Zoological Record

Canine babesiosis, a protozoan tick-borne disease caused by Babesia canis, has become an important health concern worldwide. The parasite invades and lyses erythrocytes, leading to haemolytic anaemia. Because of its nonspecific clinical presentation, diagnosis remains challenging [1]. The aim of this study to characterise the most common clinical and haematological findings in dogs naturally infected with B. canis. Forty-seven dogs with babesiosis confirmed by blood smear microscopy were retrospectively analysed. Clinical signs, haematological, and biochemical parameters were evaluated. The predominant clinical signs included lethargy (100%), anorexia (87.2%), fever (51.1%), pale mucous membranes (42.6%), vomiting (34%), and diarrhoea (17%). Thrombocytopenia was the most frequent haematological abnormality, observed in 97.9% of dogs (mean platelet count 45.3 ± 50.5 K/µL). Lymphopenia (68.1%) and anaemia (66%) were also common. Decreases in erythrocyte count, haematocrit, and haemoglobin, together with elevations in creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), were significantly associated with poor outcomes (p < 0.05). More severe clinical signs were positively correlated with an increased likelihood of unfavourable prognosis (p < 0.05). Mortality was 2.1%, while 12.8% of dogs were euthanised. B. canis infection in dogs is most often characterised by lethargy, anorexia, and fever, accompanied by thrombocytopenia, anaemia, and lymphopenia. Elevated renal parameters are linked to more severe disease and poorer prognosis.

Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) represent a growing veterinary and public health challenge in the Baltic region, where climatic conditions support abundant populations of Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus ticks [1]. As the most common companion animals in Lithuania, dogs are frequently exposed to tick habitats, increasing the risk of infections with Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia canis [2, 3]. Both pathogens are clinically relevant due to nonspecific clinical signs, which complicate diagnosis in veterinary practice. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum and B. canis in Lithuanian dogs and to characterise their genetic diversity through cytological, serological, and molecular analysis. A total of 203 blood samples from pet and hunting dogs were analysed. A. phagocytophilum prevalence reached 25% in pet dogs and 4.4% in hunting dogs. Serology and PCR results did not always coincide, underscoring the importance of molecular testing, while B. canis DNA was detected in 66.3% (62/107) of pet dogs. Importantly, discrepancies were observed between microscopy and PCR: out of 75 dogs diagnosed microscopically, only 54 were PCR-positive, while eight PCR-positive dogs were smear-negative. Four sequence variants of B. canis were identified, with Lithuanian isolates clustering with strains from Latvia, Germany, and France. Sequencing revealed multiple A. phagocytophilum genotypes, with Lithuanian isolates clustering alongside strains from Hungary, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Slovenia, and local Ixodes ricinus ticks. B. canis isolates grouped closely with strains from Latvia, Germany, and France. No significant associations were found between pathogen prevalence and host factors such as sex, age, or breed. This study demonstrates that Lithuanian dogs serve as important hosts for both A. phagocytophilum and B. canis. The molecular and phylogenetic findings confirm genetic links between local and European isolates, emphasising the need for regular screening, tick prevention strategies, and molecular surveillance to mitigate the veterinary and zoonotic risks of TBPs.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an obligate intracellular bacterium and an emerging vectorborne pathogen of zoonotic concern, responsible for granulocytic anaplasmosis in a broad range of mammalian hosts. Its increasing prevalence across Europe is closely linked to the expanding distribution of Ixodes tick vectors and ecological shifts driven by climate change [1, 2]. In 2023–2024, blood samples were collected from 28 alpacas showing clinical signs consistent with blood parasite infections across ten districts in Lithuania (Jonava, Trakai, Anykščiai, Jurbarkas, Širvintos, Vilnius, Kazlų Rūda, Šilalė, Klaipėda, and Ukmergė). Molecular testing confirmed Anaplasma phagocytophilum in 17 animals. Six alpacas died during the study period. In addition to clinical signs, infected animals showed evidence of anaemia, including reduced haemoglobin and red blood cell counts, as well as morphological changes such as anisocytosis, poikilocytosis, and hypochromia. These haematological findings complement clinical presentation and emphasise the significant impact of blood parasite infections on alpaca health. Our results indicate that such an infection is an important health concern in alpacas in Lithuania, associated with severe anaemia and increased mortality.

