Marina Corina Kračunović

Dr. Marina Corina Kračunović

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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14 September 2025 in Antibiotics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
VIVlad Valentin Iorgoni
Vlad Valentin Iorgoni
LSLivia Claudia Stanga
Livia Claudia Stanga
Ionica IancuIonica Iancu
Ionica Iancu
JDJanos Degi
Janos Degi
IPIonela Popa
Ionela Popa
VIOREL HERMANVIOREL HERMAN
VIOREL HERMAN
Background/Objectives: This report documents the first confirmed case in Romania of fatal pneumonia and septicemia in a domestic rabbit caused by multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli, highlighting both its pathogenic potential and One Health implications. Case Study: An 8-month-old male German Giant Spotted rabbit raised on a rural farm under poor husbandry conditions developed acute respiratory distress and died within 48 h. Post-mortem examination revealed severe pulmonary congestion, tracheal inflammation, serofibrinous pericarditis, and systemic vascular lesions. Bacteriological analysis confirmed E. coli from lung, trachea, and bone marrow samples. The isolate demonstrated strong Congo red binding, was confirmed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and showed resistance to beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, macrolides, and phenicols, remaining susceptible only to aminoglycosides. PCR screening identified virulence genes (fimH, papC, iutA, ompA) linked to adhesion, immune evasion, and iron acquisition, with potential for horizontal gene transfer. Conclusions: This first documented case in Romania emphasizes the clinical threat posed by multidrug-resistant E. coli in rabbits and the importance of early diagnosis, improved biosecurity, and responsible antimicrobial use. The zoonotic and environmental risks in backyard farming underscore the urgent need for integrated surveillance. Alternative control strategies, including phage therapy and probiotics, should be explored to reduce reliance on conventional antibiotics.

15 May 2026 in Metabolites
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
BFBogdan Alexandru Florea
Bogdan Alexandru Florea
DMDORU MORAR
DORU MORAR
MKMarina Corina Kračunović
Marina Corina Kračunović
SVSimina Velescu
Simina Velescu
VIVlad Valentin Iorgoni
Vlad Valentin Iorgoni
EDEugenia Dumitrescu
Eugenia Dumitrescu
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global health challenge that has intensified interest in multi-target nutraceuticals with potential adjunctive benefits. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi/Reishi) is a medicinal mushroom traditionally used in East Asia and is increasingly investigated for its role in glycemic regulation and metabolic disturbances. This review critically synthesizes current evidence on its hypoglycemic effects, focusing on bioactive compounds, molecular mechanisms, and translational limitations. Unlike broader reviews on Ganoderma bioactivity and health-related benefits, this review specifically evaluates the alignment between taxonomic authentication, chemical standardization, preclinical mechanisms, and human clinical evidence in the context of glycemic regulation. This narrative review was based on a targeted literature search conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus for studies published up to October 2025, supplemented by Google Scholar. The included studies comprised in vitro experiments, in vivo animal models, and human clinical trials evaluating glycemic and metabolic outcomes of Ganoderma preparations. In vitro and animal studies indicate that polysaccharides, including β-(1→3)/(1→6)-glucans and proteoglycans such as FYGL, may improve insulin sensitivity via AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) and PI3K/Akt pathways, promote GLUT4 (glucose transporter type 4) translocation, suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis, protect pancreatic β-cells, and modulate gut microbiota. In enzyme assays and preclinical models, lanostane-type triterpenoids act primarily by inhibiting α-glucosidase and α-amylase, thereby potentially reducing postprandial glucose excursions. Despite consistent preclinical evidence, clinical findings remain heterogeneous, with the largest randomized controlled trial reporting no significant glycemic benefit. Overall, Ganoderma lucidum shows strong mechanistic plausibility but insufficient clinical evidence for antidiabetic efficacy. Future research should prioritize species authentication, chemical standardization, and adequately powered clinical trials.

30 September 2026 in Romanian Journal of Veterinary Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
SVSimina Velescu
Simina Velescu
DMDORU MORAR
DORU MORAR
MKMarina Corina Kračunović
Marina Corina Kračunović
BFBogdan Florea
Bogdan Florea
BSBogdan Sicoe
Bogdan Sicoe
Florin MuselinFlorin Muselin
Florin Muselin
Acute kidney injury (AKI) in dogs represents a significant clinical challenge, particularly when conservative therapy fails to restore renal function. This case report describes the management and favourable outcome of a German Shorthaired Pointer that had previously been diagnosed and treated for babesiosis, which subsequently developed severe azotemia and biochemical alterations consistent with AKI, successfully managed with hemodialysis. The patient was referred with lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, and laboratory findings indicative of renal dysfunction, including elevated serum creatinine, urea, and phosphorus concentrations, along with mild hypoalbuminemia and hypoproteinemia. Urine output was preserved, but azotemia persisted despite appropriate fluid therapy, electrolyte correction, and supportive care. Hemodialysis was initiated as renal replacement therapy using a standard extracorporeal circuit under continuous monitoring. Treatment resulted in progressive improvement of biochemical parameters and clinical condition, with complete normalisation of renal function shortly after the final dialysis session. The patient was discharged in good clinical condition and maintained stable renal values during follow-up. This case highlights the clinical applicability and effectiveness of hemodialysis as a therapeutic option in canine AKI unresponsive to medical treatment. Early recognition of candidates for renal replacement therapy and prompt initiation of hemodialysis can significantly improve prognosis and clinical outcomes in dogs with acute kidney injury.

