Tuesday, 11 August 2020

In vitro anthelmintic activity of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Paraserianthes falcataria bark waste against Haemonchus contortus obtained from a local slaughterhouse in Indonesia

Research (Published online: 11-08-2020)
9. In vitro anthelmintic activity of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Paraserianthes falcataria bark waste against Haemonchus contortus obtained from a local slaughterhouse in Indonesia
Zein Ahmad Baihaqi, Irkham Widiyono and Wisnu Nurcahyo
Veterinary World, 13(8): 1549-1554

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the anthelmintic activity of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Paraserianthes falcataria bark against Haemonchus contortus.

Materials and Methods: Ethanol extract of bark (E.E.B.) waste and aqueous extract of bark (A.E.B.) waste of P. falcataria (at concentrations 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1, 2.5, and 5%) and albendazole (2 mg/ml) as the positive control were placed in separate Petri dishes (50 mm). Twenty H. contortus worms were placed in Petri dishes and incubated at 37°C for 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 12 h. Mortality of each worm was ensured by pressing the body of the worm with a pair of tweezers and keeping it in lukewarm water for 5 min before declaring it dead. Mortality is defined as amount of death individuals and time of mortality of each worm was recorded. The parasites were then observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at an accelerating voltage of 15 Kv. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0 software, two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test to detect significant differences (p<0.05). The result was expressed as the mean ± standard deviation.

Results: The E.E.B. and A.E.B. of P. falcataria contained active compounds, such as tannin, alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin, steroid, and triterpenoid. E.E.B. had a higher content of phenol, while A.E.B. had a higher content of flavonoid. In this study, P. falcataria showed a significant effect (p=0.00) on H. contortus in vitro. E.E.B. (0.8%) was able to exterminate H. contortus completely after 6 h, more effective than A.E.B. (5%) while the positive control requires (2 mg/ml) after 2 h. SEM analysis of the worm treated with E.E.B. and A.E.B. showed damaged cuticle structure.

Conclusion: The aqueous and ethanol extracts of P. falcataria bark waste demonstrated anthelmintic activity against H. contortus.

Keywords: anthelmintic, bark, Haemonchus contortus, prevalence, scanning electron microscopy.

Monday, 10 August 2020

Gastrointestinal parasite infections in fighting bulls in South Thailand

Research (Published online: 10-08-2020)
8. Gastrointestinal parasite infections in fighting bulls in South Thailand
Domechai Kaewnoi, Ratchakul Wiriyaprom, Saowakon Indoung and Ruttayaporn Ngasaman
Veterinary World, 13(8): 1544-1548

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Bullfighting is booming in South Thailand, attracting tourists, and stimulating local economies. The bulls are well raised and practiced, but in many cases, the owners lack knowledge and understanding of the prevention of animal diseases, including parasitic infections. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasite infection in fighting bulls.

Materials and Methods: A total of 1501 fecal samples were collected from bulls aged 2-5 years visiting the animal hospital of Prince of Songkla University during 2016-2019. The formalin ethylether concentration method was used to detect GI parasites in feces.

Results: The overall rate of GI parasite infection was 94.27%. Rumen fluke eggs were detected in 97.17% of all infected animals, followed in prevalence by strongyles (26.29%), Eurytrema spp. (2.83%), Fasciola spp. (2.47%), Trichuris spp. (0.35%), and Moniezia spp. (0.14%). Two protozoan genera were identified, Balantidium coli (6.64%) and Eimeria spp. (3.53%). Coinfection was observed in 33.99%. The five most common coinfections were rumen fluke with strongyles (20.85%), B. coli (4.66%), Eimeria spp. (1.55%), rumen fluke (1.34%), and Fasciola spp. (1.06%).

Conclusion: In addition to high GI parasite infection rates, zoonotic parasites were observed. Therefore, it is recommended that farmers should follow good sanitation and prevention practices to control parasitic infections in bulls, and proper hygienic precautions should be taken by the owners. Implementation of deworming programs using appropriate anthelmintic drugs as well as rotation of anthelmintic drug that have different chemical agent to prevent further drug resistance should be considered. The promotion of bull health management is highly recommended to protect humans from zoonotic diseases.

Keywords: fighting bulls, gastrointestinal parasite, southern, Thailand.

Effects of bone types, particle sizes, and gamma irradiation doses in feline demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft

Research (Published online: 10-08-2020)
7. Effects of bone types, particle sizes, and gamma irradiation doses in feline demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft
Frizky Amelia, Basril Abbas, Darmawan Darwis, Sri Estuningsih and Deni Noviana
Veterinary World, 13(8): 1536-1543

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Fracture cases significantly increase recently, demanding high quality of bone graft materials. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of bone types, particle sizes, and gamma irradiation doses on morphological performance and cell viability of feline demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) through an in vitro study.

Materials and Methods: Feline DFDBA derived from feline cortical and cancellous long bones was processed into four different sizes: Group A (larger than 1000 μm), B (841-1000 μm), C (420-840 μm), and D (250-419 μm) for each type of bones. The materials were then irradiated with two doses of gamma rays, 15 and 25 kGy, resulting in 16 variants of feline DFDBA. The surfaces of each material were then observed with the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The in vitro evaluation of feline DFDBA was then performed using 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay with calf pulmonary artery endothelial cells.

