Although the importance of the microbiome in the context of tick biology and vector competence has recently come into a broader research focus, the field is still in its infancy and the complex ecological interactions between the tick residential bacteria and pathogens are obscure. Here, we show that an environmentally acquired gut bacterium has the potential to impair Borrelia afzelii colonization within the tick vector through a secreted metalloprotease. Oral introduction of either Bacillus cereus LTG-1 isolate or its purified enhancin (BcEnhancin) protein significantly reduces B. afzelii burden in the guts of Ixodes ricinus ticks. This effect is attributed to the ability of BcEnhancin to degrade a glycan-rich peritrophic matrix (PM), which is a gut protective barrier essential for Borrelia survival. Our study highlights the importance of the gut microbiome in determining tick vector competence and provides a deeper mechanistic insight into the complex network of interactions between Borrelia, the tick, and the tick microbiome.

Case summary A 2-year-old domestic longhair crossbred female cat was referred for a second opinion on a non-healing surgical wound after left eye enucleation. In addition to the left orbital lesion, ulcerative granular masses protruding from the left nostril and on the base of the left ear were noted. A diagnosis of cryptococcosis was established using histopathological examination and a latex cryptococcal antigen agglutination test. The cat was successfully treated with itraconazole. Relevance and novel information Cryptococcosis, commonly reported in Australia, western Canada and the western USA, is rarely reported in companion animals in Europe. This marks the first report of cryptococcosis in cats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasising the need to raise awareness within the veterinary community, both local and regional, about this disease.

Bats are a natural host for a number of viruses, many of which are zoonotic and thus present a threat to human health. RNA viruses of the family Filoviridae, many of which cause disease in humans, have been associated with specific bat hosts. Lloviu virus is a Filovirus which has been connected to mass mortality events in Miniopterus schreibersii colonies in Spain and Hungary, and some studies have indicated its immense zoonotic potential. A die-off has been recorded among Miniopterus schreibersii in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina for the first time, prompting the investigation to determine the causative agent. Bat carcasses were collected and subjected to pathological examination, after which the lung samples with notable histopathological changes, lung samples with no changes and guano were analyzed using metagenomic sequencing and RT-PCR. A partial Lloviu virus genome was sequenced from lung samples with histopathological changes and found to be closely related to Hungarian and Italian virus sequences. Further accumulation of mutations on the GP gene, coding the glycoprotein responsible for cell tropism and host preference, enhances the need for further characterization and monitoring of this virus to prevent spillover events and protect human health.

The objective of this paper was to create an economical and abecedarian 3D printing method for the production of solid microneedles, as a more efficient transdermal drug delivery method, for day-to-day use in companion animals. The process of 3D printing was conducted using two types of 3D printers, utilizing the FDM and SLA printing techniques. Modulus of Elasticity was calculated for the determination of mechanical properties of the material, wherethe printed specimen was subjected to axial loading, and deformations were measured using an optical scanner. Post-processing was conducted by washing microneedles in isopropyl alcohol, followed by UV curing. The procedure of testing penetration capabilities was conducted at two sites of cat skin: Auris externa and the lateral part of the abdomen. The SLA printing method was more precise, resulting in higher quality microneedles for animal use compared to the FDM printing technique. Modulus of Elasticity was calculated and the value E=0.9 GPa can be used. Testing proved that the printed model was able to penetrate the skin at the tested sites. The use of microneedles is simple and economical, and therefore has wide applications in small animal practice. Veterinarians can access microneedle design repositories and print them for more effective transdermal drug delivery. The multifunctionality and transferability of the design in the present study ensure that it can be further modified to provide personalized therapy.