Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://repository.ukim.mk/handle/20.500.12188/21

Browse

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 29

Some of the metrics are blocked by your
consent settings
Mirusha virus: A novel sand fly-borne phlebovirus with evidence of neutralizing antibodies in humans and dogs in Kosovo
(Elsevier BV, 2026-12)
Jakupi, Xhevat
;
Kurum, Elif
;
Xhekaj, Betim
;
Hoxha, Ina
;
Walochnik, Julia
Some of the metrics are blocked by your
consent settings
Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Zoonotic Potential of Intestinal Parasites in Shelter Dogs in North Macedonia: A Cross-Sectional Study
(Walter de Gruyter GmbH, 2026-03-03)
Chapkunovska, Bojana
;
Rashikj, Ljubica
;
;
;
Vlahov, Jane
Some of the metrics are blocked by your
consent settings
Genetic characterisation of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato infecting ruminants in the Republic of North Macedonia
(2025-12)
Rashikj, LJubica
;
;
;
Zagorka Popova Hristovska
;
Betim Xhekaj
Some of the metrics are blocked by your
consent settings
Sand fly-associated phlebovirus with evidence of neutralizing antibodies in humans and dogs in Kosovo
(Informa UK Limited, 2026-01)
Kurum, Elif
;
Jakupi, Xhevat
;
Xhekaj, Betim
;
Platzgummer, Katharina
;
Hoxha, Ina
The Balkan Peninsula is a hotspot for sand fly-borne phleboviruses (SbPVs), yet Kosovo had no confirmed viral detection invectors despite serological evidence of human and animal exposure. This study reports the discovery, genetic characterization, and seroprevalence of a novel phlebovirus, Grapi virus (GRPV), in Kosovo. Entomological surveys (2022-2023) collected 3,575 sand flies across seven districts. Morphological and molecular identification revealed Phlebotomus perfiliewi as the dominant species. Pan-phlebovirus RT-PCR screening identified GRPV in seven pools. Complete genome sequencing confirmed its tripartite genome, sharing 97.55-98.70% nucleotide identity with Bregalaka virus, classifying it within the Phlebovirus adanaense species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed segment-specific ancestry, suggesting recombination events between Bregalaka virus, Adana virus, and Medjerda Valley virus. Seroprevalence studies using neutralization assays detected GRPV-specific antibodies in 13.0% of humans and 2.7% of dogs. Human seropositivity peaked in adolescents and declined with age, while dogs showed higher rates in purebred and unhealthy ones. No cross-reactivity with Toscana or Sicilian viruses was observed, indicating distinct immunological responses. GRPV replicated efficiently in Vero cells and more slowly in mosquito cells, suggesting mammalian adaptation. GRPV detection in Kosovo underscores the role of the Balkan region in SbPV emergence. GRPV zoonotic potential is supported by the anthropophilic feeding behaviour of Ph. perfiliewi and by the significant seroprevalence rates in dogs and humans. Limitations include biased human/dog sampling and sparse northern Kosovo coverage. Investigating GRPV pathogenicity and ecology; integrated surveillance and diagnostics are essential for the future.
Some of the metrics are blocked by your
consent settings
Vector-borne pathogens in dogs from the Republic of Kosovo
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2025-04-09)
Xhekaj, Betim
;
Kniha, Edwin
;
Wiesmüller, Linda
;
Hoxha, Ina
;
Eigner, Barbara
Canine vector-borne pathogens (CVBP) are transmitted by arthropod vectors such as ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and phlebotomine sand flies and are of global veterinary and medical importance. Dogs are important reservoir hosts, which may develop potentially life-threatening clinical signs. The Balkan area harbors diverse vector fauna and associated CVBPs, and data, particularly from the Republic of Kosovo, are scarce. Considering the high number of stray and privately owned dogs primarily kept outside, living in close contact with dogs might promote spillover of zoonotic pathogens to human populations. To combat these diseases, a One Health approach is required. Therefore, our study molecularly analyzed samples of dogs for CVBP.
