Prevalence and risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium spp. infection in local breed of dogs in Enugu State, Nigeria

Research (Published online: 31-05-2019)

17. Prevalence and risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium spp. infection in local breed of dogs in Enugu State, Nigeria

Ukamaka U. Eze, Ikenna O. Ezeh, Terry A. Nzeakor, Samuel C. Attama, Ekene V. Ezenduka and Denchris N. Onah

Veterinary World, 12(5): 729-734

ABSTRACT

Aims: Cryptosporidiosis is an important zoonotic disease of major public and veterinary concern. The disease affects humans and a variety of animal species including the domestic dog. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium spp. infection in local breed of dogs from different homes and those presented at veterinary hospitals and clinics in Enugu State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: A total of 203 fresh fecal samples were collected from domestic dogs in six local government areas in Enugu State from February 2015 to August 2015. All the samples were examined using the formol-ether sedimentation method. Fecal smears were then stained by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique and examined under direct light microscopy.

Results: A total of 74 (36.5%) dogs were infected with Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. There was a strong association (p<0.05) between the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts and management practices. However, there was no statistically significant association (p>0.05) between the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts and age, sex, and fecal consistency.

Conclusion: The findings of this work suggest that domestic dogs in Enugu State harbor and shed Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in the environment, especially those managed semi-intensively. Such fecal shedding is particularly so and of greater zoonotic and epidemiological importance in animals that do not show clinical signs and therefore not treated. They, therefore, pose a greater public health risk, especially to immune-compromised humans and animals. Public education on the zoonotic implication of this protozoan infection is of paramount importance in Enugu State, in particular, and Nigeria, in general, considering the closeness of dogs and man.

Keywords: Cryptosporidium, dogs, modified Ziehl-Neelsen techniques, Nigeria, prevalence, risk factor.

Antigenic site of nucleoprotein gene from Indonesian rabies virus isolates

Research (Published online: 31-05-2019)

16. Antigenic site of nucleoprotein gene from Indonesian rabies virus isolates

Jola Rahmahani, Suwarno Suwarno, Wiwik Misaco Yuniarti and Fedik Abdul Rantam

Veterinary World, 12(5): 724-728

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Several molecular studies on rabies virus (RABV) have been conducted in Indonesia, but it does not give clear information about molecular characteristics of previous RABV isolate in Indonesia. This study was conducted to know the characteristic of circulating RABV to determine a suitable method to control the spreading of RABV in Indonesia.

Materials and Methods: Samples of infected RABV from dog brain were collected from Sumatera, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Bali Islands. All samples were examined based on nucleoprotein encoding gene to determine the molecular characteristics based on homology and phylogenetic tree compared to Pasteur Virus and RABV that came from another country within Asia (Indonesia, China, Thailand, India, and Korea). The collected samples were processed by one-step reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction using nucleoprotein encoding gene followed by sequencing. The amino acid of its antigenic site of isolated RABV was also analyzed.

Results: The results showed that isolated RABV has 84-85% similarity compared to Pasteur. According to phylogenetic construction, isolated samples do not share the same lineage toward Pasteur. The homology scores of isolated samples compared to RABV within Asia such as Indonesia, China, Thailand, India, and Korea were 98-99%, 92-93%, 88-89%, 86-88%, and 85-88%, respectively. According to antigenic site analysis compared to Pasteur, it was found that there were amino acid mutations within antigenic Site IV of nucleoprotein. Amino acid mutation from isoleucine to valine occurred in amino acid number 240 of 6 Kalimantan, 7 Kalimantan, and 8 Kalimantan. Amino acid mutation from alanine to aspartate and asparagine to threonine occurred within the same antigenic site in amino acid number 246 and 273 of C4 isolate from Sulawesi.

Conclusion: According to homology and phylogenetic tree analyses, isolated RABV remained different compared to RABV within Asia and Pasteur. The amino acid mutation occurred in antigenic site of nucleoprotein encoding gene.

Keywords: amino acid, antigenic site, N gene, rabies virus.