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is maintained in complex natural cycles involving multiple hosts and vectors ticks. While TBEV detection in field samples is routinely performed using RT-qPCR, quantitative data on viral load across different origins remain scarce [1]. In this study, we analysed 213 TBEV-positive samples originating from ticks, rodents, goats, dogs, horses, and raw goat milk. Viral RNA copy number per microliter was determined using absolute quantification with digital PCR. Mean viral loads (viral copies/µL) after outlier elimination were: horses 6.68, ticks 3.45, rodents 4.06, goats 3.64, milk 2.80, and dogs 3.89. Statistical comparisons revealed significantly higher viral loads in horse samples compared to ticks (p = 0.0012), rodents (p = 0.0262), goat milk (p = 0.0110), and dogs (p = 0.0398). Without outlier removal, the corresponding means were higher overall: horses 31.35, ticks 8.33, rodents 8.23, goats 3.64, milk 3.57, and dogs 3.89. These findings highlight substantial variation in the TBEV copy number depending on sample origin and wide variation within a sample type. Our results further demonstrate the utility of digital PCR for precise viral quantification in diverse biological matrices, which may aid in refining diagnostic approaches and risk assessment in both veterinary and public health contexts.

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is an emerging concern in canine health [1–2], yet its active circulation in dogs remains insufficiently documented. In a cross-sectional study of 473 dogs from central Lithuania (2020–2021), we confirmed acute infections by PCR, serology, and virus isolation in cell culture. TBEV RNA was detected in 18.6% of canine samples, and antibodies were present in 21.6%. Importantly, we succeeded in isolating infectious TBEV from seven serum samples and one cerebrospinal fluid specimen. Replication was demonstrated in Neuro-2a, Vero, and Marc-145 cells, with subsequent confirmation by sequencing. These results provide direct evidence that viraemic dogs carry transmissible virus and can serve as a source for successful cultivation. In parallel, attached ticks collected from the same dogs carried TBEV RNA in 34.2% of suspensions. After three blind passages in cell culture, positivity rose to 56–61%, highlighting that viral replication in ticks often requires amplification to reach detectable levels. Nevertheless, no consistent concordance was found between a dog’s infection status and TBEV detection in its ticks. The study demonstrates that virus isolation from naturally infected dogs and their ticks is feasible and reliable, confirming the role of dogs as suitable sentinel hosts for TBEV. Cultivation in multiple cell lines expands opportunities for experimental studies and strain characterisation. Our findings underline the clinical and epidemiological importance of canine TBEV infections and provide valuable resources for further virological and pathogenesis research.

Climate change is reshaping tick ecology by prolonging their seasonal activity and enabling expansion into previously unsuitable habitats [1]. Consequently, the incidence of tick-borne diseases is increasing in regions once considered low risk, creating growing public health challenges. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) remains one of the most important vector-borne diseases in Europe, with the Baltic countries accounting for nearly one-third of reported cases [2, 3]. This study investigated the prevalence of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in questing ticks in Lithuania and evaluated key transmission risk factors. During 2023–2024, 544 ticks (Ixodes ricinus, n = 525; Dermacentor reticulatus, n = 19) were collected by flagging method in urban habitats and pooled into 47 groups by species and developmental stage. TBEV detection was carried out using real-time RT-PCR and virus isolation in two cell lines (Neuro-2a and MARC-145). TBEV RNA was detected in 15.26% (83/544) of individual tick samples. Virus isolation proved more sensitive than direct RT-PCR, yielding a total minimum infection rate (MIR) of 2.8% across both cell lines, compared with 1.47% by direct RT-PCR. MIR was 1.3% (7/525) for I. ricinus and 5.3% (1/19) for D. reticulatus. Positive samples included two nymphs, three females, and three males, indicating active TBEV circulation across developmental stages and sexes. These findings highlight a potentially greater role of D. reticulatus in TBEV transmission than previously recognised and emphasise the need for continued tick surveillance, robust public health interventions, and the inclusion of virus isolation techniques to enhance detection accuracy.

Canine babesiosis is a widespread tick-borne infectious disease caused by intraerythrocytic protozoa Babesia canis. Over the past two decades, the number of cases of canine babesiosis in Europe has been increasing significantly, and higher numbers of cases have been observed in Lithuania as well. As the disease spreads rapidly, greater attention is needed for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Diagnostic methods commonly used in veterinary clinics, such as blood smears, are not always sensitive enough to identify the infection or do not allow for accurate identification of the pathogen. We aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of B. canis strains isolated from infected dogs in Lithuania using sequence analysis of B. canis 18S rRNA and Bc28.1 gene fragments. Blood samples were collected from 107 symptomatic dogs in veterinary clinics from spring to autumn of 2024. PCR tests were performed for both 18S rRNA and Bc28.1 genes. B. canis DNA was detected in 62 samples (66.34%) out of 107. Sequence analysis of the 18S rRNA gene fragment showed two variable sites in 81–82 nucleotide positions, dividing B. canis into three different genotypes. Bc28.1 gene fragment analysis identified four gene sequence variants, which were classified into three genotypes based on two nucleotide polymorphisms. The results highlight discrepancies between diagnoses made in veterinary clinics using blood smears and those obtained through molecular methods. Furthermore, they demonstrate the potential of molecular techniques for detecting genetic variability among B. canis strains, which could improve diagnostic accuracy and epidemiological surveillance.