Results: The MTT assay results showed that the lowest inhibition rate (14.67±9.17 %) achieved by feline DFDBA in Group A derived from cortical bones irradiated with 15 kGy. Group D generally showed high inhibition rate in both cancellous and cortical bones, irradiated with either 15 or 25 kGy. The SEM results showed that cancellous and cortical bones have numerous macropores and micropores structure in 170× and 3000×, respectively.

Conclusion: The material derived from cortical bones in Group A (larger than 1000 μm in particle size) irradiated with 15 kGy is the best candidate for further development due to its abundance of micropores structure and ability in preserving the living cells.

Keywords: bone type, feline bone allograft, gamma irradiation, in vitro study, particle size.

Saturday, 8 August 2020

Methanol leaf extract of Momordica charantia protects alloxan-induced hepatopathy through modulation of caspase-9 and interleukin-1β signaling pathways in rats

Research (Published online: 08-08-2020)
6. Methanol leaf extract of Momordica charantia protects alloxan-induced hepatopathy through modulation of caspase-9 and interleukin-1β signaling pathways in rats
Sunday Oluwaseun Ofuegbe, Ademola Adetokunbo Oyagbemi, Temidayo Olutayo Omobowale, Aduragbenro Deborah Adedapo, Abiodun Emmanuel Ayodele, Momoh Audu Yakubu, Oluwafemi O. Oguntibeju and Adeolu Alex Adedapo
Veterinary World, 13(8): 1528-1535

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Momordica charantia is a highly valued plant, widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions. The plant is reported to have a wide range of medicinal uses. This study was designed to explore the ameliorative potential of M. charantia methanol leaf extract in alloxan-induced diabetic animal model with a particular focus on the liver.

Materials and Methods: Hepatoprotective effect of methanol leaf extract of M. charantia was assessed in alloxan-induced toxicity in 50 rats divided into five groups (A-E) (n=10). Group A normal control, Group B was toxicant group, and Group C animals received glibenclamide treatment while Groups D and E received extracts at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses, respectively. The experiment lasted for 28 days. Histopathological changes, blood glucose level, and serum enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase, oxidative status and caspase-9, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were evaluated.

Results: Extract-treatment caused a decreased blood glucose level, markers of oxidative stress such as malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Treatment of rats with leaf extract of M. charantia resulted in increased levels and activities of protein thiols, non-protein thiols, glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and superoxide dismutase indicating its antioxidant potential. The liver section revealed mild distortion of the hepatic architecture compared to the toxicant group, while decreased expressions of caspase-9 and IL-1β in extract-treated groups was observed.

Conclusion: The plant extract exhibited antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects, thus showing its hepatoprotective property.

Keywords: antioxidant, caspase-9, hepatotoxicity, histopathology, interleukin-1β, Momordica charantia.

Clinical signs, prevalence, and hematobiochemical profile associated with Anaplasma infections in sheep of North Iraq

Research (Published online: 08-08-2020)
5. Clinical signs, prevalence, and hematobiochemical profile associated with Anaplasma infections in sheep of North Iraq
Donea Abdulrazak Abdullah, Fawwaz Fadhil Ali, Afrah Younis Jasim, Shola David Ola-Fadunsin, Fufa Ido Gimba and Moeena Sadeq Ali
Veterinary World, 13(8): 1524-1527

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Anaplasma infection is a worldwide prevalent condition that causes significant economic losses in affected flocks. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and clinical signs associated with ovine anaplasmosis as well as the hematological and biochemical changes associated with the disease in natural infection in North Iraq.

Materials and Methods: A total of 420 sheep were appropriately examined, and the clinical signs were documented accordingly. Blood samples were collected and subjected to parasitological, hematological, and biochemical analyses.

Results: Anaplasma-infected sheep displayed the following clinical signs: Paleness of the mucous membrane, bloody diarrhea, emaciation, pyrexia, jaundice, nasal discharge, coughing, loss of wool, nervous signs, hemoglobinuria, and lacrimation. The prevalence of Anaplasma infection was 66.19%, and female sheep were significantly (p<0.05) more infected than male sheep. The hematological and biochemical parameters were significantly different between Anaplasma-positive and Anaplasma-negative sheep.

Conclusion: Anaplasma infection among sheep is a significant concern in North Iraq considering its prevalence, clinical signs, and hematological and biochemical findings, which entirely causes significant debilitating effects on sheep productivity. It is important to pay more attention toward managing tick infestation among sheep to reduce the occurrence of this rickettsial disease for a more robust livestock sector of the Iraqi economy.

Keywords: Anaplasma species, biochemical, hematological, prevalence, sheep.

Friday, 7 August 2020

Production, immunogenicity, stability, and safety of a vaccine against Clostridium perfringens beta toxins

Research (Published online: 07-08-2020)
4. Production, immunogenicity, stability, and safety of a vaccine against Clostridium perfringens beta toxins
Mohamed J. Saadh, Issam J. Sa'adeh, Moeen F. Dababneh, Ammar M. Almaaytah and Mohammad F. Bayan
Veterinary World, 13(8): 1517-1523

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The beta toxin is causing the most severe Clostridium perfringens-related diseases. This work was dedicated to developing a vaccine against beta toxin using C. perfringens type C (NCTC 3180).