Surveillance of the equine infectious anemia virus in Eastern and Central Saudi Arabia during 2014-2016

Research (Published online: 29-05-2019)

15. Surveillance of the equine infectious anemia virus in Eastern and Central Saudi Arabia during 2014-2016

Abdulmohsen Abdullah Alnaeem and Maged Gomaa Hemida

Veterinary World, 12(5): 719-723

ABSTRACT

Background: Equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) is one of the most important threats to the equine industry globally. This is due to the poor performance of the affected horses, which requires euthanization of the infected animals upon the infection confirmation. Infected animals remain carriers throughout their life. EIAV infection has been reported in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. However, the EIAV status is never assessed in horses in the Gulf area, especially in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Aim: This study aimed to perform molecular and serological surveillance among some horse populations in Eastern and Central Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods: Sera and whole blood were collected from 361 horses and 19 donkeys from the eastern and central regions of Saudi Arabia during January 2014-December 2016. Sera were tested by the commercial EIAV enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Moreover, the collected blood samples were tested by the commercial real-time polymerase chain reaction kits.

Results: Our serological surveillance revealed the absence of any antibodies against EIAV in the tested animals. Similar results were reported for the tested horses' plasma. This study confirms the absence of EIAV in horses and donkeys from Eastern and Central Saudi Arabia during the tenure of the current study. However, careful monitoring of the EIAV is highly recommended to avoid the emergence of such a virus in the horse population in Saudi Arabia.

Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first EIAV surveillance conducted not only in Saudi Arabia but also in the Gulf area. This study confirms the absence of EIAV in the tested equine population in the eastern and central regions of Saudi Arabia during 2014-2016.

Keywords: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, equine infectious anemia virus, real-time polymerase chain reaction, Saudi Arabia.

Serological and histopathological investigation of brucellosis in cattle in Medea region, Northern Algeria

Research (Published online: 28-05-2019)

14. Serological and histopathological investigation of brucellosis in cattle in Medea region, Northern Algeria

El Aid Kaaboub, Nassim Ouchene, Nadjet Amina Ouchene-Khelifi and Djamel Khelef

Veterinary World, 12(5): 713-718

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study was performed to determine the prevalence of bovine brucellosis in Medea region, Northern Algeria.

Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 495 non-vaccinated cattle, of which 280 (30 males and 250 females) belonged to 57 cattle farms and 215 cows were sampled at abattoirs of Medea. Sera collected from the cattle were tested using the Rose Bengal test and confirmed by histopathological analysis.

Results: Serological examination revealed that 7/57 farms (12.28%) were infected, of which 7/280 (2.5%) cattle were seropositive. The prevalence in females and males was 2.4% (6/250) and 3.33% (1/30), respectively. No significant difference has been observed between females and males. Older animals (≥8 years) were infected more. The prevalence of infection was 9.1%. Seroprevalence of Brucella infection in cows that have already had abortion was higher compared with non-aborted cows (4.34% and 2.20%, respectively). In abattoirs, a total of 25 (11.62%) seropositive cows were detected, and the histopathological analysis was positive in all these cows.

Conclusion: The study indicates that brucellosis indeed exists in cattle in Medea and shows that the meat of slaughtered cattle tested positive for brucellosis may constitute a real risk of transmission to both butchery personnel and consumers, which requires that the meat of infected animals should be analyzed before being marketed.

Keywords: Algeria, Brucella, cattle, histopathological analysis, seroprevalence.

The epidemiology of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks and its history in Iraq

Research (Published online: 25-05-2019)

13. The epidemiology of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks and its history in Iraq

Karima Akool Al-Salihi

Veterinary World, 12(5): 706-712

ABSTRACT

Background and Aims: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is reported in Iraq since 1937 and occurs as a devastating seasonal epidemic. This study intended to explore the epidemiology of FMD in Iraq during 2011-2016, through assessment of outbreak reports among cow, buffalo, and small ruminants (sheep and goat) in 15 Iraqi governorates except for Kurdistan region.

Materials and Methods: The reported data regarding FMD cases were collected from veterinary hospitals in 15 Iraqi governorates and were analyzed.

Results: The results revealed annual FMD outbreaks in cow, buffalo, and small ruminants in Iraqi governorates with variability in the numbers of the infected and dead animals. The total number of infected animals increased in 2016 compared to 2015 due to the illegal importation of FMD-infected cows at the end of 2015. The prevalence rates of FMD were 68.7%, 46.6%, and 30.3% in cattle, buffalo, and small ruminants, respectively, in 2016, while this was 18.4%, 19.9%, and 17.3%, respectively, in 2015.

Conclusion: This study approved the reemergence and endemic nature of FMD in Iraqi livestock. Prompt procedures and a new future strategy need to be implemented to control the increasing incidences of FMD in Iraq.

Keywords: Baghdad, Bashder checkpoint, foot-and-mouth disease, Iraq, Nineveh governorate.

Comparison of conventional polymerase chain reaction and routine blood smear for the detection of Babesia canis, Hepatozoon canis, Ehrlichia canis, and Anaplasma platys in Buriram Province, Thailand

Research (Published online: 24-05-2019)

12. Comparison of conventional polymerase chain reaction and routine blood smear for the detection of Babesia canis, Hepatozoon canis, Ehrlichia canis, and Anaplasma platys in Buriram Province, Thailand

Rucksak Rucksaken, Cherdsak Maneeruttanarungroj, Thanaporn Maswanna, Metita Sussadee and Pithai Kanbutra

Veterinary World, 12(5): 700-705

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Dog blood parasites are important tick-borne diseases causing morbidity and mortality in dogs worldwide. Four dog blood parasites species are commonly found in Thailand: Babesia canis, Hepatozoon canis, Ehrlichia canis, and Anaplasma platys. They are transmitted easily by tick species. However, there is little prevalence data available in Thailand. Diseases presentation of blood parasites infection is similar, but the treatment of each species is different. Current diagnosis mainly relies on microscopic examination of a stained blood smear, which has low sensitivity. Therefore, accurate diagnosis is important. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and routine blood smears in the detection of four blood parasites species in dogs from Buriram Province, Thailand.

Materials and Methods: In total, 49 EDTA-blood samples were collected from dogs in Buriram Province, Thailand. Blood parasite infection was compared using the Giemsa-stained blood smear technique to identify the parasite under a 100× oil immersion with PCR amplification of the 18S rDNA gene of B. canis and H. canis and the 16S rDNA gene of E. canis and A. platys.

Results: Only one dog out of 49 was positive for H. canis based on microscopic examination whereas the PCR results showed that 2.04% (1/49), 4.08% (2/49), 36.73% (18/49), and 30.61% (15/49) of dogs were positive for B. canis, H. canis, E. canis, and A. platys, respectively. Moreover, coinfection was found in 16.33% (8/49) of dogs.

Conclusion: This study is the first report to demonstrate the molecular prevalence of blood parasites in domestic dogs in Buriram Province. The results indicated that the PCR method exhibited much higher sensitivity and reliability for blood parasites diagnosis in dogs. Therefore, our data support serious concern regarding the diagnostic technique used in routine blood testing and also provide prevalence data for the management and control of blood parasites in this area.

Keywords: Blood parasites, dog, polymerase chain reaction, prevalence.

Detection of serum antibodies against Leptospira spp. in brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) from Grenada, West Indies

Research (Published online: 23-05-2019)

11. Detection of serum antibodies against Leptospira spp. in brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) from Grenada, West Indies

Ravindra Nath Sharma, Katelyn Thille, Brianna Piechowski and Keshaw Tiwari

Veterinary World, 12(5): 696-699

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Leptospirosis is an emerging disease of animals and humans. Among rodents brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) are an important reservoir of bacteria Leptospira. There is a paucity of information on reservoirs of Leptospira in Grenada. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of antibodies against Leptospira spp. in brown rats in a densely human populated area of Grenada.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples from 169 brown rats were collected and sera screened for antibodies against Leptospira spp. using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Among a total of 169 brown rats trapped in two parishes in Grenada, 77/169 (45.5%) were positive for Leptospira spp. antibodies. A significant difference in seropositive population of brown rats between two collection sites was observed. No differences were found between sex and age of seropositive rats.

Conclusion: Due to the close contact of brown rats with humans in Grenada, rats should be considered a high-risk factor in transmission of Leptospira to humans. Appropriate preventive measures should be instituted to prevent the transmission of Leptospira infection to humans.

Keywords: brown rats, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Grenada, Leptospira spp.

Detection and characterization of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-associated endoribonuclease gene variants in Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from seafoods and environment

Research (Published online: 21-05-2019)

10. Detection and characterization of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-associated endoribonuclease gene variants in Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from seafoods and environment

Pallavi Baliga, Malathi Shekar and Moleyur Nagarajappa Venugopal

Veterinary World, 12(5): 689-695

ABSTRACT

Aim: In Vibrio parahaemolyticus, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated cas6 endoribonuclease gene has been shown to exhibit sequence diversity and has been subtyped into four major types based on its length and composition. In this study, we aimed to detect and characterize the cas6 gene variants prevalent among V. parahaemolyticus strains isolated from seafoods and environment.

Materials and Methods: Novel primers were designed for each of the cas6 subtypes to validate their identification in V. parahaemolyticus by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In total, 38 V. parahaemolyticus strains isolated from seafoods and environment were screened for the presence of cas6 gene. Few representative PCR products were sequenced, and their phylogenetic relationship was established to available cas6 gene sequences in GenBank database.

Results: Of the 38 V. parahaemolyticus isolates screened, only about 40% of strains harbored the cas6 endoribonuclease gene, among which 31.6% and 7.9% of the isolates were positive for the presence of the cas6-a and cas6-d subtypes of the gene, respectively. The subtypes cas6-b and cas6-c were absent in strains studied. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis also established the cas6 sequences in this study to match GenBank sequences for cas6-a and cas6-d subtypes.

Conclusion: In V. parahaemolyticus, the Cas6 endoribonuclease is an associated protein of the CRISPR-cas system. CRISPR-positive strains exhibited genotypic variation for this gene. Primers designed in this study would aid in identifying the cas6 genotype and understanding the role of these genotypes in the CRISPR-cas immune system of the pathogen.

Keywords: cas6 gene, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-cas operon, endoribonuclease, type IF system, Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

Golden sea cucumber extract revives glucose transporter-4 and interleukin-6 protein level in diabetic mouse muscle

Research (Published online: 18-05-2019)

9. Golden sea cucumber extract revives glucose transporter-4 and interleukin-6 protein level in diabetic mouse muscle

Bambang Purwanto, Sundari Indah Wiyasihati, Putri Ayu Masyitha, Kristanti Wanito Wigati and Irfiansyah Irwadi

Veterinary World, 12(5): 684-688

ABSTRACT

Background: Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced free radical oxidant activity resulted in muscle wasting due to protein carbonyl (PC), glucose transporter-4 (Glut-4), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) protein alteration. Antioxidant ingredient in the golden sea cucumber extract was found in promising level to inhibit free radical activity.

Aim: This study was aimed to investigate the effect of golden sea cucumber extract on PC, IL-6, and Glut-4 level of STZ-induced diabetes mouse.

Materials and Methods: This study was performed using mice, which were grouped into non-diabetes, diabetes, and diabetes-treated extract groups. The golden sea cucumber was extracted using 70% ethanol, which was administered by oral gavage twice a day for 5 consecutive days.

Results: The extract reduced PC level and improved muscle Glut-4 and IL-6 protein level of diabetic mouse.

Conclusion: The extract of golden sea cucumber revived muscle Glut-4 and IL-6 protein level in protection against muscle wasting.

Keywords: diabetes, glucose transporter, interleukin, muscle.

Prevalence, molecular typing, and antimicrobial resistance of bacterial pathogens isolated from ducks

Research (Published online: 18-05-2019)

8. Prevalence, molecular typing, and antimicrobial resistance of bacterial pathogens isolated from ducks

Hamza M. Eid, Abdelazeem M. Algammal, Wael K. Elfeil, Fatma M. Youssef, Sawsan M. Harb and Ehab M. Abd-Allah

Veterinary World, 12(5): 677-683

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of different bacterial species affecting ducks as well as demonstrating the antimicrobial susceptibility and molecular typing of the isolated strains.

Materials and Methods: A total of 500 samples were randomly collected from different duck farms at Ismailia Governorate, Egypt. The collected samples were subjected to the bacteriological examination. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied for amplification of Kmt1 gene of Pasteurella multocida and X region of protein-A (spA) gene of the isolated Staphylococcus aureus strains to ensure their virulence. The antibiotic sensitivity test was carried out.

Results: The most common pathogens isolated from apparently healthy and diseased ducks were P. multocida (10.4% and 25.2%), Escherichia coli (3.6% and 22.8%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (10% and 8.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2% and 10%), and Proteus vulgaris (0.8% and 10%), respectively. In addition, S. aureus and Salmonella spp. were isolated only from the diseased ducks with prevalence (12.2%) and (2.8%), respectively. Serotyping of the isolated E. coli strains revealed that 25 E. coli strains were belonged to five different serovars O1, O18, O111, O78, and O26, whereas three strains were untypable. Salmonella serotyping showed that all the isolated strains were Salmonella Typhimurium. PCR revealed that four tested P. multocida strains were positive for Kmt1 gene with specific amplicon size 460 bp, while three strains were negative. In addition, all the tested S. aureus strains were positive for spA gene with specific amplicon size 226 bp. The antibiotic sensitivity test revealed that most of the isolated strains were sensitive to enrofloxacin, norfloxacin, and ciprofloxacin.

Conclusion: P. multocida is the most predominant microorganism isolated from apparently healthy and diseased ducks followed by E. coli and Staphylococci. The combination of both phenotypic and genotypic characterization is more reliable an epidemiological tool for identification of bacterial pathogens affecting ducks.

