Free-Ranging Wolves (Canis lupus) are Natural Reservoirs of Intestinal Microeukaryotes of Public Health Significance in Southwestern Europe.

Introduction: Intestinal microeukaryote parasites are major contributors to the burden of diarrhoea in humans and domestic animals, but their epidemiology in wildlife is not fully understood. We investigated the frequency, genetic diversity and zoonotic potential of protists of animal and public health significance in free-ranging grey wolf (Canis lupus) populations in south-western Europe.

Methods: Individually formed faecal samples collected from necropsied wolves or scat trails in Italy (n = 47), Portugal (n = 43) and Spain (n = 225) during the period 2011-2023 were retrospectively analysed using molecular (PCR and Sanger sequencing) methods.

Introduction of Chlamydia psittaci into a hospital area by feral pigeons.

Pigeons are associated with zoonotic pathogens such as Chlamydia psittaci, the main causative agent of avian chlamydiosis, and related to psittacosis cases in humans worldwide. The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of C. psittaci in feral pigeons (Columba livia) and environmental samples from places frequented by pigeons in a Brazilian hospital area.

Construction and enhancement of a prototype for a medical-hospital equipment for hypodermoclysis: a qualitative study.

Objectives: to construct a Subcutaneous Hydration Device semi-functional prototype and gather initial information to improve this prototype design and realize its acceptance potential.

Methods: a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study, which used focus group, following the Technology Acceptance Model. The group was held at the Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra, Portugal, in December 2022, composed of nine participants from six different disciplinary areas, and followed thematic analysis.

Extensive sampling and citizen science expand the distribution of the threatened freshwater turtle Ranacephala hogei (Mertens, 1967).

Ranacephala hogei is a South American freshwater turtle considered one of the 25 most endangered chelonian species in the world. Endemic to the Atlantic Forest hotspot of southeastern Brazil, the conservation status of R. hogei is subject to continuous assessment at various levels.

Exploring genetic diversity of hepatitis D virus full-length genome in Brazil: Discovery of a novel HDV-8 subgenotype beyond African borders.

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is currently classified into 8 genotypes (1 to 8) and several subgenotypes, with distinct distribution worldwide. However, due to the scarcity of complete genome sequences in databases, this classification is constantly being updated and tends to be regularly revisited in upcoming years as more sequence data becomes available. Aiming to increase knowledge about the genetic variability of HDV, this study presents the full-length genomes of 11 HDV samples collected in Brazil in endemic and non-endemic regions, including the first complete genomes of the genotypes 5 and 8 obtained outside Africa.