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Microb Genom. 2026 May;12(5). doi: 10.1099/mgen.0.001701.

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus canis represents a major canine pathogen, accounting for 22.4% of streptococcal infections in dogs. However, despite its prevalence in veterinary medicine, the mechanisms underlying S. canis pathogenesis and survival remain poorly understood. Identifying targeted treatments against S. canis could help to reduce dysbiosis-related complications and minimize the selection of resistant neighbouring bacteria. In this study, we employed transposon-directed insertion-site sequencing for the first time to generate saturated mutant libraries of S. canis. By comparing three distinct strains, we defined the shared essential genome of this pathogen. We found that 90.4% of its essential genes are also present in the essential genomes of other related pyogenic streptococcal species, including Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus equi subsp. equi, demonstrating the translational relevance of S. canis research to broader streptococcal biology. Notably, we identified two genes uniquely essential to S. canis at the terminal steps of glycolysis: ldh, which governs lactate metabolism, and pta, which catalyses the conversion of acetyl-CoA to acetyl phosphate in acetate metabolism. We propose that targeting these pathways may offer a novel, species-specific therapeutic strategy for treating S. canis infections.

PMID:42118567 | DOI:10.1099/mgen.0.001701

Lancet Infect Dis. 2026 May 11:S1473-3099(26)00232-X. doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099(26)00232-X. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:42114534 | DOI:10.1016/S1473-3099(26)00232-X

We have an exciting opportunity for an HR Manager (Clinical Services) to join the Department at a pivotal point of transformation. At the heart of a period of organisational change, this role offers the opportunity to help shape the future in a world-leading institution.

As part of a collaborative HR team, the role provides HR leadership for the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital (QVSH), a major teaching hospital with an international reputation for excellence. The Department is progressing a significant programme of organisational change, and the role holder plays a central part in supporting this while ensuring the delivery of an effective HR service in a complex, fast-paced environment.

We are seeking an experienced HR professional to deliver a proactive and trusted HR service. Working closely with senior leaders, you will support workforce planning, recruitment, employee relations and organisational change. Advising on the implications of change initiatives and supporting managers to lead teams through change, you will help embed new structures and ways of working, ensuring compliance with policy and statutory requirements.

Working in partnership with the HR Manager (Teaching & Research) and supported by a small team, you will deliver HR solutions that balance operational effectiveness with longer-term goals. You will provide guidance to managers, oversee operational activities and liaise with central HR colleagues to ensure consistent delivery.

With strong HR advisory experience, you will have excellent knowledge of employment law and the ability to build effective relationships in a complex environment. You will be comfortable advising senior colleagues, navigating ambiguity and offering constructive challenge. The role requires sound judgement, excellent organisation and the ability to progress a range of priorities effectively.

The Department offers a welcoming and inclusive working environment, with academic, clinical and professional services colleagues collaborating to deliver world class care, teaching and support for students, patients and the wider community.

Benefits:

• 41 days' annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
• Generous defined benefit pension scheme
• Flexible working arrangements, with scope for informal hybrid working in line with service needs
• Potential for on-site parking
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Professional networking and access to a dedicated Personal and Professional Development team
• Wellness programme including Occupational Health and Staff counselling
• Staff discount scheme including shopping vouchers
• Cycle to work scheme
• Travel to work loans
• Eye care vouchers
• Discounted gym membership

For information about the Department, please visit: www.vet.cam.ac.uk

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Alex Drury, Business & Operations Manager, via email: bom@vet.cam.ac.uk

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact qvsh.hr@vet.cam.ac.uk quoting the reference number PP49620.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

Advert closing date: Midnight on 28 May 2026

Interviews are expected to take place within two weeks following the closing date.

Please note that applicants will be reviewed on a regular basis and may be invited to visit and/or interview prior to the closing date. We reserve the right to close the position early if all available positions are filled.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Microb Genom. 2026 May;12(5). doi: 10.1099/mgen.0.001654.

