Sonakshi Raj Raj

Syphilis is a chronic and multi-stage infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum, which has a rapid spread, resistance to immune responses, and chronic infection. This review is a synthesis of animal evidence to study the pathogenesis, clinical synergies, diagnostic plans, treatment plans, and epidemiological implications of the disease. The use of animal models, especially rabbits, has been critical in understanding the interaction of the host and pathogen, development of lesions, and immunological reactions. This research indicates the relative performance of the traditional and reverse screening algorithm, which shows that reverse screening has a better sensitivity during both early and latent periods, whereas the traditional approach is useful in monitoring active infection. The development of molecular diagnostics, particularly PCR and immunoassays, has improved early diagnosis and evaluation of the disease, whereas penicillin remains the most effective treatment despite the emerging resistance issues in other treatments. Additionally, experimental epidemiological research adds to the knowledge on the dynamics and persistence of transmission. Nevertheless, animal model limitations and issues with vaccine development because of immune evasion remain a major problem. The review highlights the necessity of a better experimental model, combined diagnostic, and novel treatment and vaccine options to improve the management of the disease and future research outcomes.

NTDs persist in animals’ populations because of complicated interactions between livestock and wildlife reservoirs, vectors, and the environment. The present review offers the in-depth analysis of the current developments and the current issues in the control of NTDs with particular attention to the animal-based data and environmental determinants. It outlines the importance of animal reservoirs in perpetuating transmission cycles and explores how ecological factors like climate variability, land-use alterations and the dynamics of vectors affect disease persistence. The review also analyzes the progress of next-generation diagnostics, such as molecular, biosensors, and environmental DNA (eDNA), which have contributed to a considerable enhancement in the accuracy of detection and surveillance. Nevertheless, constraints connected to field applicability, expensive nature, and disjointed surveillance systems remain a barrier to successful implementation. The results highlight the need to consider the incorporation of both animal health surveillance and environmental surveillance to improve early detection and control interventions. Moreover, review indicates important gaps in research such as the underrepresentation of wildlife reservoirs and the lack of scalable and cost-effective diagnostic tools. On the whole, it highlights the need to implement interdisciplinary and combined solutions to ensure sustainable and effective management of NTDs in animals.