Dharmayanti NI, et al. J Vet Sci. 2023 Dec;25(1):e3. https://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.23022

Vaccination is one of the leading methods of controlling the spread of the Avian Influenza (AI) viruses in Indonesia. The variety of circulating viruses and their ability to mutate must be followed by updating the vaccine master seed used in the field. In this study, we identified the reassortant H9N2 viruses in chicken farms that showed significant problems in decreased egg production with high mortality. The reassortant H9N2 viruses derived the PB2 gene from the H5N1 virus. The pathogenicity test results of the reassortant virus showed various clinical signs of illness, a high mortality rate (10%), and decreased egg production down to 63.12% at two weeks post-infection. In a vaccine efficacy test, the vaccinated groups showed minimally decreased egg production that started to increase to more than 80% at 4–7 weeks post-challenge. Our study showed that inactivated bivalent and monovalent reassortant H9N2 vaccines can induce antibody response, reducing the mortality and virus shedding caused by reassortant H9N2 virus infection. The reassortant H9N2 virus is a threat that requires vigilance in poultry farms and the industry. The vaccines used in this study can be one of the options for control or prevention measures on farms infected with the reassortant H9N2 viruses.

Dharmayanti NL, et al. J Vet Sci. 2021 Aug;22(6):e70. https://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2021.22.e70

Background and Aim: Despite the global focus on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the avian influenza virus (AIV) continues to circulate in Indonesia, particularly in traditional live bird markets (LBMs), which serve as critical nodes for virus amplification and interspecies transmission. This study aimed to investigate the co-circulation and genetic features of AIV, particularly the H9N2 subtype, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in LBMs in East Java during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: Environmental surveillance was conducted in seven traditional markets across four districts in East Java Province in 2021. Surface swabs were collected from high-risk areas, including poultry display tables, knives, cutting boards, and napkins. Samples were tested using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for influenza A and SARS-CoV-2. Positive AIV samples were further subtyped, sequenced, and analyzed for genetic markers associated with virulence, reassortment, and mammalian adaptation. Results: Of 156 samples tested, 17 (10.9%) were positive for influenza A, with 3 (1.9%) confirmed as the H9 subtype. These H9-positive samples were collected from a knife, cutting board, and napkin in the same market location in Lamongan Regency. Phylogenetic and molecular analyses revealed that two isolates (LSJ/Env/83 and LSJ/Env/84) were H9N2 reassortants, harboring key molecular markers such as Q226L, T160A, and S138A in the hemagglutinin protein, indicative of increased affinity for human-type receptors. Additional substitutions in PB2, MP, and NS1 proteins were associated with enhanced replication and virulence in mammalian and avian hosts. All samples tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the continued environmental circulation of reassortant H9N2 AIVs in traditional markets during the COVID-19 pandemic, with isolates displaying genetic features indicative of zoonotic potential. These findings underscore the necessity for sustained genomic surveillance and stricter biosecurity interventions in LBMs to prevent cross-species transmission and mitigate pandemic risk. Keywords: coronavirus disease 2019, genomic surveillance, H9N2, influenza A virus, live bird markets, reassortment, zoonosis.

Background and Aim: Legionnaires’ disease (LD), caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Legionella pneumophila, has emerged as a significant public health concern due to its rising incidence and high morbidity and mortality rates. This review comprehensively examines the etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of LD. The bacterium thrives in aquatic environments, often within biofilms and protozoan hosts, contributing to its resilience and widespread distribution in natural and man-made water systems. Transmission primarily occurs through the inhalation of contaminated aerosols, with immunocompromised individuals, the elderly, and smokers being at heightened risk. Clinically, LD presents as a severe pneumonia with systemic involvement, and its diagnosis often relies on culture, urinary antigen tests, and molecular methods. The treatment landscape is dominated by macrolides and fluoroquinolones, with emerging research into alternative therapies to combat antimicrobial resistance. Effective public health strategies, including rigorous water management practices and infection control measures, are vital in mitigating the risk of outbreaks. This review aims to enhance clinical awareness and inform public health initiatives by elucidating the complex interplay between bacterial virulence, host factors, and environmental conditions that contribute to LD transmission and persistence. A better understanding of these dynamics is crucial for developing robust prevention and control strategies, ultimately reducing the global burden of this potentially life-threatening disease. Keywords: Legionella pneumophila, Legionnaires’ disease, pneumonia, public health, waterborne pathogens.

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) merupakan penyakit viral pada bangsa sapi dan kerbau air yang disebabkan oleh virus LSD. Virus ini termasuk ke dalam family Poxviridae, genus Capripoxvirus bersama dengan dua spesies virus lainnya yaitu Goatpox dan Sheeppox. Meskipun LSD bukan penyakit zoonosis, namun infeksi LSD dapat menurunkan performa produksi dan reproduksi pada sapi dan kerbau air yang menyebabkan kerugian ekonomi yang signifikan dalam berbagai aspek di antaranya penurunan produksi susu, penurunan berat badan, abortus, dan infertilitas hingga kematian. Indonesia sebagai negara bebas dengan risiko rendah dan berpotensi sedang harus mewasdai masuk dan mewabahnya virus ini. Dalam tulisan ini diulas karakterisasi molekuler dari virus LSD yang menjadi langkah penting dalam proses pemahaman mekanisme patogenesitas virus, transmisi virus dan epidemiologi virus, pengembangan reagen kit diagnostik, dan vaksin yang lebih efektif.