Alexandru Gligor

Background: Chronic progressive lymphedema (CPL) in draft horses is frequently complicated by secondary cutaneous infection, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa may be difficult to eliminate. This study evaluated topical 2% acetic acid as an adjunct to a standardized local treatment protocol. Methods: Records of 35 hospitalized horses with CPL in which P. aeruginosa was the sole pretreatment isolate were reviewed retrospectively. Seven historical controls received clipping, chlorhexidine cleansing, drying, and polyhexanide irrigation; 28 horses received the same protocol plus 2% acetic acid twice daily. No horse received systemic antimicrobials. Follow-up cultures were collected 24 h after clinical resolution. Results: Median treatment duration was 12 days (IQR 11–14) in controls and 8 days (IQR 7–9) with acetic acid (p < 0.001). P. aeruginosa clearance was achieved in 1/7 (14.3%) and 27/28 (96.4%) horses, respectively (p < 0.001). Subsequent clinical reappearance of P. aeruginosa-associated disease occurred in 6/7 (85.7%) and 3/28 (10.7%) horses (p < 0.001); most control events reflected persistence rather than recurrence after clearance. No local adverse reactions were recorded. Conclusions: Adding topical 2% acetic acid was associated with higher P. aeruginosa clearance, shorter treatment, and fewer subsequent clinical reappearances. Prospective randomized studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Avian influenza A(H5) viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b continue to circulate in European wild and domestic bird populations, posing sustained threats to avian and public health. Romania occupies an epidemiologically important position along major migratory flyways, representing a focal point for repeated virus introductions. This study characterized the genetic diversity and molecular markers of H5 avian influenza viruses detected in Romania during 2024–2026 and placed them within a broader European evolutionary context. We screened complete eight-segment genomes from 31 Romanian H5 viruses collected between 3 January 2024 and 24 March 2026 for molecular markers and analyzed their hemagglutinin genes using maximum-likelihood phylogenetics alongside 618 contemporary hemagglutinin sequences from Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia, Ukraine, Italy, and Germany. Phylogenetic analysis of the hemagglutinin gene placed Romanian viruses within European clade 2.3.4.4b diversity, forming strongly supported clusters with viruses from neighboring countries. All 31 viruses possessed the multibasic hemagglutinin cleavage-site motif PLREKRRKR/GLFG, consistent with the highly pathogenic molecular profile. The PB2 E627K substitution was identified in one virus (3.2%); no other mammalian-adaptation marker examined was detected in this virus, and D701N, T271A and Q591R/K were absent from the entire dataset. Molecular screening of all eight genomic segments revealed a predominantly conserved amino acid background with limited variation at selected positions. These results contribute to the molecular epidemiology of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 in south-eastern Europe, and support continued whole-genome surveillance.

African swine fever (ASF) remains one of the most devastating transboundary diseases affecting domestic pigs and wild boars worldwide, making molecular epidemiology essential for understanding viral transmission and supporting disease control. This study aimed to characterise African swine fever virus (ASFV) isolates circulating in Romania through comparative analysis of the B646L (p72) gene and the B602L central variable region (CVR). Fifty-four ASFV-positive samples collected from domestic pigs and wild boars were confirmed by real-time PCR and subjected to molecular analysis. Following Sanger sequencing and sequence quality assessment, 32 reliable consensus sequences were retained for B602L and 33 for p72. Sequencing of the p72 gene demonstrated a very high degree of nucleotide conservation, confirming that all successfully sequenced isolates belonged to genotype II. In contrast, the B602L region exhibited limited intra-genotypic variability characterised by scattered single nucleotide polymorphisms and localised insertion/deletion events, providing additional molecular resolution compared to p72, although insufficient for fine-scale epidemiological tracking. No genetic segregation according to host species was observed for either genomic region, and sequences obtained from domestic pigs and wild boar were interspersed in the phylogenetic analyses, demonstrating a high degree of genetic similarity at the investigated loci. These findings highlight the complementary value of p72 and B602L for ASFV molecular characterisation, while also indicating that these partial genomic markers alone cannot resolve transmission pathways or epidemiological links between domestic and wild host populations.

