One health: The interface between veterinary and human health

Review (Published online: 29-01-2018)

2. One health: The interface between veterinary and human health - Kshitiz Shrestha, Krishna Prasad Acharyaand Sujan Shrestha

International Journal of One Health, 4: 8-14

  doi: 10.14202/IJOH.2018.8-14

ABSTRACT

One Health is an emerging global key concept integrating human and animal health through international research and policy. The complex relationships between the human and animal have resulted in a human-animal-environment interface since prehistorical times. The people, animals, plants, and the environment are so intrinsically linked that prevention of risks and the mitigation of effects of crises that originate at the interface between humans, animals, and their environments can only improve health and wellbeing. The “One Health” approach has been successfully implemented in numerous projects around the world. The containment of pandemic threats such as avian influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome within months of outbreak are few examples of successful applications of the One Health paradigm. The paper begins with a brief overview of the human-animal interface and continues with the socio-economic and public health impact caused by various zoonotic diseases such as Middle East respiratory syndrome, Influenza, and Ebola virus. This is followed by the role of “One Health” to deal the global problem by the global solution. It emphasizes the interdisciplinary collaboration, training for health professionals and institutional support to minimize global health threats due to infectious diseases. The broad definition of the concept is supposed to lead multiple interpretations that impede the effective implementation of One Health approach within veterinary profession, within the medical profession, by wildlife specialists and by environmentalists, while on the other side, it gives a value of interdisciplinary collaboration for reducing threats in human-animal-environment interface.

Keywords: emerging infectious diseases, one health, viral zoonoses.

In vitro immunomodulatory potential of Artemisia indica Willd. in chicken lymphocytes

Research (Published online: 28-01-2018)

14. In vitro immunomodulatory potential of Artemisia indica Willd. in chicken lymphocytes

Pushpa Ruwali, Tanuj Kumar Ambwani and Pankaj Gautam

Veterinary World, 11(1): 80-87

Aim: Evaluation of the in vitro immunomodulatory potential of Artemisia indica Willd. methanolic extract in chicken lymphocyte culture system through lymphocyte (B and T cells) proliferation assay, after standardizing the maximum non-cytotoxic dose (MNCD) in chicken lymphocytes.

Materials and Methods: Fresh aerial parts of A. indica Willd. (family: Asteraceae) specimens were collected (altitude 1560 m), gotten authenticated, processed, dried, and Soxhlet extracted to yield methanolic extract (AME). Chicken splenocytes were isolated from spleens collected from healthy birds; lymphocytes were separated by density gradient centrifugation, percentage cell viability determined and final cell count adjusted to 107 cells/ml in RPMI-1640 medium. MNCD of AME in chicken lymphocytes was determined through 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-y1)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide dye reduction assay. Immunomodulatory potential of AME was evaluated through lymphocytes proliferation or B and T cells blastogenesis assay in the presence of appropriate mitogens, namely, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and concanavalin A (Con A), respectively.

Results: Maximum concentration of AME exhibiting 100% cell viability (MNCD) was 200 μg/ml and was selected for further in vitro analysis. The in vitro exposure of chicken lymphocytes to 200 μg/ml dose of AME, resulted in significant (p<0.05) upregulation of 11.76% in B cell proliferation in the presence of B cell mitogen (LPS) and a significant (p<0.05) increase of 12.018% T cells proliferation in the presence of the mitogen (Con A), as compared to the control.

Conclusion: The significant upregulation in the proliferation of two major cell types modulating the immune system is an indication of the immunostimulatory potential of the plant. It would be worthwhile to further evaluate A. indica on relevant immunomodulatory aspects, especially the in vivo studies in a poultry system.

Keywords: Artemisia indica Willd., immunomodulation, in vitro chicken lymphocytes, lymphocyte proliferation assay, plant extract.