Keywords: Antibiotic sensitivity, duck, Escherichia coli, Pasteurella multocida, polymerase chain reaction, Staphylococci.

Phosphatidylcholine from krill increases plasma choline and its metabolites in dogs

Research (Published online: 16-05-2019)

7. Phosphatidylcholine from krill increases plasma choline and its metabolites in dogs

Lena Burri, Knut Heggen and Andreas Berg Storsve

Veterinary World, 12(5): 671-676

Background and Aim: Choline and its metabolites have multiple physiological roles in the body, which are important for muscle function, memory, methylation reactions, and hepatic lipid transport. This study aimed to investigate, if inclusion of phosphatidylcholine (PC) from Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) can increase the concentration of choline and its metabolites in plasma of sled dogs in comparison to a control group.

Materials and Methods: Ten adult Alaskan Huskies of both genders were supplemented with PC from 8% dietary krill meal inclusion for 6 weeks, while another ten dogs received no krill meal supplementation. Blood measurements of the two groups were taken at baseline and end of the study and compared for choline and its metabolite concentrations.

Results: The choline concentration of the krill meal-supplemented dogs was significantly higher after 6 weeks of krill meal feeding compared to the control group (mean increase = 4.53 μmol/L in the supplemented versus 1.21 μmol/L in the control group, p=0.014). Furthermore, krill meal-supplemented dogs showed significantly more pronounced increases in betaine (p<0.001), dimethylglycine (p<0.01), trimethylamine-N-oxide (p<0.001), and trimethyllysine (p<0.001) compared to the control group. Significant correlations between changes in choline and changes in its metabolites were observed.

Conclusion: The results showed that krill meal supplementation was associated with significantly higher plasma choline concentrations, which correlated with changed concentrations of choline metabolites.

Keywords: choline metabolites, choline, dog, krill meal, phosphatidylcholine.

Vibriosis and Aeromonas infection in shrimp: Isolation, sequencing, and control

Research (Published online: 14-05-2019)

6. Vibriosis and Aeromonas infection in shrimp: Isolation, sequencing, and control

Hanaa Mohamed Fadel and Maather El-Lamie M.M.

International Journal of One Health, 5: 38-48

Background and Aim: Shrimp is one of the most commonly consumed types of seafood. It is a very nutritious healthy food. Shrimp is low in calories and rich in protein and healthy fats. It also contains a treasure trove of vitamins and minerals. On the negative side, it may be affected by many bacterial diseases which affect its health. Furthermore, it may be incriminated as a vector of foodborne illnesses that range from mild gastrointestinal upset to life-threatening diseases. This study was designed to assess the clinical picture and zoonotic importance of vibriosis and Aeromonas infection in live shrimp and to study the antibacterial effect of citric acid (lemon juice) and acetic acid (vinegar) on these pathogens.

Materials and Methods: A total of 170 live shrimp (Metapenaeus monoceros) samples were collected from Suez City, Egypt. The samples were examined clinically, and then, they were enriched into alkaline peptone water and cultivated on thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose agar and ampicillin MacConkey agar for the isolation of Vibrio and Aeromonas species, respectively. The recovered isolates were confirmed biochemically and genotypically using duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. The germicidal effects of vinegar and lemon on artificially contaminated shrimp samples with Aeromonas hydrophila and Vibrio parahaemolyticus at different times (0.25, 1, 1.5, and 24 h) and temperatures (5° and 30°C) were studied.

Results: The results revealed that some of the infected shrimp were hypoxic, lethargic with abnormal swimming behavior. In most cases, body appendages, telsons, uropods, and gills took black coloration. In addition, the hepatopancreas appeared soft, swollen, and congested. The prevalence rates of vibriosis in each of the musculature and hepatopancreas were 4.7%, while the prevalence rates of Aeromonas infection in the musculature and hepatopancreas were 11.8% and 11.2%, respectively. Duplex PCR showed that Aeromonas isolates gave double bands: 237 bp specific for gcat and 500 bp specific for 16S rRNA, while Vibrio spp. and Plesiomonas shigelloides isolates gave single band at 500 bp. The effect of organic acid treatment showed that acetic acid (vinegar 5%) had increasing reduction rates that reached its maximum level after 24 h; where it caused (100% inhibition) for A. hydrophila at both temperatures and (33.63% and 60% inhibition) for V. parahaemolyticus at refrigerator and room temperatures, respectively. Moreover, acetic acid was more effective at room temperature than at refrigerator temperature. Concerning the effect of lemon juice (citric acid), it was more effective than acetic acid at short marination (0.25 and 1 h) at both temperatures for the two pathogens. Moreover, lemon was more effective at refrigerator temperature than at room temperature at the same aforementioned time. The difference between the reduction effects of the two acids on both pathogens was statistically significant (p<0.0001).