ABSTRACT

Background. Rates of multidrug resistance (MDR) in Gram-negative bacteria (GNB), particularly those harbouring extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and/or carbapenemases, are increasing globally. Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are vulnerable to healthcare-associated infection (HCAI). Surveillance for carriage of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR GNB) is inconsistent, with differing practices amongst ICUs, hospitals and countries. Furthermore, the impact of asymptomatic carriage on HCAI rates is unclear.Methods. We conducted a 6-month prospective surveillance study of MDR GNB in a UK adult ICU. Screening samples were collected from all study participants on admission, once a week (depending on length of stay) and on discharge from the ICU. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to examine the population structure and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms of MDR GNB and to determine evidence of recent transmission between patients.Findings. Of 424 participants recruited between June and December 2016, 15% (n=64) were positive for MDR GNB during admission screening to the ICU. The most frequently identified organisms were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. In total, 10% (n=42) of patients acquired an ESBL-producing or carbapenem-resistant MDR GNB during their ICU admission. WGS of the bacterial populations reflected national trends. An undetected outbreak of carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae, which had spread to several wards, was identified and controlled. Most positive patients carried identical lineages across multiple body sites.Interpretation. Our findings suggest that prospective screening for MDR GNB in ICU patients could be beneficial and be considered in other UK critical care settings. This would not only improve early detection but also enable the prompt institution of enhanced infection control measures.

PMID:42089880 | DOI:10.1099/mgen.0.001654

The global food system is more productive than ever, but it's pushing natural systems out of balance in the extreme. Can science help farmers produce the food we need in a more sustainable way?

AVAILABLE TO START MONDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2026, OR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THEREAFTER

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD: £29,600.00 PER ANNUM

This Senior Clinical Training Scholarship in Diagnostic Imaging (Residency) provides an outstanding opportunity to study for a postgraduate qualification and is available to start on Monday 2 November 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. You will be trained in all aspects of veterinary diagnostic imaging, including radiology, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. The training programme is approved by the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging.

The Scholarship is for one year in the first instance, renewable for periods of one year up to a total of three years. It is subject to an initial monitoring period of six months and review on a bi-annual basis.

You will be required to register with the ECVDI for the Diploma in Diagnostic Imaging. The training programme requires participation in the Department's clinical service, including the out-of-hours rota and first opinion clinic, in addition to small-group teaching of veterinary students. You will also be expected to participate in research projects as part of your training.

You must be a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, or hold a veterinary degree qualifying you for membership. Completion of a recognised internship or a minimum of two years' experience in small animal practice is essential.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive tax-free stipend
• CPD allowance and encouragement to attend and present at scientific meetings
• Good work-life balance with manageable out-of-hours duties on a shared rota
• Dedicated research time on top of holidays
• Academic opportunities, e.g. teaching Cambridge students during rotations and College supervision opportunities; weekly department research and clinical seminars; journal and book clubs
• Proven track-record with publications and research projects with guidance on presentation and scientific writing skills
• Assigned supervisor: - regular progress meetings, interview practice, provision of professional references and CV/cover letter proof reading by experienced senior clinicians to aid residency applications
• University library and extensive journal access

We welcome candidates wishing to apply for the scholarship to come and visit the hospital and to meet the team. Please contact Marie-Aude Genain, Principal Radiologist, by email: mag72@cam.ac.uk to arrange a convenient date.

For more information about the Department and the role please visit: www.vet.cam.ac.uk.

HOW TO APPLY

A SCTS application form (SCTS 1) and information pack can be downloaded from the following website: https://www.vet.cam.ac.uk/job

Applicants should supply a completed SCTS Application Form (SCTS 1), Curriculum Vitae and Covering Letter giving reasons for wishing to undertake this SCTS in the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge.

Applications should be submitted via e-mail to: vetmed@vet.cam.ac.uk with the above documents as one attachment, by the closing date stated.