Materials and Methods: The crude toxoid harvest contained 710 limits of flocculation (Lf)/mL. The vaccine was formulated. Each 1 mL of the final vaccine product contained at least 50 Lf/mL of beta toxoids, 0.2 mL 3% aluminum hydroxide gel (equivalent to 5.18 mg of aluminum), <0.001% W/V thiomersal, formaldehyde <0.05% W/V, and ∼0.7 mL phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.2). The efficacy of the vaccine was evaluated by potency, stability, and safety tests.

Results: The vaccine demonstrated 24.36 IU/mL (standard deviation, ±0.56) and 14.74 IU/mL (±0.36) of neutralizing antibodies in rabbits and cattle, respectively. Indeed, these levels were above the minimum recommended by international protocols since the obtained antibody levels had 2.43- and 1.47-fold increase in both rabbits and cattle, respectively, over the minimum antitoxin level suggested by the United States Department of Agriculture. Interestingly, our formulation was capable of inducing 1.65-fold higher immune responses in rabbits than that stimulated in cattle (65% increase) with a significant difference (p<0.0001). The vaccine was stable up to 30 months. The vaccinated rabbits were suffered from a temporarily slight increase in temperatures in the first 10 h without any significant difference (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The research showed a procedure for the manufacturing process of the vaccine against C. perfringens beta toxins with a feasible quantity and the vaccine described here showed to be effective in eliciting levels of neutralizing antibodies higher than required by international standards. In addition, The vaccine was stable up to 30 months. Thus, it may represent an effective and safe for preventing C. perfringens-related diseases in rabbits and cattle, although further studies to prove its efficacy in the field on other farm animals are still needed.

Keywords: beta toxin, cattle, Clostridium perfringens type C, potency, safety, stability, toxoid.

Tempe extract reduces cell damage in the liver and kidneys after intensive physical exercise in rats

Research (Published online: 07-08-2020)
3. Tempe extract reduces cell damage in the liver and kidneys after intensive physical exercise in rats
I. Nyoman Suarsana, Iwan Harjono Utama and I. Made Kardena
Veterinary World, 13(8): 1510-1516

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Cells of the liver and kidneys are perpetually exposed to free radicals from endogenous and exogenous sources. High-intensity physical exercise can induce oxidative stress. This study aimed to determine the effects of tempe extract on cell damage in the liver and kidneys of rats after intensive physical exercise.

Materials and Methods: This study used five experimental groups: T0 (non-exercised control rats), T1 (rats made to exercise by swimming), and T2-T4 (rats made to exercise by swimming treated with 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight tempe extract). The biochemical parameters that were analyzed included blood glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine levels. The morphology of liver and kidney tissues was histopathologically and immunohistochemically analyzed.

Results: Tempe extract treatment reduced cell damage in the liver and kidney tissues of rats, characterized by decreased expression of caspase-3. In addition, the ALT, AST, ALP, creatinine, and BUN levels of rats were significantly lower in tempe extract-treated rats than in rats after swimming exercise alone.

Conclusion: Tempe extract is capable of reducing cell damage and apoptosis in the liver and kidney cells of rats after intensive physical exercise and maintaining biochemical properties similar to the normal physiological state.

Keywords: apoptosis, caspase-3, kidney, liver, physical exercise, tempe.

Thursday, 6 August 2020

Seroprevalence of brucellosis in sheep and goats in the Arabian Gulf region

Research (Published online: 06-08-2020)
2. Seroprevalence of brucellosis in sheep and goats in the Arabian Gulf region
M. Ebid, A. El Mola and F. Salib
Veterinary World, 13(8): 1495-1509

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Brucellosis is a zoonosis that occurs worldwide. There were more efforts to control brucellosis in all countries. This study was performed to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis in sheep and goats in some areas in the Arabian Gulf.

Materials and Methods: The study analyzed 8500 sera from non-vaccinated sheep and goats. Animals included 6441 sheep (3420 from farms and 3021 from quarantine) and 2059 goats (1580 from farms and 479 from quarantine). Sera were tested using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and confirmed with an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA) test. Final confirmation analyzed blood samples from confirmed infected animals (n=30, 23 sheep and seven goats) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and culture.

