceptibility. The most prevalent genotypes were qac Δ E1 (76.6%, 69/90) and bla _VIM (56.6%, 51/90). Statistical and network analyses revealed significant correlations between biocide and carbapenemase genes, identifying IntI1 as a primary driver of co-resistance. The findings indicate a significant co-occurrence of carbapenemase genes, biocide resistance determinants, and class 1 integrons among Acinobacter spp. isolates. These associations suggest that mobile genetic elements may contribute to the dissemination of resistance traits.

Thogotoviruses are a group of tick-borne, six-segmented, negative-sense single-stranded RNA viruses. These viruses encode an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase that recognizes promoter sequences located at the genomic termini to initiate RNA synthesis. The 5′ and 3′ ends of the genome bind to the polymerase and function as a promoter. Outside the catalytic center, they base-pair with each other to form a double-stranded RNA structure. This structure is referred to as the distal duplex and plays an important role in RNA synthesis. In this study, we investigated how the RNA sequence of the distal duplex influences polymerase activity using minigenome systems of two thogotoviruses, Oz virus (OZV) and Dhori virus (DHOV). Each virus exhibits distinct activities among its six segments. In OZV, one determinant of these differences is the base pair at positions 5′12 and 3′11 within the distal duplex, where promoter activity varies depending on whether the base pair is G:C or A:U. In contrast, the DHOV polymerase is not affected by this difference. These results indicate that, even within the genus Thogotovirus, viruses differ in whether they possess a mechanism that modulates promoter activity based on subtle sequence differences within the distal duplex. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis and comparison of promoter sequences suggest that thogotoviruses can be divided into groups that do or do not regulate intersegment promoter activity via the base pair at positions 5′12 and 3′11. Highlights: Minigenome systems of Oz virus and Dhori virus reveal segment-specific differences in promoter activity The distal duplex sequence modulates RNA synthesis in a virus-dependent manner The base pair at positions 5′12/3′11 determines promoter activity in Oz virus but not in Dhori virus Thogotoviruses can be divided into groups that do or do not regulate promoter activity via distal duplex sequence variation at positions 5′12/3′11

Oz virus (OZV) is a tick‐borne, six‐segmented, negative‐strand RNA virus in the genus Thogotovirus , family Orthomyxoviridae . A fatal human infection was reported in Japan in 2023. In this study, we established a reverse genetics system to generate infectious recombinant OZV. Six plasmids encoding the full‐length OZV genome segments under the control of a murine RNA polymerase I promoter, together with four plasmids expressing viral proteins essential for polymerase activity, were cotransfected into murine cells. This approach enabled efficient recovery of infectious OZV. The recovered recombinant virus exhibited replication kinetics comparable to wild‐type OZV. This system provides a platform for molecular studies of OZV.

Objective: The present study was conducted to investigate the histopathology of aspergillosis in commercial broiler chicks with its prevalence in different broiler farm at Chittagong metropolitan. Materials and Methods: A total of 3000 chicks from different farm of Chittagong metropolitan were examined in which 109 chicks were affected by aspergilosis. 20 organ samples (lung, liver, trachea and kidney) from dead affected chicks were collected for histopathological examination and mycological culture. Results: The prevalence of aspergillosis was about 3.63% which was not statistically significant due to small size of population. Gross examination revealed multiple white to yellowish circumscribe nodule throughout the lung surface and lung became consolidated. Granulomatous foci with caseous necrosis were observed in microscopic examination. The colony characteristic in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) was whitish but later it turned into green to dark green color. Ascites was found most common complication (57.14%) in aspergillosis infected chick alone with congestion in trachea, liver and kidney. Conclusion: This study will help clinician for diagnosis and understand the histopathological changes in different organ of aspergilossis affected chick.

Background/Objectives: Pompe disease (PD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal acid α-1,4-glucosidase (GAA) encoded by the GAA gene, leading to muscular dysfunctions due to pathological accumulation of glycogen in skeletal and cardiac muscles. PD has been reported in several animals and Japanese quails (JQ; Coturnix japonica), but a causative mutation has yet to be found in JQs with PD. Here, we aimed to identify a pathogenic mutation in JQs associated with PD. Methods: Paraffin-embedded skeletal muscle blocks from four JQs stored since the 1970s were used in this study. After confirming the histopathological phenotypes of PD, Sanger sequencing was performed to identify a pathological mutation in the GAA I gene of JQs. A genotyping survey was conducted using a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay targeting a candidate mutation using DNA samples extracted from 70 new-hatched JQs and 10 eggs from commercial farms. Results: Microscopic analysis confirmed the presence of the PD phenotype in three affected JQs based on abnormal histopathological changes and accumulated glycogen in the affected muscles, while one JQ was unaffected and served as a control. Sanger sequencing revealed that the three affected JQs were homozygous for the deletion of guanine at position 1096 in the open reading frame (c.1096delG). A genotyping survey of 70 JQs and 10 eggs from commercial farms showed that none carried this deletion mutation. Conclusions: This study identified c.1096delG as the pathogenic mutation for PD in JQs. This mutation induces a frameshift and substitution of amino acids at position 366 (alanine to histidine), resulting in premature termination at the 23rd codon (p.A366Hfs*23). This suggests that this mutation causes the deficient activity of GAA in JQs with PD. The identification of the c.1096delG mutation enabled the systematic maintenance of the flock colony in the PD model. Furthermore, this PD model can be used to clarify unknown aspects of PD pathogenesis and develop therapeutic strategies.