Edible bird's nest impact on rats' uterine histomorphology, expressions of genes of growth factors and proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and oxidative stress level

Research (Published online: 27-01-2018)

13. Edible bird's nest impact on rats' uterine histomorphology, expressions of genes of growth factors and proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and oxidative stress level

Abdulla A. Albishtue, Nurhusien Yimer, Md Zuki A. Zakaria, Abd Wahid Haron, Rosnina Yusoff, Mohammed A. Assi and Bahaa H. Almhanawi

Veterinary World, 11(1): 71-79

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of edible bird's nest (EBN) supplementation on the uteri of rats based on analyses of the morphological and histomorphometric changes, and expressions of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (REGF) genes, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and steroid receptors.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-four Sprague Dawley rats were equally distributed into the following four groups: G1 (control), G2, G3, and G4 represented the groups treated with EBN at graded concentrations of 0, 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg body weight (BW) per day for 8 weeks, respectively. During the experimental period, the BW of each rat was recorded weekly. At the proestrus stage of estrous cycle, blood samples were collected from the hearts of anesthetized rats that were later sacrificed. The uteri were removed for histological and immunohistochemical analyses.

Results: The EBN-treated groups showed an increase in the weights and lengths of uteri as compared to the control. Results showed that relative to G1 and G2, G3 and G4 exhibited proliferation in their uterine luminal and glandular epithelia and uterine glands, and up-regulated expressions of EGF, REGF, VEGF, PCNA, and progesterone receptor, and estrogen receptor in their uteri. The EBN increased the antioxidant (AO) and total AO capacities and reduced the oxidative stress (OS) levels in non-pregnant rats.

Conclusion: Findings of this study revealed that EBN promotes proliferation of the uterine structures as evidenced by the upregulation of the expressions of steroid receptors,EGF, REGF, VEGF, and PCNA in the uterus and increased in the plasma concentrations of AO and reduced levels of OS.

Keywords: antioxidant, edible bird's nest, growth factors, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, uterus.

Seroprevalence of Capripoxvirus infection in sheep and goats among different agro-climatic zones of Odisha, India

Research (Published online: 26-01-2018)

12. Seroprevalence of Capripoxvirus infection in sheep and goats among different agro-climatic zones of Odisha, India

Abhishek Hota, Sangram Biswal, Niranjana Sahoo, Gnanavel Venkatesan, Sargam Arya, Amit Kumar, Muthannan Andavar Ramakrishnan, Awadh Bihari Pandey and Manoranjan Rout

Veterinary World, 11(1): 66-70

Aim: The study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of antibodies to Capripoxviruses among small ruminants of Odisha, India.

Materials and Methods: A total of 500 random serum samples collected from 214 sheep and 286 goats across 10 agro-climatic zones of Odisha, were screened using whole virus antigen-based indirect ELISA for antibodies against Capripoxviruses. Results were analyzed by suitable statistical methods.

Results: Screening of 500 serum samples showed seropositivity of 8.88% and 31.47% in sheep and goats, respectively, for Capripoxviruses. The prevalence rate according to agro-climatic zone ranged from 0% (North Eastern coastal plain zone) to 48.57% (North central plateau zone) for goat pox, and 0% (Western undulating zone and North central plateau) to 22.22% (South Eastern ghat zone) for sheep pox. The difference in prevalence rates among the various agro-climatic zones was statistically significant (p<0.05) for goats, but not for sheep. Antibody prevalence rates among various districts were recorded to be the highest in Jagatsinghpur (30%) for sheep pox and Dhenkanal (80%) for goat pox.

Conclusion: The study revealed serological evidence of Capripoxvirus infection in sheep and goat populations in the study area, in the absence of vaccination. Systematic investigation, monitoring, and reporting of outbreaks are necessary to devise control strategies.

Keywords: capripox, goat pox, indirect ELISA, Odisha, seroprevalence, sheep pox.

Zoonotic intestinal parasites of carnivores: A systematic review in Iran

Research (Published online: 23-01-2018)

11. Zoonotic intestinal parasites of carnivores: A systematic review in Iran

Shahabeddin Sarvi, Ahmad Daryani, Mehdi Sharif, Mohammad Taghi Rahimi, Mohammad Hasan Kohansal, Siavash Mirshafiee, Abolghasem Siyadatpanah, Seyed-Abdollah Hosseini and Shirzad Gholami

Veterinary World, 11(1): 58-65

ABSTRACT

Aim: Parasitic infections, especially of the zoonotic-parasitic type, are the most important health, economic, and social problems in developing countries, including Iran. The aim of this study was to review systematically the available data on gastrointestinal parasites of carnivores in Iran and their ability to infect humans.