Results: The serological examination showed that 62/8500 of animals (0.729%, confidence interval [CI] 95% 0.57-0.94) were seropositive for brucellosis. Thirteen of 5000 (0.26%, CI 95% 0.15-0.45) and 49/3500 (1.4%, CI 95% 1.1-1.8) of animals from farms and quarantine were seropositive, respectively. Out of the 6441, 46 (0.71%) sheep and 16/2059 (0.78%) goats were seropositive. i-ELISA confirmed 41/62 RBPT-positive animals – 41/8500 (0.482%, CI 95% 0.36-0.65). Eight of 5000 of these animals (0.16%, CI 95% 0.08-0.32) and 33/3500 (0.94%, CI 95% 0.67-1.3) were confirmed positive in farms and quarantine, respectively. Thirty of 6441 (0.466%) and 11/2059 (0.534%) cases were positive in sheep and goats, respectively. PCR confirmed 18 of 41 positive animals (0.212% of all sera, CI 95% 0.13-0.34) identified by both RBPT and i-ELISA. Three of 5000 (0.06%, CI 95% 0.019-0.19) and 15/3500 (0.429%, CI 95% 0.26-0.71) from farms and quarantine were confirmed positive. Tissue samples (uterine, supra-mammary, testicular, and accessory glands lymph node) were collected from positive animals, as detected by RBPT and i-ELISA, at culling or slaughtering. Using in vitro culture, 14/30 were confirmed positive – 3/7 from farms (two sheep and one goat) and 11/23 from quarantine (nine sheep and two goats). Biovar 1 was dominant. PCR confirmed 23/30 tissue samples, 4/7 from farms (three sheep and one goat), and 19/23 from quarantine (15 sheep and four goats).

Conclusion: The overall brucellosis rate in sheep and goats is 0.48%, with fewer animals from farms testing positive (0.16%) in this area of the Arabian Gulf. The infection appears to be well controlled, and continuous effort is still needed to maintain control and completely eradicate brucellosis. Additional support is needed for testing and slaughterhouse monitoring. In quarantine (imported animals), brucellosis infection in the slaughterhouse (0.94%) could pose a risk for transmission and spread of infection. The effort is needed to monitor this threat, and PCR is a sensitive and time-saving test for brucellosis diagnosis. All 14 confirmed positive samples were Biovar 1 dominant.

Keywords: Arabian gulf, Brucellosis, goats, indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, polymerase chain reaction, Rose Bengal, seroprevalence, sheep.

Prevalence and risk factors of bovine viral diarrhea in Colombian cattle

Research (Published online: 06-08-2020)
1. Prevalence and risk factors of bovine viral diarrhea in Colombian cattle
Diego Ortiz Ortega, Rodrigo Alfredo Martínez Sarmiento, Julio César Tobón Torreglosa and Juan Felipe Rocha
Veterinary World, 13(8): 1487-1494

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is present in most cattle-raising countries around the world, and it has a negative economic impact in cattle herds. In Colombia, previous studies have estimated the prevalence of BVDV in specific locations. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of BVDV in cattle herds located at several municipalities across the country and to identify the associated risk and protective factors.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of BVDV in Colombian cattle populations at farm and animal-levels. A total of 387 herds and 8110 animals located in seven different departments were included in this study.

Results: An animal- and farm-level prevalence of 36% and 69%, respectively, were estimated. A high variation for the farm-level prevalence was found among the municipalities studied. Moreover, seropositive cattle to the infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (odds ratio (OR)=2.38, p=0.0479) and Neospora caninum (OR=3.15, p=0.0122) were more likely to be seropositive for BVDV, while the practice of burning dead animals at the farm was identified as a protective factor (OR=0.17, p=0.014).

Conclusion: The prevalence of BVDV varied more at farm-level compared to animal-level. Two risk factors and one protective factor were identified. The results of the current study are essential to understand the epidemiology of BVDV in Colombia, and to formulate strategies in the region to mitigate the impact of this virus on the productive and reproductive indicators of cattle farms at the regional level.

Keywords: bovine, bovine viral diarrhea virus, protective factors, risk factors, seroprevalence.

Wednesday, 29 July 2020

Characterization and identification of charcoal of inedible Kerandang fish (Channa pleurophthalmus Blkr) body parts and potential antiallergenic properties

Research (Published online: 30-07-2020)
31. Characterization and identification of charcoal of inedible Kerandang fish (Channa pleurophthalmus Blkr) body parts and potential antiallergenic properties
Aryani Aryani, Eddy Suprayitno, Bambang Budi Sasmito and Hardoko Hardoko
Veterinary World, 13(7): 1480-1486

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The study about the antiallergenic properties of inedible fish body parts is still limited. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the charcoal from the body parts of Kerandang fish (Channa pleurophthalmus Blkr) and identify its antiallergenic properties.

Materials and Methods: This study used some non-edible body parts extracted from the Kerandang fish (i.e., the scalp, scales, and dorsal, pectoral, ventral, anal, and caudal fins) using a maceration method with different solvents (ethanol, ethyl acetate, and chloroform). The identification of active compounds in the extract was carried out using liquid chromatography– high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) analysis, while the antihyaluronidase activity was determined using the antihyaluronidase test. The highest charcoal antihyaluronidase activity-extract was applied to ovalbumin-induced mice for 7 days with various doses (10, 15, and 20 mg/kg). The specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on day 8.

Results: Our LC-HRMS analysis showed that the active compound of charcoal in the caudal fins of Kerandang fish was hexadecanamide. The highest inhibition (IC50) of hyaluronidase was found in the ethyl acetate extract of fish caudal fins at a concentration of 4 mg/mL. We found that 15 mg/kg body weight of charcoal of fish caudal fins suppressed IgE expression in male mice.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the charcoal of non-edible body parts of Kerandang and one of its constituent, hexadecanamide, may have strong antiallergic effects.

Keywords: anti-allergy, charcoal, hyaluronidase, Kerandang fish.

Tuesday, 28 July 2020

Emergence of Raoultella ornithinolytica isolated from chicken products in Alexandria, Egypt

Research (Published online: 29-07-2020)
30. Emergence of Raoultella ornithinolytica isolated from chicken products in Alexandria, Egypt
Sara M. El-Shannat, Ashraf A. Abd El-Tawab and Wafaa M. M. Hassan
Veterinary World, 13(7): 1473-1479

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Raoultella ornithinolytica is one of the emerging gram-negative bacteria, which associated with foodborne illness. Researches affirmed that distinguish between R. ornithinolytica and Klebsiella oxytoca are difficult, as they are phylogenetic related. The evolution of multidrug resistance of Raoultella strains gained more concern for recognition of the pathogen which supports in controlling the disease and minify its threat. This study sought to find a reliable tool for the identification of Raoultella ornithinolytica, isolated from chicken product samples, and assessed the resistance profile of R. ornithinolytica using antibiogram sensitivity tests.

Materials and Methods: Forty samples of chicken products were collected between January and September 2019 from different markets in Alexandria Governorate, Egypt. The products included nuggets, strips, burgers, luncheon meats, pane, frankfurters, and minced chicken meat. The samples were transferred to the Reference Laboratory. The samples were subjected to isolation, biochemical reaction testing, phenotypic system analytical profile index (API) E20, and a detection of antimicrobial susceptibility test. Phenotypic identification was confirmed through matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS).

Results: Thirty-three bacterial isolates (82.50%) out of 40 samples were isolated into pure cultures from the chicken samples. Three isolates (9.09%) were positive for R. ornithinolytica, while 30 isolates (90.91%) exhibited growth characters for different pathogens (Escherichia coliEnterobacter aerogenesProteus vulgarisR. ornithinolytica, and Klebsiella pneumoniae). The isolates of R. ornithinolytica were resistant to five types of antibiotics and sensitive to two types of antibiotics.

Conclusion: This study reported the first case of R. ornithinolytica found in chicken products in Egypt. Phenotypic system API 20E and MALDI-TOF MS were found to be reliable tools for confirming the diagnosis of R. ornithinolytica. As it provides rapid identification with high sensitivity and specificity for R. ornithinolytica, which often do not require a molecular procedure for confirmation.

Keywords: analytical profile index 20E, matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, phenotypic system, Raoultella ornithinolytica.

Low genetic diversity among Francisella-like endosymbionts within different genotypes of Hyalomma dromedarii ticks infesting camels in Saudi Arabia

Research (Published online: 28-07-2020)
29. Low genetic diversity among Francisella-like endosymbionts within different genotypes of Hyalomma dromedarii ticks infesting camels in Saudi Arabia
Haitham Elbir, Faisal Almathen and Ayman Elnahas
Veterinary World, 13(7): 1462-1472

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Hyalomma dromedarii ticks are vectors of disease agents and hosts of Francisella-like endosymbionts (FLEs). Knowledge about intraspecific genetic variation among H. dromedarii and its Francisella species is limited. The aims of this study were to investigate whether certain H. dromedarii genotypes are specialized in carrying specific Francisella species genotypes and scrutinize the population structure of H. dromedarii ticks in Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods: We collected 151 H. dromedarii ticks from 33 camels from 13 locations in Saudi Arabia. The second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2), cytochrome c oxidase subunit-1(COI), and 16S rRNA genes were used for single-and multi-locus sequence typing and phylogenetic analyses. H. dromedarii-borne Francisella was screened using the tul4 gene and 16S rRNA Francisella-specific primers followed by amplicon Sanger sequencing.

Results: Single-locus typing of ticks using ITS2, 16S rRNA, and COI genes yielded 1, 10, and 31 sequence types (ST), respectively, with pairwise sequence similarity of 100% for ITS2, 99.18-99.86% for COI, and 99.50-99.75% for 16S rRNA. COI sequence analysis indicated a lack of strict geographical structuration, as ST15 was found in both Saudi Arabia and Kenya. In contrast, multilocus sequence typing resolved 148 H. dromedarii ticks into 39 genotypes of ticks and three genotypes of FLEs. The ST2-FLE genotype was carried by the tick genotype ST35, while the ST1-FLE genotype and 41.89% of the ST3-FLE genotype were carried by the tick genotype ST32. Accordingly, there appeared to be no specialization of certain tick genotypes to harbor-specific FLE genotypes.

Conclusion: For the 1st time, we have provided an overview of the population structure of H. dromedarii ticks and FLE strains. We found a low level of genetic diversity among FLEs and non-specialized circulation of FLEs among H. dromedarii ticks.

Keywords: camel, endosymbionts Francisella typing, Hyalomma dromedarii.

Monday, 27 July 2020

Malacca leaf ethanolic extract (Phyllanthus emblica) as a hepatoprotector of the liver of mice (Mus musculus) infected with Plasmodium berghei

Research (Published online: 27-07-2020)
28. Malacca leaf ethanolic extract (Phyllanthus emblica) as a hepatoprotector of the liver of mice (Mus musculus) infected with Plasmodium berghei
Nuzul Asmilia, Dwinna Aliza, Yudha Fahrimal, Mahdi Abrar and Sulaiman Ashary
Veterinary World, 13(7): 1457-1461

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Although existing research confirms the antiparasitic effect of the Malacca plant against Plasmodium, its effect on the liver, one of the target organs of Plasmodium has not been investigated. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the potential of the ethanolic extract of Malacca (Phyllanthus emblica) leaves in preventing liver damage in mice (Mus musculus) caused by Plasmodium berghei infection.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using the livers of 18 mice fixed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin. A completely randomized design with a unidirectional pattern comprising six treatments was used in this study, with each treatment consisting of three replications. Treatment 0 was the negative control group infected with P. berghei, treatment 1 was the positive control group infected with P. berghei followed by chloroquine administration at a dose of 5 mg/kg BW, and treatments 2, 3, 4, and 5 were groups infected with P. berghei and administered Malacca leaf ethanolic extracts at doses of 100, 300, 600, and 1200 mg/kg BW, respectively. The extracts were administered orally using a gastric tube for 4 consecutive days. Mice were sacrificed on the 7th day and livers were collected for histopathological examination.

Results: Histopathological examination of the livers of mice infected with P. berghei demonstrated the presence of hemosiderin, hydropic degeneration, fat degeneration, necrosis, and megalocytosis. However, all these histopathological changes were reduced in the livers of P. berghei-infected mice treated with various doses of Malacca leaf ethanolic extract. The differences between the treatments were found be statistically significant (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of Malacca leaves has the potential to protect against liver damage in mice infected with P. berghei. The dose of 600 mg/kg BW was found to be the most effective compared with the doses of 100, 300, and 1200 mg/kg BW.

Keywords: hepatoprotector, Malacca leaf extract, megalocytosis, Plasmodium berghei.

Saturday, 25 July 2020

β-lactam resistance in bacteria associated with subclinical mastitis in goats in Thika Subcounty, Kenya

Research (Published online: 25-07-2020)
27. β-lactam resistance in bacteria associated with subclinical mastitis in goats in Thika Subcounty, Kenya
Irene Mkavi Okoko, Naomi Maina, Daniel Kiboi and John Kagira
Veterinary World, 13(7): 1448-1456

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study determined the resistance pattern to β-lactam antibiotics of bacteria isolated from goats with subclinical mastitis in Thika subcounty, Kenya. We also administered a questionnaire to assess the risk factors associated with the occurrence of resistance to commonly used antibiotics.

Materials and Methods: We collected milk samples from 110 lactating dairy goats in Thika subcounty to screen for subclinical mastitis using the California mastitis test. Bacterial isolation and identification were performed according to colony morphology, the hemolytic pattern on sheep blood agar, lactose fermentation on MacConkey plates, Gram staining, and standard biochemical tests. The antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was determined by the agar disk diffusion method using penicillin G, cephalexin, cefoxitin, and cefotaxime antibiotic disks. The double-disk synergy test using amoxicillin-clavulanic acid was employed as a confirmatory test for extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production. Fisher's exact test was used to determine the risk factors associated with the occurrence of antibiotic resistance (p≤0.05 was considered significant).

Results: Of the 110 dairy goats sampled, 72.7% (80) were positive for subclinical mastitis. Isolation and identification of the bacteria from the positive samples yielded 149 bacteria isolates, including Staphylococcus aureusKlebsiella pneumoniaeAcinetobacter spp., Yersinia spp., coagulase-negative staphylococci, and Escherichia coli. A high percentage (76.5%, 114/149) of the bacterial isolates was resistant to at least one of the tested antibiotics. At least 56/106 isolates (52.8%) showing cross-resistance to the β-lactam antibiotics were resistant to all four of the tested antibiotics, while only one isolate was resistant to three antibiotics (penicillin G, cephalexin, and cefoxitin). The double-disk synergy test confirmed that none of the isolates possessed ESBLs. Pre- and post-milking practices (p=0.0336) were found to be significantly associated with the occurrence of antibiotic resistance.

Conclusion: A large proportion of the goats in our study cohort were infected with β-lactam-resistant bacteria associated with subclinical mastitis. Because the identified bacteria are of zoonotic importance, further studies should be undertaken to determine the transmission dynamics between humans and livestock and to identify novel intervention strategies.

Keywords: bacteria, dairy goats, Kenya, subclinical mastitis, β-lactam resistance.

Use of recombinant Brucella outer membrane proteins 19, 25, and 31 for serodiagnosis of bovine brucellosis

Research (Published online: 25-07-2020)
26. Use of recombinant Brucella outer membrane proteins 19, 25, and 31 for serodiagnosis of bovine brucellosis
Aitbay Bulashev, Orken Akibekov, Alfiya Syzdykova, Zhanbolat Suranshiyev and Bakytkali Ingirbay
Veterinary World, 13(7): 1439-1447

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Brucellosis remains one of the most common zoonoses. The current anti-brucellosis measures are largely deemed ineffective due to a lack of specificity of conventional serological tests. This study evaluated the use of Brucella outer membrane protein (Omp)19 for serodiagnostic testing.