Climate change has significantly influenced tick ecology by extending their seasonal activity and facilitating their expansion into new habitats. As a result, the incidence of tick-borne diseases is rising in previously low-risk areas, posing increasing public health concerns. Among these, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is one of the most significant vector-borne diseases in Europe, with the Baltic countries accounting for nearly one-third of reported European cases. This study assessed the prevalence of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in questing ticks in Lithuania and key risk factors for transmission. Between 2023 and 2024, 544 ticks (Ixodes ricinus, n = 525; Dermacentor reticulatus, n = 19) were collected using the flagging method in urban areas and grouped into 47 pools based on species and developmental stages. TBEV detection was performed using real-time RT-PCR and virus isolation in two cell lines (Neuro-2a, MARC-145). TBEV RNA was detected in 15.26% (83/544) of samples. Virus isolation proved more effective than direct RT-PCR, with a total minimum infection rate (MIR) of 4.41% across both cell lines, compared to 1.47% from direct RT-PCR. The MIR for I. ricinus was 1.3% (7/525) and for D. reticulatus 5.3% (1/19). Positive samples included six nymphs, nine females, and seven males, highlighting widespread TBEV circulation across developmental stages and sexes. These findings suggest that D. reticulatus may play a greater role in TBEV transmission than previously recognised. The study underscores the need for ongoing tick surveillance and public health strategies, as well as the importance of virus isolation for improving detection accuracy.

A fragment of the results of a theoretical analytical systematisation of existing scientific data on the electromagnetic mechanisms of cellular signaling is presented. This is a continuation of the theoretical development of the magneto-electrochemical theory of metabolism (2019–2025). The aim of the theoretical research was to create a concept of electromagnetic communication of cells, to deepen fundamental knowledge, and to find new promising approaches to solving the problem of chronic noncommunicable diseases. General scientific methods of system analysis of literature review were applied in the study, which resulted in a working promising model of the concept of electromagnetic cellular communication. The article is focused on biophotonic signaling and the role of the extracellular matrix in its implementation. The research shows that the concept of biophoton signaling is a promising working model for scientific discussion and for further study into the role of electromagnetic fields in the phenomenon of biological cell life in vivo. The state of the extracellular matrix is an important biological aspect for the implementation of the phenomena of life and health and the quantum pathogenesis of noncommunicable diseases.

With the increasing prevalence of drug-resistant pathogens, the search for alternative antimicrobial agents has intensified. Bioactive compounds derived from medicinal plants have gained significant attention as they offer a promising natural source of novel antifungal and antibacterial agents with potentially fewer side effects compared to synthetic drugs. Rosa rugosa has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its diverse therapeutic properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of aqueous and ethanolic extracts obtained from various parts of R. rugosa, including rose hips, flowers, petals, leaves, stems, and roots. The antimicrobial efficacy of the extracts was assessed using agar well diffusion method under controlled laboratory conditions. To ensure extract purity and enhance the concentration of active compounds, a rotary evaporator was employed for solvent removal. The antimicrobial activity was tested against a panel of microbial strains, including Candida albicans (a common fungal pathogen), four gram-positive bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Listeria monocytogenes), and four gram-negative bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, and Klebsiella pneumoniae). The results indicated that extracts from different plant parts exhibited varying degrees of antimicrobial activity. R. rugosa leaf extracts demonstrated the highest antimicrobial effectiveness, followed by petal and rose hip extracts, while root extracts showed moderate activity. In contrast, the weakest antimicrobial effects were observed in extracts derived from stems and rose hips. The study also revealed that ethanolic extracts had superior antimicrobial activity compared to aqueous extracts, highlighting the potential of ethanol as a more effective solvent for extracting bioactive compounds. Both aqueous and ethanolic extracts exhibited notable antifungal activity against Candida albicans, with ethanolic extracts proving to be more potent in inhibiting fungal growth. Among all tested plant parts, petals exhibited the strongest antifungal properties, suggesting a high concentration of antifungal compounds in these tissues. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the antimicrobial potential of R. rugosa extracts and underscores their potential use in developing natural antimicrobial agents. Further research is needed to isolate and characterise the specific bioactive compounds responsible for the observed effects and to explore their possible applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries.