First report of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 detection in two asymptomatic cats in the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil

Research (Published online: 31-10-2021)

36. First report of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 detection in two asymptomatic cats in the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil

Ivyson da Silva Epifanio, Davi dos Santos Rodrigues, Leonardo Borges de Lima, Maria Aurea de Azevedo Nogueira, Laelia Reginae do Monte Pessoa Felix, Barbara Ferreira de Almeida, Claudia Kathariny da Silva Farias, Otavio Valerio de Carvalho, Rita de Cassia Carvalho Maia, Luiz Eduardo Ristow, David Soeiro Barbosa, Juliana Arena Galhardo, Christina Pettan-Brewer, Louise Bach Kmetiuk, Rafael Garabet Agopian, Valeria Dutra, Helio Autran de Morais, Andrea Pires dos Santos, Alexander Welker Biondo and Daniel Friguglietti Brandespim

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2839-2842

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Despite worldwide case reports, including Brazilian cases, no frequency study on infection of pets by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been conducted to date in Brazil. Accordingly, the present study was aimed to assess dogs and cats belonging to positive owners in Recife, Northeastern Brazil.

Materials and Methods: This was a longitudinal prospective study on dogs and cats in the city of Recife whose owners were in isolation at home due to a confirmed laboratory diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 through reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Oral and rectal swabs from the pets were tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific RNA by means of RT-qPCR.

Results: Among the pets tested, 0/16 dogs and 2/15 cats were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Interestingly, the two positive cats were owned by two unrelated asymptomatic veterinary students, which, therefore, post a warning to veterinarians worldwide.

Conclusion: The findings herein indicate that cats may act as sentinels for human cases, particularly sharing households with asymptomatic human cases. Although with small sampling and convenient recruiting, the presence of infected cats by SARS-CoV-2 was most likely due to close cat-human contact with positive owners, posting a human-animal health threat when pets share the same bed and interact with owners without protection, particularly during owner self-isolation. Thus, infected owners should follow the same human preventive guidelines with their pets to avoid spreading infection.

Keywords: Brazil, coronavirus, domestic animals, pandemic.

p53, p21, and cyclin d1 protein expression patterns in patients with breast cancer

Research (Published online: 31-10-2021)

35. p53, p21, and cyclin d1 protein expression patterns in patients with breast cancer

Marwa Mohammed Ali Jassim, Khetam Habeeb Rasool and Majid Mohammed Mahmood

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2833-2838

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The mutation in the wild-type tumor suppressor gene p53 is the most common genetic change in human tumors. In addition, the normal function of p21, which is both antiproliferative and an inhibitor of the cell cycle, is disrupted in some types of cancer. Meanwhile, cyclin D1 is a member of the cyclin protein family that is involved in regulating cell cycle progression. This study aimed to assess the expressions of the cell cycle inhibitory proteins p21, cyclin D1, and tumor suppressor gene p53, as well as their influence on the expressed histopathological changes in breast cancer tissues.

Materials and Methods: Overall, 40 breast tissue specimens were investigated in this study, 30 of which were cancerous, while 10 were healthy tissues. p53, p21, and cyclin D1 expression patterns were detected using an immunohistochemistry (IHC) system.

Results: The IHC reactions for p53 were positively observed in 27/30 (90%) cancerous tissues, compared with 2/10 (20%) normal breast tissues. For p21, reactions were observed in 28/30 (93.33%) cancerous tissues and 3/10 (30%) control tissues. For cyclin D1, reactions were observed in 25/30 (83.33%) cancerous tissues and 1/10 (10%) control tissues. The differences between the breast cancer tissues and the control tissues were statistically highly significant (p<0.01).

Conclusion: The high expression rates of p21, cyclin D1, and p53 in malignant breast cancer cells with little or no regulatory role might imply mutational events in these proteins operating in concert with a variety of other genetic mutations in these tissues, which may play a molecular role in the development and/or progression of breast carcinogenesis.

Keywords: breast cancer, D1 protein, Iraq, P21, P53.

Molecular characterization of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli isolated from diarrhea samples from human, livestock, and ground beef in North Jordan

Research (Published online: 30-10-2021)

34. Molecular characterization of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli isolated from diarrhea samples from human, livestock, and ground beef in North Jordan

Yaser H. Tarazi, Saeb N. El-Sukhon, Zuhair Bani Ismail and Amani A. Almestarehieh

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2827-2832

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is an important foodborne pathogen with worldwide distribution. Data regarding its presence, distribution, virulence, and antimicrobial susceptibility among various animal species and humans in Jordan are lacking. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to isolate and characterize EHEC from human and animal diarrhea fecal samples and ground beef samples.