22 December 2025 in Romanian Journal of Veterinary Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
MKMarina Corina Kračunović
Marina Corina Kračunović
FSFlorin Dan Simiz
Florin Dan Simiz
BFBogdan Florea
Bogdan Florea
SVSimina Velescu
Simina Velescu
VIVlad Valentin Iorgoni
Vlad Valentin Iorgoni
DMDORU MORAR
DORU MORAR
Congenital macrothrombocytopenia is a hereditary platelet disorder predominantly observed in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. It is characterized by persistent thrombo-cytopenia accompanied by increased platelet volume (mean platelet volume, MPV), often identified incidentally in clinically healthy dogs. This case report describes an 8-month-old female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels presented for routine follow-up with no clinical signs of illness. Serial complete blood counts revealed persistent thrombocytopenia (42–55 ×10³/µL) with elevated MPV (12–14 fL). Peripheral blood smears confirmed the presence of large, young platelets. Infectious, immune-mediated, and neoplastic causes were excluded. The dog remained clinically healthy without pharmacological treatment and continues under monitoring, with preventive advice to avoid trauma-induced bleeding. Recognition of breed-specific hematological traits is essential to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary interventions.

31 March 2026 in Romanian Journal of Veterinary Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
SVSimina Velescu
Simina Velescu
DMDORU MORAR
DORU MORAR
BFBogdan Alexandru Florea
Bogdan Alexandru Florea
CVCristina Văduva
Cristina Văduva
FSFlorin Dan Simiz
Florin Dan Simiz
MKMarina Corina Kračunović
Marina Corina Kračunović
Anaemia in cats is a commonly encountered clinical condition in veterinary practice, characterised by heterogeneous etiologies and potentially significant systemic consequences. The present study aimed to investigate the epidemiological profile and etiological distribution of anaemia in feline patients, with particular emphasis on haematological characteristics and assessment of disease severity. A retrospective analysis of feline medical records was conducted, including newly diagnosed cases of anaemia confirmed by altered haematological parameters and supported by a definitive etiological diagnosis. Cases were identified based on decreased haematocrit, erythrocyte count, and haemoglobin concentration. Regarding the type of anaemia, non-regenerative anaemia represented the predominant form, while regenerative anaemia was observed less frequently. As for severity, mild and moderate cases were most commonly recorded. The primary underlying conditions associated with anaemia included chronic kidney disease, chronic inflammatory disorders, and infectious diseases. These findings emphasise the importance of early identification of the underlying aetiology and accurate classification of anaemia according to bone marrow response and severity. Therefore, adopting such an approach is

22 July 2026 in Veterinary Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FSFlorin Dan Simiz
Florin Dan Simiz
DMDORU MORAR
DORU MORAR
CVCristina Văduva
Cristina Văduva
SVSimina Velescu
Simina Velescu
LTLiviu Ioan Todescu
Liviu Ioan Todescu
DDDiana Maria Degi
Diana Maria Degi
MRSA is an important antimicrobial-resistant pathogen reported in a wide range of animal species; however, information regarding its occurrence in captive large felids remains limited. This report describes the detection and characterization of MRSA associated with a dental abscess in a captive jaguar (Panthera onca) from a zoological collection in Romania. A 10-year-old male jaguar presented with clinical signs suggestive of a localized oral infection. Samples collected from the dental lesion, nasal mucosa, external ear canal, and skin surface were subjected to bacteriological examination. Bacterial isolates were identified using conventional microbiological methods and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the VITEK® 2 system, while molecular confirmation was achieved by PCR targeting the nuc, mecA, and mecC genes. All isolates were identified as S. aureus and demonstrated a methicillin-resistant phenotype. PCR confirmed the presence of the species-specific nuc gene and the methicillin-resistance determinant mecA, while mecC was not detected. The isolates exhibited resistance to multiple antimicrobial classes, including β-lactams, fluoroquinolones, and macrolides, while remaining susceptible to linezolid, vancomycin, teicoplanin, rifampicin, and tigecycline. This case documents the occurrence of MRSA in a captive jaguar and highlights the value of integrated microbiological and molecular investigations for the diagnosis and characterization of resistant bacterial infections in zoological species.