Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

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Author: search.filters.author.Stefanovska, JovanaStart date: 2025

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    Species composition, distribution, and host associations of ixodid ticks in domestic animals on lowland pastures in North Macedonia
    (Elsevier BV, 2026-04-03)
    Chapkunovska, Bojana
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    Matevski, Ivan
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    Vlahov, Jane
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    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
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    Kurum, Elif
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    Xhekaj, Betim
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    Hoxha, Ina
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    Walochnik, Julia
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    Sand fly-associated phlebovirus with evidence of neutralizing antibodies in humans and dogs in Kosovo
    (Informa UK Limited, 2026-01)
    Kurum, Elif
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    Jakupi, Xhevat
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    Xhekaj, Betim
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    Platzgummer, Katharina
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    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.
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    Vector-borne pathogens in dogs from the Republic of Kosovo
    (Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2025-04-09)
    Xhekaj, Betim
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    Kniha, Edwin
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    Wiesmüller, Linda
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    Hoxha, Ina
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    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.
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    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
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    Kurum, Elif
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    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.