Some of the metrics are blocked by your
consent settings
Neutralization-based seroprevalence of Toscana virus and sandfly fever Sicilian virus in dogs in the Republic of Kosovo
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2025-02-10)
Xhekaj, Betim
;
Kurum, Elif
;
;
;
Sherifi, Kurtesh
Phlebotomine sand flies are the key vectors for phleboviruses (order Hareavirales and family Phenuiviridae), of which some are associated with febrile diseases and nervous system infections. In the Mediterranean Basin, Toscana virus (TOSV; Phlebovirus toscanaense) and sandfly fever Sicilian viruses (SFSV; Phlebovirus siciliaense) are important human pathogens, and their endemicity has been known for decades, particularly in the Balkan countries. While the circulation of both viruses is highly evident among humans and livestock in the Central Balkan country Kosovo, data from companion animals are scarce; however, it might help to further assess the distribution of both viruses in the country.
Some of the metrics are blocked by your
consent settings
Sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the Republic of Kosovo: Distribution Mapping, Ecology and Pathogen Circulation Hotspots
(Austrian Society for Tropical Medicine, Parasitology and Migration Medicine, 2024-12-03)
Ina Hoxha
;
Betim Xhekaj
;
Katharina Platzgummer
;
Vit Dvořák
;
Nazli Ayhan
During military deployments, soldiers are at risk of contracting diseases transmitted by medically relevant vectors (ticks, mosquitoes and sand flies) in endemic regions. Previous studies have detected antibodies against Leishmania and phleboviruses, in Austrian soldiers returning from Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina; demonstrating a clear exposure to these pathogens. Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) are small, hematophagous insects and the principal vectors of Leishmania spp. and phleboviruses. Both are endemic in the Balkans, but have long been understudied. This study aimed to assess and update the sand fly distribution in Kosovo, evaluate factors influencing their presence, and assess local pathogen circulation. Two sand fly surveys using CDC light traps were conducted in understudied regions of Kosovo in 2022 and 2023. Morphological identification was confirmed by barcoding, and host-feeding preferences were assessed by blood meal analyses. PCR-based methods and sequencing were used to screen for Leishmania spp. and phleboviruses. Additional occurrence data from two previous surveys were incorporated to generate distribution maps and evaluate environmental data. More than 3500 sand flies were trapped in seven regions of Kosovo with Ph. neglectus and Ph perfiliewi being the most prevalent. Barcodes of eight endemic species were generated and environmental analyses identified two geographical groups with notable differences between species. Blood meals of five sand fly species, identifying seven different host species. Leishmania DNA was amplified from two sand fly species, in both cases L. infantum, whereas RNA from three phlebovirus species was detected. This study provides the most comprehensive sand fly survey for the Kosovo to date, identifying factors influencing sand fly occurrence and potential hotspots of pathogen circulation, thus highlighting the need for targeted measures to mitigate the risk of vector-borne diseases in the region.
Some of the metrics are blocked by your
consent settings
INTESTINAL PARASITOFAUNA OF RED FOXES IN NORTH MACEDONIA
(2024-09-25)
Ljubica Rashikj
;
;
Aleksandar Janevski
;
;
Ivana Shikoska
Some of the metrics are blocked by your
consent settings
PREVALENCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF INTESTINAL PROTOZOA IN SHELTER DOGS IN NORTH MACEDONIA
(2024-09-25)
Bojana Chapkunovska
;
;
Ljubica Rashikj
;
Jane Vlahov
;
Ivana Shikoska
Some of the metrics are blocked by your
consent settings
INTESTINAL PARASITE DIVERSITY IN WILD AND DOMESTICATED TURTLES IN NORTH MACEDONIA: A BASELINE STUDY
(2024-09-25)
Matej Aleksandrovski
;
Bojana Chapkunovska
;
Ljubica Rashikj
;
;

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Browse

Filters

Settings

Sort By

Results per page

Search Results