Conclusion: Overall, the examined shrimp samples were found to be vectors for Vibrio and Aeromonas spp. Application of hygienic measures during handling and cooking of shrimp should be esteemed. The organic acid treatment trial showed that vinegar and lemon juice can be used as a safe and economic method to limit the microbial contamination in seafood.

Keywords: Shrimp, vibriosis, Aeromonas infection, sequencing, decontamination, citric acid, acetic acid.

Isolation and molecular characterization of Mycoplasma spp. in sheep and goats in Egypt

Research (Published online: 13-05-2019)

6. Isolation and molecular characterization of Mycoplasma spp. in sheep and goats in Egypt

Mounier M. Abdel Halium, Fayez A. Salib, S. A. Marouf and Emil S. Abdel Massieh

Veterinary World, 12(5): 664-670

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Different species of Mycoplasma are associated with many pathological problems in small ruminants including respiratory manifestation, this problem results in significant losses, especially in African countries. This study aimed to (I) study some epidemiological aspects of Mycoplasma species infections in Egyptian sheep and goats at Giza Governorate, (II) diagnosis of Mycoplasma species affections using bacterial isolation and identification, (III) apply the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for typing of different Mycoplasma species, and (IV) illustrate the phylogenetic tree for the isolated Mycoplasma species and other species from GenBank using the purified PCR product.

Materials and Methods: A total of 335 samples were collected from sheep and goats from Giza Governorate in Egypt as 142 nasal swabs from clinically affected animals, 167 pneumonic lungs, 18 samples from tracheal bifurcation, and 8 samples by bronchial wash were cultured on pleuropneumonia-like organisms (PPLOs) media for cultivation of Mycoplasma species. PCR and sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were adopted to identify and classify the isolated Mycoplasma species.

Results: A total of 24 Mycoplasma isolates were isolated on PPLO media, identified by biochemical tests, and confirmed and typed by PCR using specific primers. 10 isolates were confirmed as Mycoplasma arginini, four isolates as Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae by PCR, and 10 isolates as undifferentiated Mycoplasma species. A purified isolate of M. arginini and M. ovipneumoniae was sequenced and phylogenetic analysis was illustrated.

Conclusion: M. arginini and M. ovipneumoniae are prevalent in Egyptian sheep and goats. Further studies on M. arginini are required due to its high frequency of isolation from pneumonic sheep and goats and also from animals suffer from different respiratory manifestations.

Keywords: goats, Mycoplasma, polymerase chain reaction, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, sheep.

Medicinal plants and their effects on diabetic wound healing

Review (Published online: 11-05-2019)

5. Medicinal plants and their effects on diabetic wound healing

Oluwafemi O. Oguntibeju

Veterinary World, 12(5): 653-663

ABSTRACT

Wounds have a serious negative impact on the health-care economy of a country, especially on the economy of developing countries where resources are poor and funding is very limited. It is presumed that about 80% of people living in developing countries use traditional medicines which are majorly prepared from medicinal plants to meet their primary health-care needs. Due to the large reservoir of medicinal plants and adequate traditional knowledge on wound healing, many people in Africa and other developing countries use medicinal plants in the treatment of diabetic wounds and related complications. Wound healing in the external and internal biological organs involves a series of complex overlapping processes which demand excellent communication between cells. It is an orderly and highly controlled process characterized by hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Diabetes is a global health problem predicted to rise to over 642 million by 2040. The propelling factor responsible for the increase in morbidity and mortality of diabetes is linked to vascular complications as well as the failure of the wound healing processes in diabetic state. Different approaches have been adopted in the treatment of diabetic wounds, and medicinal plants are certainly one of those approaches that have drawn global attention. In this review paper, the effects of medical plants on wound healing in diabetic state as well as factors affecting wound healing and the mechanism of action of medicinal plants are examined.

Keywords: Diabetes, healing, infection, medicinal plants, wounds.

The prevalence of horse trypanosomiasis in Sumba Island, Indonesia and its detection using card agglutination tests

Research (Published online: 09-05-2019)

4. The prevalence of horse trypanosomiasis in Sumba Island, Indonesia and its detection using card agglutination tests

Wisnu Nurcahyo, Marlin R. K. Yowi, Sri Hartati and Joko Prastowo

Veterinary World, 12(5): 646-652

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Horses have a strategic and vital role to play in the lives of the people of Sumba Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province. They act as social animals that are involved in death ceremonies, horse races, and during pasola, thereby supporting tourism, and are given away as dowry in wedding ceremonies. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of trypanosomiasis among horses in four districts of Sumba Island by examining clinical symptoms and detecting parasites, antibodies, and other factors that are related to Trypanosoma evansi infection in horses.