Materials and Methods: The antigenicity of recombinant Brucella Omp19, Omp25, and Omp31 was examined in serum samples from mice and rabbits immunized with Omp19 or Brucella abortus 19 whole cell (WC) and 12 and 152 cows experimentally or naturally infected with brucellosis, respectively. Serum samples were collected from 151 cows that were vaccinated with B. abortus 19 and 12 unvaccinated heifers that were maintained on a brucellosis-free farm.

Results: Immunization with Omp19 resulted in antibody production in mice after a single injection without the use of adjuvant. Serum antibodies obtained from rabbits immunized with inactivated B. abortus strain 19 WC targeted Omps by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot. Antibodies targeting Omp19 were identified in all B. abortus strain 544 experimentally infected cows at day 14 post-inoculation (p.i.); Omp25 was detected by ELISA at day 28 p.i., while an ELISA targeting Omp31 was negative for 25% of cows at this time point. Omp19 and Omp25 were readily detected by sera from cows from a new epizootic focus. Antibodies recognizing Omps were also detected in >50% of the animals maintained in a brucellosis-free herd at 10 months after vaccination.

Conclusion: Brucella Omp19 in combination with Omp25 and Omp31 may be utilized as target antigens in an ELISA designed for serological testing of unvaccinated cattle.

Keywords: Brucella, diagnosis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, outer membrane proteins.

Friday, 24 July 2020

Prevalence, molecular detection, and virulence gene profiles of Campylobacter species in humans and foods of animal origin

Research (Published online: 24-07-2020)
25. Prevalence, molecular detection, and virulence gene profiles of Campylobacter species in humans and foods of animal origin
Ashraf M. A. Barakat, Khaled A. Abd El-Razik, Hassan A. Elfadaly, Nagwa S. Rabie, Sabry A. S. Sadek and Abdulaziz M. Almuzaini
Veterinary World, 13(7): 1430-1438

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Campylobacteriosis is one of the most well-characterized bacterial foodborne infections worldwide that arise chiefly due to the consumption of foods of animal origin such as poultry, milk, and their products. The disease is caused by numerous species within the genus Campylobacter, but Campylobacter jejuni is the most commonly isolated species from established cases of human campylobacteriosis. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and virulence of Campylobacter isolates from human, chicken, and milk and milk products in Egypt.

Materials and Methods: A total of 1299 samples (547 chicken intestine and liver, 647 milk and milk products, and 105 human stool) were collected and microbiologically investigated, confirmed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 23S rRNA, hipO, and glyA genes specific for Campylobacter spp., C. jejuni, and Campylobacter Coli, respectively, followed by virulence genes (Campylobacter adhesion to fibronectin F [cadF] and cdtB) detection using PCR.

Results: About 38.09%, 37.84%, and 8.5% of human stool, chicken, and milk and milk product samples, respectively, were bacteriologically positive, with a total of 302 Campylobacter isolates. All isolates were molecularly confirmed as Campylobacter spp. (100%) where 285 isolates (94.37%) were identified as C. jejuni and 17 isolates (5.62%) as C. coli. Regarding the virulence pattern, all isolates (100%) carried cadF gene while cytolethal distending toxin B gene was definite in 284/302 isolates (94%), concisely, 282/285 (98.94%) C. jejuni isolates, and in 2/17 (11.76%) C. coli isolates.

Conclusion: The widespread presence of these highly virulent Campylobacter, especially C. jejuni, proofs the urgent need for the implementation of stringent control, public health, and food protection strategies to protect consumers from this zoonotic pathogen. The availability of information about pathogen virulence will enable enhanced local policy drafting by food safety and public health officials.

Keywords: Campylobacter, Egypt, food, human stool, multiplex polymerase chain reaction, virulence genes.

Thursday, 23 July 2020

Artemisia vulgaris efficacies against various stages of Aedes aegypti

Research (Published online: 24-07-2020)
24. Artemisia vulgaris efficacies against various stages of Aedes aegypti
Vika Ichsania Ninditya, Endah Purwati, Ajeng Tyas Utami, Aprillyani Sofa Marwaningtyaz, Nadia Khairunnisa Fairuz, Rini Widayanti and Penny Humaidah Hamid
Veterinary World, 13(7): 1423-1429

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Aedes aegypti is the vector of dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, chikungunya, and, most recently, Zika. Dengue fever is one of Indonesia's endemic diseases. The principal tool for preventing dengue is controlling Ae. aegypti by chemical insecticides since vaccine against dengue is still under research. However, Ae. aegypti developed resistance to various chemical insecticides worldwide. Therefore, research on alternate compounds as mosquito insecticides is urgently needed. This study demonstrated the efficacy of Artemisia vulgaris extract as larvicidal, ovicidal, adulticidal, repellency, and oviposition deterrent activity against Ae. aegypti.

Materials and Methods: A. vulgaris was obtained from Temanggung, Indonesia, while the eggs of Ae. aegypti were collected from Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and were hatched in Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Larvicidal activity was evaluated according to the WHO protocol; adulticidal activity was performed using the Centers for Disease Control protocol. Oviposition activity was evaluated using ovitraps added with A. vulgaris extract, complete protection time in the repellent assay was defined as the number of minutes elapsed between compound application and the landing of the first mosquito.