Interviews will be held on Friday 19 June 2026

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Please note: The ability to take up this Scholarship is contingent upon you being able to evidence your right to work in the UK, or through gaining the right to work via the UK immigration system. Evidence will need to be provided before an offer can be made. Regrettably, this Scholarship is not suitable for sponsorship via the Skilled Worker or Temporary Worker visa routes as the minimum requirements cannot be met.

Please quote reference PP49344 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Vet Sci. 2026 Mar 28;13(4):330. doi: 10.3390/vetsci13040330.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: T-cell lymphomas are relatively common in veterinary species, yet current diagnostic tools such as PCR-based clonality assays often lack sensitivity and specificity. In humans, we recently developed two related tissue-based diagnostic approaches based on the differential detection of the mutually exclusively expressed TCRbeta1 and 2 (TCRβ1 and 2) constant region proteins, or the corresponding TRBC1 and TRBC2 transcripts. Analogous to the detection of kappa/lambda light chains for the diagnosis of B-cell/plasma cell neoplasms in human clinical practice, our TCRβ1/2 diagnostic assay has the potential to transform veterinary diagnostic workflows.

METHODS: We identified and confirmed the sequences of the relevant TRBC1 and TRBC2 sequences in both cats and dogs, focusing on the 3' untranslated region (UTR), where there is the least sequence homology between TRBC1 and TRBC2. To allow us to design appropriate probe sequences, we confirmed a lack of 3'UTR in either species, and we observed limited 3' untranslated region UTR sequence polymorphism in the cat but not in the dog 3'UTR. We designed BaseScope™ RNA in situ hybridization probes targeting the 3' UTR to distinguish between TRBC1 and TRBC2 transcripts in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues.

RESULTS: In normal tissues, we found the TRBC2:TRBC1 expression ratio to be similar to the 1.2:1 ratio in humans, between 1:1 and 3:1, skewing towards TRBC2, in both dogs and cats. These findings were corroborated using quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Applying our in situ hybridization probes to cases of T-cell lymphoma in dogs and cats, we demonstrated that an assay for differential expression of TRBC1 and TRBC2 in T-cell populations could identify clonal T-cell populations, as in human diagnostics. If further studies corroborate this proof-of-concept study, TRBC1/2 detection could obviate the need for slow, complex and expensive multiplexed PCR-based (PCR for antigen receptor rearrangements (PARR)) clonality assays.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides proof-of-concept data for a novel diagnostic approach that could simplify and substantially improve the accuracy of lymphoma diagnostics in veterinary medicine, by detecting TRBC1/2 transcripts.

PMID:42076702 | DOI:10.3390/vetsci13040330

TO START MONDAY 19 OCTOBER 2026, OR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THEREAFTER

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD: £29,600.00 per annum

This Scholarship provides an outstanding opportunity to study for a postgraduate qualification and is available to start on Monday 19 October 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The training programme covers all aspects of veterinary neurology including neurosurgery, imaging, electrodiagnostics and pathology, and is approved by the European College of Veterinary Neurology (ECVN).

The Scholarship is for one year in the first instance, renewable for periods of one year up to a total of three years. It is subject to an initial monitoring period of six months and review on an annual basis.

The Scholar will be required to register for the Diploma of the ECVN. The training programme requires participation in the Department's clinical service, including the out-of-hours rota and first opinion practice, in addition to small-group teaching of veterinary students.

Applicants must be a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, or hold a veterinary degree qualifying her/him for membership. Completion of a recognised internship or a minimum of two years' experience in small animal practice or equivalent is essential.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Paul Freeman, Principal Clinical Neurologist, by email: pf266@cam.ac.uk.

An application form (SCTS 1) and information pack can be downloaded from the following website: https://www.vet.cam.ac.uk/job

Applicants should supply a completed SCTS Application Form (SCTS 1), Curriculum Vitae and Covering Letter giving reasons for wishing to undertake the SCTS in Neurology in the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge.

Applications should be submitted via e-mail to vetmed@vet.cam.ac.uk with the above documents as one attachment, by the closing date stated. Please quote reference PP49343 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

Closing Date: Midnight on Wednesday 27 May 2026

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 24 June 2026

Please note: The ability to take up this Scholarship is contingent upon you being able to evidence your right to work in the UK, or through gaining the right to work via the UK immigration system. Evidence will need to be provided before an offer can be made. Regrettably, this Scholarship is not suitable for sponsorship via the Skilled Worker or Temporary Worker visa routes as the minimum requirements cannot be met.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all scholars are eligible to live and work in the UK.

We have an exciting opportunity for a personable and effective Service Administrator, with strong organisational and multitasking skills, to work in the Client Services function of the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital (QVSH). This is a full-time position that will take part in an early and late rota (hospital reception opening hours are currently Monday to Friday 8.00am - 7:00pm).

The Service Administrator is an integral part of the Small Animal Hospital and will support our Service Teams (Soft Tissue, Orthopaedics, Neurology, Oncology, Medicine, Cardiology, Dermatology, Physiotherapy and Ophthalmology).

The Service Administrators support the delivery of specialist services across the hospital, underpinned by the front of house team. As part of the wider Client Service Team they will work alongside the Client Service Administrators to support the Small Animal Hospital Team, in support of its mission to deliver excellence in client service and clinical veterinary student teaching. Service Administrators will act as liaison between the front of house service and the services within the hospital to provide an enhanced service for both clients and vets. Ensuring that clients are billed accurately and promptly and that all communication and liaison with external parties is carried out efficiently and effectively.

The Service Administrator will aim to provide a first-class customer service in what can often be a very challenging environment. The role will involve supporting clients during difficult conversations including diagnosis of patients, treatment (or non-treatment) and subsequent payment of accounts.

Previous experience in a busy administrative role is essential. The ideal candidate should possess exceptional communication skills, experience with Microsoft Office programs, and the capacity to establish professional and effective working relationships with the broader team. The position requires exceptional organisational abilities, flexibility, and attention to detail.

In return, we offer an encouraging and supportive environment alongside a wide range of benefits, including:

• Generous paid annual leave
• Defined benefit pension scheme
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Access to training opportunities via a dedicated Personal and Professional Development team
• Wellness programme including Occupational Health team and Staff counselling
• Staff discount scheme including shopping vouchers
• Cycle to work scheme
• Travel to work loans
• Eye care voucher scheme
• Discounted gym membership

Further particulars for the role and information about the Department are available in the Further Particulars document enclosed with this advert. If you are viewing this advert on an external site, please visit the University's job pages for access.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and any queries regarding the application process, please contact the QVSH Clinical HR Team via email: qvsh.hr@vet.cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference PP49587 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Closing date for applications is Midnight on Thursday 14 May 2026

Interviews will be held on Thursday 21 May 2026

Applications will be monitored regularly, and we may contact candidates prior to the closing date. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications or extend it if we do not receive a sufficient number of applications. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

PART TIME: 3 DAYS (22.5 HOURS) PER WEEK ON WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY AND FRIDAY

We have an exciting opportunity for a personable and effective Service Administrator, with strong organisational and multitasking skills, to work in the Client Services function of the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital (QVSH). This is a part-time position working 3 days per week on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday that will take part in an early and late rota (hospital reception opening hours are currently Monday to Friday 8.00am - 7:00pm).

The Service Administrator is an integral part of the Small Animal Hospital and will support our Service Teams (Soft Tissue, Orthopaedics, Neurology, Oncology, Medicine, Cardiology, Dermatology, Physiotherapy and Ophthalmology).

The Service Administrators support the delivery of specialist services across the hospital, underpinned by the front of house team. As part of the wider Client Service Team they will work alongside the Client Service Administrators to support the Small Animal Hospital Team, in support of its mission to deliver excellence in client service and clinical veterinary student teaching. Service Administrators will act as liaison between the front of house service and the services within the hospital to provide an enhanced service for both clients and vets. Ensuring that clients are billed accurately and promptly and that all communication and liaison with external parties is carried out efficiently and effectively.