Materials and Methods: We studied a total of 211 horses that belonged to 88 clinical hobby breeders. Giemsa-colored smears and serum were examined in order to detect antibodies using card-agglutination tests (CATT). The study was conducted during the rainy season that lasted from January to March 2017. Potential risk factors such as the species, sex, origin of the livestock, how the livestock were maintained, and the farmers' knowledge concerning trypanosomiasis were recorded using questionnaires. Data were collected annually for three years from 2010-2012 and repeatedly analyzed by a Chi-square test.

Results: Clinical signs of trypanosomiasis were found in 34 horses; blood smears were examined using Giemsa staining and negative preparations were obtained at a frequency of 0.0% (0/211). The CATT results generally showed that 13.3% (28/211) of the samples were seropositive for antibodies to T. evansi; the highest percentage, 16.67% (8/48), of seropositivity was found in the West Sumba District, and the lowest, 12.0% (5/50), was found in Southwest Sumba. The incidence of trypanosomiasis was higher (75% [21/28]) among female hip horses; horses with 1-5 years of experience were more susceptible to a T. evansi infection (46.4% [13/28]). In general, farmers on Sumba Island knew of trypanosomiasis (89.8% [79/88]), and 69.3% (61/88) of the farmers reported that their livestock was sick. This study was the first serological study conducted on trypanosomiasis in horses of Sumba Island after the surra outbreak in 2010-2012. There were 3% of farmers who were willing to provide the government with information on implementing a prevention program and controlling the spread of surra on the island.

Conclusion: The diagnoses of surra disease were made based on clinical symptoms and parasitological examinations. CATTs could be used to diagnose T. evansi infection in horses.

Keywords: CATT, horses, Sumba Island, Trypanosoma evansi.

Study on prevalence, clinical presentation, and associated bacterial pathogens of goat mastitis in Bauchi, Plateau, and Edo states, Nigeria

Research (Published online: 07-05-2019)

3. Study on prevalence, clinical presentation, and associated bacterial pathogens of goat mastitis in Bauchi, Plateau, and Edo states, Nigeria

Faruq Ahmad Danmallam and Nikolai Vasilyevich Pimenov

Veterinary World, 12(5): 638-645

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and clinical presentations of different forms of mastitis and mastitis-causing pathogens in lactating goats in Bauchi, Plateau, and Edo states, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: A total of 500 quarters from 250 lactating goats of Red Sokoto and West African Dwarf breeds during the lactation period were clinically examined. Clinical mastitis was detected by gross signs of udder infection during physical examination and abnormal milk, whereas subclinical mastitis (SCM) was recognized using California mastitis test. The bacterial pathogens were identified by morphology, hemolysis, gram staining, and biochemical tests such as catalase, oxidase, coagulase, reaction on sulfite, indole, and motile medium, and fermentation of sugars.

Results: The overall prevalence of mastitis in goats was found to be 101 (40.4%), of which 8% (20/250) were clinical, and 32.4% (81/250) were SCM cases. The quarter level prevalence was 29.4% (145/493), comprising 5.9% (29/493) clinical and 23.2% (116/493) subclinical forms of mastitis. In addition, 1.4% (7/500) of teats were found to be blind on the clinical examination of the udder and teat. Several regional inflammatory reactions and abnormalities in milk were found in 69% and 100% of the cases, respectively. Moreover, some indications of generalized signs such as fever, reduction in appetite, increase in respiration, and pulse rate per minute were recorded in 100%, 75%, 85% and 80% of the cases, respectively. The predominant bacterial isolates recovered were Staphylococcus aureus (20.0%), followed by Escherichia coli (15.5%) and Streptococcus agalactiae (11.0%), and the least isolated microorganisms (≤6%) were bacteria of different species including Staphylococcus auricularis, Staphylococcus caprae, Staphylococcus chromogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus hyicus, Staphylococcus xylosus, Staphylococcus lentus, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus pluranimalium, Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus ruminatorum, Streptococcus suis, Micrococcus luteus, Enterobacter cloacae, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Morganella morganii, Salmonella Typhimurium, Citrobacter freundii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter rudis, Acinetobacter haemolyticus, and Bacillus cereus.