Materials and Methods: A total of 100 and 270 diarrhea fecal samples from humans and animals, respectively, were collected. In addition, 40 ground beef meat samples were collected from retail markets. EHEC was positively identified by detecting Shiga toxins (stx1 and stx2) genes using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were determined using the disk diffusion test. Beta-lactamase production was detected using the double disk diffusion test and the extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) were identified by detection of blaTEM, blaSHV, and OXA-1 genes using multiplex PCR. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used to investigate the relatedness of EHEC isolates from different sources.

Results: Out of 410 samples, 194 E. coli isolates were positively identified, of which 57 isolates (29%) were classified as EHEC. Thirty-five (61%) of EHEC isolates were serotyped as O157 (19: O157:H7 and 16: O157:NM). The stx1 gene was detected only among the sheep and goats isolates at a rate of 7.6% and 5.2%, respectively, while the stx2 gene was detected in only one ground beef meat sample. EHEC isolates showed high resistance patterns against amoxicillin, gentamycin, cephalexin, and doxycycline. Twenty-four out of 32 EHEC isolates were determined as ESBL producers, among which 14 isolates expressed the blaSHV gene and 19 isolates expressed the blaTEM while four expressed both genes. PFGE analysis revealed two clusters with high similarity (92%) originated from ground beef meat and cattle fecal samples. No similarities were found between human and animal E. coli isolates.

Conclusion: Results of this study indicate widespread ESBL EHEC among humans, animals, and ground beef meat samples. These results represent an important alarm that requires the implementation of appropriate preventative measures by both human and animal health sectors to prevent the transmission of this important foodborne pathogen.

Keywords: animal health, Enterobacteriaceae, foodborne pathogens, public health.

Reverse zoonosis of coronavirus disease-19: Present status and the control by one health approach

Review (Published online: 30-10-2021)

33. Reverse zoonosis of coronavirus disease-19: Present status and the control by one health approach

R. Kumar Pramod, Asha V. Nair, Padmakar Kamalakar Tambare, Kanchana Chauhan, T. Vinay Kumar, R. Anju Rajan, Blessy M. Mani, Muhasin Asaf and Amit Kumar Pandey

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2817-2826

ABSTRACT

The recent coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak is one of its kind in the history of public health that has created a major global threat. The causative agent, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has a zoonotic source and hence, reverse zoonosis (disease transmission from humans to animals) increases the risk and rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Serological and molecular analyses and experimental infection studies have identified SARS-CoV-2 infection in several animal species in various countries. Different domestic and wild animals, including cats, dogs, tigers, lions, puma, snow leopard, minks, and pet ferrets, are infected naturally with SARS-CoV-2, mostly through suspected human to animal transmission. In addition, in vivo experimental inoculation studies have reported the susceptibility of cats, ferrets, hamsters, Egyptian fruit bats, and non-human primates to the virus. These experimentally infected species are found to be capable of virus transmission to co-housed animals of the same species. However, SARS-CoV-2 showed poor replication in livestock species such as pigs, chickens, and ducks with no detection of viral RNA after the animals were deliberately inoculated with the virus or exposed to the infected animals. As the pets/companion animals are more susceptible to COVID-19, the infection in animals needs an in-depth and careful study to avoid any future transmissions. The one health approach is the best inter-disciplinary method to understand the consequences of viral spread and prevention in novel host populations for the betterment of public health. Further in this review, we will explain in detail the different natural and experimentally induced cases of human to animal SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Keywords: mink, non-human primate, one health, reverse zoonosis, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Investigation of Clostridium perfringens in small-scale commercial broiler flocks in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh

Research (Published online: 29-10-2021)

32. Investigation of Clostridium perfringens in small-scale commercial broiler flocks in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh

Arunima Oarin Tresha, Mohammad Arif, Sk Shaheenur Islam, A. K. M. Ziaul Haque, Md. Tanvir Rahman and S. M. Lutful Kabir

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2809-2816

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Necrotic enteritis (NE) is one of the most prevalent diseases in broiler poultry caused by Clostridium perfringens connected with significant economic losses. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh to assess the prevalence of C. perfringens through toxinotyping molecular assay and confirm the risk factors for NE, including antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) status of the isolates.

Materials and Methods: We included 40 small-scale commercial broiler farms randomly selected from two subdistricts of Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. As an individual sample, 240 cloacal swabs, and as a pooled sample, 40 drinking water, 40 workers' hand washing, 40 litter swab, and 40 feed samples were collected and evaluated by culture, biochemical, and molecular assays. A pretested semi-structured interview questionnaire was employed to capture flock-level data on risk factors from the farm owners. The flock-level data on risk factors were assessed through univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses with p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Overall flock-level prevalence of C. perfringens was estimated to be 10.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.5- 13.6%). Litter swab (pooled) was found to be highly contaminated with C. perfringens (25.0%, 95% CI: 12.7-41.2%) followed by the cloacal swab (10.4%, 95% CI: 6.9-15.0%) and feed sample (5.0%, 95% CI: 0.6-16.9%). History of coccidia infection (Adjusted odds ratio =33.01, 95% CI: 2.14-507.59, p=0.01) was significantly associated with flock-level C. perfringens infection status. In this study, 78.1% isolates were found as multidrug-resistant as they demonstrated resistance to 3-5 antimicrobial agents.

Conclusion: Evidence-based control options need to be taken through the uses of prebiotics and probiotics, biosecurity, and hygienic measurement, including control of coccidia infection, is needed to lessen the NE infection and AMR related to this pathogen in small-scale commercial broiler poultry.

Keywords: antimicrobial-resistant, Bangladesh, broiler, Clostridium perfringens, necrotic enteritis, prevalence.

Retrospective surveillance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in pets from Brazil

Research (Published online: 28-10-2021)

31. Retrospective surveillance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in pets from Brazil

Otávio Valério de Carvalho, Luiz Eduardo Ristow, Davi dos Santos Rodrigues, Cláudia Kathariny da Silva Farias and Rita de Cássia Carvalho Maia

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2803-2808

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The emerging concerns regarding the new Coronavirus's ability to cause infection in pets has led to animal testing and worrisome findings reported all over the world in domesticated and wild animals. This study aimed to investigate severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in dog and cat samples with the clinical presentation for respiratory or gastrointestinal disease in Brazil.

Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty-five samples were collected from 12 states of Brazil that originated from the gastrointestinal, upper respiratory tract, and other sites, including some pools of samples from before the onset of the pandemic including blood and/or urine samples. They were tested for RT-PCR detection of respiratory or gastrointestinal pathogens through Respiratory or Diarrhea RT-PCR Panels in the TECSA (Tecnologia em Saninade Animal - Animal Health Technology) Veterinary Medicine Laboratory. This work was conducted in compliance with ethical standards.

Results: Seven different microorganisms that can cause respiratory and/or gastrointestinal clinical signs were detected in cats (Feline Coronavirus [FCoV], Feline Parvovirus, Feline Leukemia Virus, Feline Calicivirus, Mycoplasma felis, Campylobacter spp., and Cryptosporidium spp.) and three in dogs (canine distemper virus, Cryptosporidium spp., and Babesia spp.).

Conclusion: Although the samples corresponded to the beginning of coronavirus disease-19 spread in Brazil and clinically correlated with the expected viral replication sites, none of the animals tested positive for SARS-CoV-2; reassuringly, four cats tested positive or FCoV none of them were positive for SARS-CoV2. The epidemiological surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in pets is considered a one health issue, important for monitoring the disease evolution, spread and minimizing the animal-human health impacts, and directing Public Health Policies.

Keywords: companion animals, coronavirus disease-19, vigilance, virus.

New technologies applied to canine limb prostheses: A review

Review (Published online: 28-10-2021)

30. New technologies applied to canine limb prostheses: A review

Paul G. Arauz, Patricio Chiriboga, María-Gabriela García, Imin Kao and Eduardo A. Díaz

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2793-2802

ABSTRACT

Although only a few studies have investigated about the development of animal prosthesis, currently, there is an increasing interest in canine limb prosthesis design and its clinical application since they offer an alternative to killing the animal in extreme situations where amputating the limb is the only option. Restoring normal function of amputated canine limbs with the use of a prosthesis is challenging. However, recent advances in surgical procedures and prosthesis design technology appear promising in developing devices that closely recreate normal canine limb function. Surgical advances such as evolution of osseointegration (bone-anchored) prostheses present great promise. Likewise, modern computer-aided design and manufacturing technology, as well as novel motion analysis systems are now providing improved prosthesis designs. Advances in patient-customized prostheses have the potential to reduce the risk of implant failure. The objective of this investigation is to present a general review of the existing literature on modern surgical approaches, design and manufacturing methods, as well as biomechanical analyses so that veterinarians can make more and better-informed decisions on the development and selection of proper canine limb prosthesis. Isolated research efforts have made possible an improvement in stability, comfort, and performance of canine limb prosthesis. However, continued multidisciplinary research collaboration and teamwork among veterinarians, engineers, designers, and industry, with supporting scientific evidence, is required to better understand the development of canine limb prosthesis designs that closely replicate the normal limb function.

Keywords: canine exo-prosthesis, canine endo-exo prosthesis, canine prosthetics, Osseointegration, canine limb biomechanics.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 in domesticated animals and its potential of transmission: A meta-analysis

esearch (Published online: 27-10-2021)

29. Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 in domesticated animals and its potential of transmission: A meta-analysis

Yos Adi Prakoso, Chylen Setiyo Rini, Yuli Purwandari Kristianingrum, Nurul Hidayah, Dyah Widhowati and Miarsono Sigit

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2782-2792

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The coronavirus diseases-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a global lockdown, which has limited the mobility of the public, and thus, more time is spent with their pets. Unfortunately, many social media have blamed pet animals as a reservoir of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiologic agent of COVID-19, triggering a panic abandonment of pets. However, no article has summarized the information regarding the role of pets as SARS-CoV-2 reservoirs. This study aimed to evaluate the role of pets as a reservoir of SARS-CoV-2 on the basis of research papers (i.e., animal model, surveillance, and case report) published in 2020.

Materials and Methods: The review was conducted using articles from the PubMed database in 2020, using the keywords "COVID-19 in domesticated animals," which were screened and analyzed. Only the data from research articles were mimicked and transformed to conduct a meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was conducted regarding the effects of inhabitation and viral shedding in pets. In this study, we used 95% confidence intervals.

Results: A total of 132 papers in PubMed were related to the keywords, whereas only 12 papers were appropriate to answer the dynamics of the role of pets as the reservoir for SARS-CoV-2. Seven studies indicated the potential of cat-cat (4/7), human-cat (2/7), and human-dog (1/7) SARS-CoV-2 transmission. No study proved the presence of cat-human transmission. Another study showed that comingling did not affect SARS-CoV-2 viral shedding among a cat and dog. Furthermore, the viral shedding of cats and dogs caused asymptomatic manifestations and generated neutralizing antibodies within a short period of time.

Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 transmission is present in domesticated animals, especially in pet cats and dogs, and transmission occurs between animals of the same species (cat-cat). The reverse zoonosis (zooanthroponosis) was found from human to cat/dog (comingled) with asymptomatic clinical signs due to the representation of neutralizing antibodies.

Keywords: asymptomatic, domesticated animals, pet, severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2, transmission.

Comparative quantitation of aquaporin-2 and arginine vasopressin receptor-2 localizations among chronic kidney disease and healthy kidney in dogs

Research (Published online: 27-10-2021)

28. Comparative quantitation of aquaporin-2 and arginine vasopressin receptor-2 localizations among chronic kidney disease and healthy kidney in dogs

Pitchaya Matchimakul, Wanpitak Pongkan, Piyamat Kongtung and Raktham Mektrirat

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2773-2781

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Aquaporin-2 (AQP2) and arginine vasopressin receptor-2 (AVPR2) are proteins that control water homeostasis in principal cells. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as the impairment and irreversible loss of kidney function and/or structure, which causes water imbalances and polyuria. The study aimed to know the expression of AQPs and AVPR2 in the kidneys of a canine with CKD.

Materials and Methods: The kidneys were collected from two dog carcasses from Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University. The kidney tissue was prepared for immunohistochemistry and investigated the expression and localization of tissue's AQP2 and AVPR2. For statistical analysis, the Mann–Whitney U-test was applied to the data.

Results: By immunohistochemistry, AQP2 was expressed strongly in the basolateral and apical membranes of the principal cells, whereas AVPR2 was localized in the principal cell's basolateral membrane in both renal cortex and renal medulla. In the normal kidney, the semi-quantitative immunohistochemistry for the percentage of protein expression of AQP2 and AVPR2 was 5.062±0.4587 and 4.306±0.7695, respectively. In contrast, protein expression of AQP2 and AVPR2 in CKD was found to be 1.218±0.1719 and 0.8536±0.1396, respectively. The data shows that the percentage of AQP2 and AVPR2 expression was decreased, corresponding to a 4-fold and 5-fold in CKD (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Our findings revealed that CKD was a marked decrease in AQP2 and AVPR2 expression. The central role of specific AQP2 and AVPR2 in regulating water homeostasis will provide correlations in case of CKD with polyuria.

Keywords: aquaporin 2, canine, chronic kidney disease, immunohistochemistry, vasopressin receptor 2.

Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the stn gene of Salmonella species isolated from different environmental sources at Lake Qarun protectorate: The role of migratory birds and public health importance

Research (Published online: 26-10-2021)

27. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the stn gene of Salmonella species isolated from different environmental sources at Lake Qarun protectorate: The role of migratory birds and public health importance

Hanan S. Khalefa, Zeinab S. Ahmed, Fatma Abdel-Kader, Eman M. Ismail and Esraa A. Elshafiee

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2764-2772

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Salmonella causes most foodborne bacterial illnesses worldwide. It is found in various hosts, including pets, farm animals, and wild animals, as well as the environment. This study aimed to examine the epidemiological relationship between Salmonella isolates from aquatic environments and those from other avian hosts.

Materials and Methods: The study examined 12 water samples, 210 aquatic animals, and 45 migratory aquatic bird samples collected from the protected area of Lake Qarun in El-Fayoum Governorate, Egypt, during migration seasons from different waterfowl migration areas (from October 2018 to January 2019). In addition, 45 fecal samples from domestic chickens were collected from the same geographic location from poultry farms. Bacteriological examination and polymerase chain reaction assay of two virulence genes (i.e., invA and stn) were performed to isolate and identify Salmonella.

Results: Salmonella was isolated from 58.3% (7/12) of Lake Qarun water samples, 13.3% (6/45) of migratory waterfowl, 6.6% of (3/45) of chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), and 4.3% (3/70) of fish and pooled brine shrimp. In migratory aquatic bird species that were sampled, Salmonella were isolated from 23.1% (3/13) of Eurasian coot (Fulica atra), 12.5%, (1/8) of green-winged teal (Anas cardolinesis), 10% (2/20) of northern shoveler (Spatula clypeata), and 0% (0/4) of mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos). In 35 Tilapia, Salmonella was isolated by (8.6%) 5.7% of external surfaces, 2.85% from the intestine, and 0% from the muscle. No Salmonella was isolated from the 175 brine shrimp samples. Phylogenetic analysis using the stn genes of Salmonella isolated from the aquatic environment, migratory aquatic birds, and chicken showed a strong association between these isolates. In addition, a higher nucleotide identity percentage was observed between the sequences recovered from migratory aquatic birds and Lake Qarun water samples.

Conclusion: Salmonella distribution was confirmed through migratory aquatic birds, based on our phylogeny tree analysis, Salmonella considered a likely carrier of zoonotic bacterial pathogens. Furthermore, the close relationship between chicken and fish sequences highlights the scenarios of using chicken manure in fish farms and its public health implications. The presence of Salmonella in different environmental sources spotlights the urgent need to control and break down its epidemiological cycle.

Keywords: migratory aquatic birds, fish, poultry, Salmonella, stn gene, Lake Qarun.

A review of Fasciolopsis buski distribution and control in Indonesia

Review (Published online: 26-10-2021)

26. A review of Fasciolopsis buski distribution and control in Indonesia

Muhammad Rasyid Ridha, Liestiana Indriyati, Dicky Andiarsa and April Hari Wardhana

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2757-2763

ABSTRACT

Fasciolopsiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the flatworm Fasciolopsis buski. Since 1982, fasciolopsiasis has been reported in Indonesia's Hulu Sungai Utara (HSU) Regency, South Kalimantan Province. Fasciolopsiasis occurs when contaminated raw or undercooked aquatic plants are consumed. Cercariae of the parasite encyst in a variety of aquatic plants and grow into metacercariae that infect and reproduce in the human intestine. Until now, treatment for F. buski infection in the HSU Regency has been comparatively short, with patients receiving only a single dose of praziquantel, 30 mg/kg body weight, without further observation. A long-term effort through health promotion activities and intensive health education, particularly for elementary school children enrolled in the School Health Program, is ongoing to help prevent fasciolopsiasis from spreading and to improve environmental sanitation. Through 2018, intervention efforts successfully reduced the incidence of F. buski infection. Sustaining surveillance and investigation of fasciolopsiasis, including identification of new cases and community education, is critical for the elimination of the parasite from Indonesia. This review describes the spread of F. buski and its possible impact on public health to understand the critical nature of continuing F. buski surveillance and control efforts.

Keywords: fasciolopsiasis, Fasciolopsis buski, Indonesia, trematode.

Treatment of Girolando cattle dermatophilosis using a combination of different plant extracts in the municipality of Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin

Research (Published online: 25-10-2021)

25. Treatment of Girolando cattle dermatophilosis using a combination of different plant extracts in the municipality of Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin

Camus Adoligbe, Ricoland Gangbe, Justin Adinci, Samuel Mantip and Souaïbou Farougou

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2750-2756

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Dermatophilosis is a bacterial infection of the skin of animals. It is prevalent worldwide and is caused by Dermatophilus congolensis. The study aimed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of different mixtures prepared with indigenous phytogenetic extracts from Benin in the management and treatment of Girolando cattle that showed high sensitivity to the disease compared to any other known cattle breed in Benin.