Reproductive failure in cattle production is a global concern and is influenced by various factors, including genetic alterations. This study explored the relationship between an X-linked single-nucleotide variant (NC_037357.1: g.87298881A>G, rs135720414) in the upstream of the bovine forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) gene and infertility. To this end, we examined the genotypes of the variant in old Asian cattle breeds, including 48 Bali and 5 Jaliteng cattle, and 20 water buffaloes, which have recently shown subclinical signs of infertility and repeated breeding problems among populations in Indonesia. We also examined the genotypes in 69 parous and 39 non-parous Holstein Friesian (HF) cows and investigated the relationship between the genotypes and serum concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). The G allele frequency was markedly high in Bali (0.944) and Jaliteng cattle (0.714), and water buffaloes (1), suggesting that the G allele may be originally a wild-type variant in old Asian cattle and buffaloes. In HF cows, the G allele frequency was moderately high, and the AMH concentration was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in parous cows carrying the G allele (A/G and G/G genotypes) than in parous cows with the A/A genotype. In contrast, there were no significant differences in AMH concentrations among the three genotypes of non-parous HF cows. This suggests that both G allele and aging are associated with infertility in HF cows. In conclusion, the G allele of the FOXP3 gene variant may potentially be associated with infertility in different bovine breeds and species. Therefore, special attention should be paid to this variant, and infertility in bovine herds may be improved by selection and/or introduction of the A allele.

Background/Objectives: Glycogen storage disease type II, also known as Pompe disease (PD), is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder triggered by a deficiency in lysosomal acid α-glucosidase (GAA). Recently, we discovered two deleterious missense variants of the GAA gene, c.1799G>A (p.Arg600His) (a pathogenic mutation) and c.55G>A (p.Val19Met), in a domestic short-haired cat with PD. This study aimed to design genotyping assays for these two variants and ascertain their allele frequencies in Japanese cat populations. Methods: We developed fluorescent probe-based real-time polymerase chain reaction assays to genotype the c.1799G>A and c.55G>A variants. A total of 738 cats, comprising 99 purebred cats from 20 breeds and 540 mixed-breed cats, were screened using these assays. Results: Genotyping assays clearly differentiated all known genotypes of the two variants. None of the 738 cats tested carried the c.1799G>A variant. However, we identified cats with c.55G/A and c.55A/A genotypes in the purebred (A allele frequency: 0.081) and mixed-breed cats (0.473). A significant difference (p < 0.001) was observed in the A allele frequency between the two groups. Conclusions: The c.1799G>A mutation appears rare in cat populations, suggesting it may be confined to specific pedigree Japanese mixed-breed cats. The c.55G>A variant was detected in purebred and mixed-breed cats, suggesting that it may not be directly linked to feline PD. However, additional studies are required to elucidate the precise relationship between this variant and cardiac function. Genotyping assays will serve as valuable tools for diagnosing and genotyping feline PD.

Background/Objectives: Variations in hair length are observed in many dog breeds, as determined by the canine FGF5 gene. Long-haired Akitas, which are disqualified under breeding standards of Akitas, are sometimes born to short-haired parents and may have been subjected to treatments compromising animal welfare. Here, we aimed to identify an FGF5 variant associated with hair coat variations in Akitas in Japan, and to assess how welfare of this breed can be improved by carefully planned breeding. Methods: DNA samples were obtained from 60 Akitas in 2021 (modern Akitas) and 73 Akitas in the 1970s and the 1980s (classic Akitas). Sanger sequencing was performed on all exons and exon–intron junctions of the FGF5 gene to determine the causative variant of long hair in Akitas. A real-time PCR assay was developed to genotype FGF5:c.578C>T in modern and classic Akitas. Using 54 dogs from modern Akitas, scores (1 to 10) of hair length were compared among the three genotypes (C/C, C/T, and T/T). Results: Sanger sequencing revealed that the canine FGF5:c.578C>T variant was associated with long hair in Akitas in Japan. Genotyping revealed that the frequency of the mutant T allele was 0.350 in modern Akitas, which was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in classic Akitas (0.212). The three genotypes were not in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) in modern Akitas but were in HWE in classic Akitas. There were significant differences in hair length scores among the three genotypes (p < 0.001) and between the C/C and C/T genotypes (p < 0.005). There was no significant difference in the scores between male and female dogs. Conclusions: This study revealed that a causative variant that determines the long hair trait of Akitas in Japan was the FGF5:c.578C>T variant, which was inherited in an incompletely dominant manner. Akita dog breeders were more likely to select heterozygous C/T dogs based on the appearance of the hair coat for breeding dogs with an ideal fluffy hair coat. This might result in a high mutant T allele frequency and the production of undesired long-haired Akitas with T/T, which may create welfare problems. Genetic testing for this variant is necessary to improve welfare and conserve the Akita breed.