Conclusion: Mastitis continues to be recognized as one of the important health issues and leads to major economic losses to the dairy goats caused by many bacterial pathogens, and the effective measures need to be taken to control the disease.

Keywords: bacteria, goats, mastitis, Nigeria, physical feature, prevalence.

Screening commercial teat disinfectants against bacteria isolated from bovine milk using disk diffusion

Research (Published online: 06-05-2019)

2. Screening commercial teat disinfectants against bacteria isolated from bovine milk using disk diffusion

Sarah Rose Fitzpatrick, Mary Garvey, Kieran Jordan, Jim Flynn, Bernadette O'Brien and David Gleeson

Veterinary World, 12(5): 629-637

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Teat disinfection is an important tool in reducing the incidence of bovine mastitis. Identifying the potential mastitis-causing bacterial species in milk can be the first step in choosing the correct teat disinfectant product. The objective of this study was to screen commercial teat disinfectants for inhibition against mastitis-associated bacteria isolated from various types of milk samples.

Materials and Methods: Twelve commercially available teat disinfectant products were tested, against 12 mastitis-associated bacteria strains isolated from bulk tank milk samples and bacterial strains isolated from clinical (n=2) and subclinical (n=3) quarter foremilk samples using the disk diffusion method.

Results: There was a significant variation (7-30 mm) in bacterial inhibition between teat disinfection products, with products containing a lactic acid combination (with chlorhexidine or salicylic acid) resulting in the greatest levels of bacterial inhibition against all tested bacteria (p<0.05).

Conclusion: In this study, combined ingredients in teat disinfection products had greater levels of bacterial inhibition than when the ingredients were used individually. The disk diffusion assay is a suitable screening method to effectively differentiate the bacterial inhibition of different teat disinfectant products.

Keywords: bacteria, disk diffusion, mastitis, teat disinfectant.

Electrophoretic profile of seminal proteins and their correlation with in vitro sperm characters in Black Bengal buck semen

Research (Published online: 03-05-2019)

1. Electrophoretic profile of seminal proteins and their correlation with in vitro sperm characters in Black Bengal buck semen

M. Karunakaran, Vivek C. Gajare, Ajoy Mandal, Mohan Mondal, S. K. Das, M. K. Ghosh, S. Rai and R. Behera

Veterinary World, 12(5): 621-628

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to study the electrophoretic properties of seminal plasma and sperm proteins of Black Bengal buck semen and their correlation with in vitro sperm characters and freezability.

Materials and Methods: Semen ejaculates from nine Black Bengal bucks were collected by artificial vagina (n=20/buck). Ejaculates were evaluated for in vitro sperm characters and electrophoretic profile of seminal protein. In vitro sperm characters were evaluated immediately after collection, after completion of equilibration period, and after freeze-thawing. For seminal protein studies, seminal plasma proteins were precipitated by ice-cold ethanol method, and sperm proteins were extracted by Triton X detergent extraction method. Discontinuous sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was performed to assess the molecular weight of seminal proteins. Correlation between in vitro sperm characters and protein bands was determined by Pearson's correlation coefficient, and two-way ANOVA was applied to find the individual buck differences.

Results: Significant difference (p<0.01) among the bucks was noticed in the in vitro sperm characters evaluated at all the three stages of semen evaluation such as immediately after collection, after completion of equilibration period, and post-freeze thawing. Progressive loss of sperm motility, membrane integrity, and other in vitro sperm characters were noticed during cryopreservation. A total of ten protein bands in the molecular weight ranging from 17 to 180 kDa were found in the SDS-PAGE of seminal plasma proteins, while nine bands of 17-134 kDa were observed in sperm proteins. Seminal plasma proteins of molecular weight 75, 62-49, 20, and 17 kDa and sperm proteins of 75, 20, and 17 kDa were present in all the nine bucks (100%) screened, and variation among the bucks was noticed for the presence of other proteins. Seminal plasma protein of 180-134 kDa showed a negative correlation with individual motility (−0.716) and functional membrane integrity of sperm cells (−0.724) in post-freeze-thaw analysis and 48 kDa protein had a positive correlation with individual motility (0.649) and functional membrane integrity of sperm cells (0.664) in post-thaw analysis. Sperm proteins of 63 kDa had a negative correlation (−0.616) with sperm concentration in neat semen.

Conclusion: Variation among the bucks was noticed in the in vitro sperm characters and semen freezability. Correlation between seminal proteins and in vitro sperm characters and semen freezability had been found which might be useful as a tool to select breeding bucks.

Keywords: buck, in vitro characters, semen, seminal proteins.