Materials and Methods: Consequently, two types of extract mixtures (extract mixture 1=Elaeis guineensis kernel oil + essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum + sap of Jatropha multifidi; extract mixture 2= O. gratissimum + sap extract of J. multifida) of 20% concentration were prepared and tested on eight Girolando cattle. Two different parts of the affected skin with acute lesions of dermatophilosis were debrided, and 0.5 mL of each of the extract mixture was applied per square centimeter of a single zone of the affected skin.

Results: Both extracts mixtures were found to possess significant wound healing properties compared to the control (procaine G penicillin). However, the extract mixture 1, which was made up of Elaeis guineensis kernel oil, essential oil of O. gratissimum and sap of J. multifida (Linn), showed a better result. This was evident by increase in the rate of wound contraction and healing without recurrence 2 weeks after the end of the experiment and the subsequent immediate manifestation of hair or hair growth at the affected area.

Conclusion: The preliminary findings of this study are very promising. Extract mixture 1 could serve as an alternative in the treatment or management of bovine dermatophilosis in Benin and other dermatophilosis endemic areas of the world. However, in vitro testing and sensitivity against isolated D. congolensis organism using extract mixture 1 as well as cost implications should be studied.

Keywords: farmer resilience, indigenous plants, plant extract, sustainable cattle breeding.

Risk factors associated with ticks and Rickettsia spp. exposure in wild boars (Sus scrofa), hunting dogs, and hunters of Brazil

Research (Published online: 25-10-2021)

24. Risk factors associated with ticks and Rickettsia spp. exposure in wild boars (Sus scrofa), hunting dogs, and hunters of Brazil

Louise Bach Kmetiuk, Thiago Fernandes Martins, Renato van Wilpe Bach, Camila Marinelli Martins, Ivan Roque de Barros-Filho, Leandro Cavalcante Lipinski, Giovani Marino Fávero, Andrea Pires dos Santos and Alexander Welker Biondo

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2745-2749

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Wild boars have recently been implicated as the maintainers and carriers of Amblyomma spp. ticks, which are essential for Rickettsia spp. transmission. Consequently, wild boar hunting may increase the risk of tick exposure and subsequent human tick-borne infection and disease. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the risk factors for ticks and Rickettsia spp. exposure in wild boars, hunting dogs, and hunters in Brazilian biomes.

Materials and Methods: The statistical relationship of Rickettsia spp. antibodies were evaluated using the Chi-square test in 80 wild boars, 170 hunting dogs, and 49 hunters.

Results: The only statistically significant difference in seropositivity found in this study was between male and female wild boars (p=0.034), probably associated with in-park exposure to Amblyomma brasiliense infected with Rickettsia spp.

Conclusion: The absence of statistical differences in the associated risk factors for hunting dogs and hunters may indicate a random exposure to Rickettsia spp.

Keywords: Brazilian spotted fever, hunting activities, wild boars.

The first survey of cryptococcal cells in bird droppings across Bloemfontein, South Africa

Research (Published online: 25-10-2021)

23. The first survey of cryptococcal cells in bird droppings across Bloemfontein, South Africa

Gloria Kankam, Byron Christians, Maphori Maliehe, Nozethu Mjokane, Adepemi O. Ogundeji, Olufemi S. Folorunso, Carolina H. Pohl and Olihile M. Sebolai

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2739-2744

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Cryptococcal yeast cells are spread across different ecosystems through bird movement and are deposited in bird guano. These cells may be inhaled by humans and lead to cryptococcal pneumonia. In individuals with reduced immune T-cell populations, cells may disseminate to the brain and cause the often-deadly cryptococcal meningitis. In this study, we surveyed cryptococcal cells in bird droppings across the city of Bloemfontein, South Africa.

Materials and Methods: We aseptically collected 120 bird dropping samples from 15 representative city sites. In the laboratory, samples were assessed with regards to location, weighed, and standardized to a mass of 1 g before suspension in 10 mL phosphate buffer saline. Samples were first screened using Calcofluor-white stain as it is a rapid technique for the detection of fungi via binding to cell wall components such as chitin. After this, positive Calcofluor samples were serologically assayed for the cryptococcal antigen (CrAg). To confirm assay data, CrAg positive samples were then cultured on bird seed agar and resulting colonies were assessed using Indian ink.

Results: We determined that 10/15 locations were positive for the CrAg. Pathogenic cells were identified on bird seed agar as brown colonies. When examined using microscopy, brown colony cells exhibited characteristic thick capsules representative of cryptococcal cells.

Conclusion: This is the first proximate analysis showing the ecological distribution of cryptococcal cells in Bloemfontein. This is important as associated infections are acquired from the environment. Similarly, given the threat posed by cryptococcal cells to immunocompromised individuals, local authorities must initiate measures curbing the spread of these cells.

Keywords: Bloemfontein, Calcofluor-white stain, cryptococcal antigens, cryptococcal cells, cryptococcal meningitis, cryptococcal pneumonia, South Africa.

Serosurvey of anti-Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum antibodies in hunting dogs and hunters in Brazil

Research (Published online: 24-10-2021)

22. Serosurvey of anti-Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum antibodies in hunting dogs and hunters in Brazil

Louise Bach Kmetiuk, Monique Paiva de Campos, Renato van Wilpe Bach, Ana Pérola Drulla Brandão, Ivan Roque de Barros-Filho, Leandro Cavalcante Lipinski, Giovani Marino Fávero, Andrea Pires dos Santos, Fabiano Borges Fiqueiredo and Alexander Welker Biondo

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2735-2738

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Although wild boar hunting activities and the hunting dog trade in the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes of Brazil overlap both with endemic and with non-endemic areas for visceral leishmaniasis, no study to date has focused on Leishmania spp. exposure among hunting dogs and hunters. The aim of the present study was to assess the presence of Leishmania spp. antibodies in hunting dogs and hunters in different anthropized areas of two Brazilian biomes.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 170 hunting dogs and 46 hunters between October 2016 and May 2018. The presence of antibodies against Leishmania spp. in hunting dogs was screened through a dual-path platform immunochromatographic test (DPP rapid test; Bio-Manguinhos/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and in hunters through an rK39-based rapid immunochromatographic test. Both tests were used in accordance with Brazilian Ministry of Health recommendations.

Results: Overall, although antibodies were detected through the immunochromatographic test in 3/170 (0.02%) of these female asymptomatic hunting dogs, all living in anthropized areas of the Atlantic Forest biome in South Brazil, no sample was confirmed through the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All the hunters were non-reactive in the rapid immunochromatographic test.

Conclusion: Our study on three suspicious hunting dogs has suggested that Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum may circulate both in endemic and non-endemic areas in Brazil. In addition, a high rate of hunting dog replacement due to death and trade may have led to less chance of infection and transmission between animals and between animals and humans, which would corroborate the outcomes reported here. Further studies should be conducted to fully establish whether hunting dogs and hunters may be used as sentinels in other areas endemic for Leishmania spp.

Keywords: Brazilian biomes, canine visceral leishmaniasis, hunting activities, Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum, rural dogs.

Interleukin gene expression in broiler chickens infected by different Escherichia coli serotypes

Research (Published online: 24-10-2021)

21. Interleukin gene expression in broiler chickens infected by different Escherichia coli serotypes

Reham Elnagar, Rasha Elkenany and Gamal Younis

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2727-2734

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Escherichia coli is the cause of avian colibacillosis, a significant threat to the poultry industry and public health. Thus, this study investigated the prevalence of E. coli in diseased chicken broilers, pathological effects of these bacteria, and interleukin (IL) gene expression of different serotypes of E. coli (O78, O26, O44, and O55) on experimentally infected chickens.

Materials and Methods: A total of 295 organ samples (liver, lungs, heart, and spleen) from 59 diseased broiler chickens were used for conventional identification of E. coli. Chickens were orally infected with one of the following E. coli serotypes (O78, O26, O44, or O55) and examined for clinical signs, mortality, macroscopic and microscopic lesions, and IL gene expression using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results: E. coli was isolated from 53.2% of broiler chicken organs with a high prevalence in lungs (26.1%). The most prevalent serotypes were O78, O26, O44, O55, O157, and O127 prevalence of 27.8, 22.2, 16.7, 16.7, 5.6, and 5.6%, respectively. In the experimental design, five groups (G1-G5) of birds were established. G1 served as the negative control group, while G2-G5 were challenged orally with E. coli O78, O26, O55, or O44, respectively. Chickens infected with E. coli O78 or O26 showed significant clinical signs in comparison to the other infected birds. Mortality (13.3%) was only observed in birds infected with E. coli O78. Necropsy of dead birds after E. coli O78 infection showed pericarditis, enteritis, airsacculitis, and liver and lung congestion. More severe histopathological changes were observed in intestines, spleen, liver, and lung from chickens infected with either E. coli O78 or O26 than for birds infected with other serotypes. On the 2nd day post-infection, E. coli challenge, particularly with E. coli O78, displayed significantly upregulated levels of ileal IL-6 and IL-8, but ileal IL-10 level tended to be downregulated in comparison to the control group.