Results: A test of the larvicidal activity of A. vulgaris extract returned an LC50 of 65.8 ppm (r2=0.9014) in 1 h and 18.6 ppm (r2=0.575) in 24 h. A. vulgaris was effective as an adulticidal, demonstrating LC50 values of 11.35 mg (r2=0.875) in 90 min, 9.63 mg (r2=0.924) in 105 min, and 6.46 mg (r2=0.925) in 120 min. A. vulgaris at a concentration of 1000 ppm was able to reach 96% of oviposition deterrent effect. The ovicidal assay, a concentration of 1000 ppm resulted in 82.67% of eggs remaining unhatched. An extract concentration of 80 mg/ml achieved 63.3±3.5% biting repellency in adults.

Conclusion: This study gives a clear indication that A. vulgaris extract acts on Ae. aegypti at various developmental stages and is a potential alternative bioinsecticide for controlling this disease vector.

Keywords: Aedes aegyptiArtemisia vulgaris, bioinsecticide.

Penetration depth study of 830 nm low-intensity laser therapy on living dog tissue

Research (Published online: 23-07-2020)
23. Penetration depth study of 830 nm low-intensity laser therapy on living dog tissue
Naruepon Kampa, Supranee Jitpean, Suvalak Seesupa and Somphong Hoisang
Veterinary World, 13(7): 1417-1422

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Recent studies have shown that low-intensity laser therapy (LILT) enhances chronic wound healing, reduces pain, reduces inflammation, and improves post-operative rehabilitation. However, clinical outcomes in the veterinary use of LILT vary between different experimental studies. This is explained by improper laser parameter settings and limits of its penetration depth. This study aimed to investigate the penetration depth of 830 nm LILT on living dog tissue in different operating modes. This entailed continuous wave (CW) versus pulse wave (PW) and with contact versus non-contact techniques of the laser probe at different tissue-laser probe distances. The results can be applied for use in clinical practice.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-four dogs that had undergone abdominal surgery were included in this study. The laser parameters were set at 200 mW, fluence of 4 J/cm2 and the laser power output denoted as mean output power (MOP) was measured by a power meter.

Results: The MOP of the 830 nm CW laser was significantly higher than the PW laser (p<0.05). The MOP of the contact technique was significantly greater than that of the non-contact technique in both CW and PW modes (p<0.05). The MOP through the skin tissue was between 16.09 and 18.60 mW (8.05-9.30%) for the contact technique and 8.73 and 19.36 mW (4.37-9.68%) for the non-contact technique. In the muscle-skin layer, the MOP was between 0.50 and 1.56 mW (0.25-0.78%) and the MOP was not detected using the non-contact technique with a 5 cm tissue-laser probe distance.

Conclusion: Our study indicates that 830 nm LILT (with laser parameter setting at 200 mW, fluence of 4 J/cm2 for both contact and non-contact techniques, and tissue-laser probe distance up to 5 cm) was appropriate for treatments within 14 mm of depth. However, the use of 830 nm LILT for an application in which the target tissue is deeper than 14 mm may limit its positive effect.

Keywords: living dog tissue, low-intensity laser therapy, mean output power, penetration depth.

Detection and antibiotic resistance of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae among chicken flocks in Egypt

Research (Published online: 23-07-2020)
22. Detection and antibiotic resistance of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae among chicken flocks in Egypt
Marwa Emam, Yousreya Mohamed Hashem, Mahmoud El-Hariri and Jakeen El-Jakee
Veterinary World, 13(7): 1410-1416

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) are the most significant pathogens of avian mycoplasmosis. This study aimed to isolate and identify MG and MS from chickens and detect the various virulence genes in the isolates. Moreover, the efficacies of different antibiotics were tested to identify suitable treatment regimens.

Materials and Methods: We isolated MG and MS from 487 chicken samples of different ages located in different Governorates in Egypt using conventional isolation methods. The isolates were characterized by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and then tested for antibiotic sensitivity by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method.

Results: The prevalence of MG among the isolates was 9.85%, with the highest percentage isolated from air sacs, while the prevalence of MS among the isolates was 1.6%. Moreover, the highest levels of the prevalence of both MG and MS were during the winter and autumn sampling, while the lowest levels were in the summer and spring. Following the 16S rRNA-based detection of Mycoplasma isolates, 14 MG and 5 MS isolates were identified by different PCR-based detection methods for various virulence genes. Nine MG isolates contain the mgc2 gene, six MG isolates contain the gapA gene, and three MS isolates contain the vlhA gene. We validated a duplex PCR method for the simultaneous identification of MG and MS, based on 100% of the MG and MS isolates generating common bands at 55 and 17 kDa, respectively. The MIC method identified tiamulin and spiramycin as the antibiotics of choice for the treatment of MG and MS infections, respectively.

Conclusion: For more precise diagnosis of Mycoplasma infections in chicken flocks, conventional isolation methods must be confirmed by PCR. SDS-PAGE analysis helps in epidemiological studies and vaccine preparation. The MIC method can be used to help develop therapies to control avian mycoplasmosis infections.

Keywords: gapA gene, mgc2 gene, minimum inhibitory concentration, Mycoplasma infection, sodium dodecyl sulfate, vlhA gene.