The Service Administrator will aim to provide a first-class customer service in what can often be a very challenging environment. The role will involve supporting clients during difficult conversations including diagnosis of patients, treatment (or non-treatment) and subsequent payment of accounts.

Previous experience in a busy administrative role is essential. The ideal candidate should possess exceptional communication skills, experience with Microsoft Office programs, and the capacity to establish professional and effective working relationships with the broader team. The position requires exceptional organisational abilities, flexibility, and attention to detail.

In return, we offer an encouraging and supportive environment alongside a wide range of benefits, including:

• Generous paid annual leave
• Defined benefit pension scheme
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Access to training opportunities via a dedicated Personal and Professional Development team
• Wellness programme including Occupational Health team and Staff counselling
• Staff discount scheme including shopping vouchers
• Cycle to work scheme
• Travel to work loans
• Eye care voucher scheme
• Discounted gym membership

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Further particulars for the role and information about the Department are available in the Further Particulars document enclosed with this advert. If you are viewing this advert on an external site, please visit the University's job pages for access.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and any queries regarding the application process, please contact the QVSH Clinical HR Team via email: qvsh.hr@vet.cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference PP49425 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

Interviews will be held on Thursday 21 May 2026

Applications will be monitored regularly, and we may contact candidates prior to the closing date. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications or extend it if we do not receive a sufficient number of applications. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Until now, it was thought that neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease were primarily associated with changes to the brain’s grey matter.

This new finding suggests that treatments for neurodegenerative disease should target damage to the brain’s white matter, in addition to grey matter which has been the focus until now.

The brain is equally divided into grey and white matter. Grey matter contains the brain’s processing hubs, linked by an information highway — the white matter. Although white matter damage is a defining feature of multiple sclerosis and is also seen in neurodegeneration including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, the consequences of white matter damage are not well understood.

The team, led by Professor Ragnhildur Thóra Káradóttir at the University of Cambridge’s Stem Cell Institute, created localised damage to myelin – the main component of white matter – in a well-defined brain circuit and followed what happened over time. They found that small, localised myelin damage triggered a striking response in a connected, remote grey matter region. Neuronal activity fell, microglia – the brain’s immune cells – became activated, and connections between neurons were lost.

Crucially, these changes were not permanent. After myelin was regenerated, neuronal activity recovered, connections between neurons returned, and the inflammatory response subsided.

The study also challenges a common assumption about brain inflammation. Grey matter inflammation is traditionally viewed as harmful. But here, the team found that this transient response was part of the repair process itself. When they prevented grey matter inflammation, myelin regeneration was impaired.

Conversely, when the team blocked myelin regeneration, the grey matter response did not resolve and instead became chronic. This suggests that failed myelin regeneration may help drive the persistent low-grade inflammation seen in neurodegenerative disease.

Káradóttir, who also holds a position at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Veterinary Medicine, said: “We found that a focal lesion in white matter is not just a local event. It can trigger a coordinated response in connected grey matter, and that response is not simply damage. It is part of the brain’s attempt to repair itself.”

The finding is particularly relevant to multiple sclerosis, where white matter lesions, chronic inflammation and incomplete myelin regeneration are closely linked to disease progression.

The work offers a new framework for understanding how local white matter damage may contribute to wider dysfunction across the brain and, when regeneration fails, to sustained inflammation.

Professor Alasdair Coles, Professor of Clinical Neuroimmunology and Head of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Cambridge, added: “These findings suggest that therapies enhancing myelin regeneration could help slow the progression of a potentially wide range of brain disorders.”

Reference: de Faria Jr et al: 'Focal white matter lesions drive grey matter inflammation and synapse loss', Nature, 2026. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-026-10414-w

Damage to white matter in the brain can trigger features associated with neurodegenerative disease, Cambridge researchers have discovered in a new study published today in the journal Nature.

A focal lesion in white matter...can trigger a coordinated response in connected grey matter, and that response is not simply damage. It is part of the brain’s attempt to repair itself.Ragnhildur Thóra KáradóttirHayri Er on GettyBrain

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