Antimicrobial resistance represents a major One Health challenge affecting human, animal, and environmental health, and responsible antimicrobial use in companion animal medicine has become increasingly important. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on antimicrobial stewardship interventions aimed at improving antibiotic prescribing in small animal veterinary practice. The review discusses the clinical, behavioral, owner-related, organizational, and regulatory factors that influence prescribing decisions, with emphasis on diagnostic uncertainty, access to microbiological testing, communication with pet owners, and practice-level prescribing culture. Key stewardship strategies include evidence-based clinical guidelines, diagnostic stewardship, education and training, audit and feedback, electronic clinical decision-support systems, antimicrobial resistance surveillance, infection prevention, and multifaceted implementation programs. Evidence from predominantly observational and before-and-after studies suggests that these interventions may be associated with reductions in unnecessary antimicrobial prescribing and improvements in prescribing appropriateness, although the strength of causal evidence remains limited. However, further research is needed because current studies differ in methodology, often have short follow-up periods, include limited data from routine primary veterinary practices, and rarely demonstrate a direct reduction in antimicrobial resistance. Future progress will depend on standardized outcome measures, integration of digital health technologies, rapid diagnostics, artificial intelligence, antimicrobial resistance surveillance, and stronger One Health collaboration. Overall, antimicrobial stewardship in companion animal medicine should be regarded as a continuous quality-improvement process designed to preserve antimicrobial efficacy while maintaining optimal patient care.

Escherichia coli is a highly diverse bacterial species that includes strains with significant pathogenic potential for both animals and humans. Urban pigeons (Columba livia domestica) are widely distributed and frequently interact with human environments. In contrast, exhibition pigeons are maintained under controlled conditions, providing an opportunity to compare bacterial populations across different ecological settings. Comparative data on virulence-associated gene patterns between free-living urban and exhibition pigeon populations remain limited, particularly when both populations are investigated within the same geographical setting. The present study aimed to investigate the distribution and co-occurrence patterns of selected virulence-associated genes in Escherichia coli isolates recovered from urban and exhibition pigeons. A total of 453 faecal samples (153 urban and 300 exhibition pigeons) were collected, from which 133 Escherichia coli isolates were recovered (65 from urban and 68 from exhibition pigeons), corresponding to an overall isolation rate of 29.4%. A representative subset of isolates was independently confirmed by species-specific PCR and Sanger sequencing before virulence gene profiling. Subsequently, all isolates were screened for six virulence-associated genes (fimC, ompA, tsh, hlyA, astA, and iroN) by PCR. Virulence gene prevalence, gene profiles, co-occurrence patterns, and virulence scores were analysed, and statistical comparisons between groups were performed. The most prevalent gene was ompA (88.0%), followed by fimC (66.2%) and iroN (32.3%), whereas hlyA was detected only sporadically (3.8%). The most common virulence profile was fimC + ompA (24.8%), followed by ompA alone (20.3%). Co-occurrence analysis identified fimC and ompA as the most frequently co-detected gene pair (79/133 isolates; 59.4%); however, their association was weak and not statistically significant (φ = 0.078, p = 0.371). Frequent co-detection with the iron acquisition-associated gene iroN was also observed. No statistically significant differences were observed in the distribution of the investigated virulence-associated genes between urban and exhibition pigeon isolates, although urban isolates exhibited a broader diversity of gene combinations. In conclusion, pigeon-derived E. coli isolates harboured diverse combinations of selected virulence-associated genes, with adhesion-associated genes being the most frequently detected determinants. These findings provide baseline data on the distribution of selected virulence-associated genes in pigeon-derived Escherichia coli isolates and support future studies incorporating additional virulence markers, whole-genome sequencing, and comparative analyses to understand their epidemiological relevance better.

Maternal rejection is an uncommon postpartum behavioral disorder in mares that may compromise colostrum intake, mare–foal successful nursing acceptance, and neonatal survival. This retrospective observational study described the clinical presentation, therapeutic management, and short-term outcome of 27 mares diagnosed with maternal rejection between September 2023 and June 2026 in western Romania. Data regarding breed, parity, parturition, behavioral presentation, treatment, supportive management, time to maternal acceptance, and outcome were extracted from medical records. Associations between categorical variables were evaluated using Fisher’s exact test, while differences in time to acceptance were assessed using the Mann–Whitney U test. Primiparous mares represented 59.3% of cases, and obstetrical complications occurred in 48.1%. Aggressive behavior was the predominant presentation. Primiparous mares exhibited aggressive forms of rejection significantly more frequently than multiparous mares (p = 0.006) and required a significantly longer interval before maternal acceptance (median: 38 h versus 21 h; U = 117.0, p = 0.010). Oxytocin was the most frequently administered medication, and behavioral management accompanied pharmacological treatment in most cases. Maternal acceptance was achieved in 24 of 27 mares (88.9%). Early recognition and individualized multimodal management may contribute to favorable short-term outcomes.

Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild birds, caused by influenza A viruses of the family Orthomyxoviridae. Continuous genetic surveillance is essential for monitoring viral evolution and identifying molecular determinants associated with pathogenicity and host adaptation. In this study, the PB1 and PB2 polymerase genes of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses detected in Romania between 2017 and 2024 were genetically characterized. A total of 18 organ samples collected from domestic and wild birds in several Romanian counties were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR, followed by conventional RT-PCR, Sanger sequencing, mutational analysis, and phylogenetic reconstruction. High-quality sequence data were obtained for six PB1 and eight PB2 gene fragments. Sequence analysis revealed a high degree of conservation within the PB1 gene, particularly across regions involved in viral replication, indicating strong evolutionary constraints. In contrast, the PB2 gene exhibited several amino acid substitutions, including changes at positions 464 and 678 in selected isolates. Notably, all analyzed strains lacked the mammalian adaptation marker E627K. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the Romanian isolates within Eurasian H5N1 lineages and demonstrated close genetic relationships with contemporary strains circulating in Eastern Europe and Russia. These findings highlight the genetic stability of PB1, the ongoing diversification of PB2, and the importance of continuous molecular surveillance for the early detection of viral variants with potential implications for host adaptation and zoonotic risk.

Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, remains an important zoonotic disease with significant implications for animal health, livestock production, and public health. Epidemiological data regarding the circulation of C. burnetii in Romania remain limited, particularly in the western region of the country. This study aimed to assess the observed seropositivity and geographic distribution of anti-C. burnetii antibodies among sampled small ruminants from Western Romania. A cross-sectional sero-epidemiological survey was conducted using 546 serum samples collected from sheep (n = 451) and goats (n = 95) originating from five counties (Timiș, Arad, Bihor, Caraș-Severin, and Hunedoara). Sera were tested for IgG antibodies against C. burnetii using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Overall, 87 animals were seropositive, corresponding to an observed seropositivity of 15.9% (87/546). Species-specific seropositivity was significantly higher in goats (25.3%) than in sheep (14.0%) (p = 0.006). Seropositive animals were detected in all surveyed counties, with prevalence ranging from 5.1% in Arad County to 21.3% in Timiș County. Significant geographic variation in seroprevalence was also observed among the investigated counties (p = 0.040). These findings indicate widespread serological evidence of exposure to Coxiella burnetii among the sampled small-ruminant population in Western Romania and reveal heterogeneous exposure patterns associated with both host species and geographic location. Continued surveillance integrating serological and molecular approaches is warranted to better characterize the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of C. burnetii within a One Health framework.

Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) causes severe enteric and systemic disease in cats, with particular importance in shelter environments where susceptible kittens, high population turnover, environmental contamination, and variable vaccination histories increase infection pressure. Recent virome and microbiome studies suggest that FPV-associated enteritis may occur within a broader context of viral co-detection and intestinal microbial disturbance, but direct FPV-specific bacteriome evidence remains limited. This review aims to synthesize current evidence on FPV-associated enteritis in shelter cats by integrating viral pathogenesis, diagnostic interpretation, enteric virome co-detection, gut dysbiosis, recovery dynamics, and intervention-related ecological effects. The literature was organized using an evidence-tier framework that distinguishes direct FPV/feline panleukopenia evidence from feline enteric microbiome proxy evidence and broader comparative or mechanistic microbiome studies. This approach was used to define the limits of inference and to separate evidence-supported conclusions from hypothesis-generating ecological models. Feline panleukopenia in shelter cats should be interpreted not only as an individual viral infection, but also as an ecological process shaped by host susceptibility, shelter exposure, diagnostic complexity, viral co-detection, and microbial community disturbance. Current evidence supports a cautious framework in which virome co-detection and dysbiosis-associated patterns are not treated as direct proof of causation. Future longitudinal, context-controlled, and multi-layer studies integrating validated FPV diagnostics, virome and bacteriome profiling, clinical metadata, treatment records, and functional endpoints are needed to clarify the biological and clinical significance of gut ecosystem disruption in feline panleukopenia.

Antimicrobial resistance remains a critical challenge in both human and veterinary medicine, with bacterial biofilms playing a central role in the persistence of chronic and recurrent infections. Biofilms are complex microbial communities embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix that enhances bacterial survival under antimicrobial pressure and host immune responses. This mini-review synthesizes current evidence on the contribution of biofilms to reduced antimicrobial efficacy and their clinical relevance, particularly in veterinary practice. Literature analysis indicates that bacteria within biofilms can exhibit several hundred- to thousand-fold higher tolerance to antimicrobial agents compared to their planktonic counterparts. This increased tolerance is driven by multiple mechanisms, including limited drug penetration through the extracellular matrix, altered microenvironmental conditions, reduced metabolic activity, and the presence of persister cells. In addition, horizontal gene transfer within biofilm structures facilitates the spread of resistance determinants among bacterial populations. Clinically relevant biofilm-forming organisms include Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, which are frequently associated with chronic infections such as otitis, dermatitis, urinary tract infections, and device-related infections in animals. These conditions are often characterized by therapeutic failure, recurrence, and the need for prolonged treatment strategies. Overall, biofilm-associated infections represent a major obstacle in effective antimicrobial therapy. A better understanding of their biology is essential for improving diagnostic approaches and developing targeted therapeutic strategies within a One Health framework.