Conclusion: This study assessed the application of cytokines as therapeutic agents against infectious diseases, particularly colibacillosis.

Keywords: broiler chicken, Escherichia coli, experimental infection, histopathology, interleukins.

Effects of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) supplementation in the diet on the growth, small intestinal histomorphology, and digestibility of hybrid ducks

Research (Published online: 24-10-2021)

20. Effects of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) supplementation in the diet on the growth, small intestinal histomorphology, and digestibility of hybrid ducks

Bambang Suwignyo, Eprilia Aristia Rini, Muhammad Khoerul Fadli and Bambang Ariyadi

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2719-2726

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Feed plays the most important role in supporting livestock productivity. There is a need for studies on the nutrient levels in feed absorbed by the body of livestock. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) supplementation in feed on growth, small intestinal histomorphology, and digestibility in hybrid ducks.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in vivo using 75 hybrid ducks, with three treatments and five replications. Each replication consisted of five ducks. The treatments were: T0=basal ration without any alfalfa supplementation; T1=basal ration+3% fresh alfalfa supplementation; and T2=basal ration+6% fresh alfalfa supplementation. Fresh alfalfa was quantified on the basis of dry matter content. Drinking water was provided ad libitum. The observed variables were growth performance, measured in terms of feed consumption, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio; duodenum histomorphology, measured in terms of villus height, villus width, and crypt depth; digestibility, measured in terms of dry matter digestibility; and organic matter, crude protein, and crude fiber concentrations. The data were analyzed using variance analysis with a completely randomized design of one-way pattern with Statistical Product for Service Solution application of version 22. The data with significant differences were further analyzed using Duncan's new multiple range rest.

Results: The results of the study showed that 3% alfalfa supplementation increased feed consumption and body weight gain of the hybrid ducks at 35 days of age compared with 0% and 6% supplementation. Furthermore, 3% alfalfa supplementation presented the best result in terms of villus height and duodenal crypt depth. Meanwhile, 6% alfalfa supplementation decreased nutrient digestibility in the ducks.

Conclusion: These findings show that supplementation of feed with fresh alfalfa could have a significant effect on hybrid ducks in terms of growth performance, small intestinal histomorphology, and digestibility.

Keywords: alfalfa, digestibility, histomorphology, hybrid ducks, performance.

Influence of acetate containing fluid versus lactate containing fluid on acid-base status, electrolyte level, and blood lactate level in dehydrated dogs

Research (Published online: 24-10-2021)

19. Influence of acetate containing fluid versus lactate containing fluid on acid-base status, electrolyte level, and blood lactate level in dehydrated dogs

Annika Heitland, Ute Klein-Richers, Katrin Hartmann and René Dörfelt

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2714-2718

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Acetate or lactate buffered, balanced isotonic rehydration fluids are commonly used for fluid therapy in dogs and may influence acid-base and electrolyte status. This study aimed to assess acid-base status, electrolyte levels, and lactate levels in dehydrated dogs after receiving acetate or lactate-containing intravenous rehydration fluids.

Materials and Methods: In this prospective, randomized study, 90 dehydrated dogs were included and randomized to receive acetate [Sterofundin® ISO B. Braun Vet Care (STERO), Germany) or lactate (Ringer-Lactat-Lösung nach Hartmann B. Braun Vet Care (RL), Germany] containing intravenous fluids for rehydration. The exclusion criteria were as follows: Age <6 months, liver failure, congestive heart failure, and extreme electrolyte deviation. Physical examination, venous blood gas, and lactate levels were analyzed before and after rehydration. The two groups were compared using t-test and Chi-square test. The significance level was set at p≤0.05.

Results: Post-rehydration heart rate decreased in the STERO group (p<0.001) but not in the RL group (p=0.090). Lactate levels decreased in both groups STERO (p<0.001) and in group RL (p=0.014). Sodium and chloride levels increased during rehydration in group STERO (p<0.001; p<0.001) and group RL (p=0.002; p<0.001). There was a larger decrease in lactate levels in group STERO compared to group RL (p=0.047).

Conclusion: Both solutions led to a mild increase in sodium and chloride levels and decreased lactate levels. The acetate-containing solution had an inferior effect on the decrease in lactate level.

Keywords: acid-base disorders, crystalloid solutions, fluid therapy, hyperlactatemia, metabolic acidosis, rehydration.