Materials and Methods: Studies reporting intestinal parasites of carnivores were systematically collected from nine electronic English and Persian databases and Proceedings of Iranian parasitology and veterinary congresses published between 1997 and 2015. A total of 26 studies issued from 1997 to 2015 met the eligibility criteria.

Results: The pooled proportion of intestinal parasites of carnivores was estimated as 80.4% (95% confidence interval=70.2-88.8%). The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs, cats, foxes, and jackals were 57.89%, 90.62%, 89.17%, and 97.32%, respectively. Dipylidium caninum (20.45%), Toxocara spp. (18.81%), Taenia hydatigena (15.28%), Mesocestoides lineatus (11.83%), Echinococcus granulosus (10%), and Toxascaris leonina (8.69%) were the most frequently observed parasites.

Conclusion: High prevalence rates of zoonotic intestinal parasites of carnivores particularly Echinococcus spp. and Toxocara spp. increase the risk of acquiring zoonotic infections such as cystic hydatid, alveolar cysts, and visceral or ocular larva migrants in Iranian people. Therefore, it is essential for public health centers to develop more effective control strategies to decrease infections rates in carnivores' populations.

Keywords: carnivores, intestinal parasites, zoonotic disease.

Exploring knowledge and management practices on ticks and tick-borne diseases among agro-pastoral communities in Southern Highlands, Tanzania

Research (Published online: 21-01-2018)

10. Exploring knowledge and management practices on ticks and tick-borne diseases among agro-pastoral communities in Southern Highlands, Tanzania

Isack Ibrahim Kerario, Martin Simuunza, Emmanuel L. K. Laisser and Sebastian Chenyambuga

Veterinary World, 11(1): 48-57

ABSTRACT

Aim: The current study was conducted to assess the farmers' knowledge and management practices on ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) through individual interview using a structured questionnaire in Mbarali and Momba districts of Mbeya region.

Materials and Methods: A total of 240 households, 120 from each district were asked to mention TBDs of cattle which they thought were the most important in their localities and period of the year when the diseases occurred more frequently. In addition, farmers were asked to describe clinical signs and management practices associated with the common TBDs that they knew.

Results: The majority of respondents (46.2%) reported that East Coast fever (ECF) was the most important disease of cattle in the region, followed by anaplasmosis (33.8%), heartwater (15.4%), and babesiosis (4.6%). According to the farmers, ECF and anaplasmosis occurred more frequently during the dry season, while babesiosis and heartwater occurred more frequently during the rainy season. The majority of farmers were able to describe properly the signs of the common TBDs. Most farmers (80.4%) reported that they used acaricide to control ticks at a frequency of after every 2 weeks and a small proportion (15.8%) vaccinated their animals against ECF.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that farmers in Mbeya have considerable knowledge on tick species and clinical signs of TBDs affecting their cattle. Based on the findings of the current study, it is recommended that integrated approach to the control of ticks and TBDs be adopted in the study area and many other areas that utilize agro-pastoral and pastoral cattle production systems.

Keywords: acaricide, cattle, East Coast fever, indigenous knowledge.

Seroprevalence of selected viral pathogens in pigs reared in organized farms of Meghalaya from 2014 to 16

Research (Published online: 20-01-2018)

9. Seroprevalence of selected viral pathogens in pigs reared in organized farms of Meghalaya from 2014 to 16

Priyanka Mukherjee, Amarjit Karam, Uttam Singh, Amit Kumar Chakraborty, Surmani Huidrom, Arnab Sen and Indu Sharma

Veterinary World, 11(1): 42-47

ABSTRACT

Aim: A pilot study was carried out to find out the seroprevalence of Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2), classical swine fever virus (CSFV), and Porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus (PRRS) in pig population of Meghalaya.

Materials and Methods: Serum samples were collected from piglets of 40-45 days age group, growers, and sows reared under organized and unorganized management in 11 districts of Meghalaya situated in the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo hills divisions in the time period of 2014-2016 from apparently healthy and suspected pigs. Seroprevalence of PCV2, CSFV, and PRRS specific antibodies was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results: A total of 1899 serum samples were collected and screened using antibody ELISA kits specific for PCV2, CSFV, and PRRS. The highest antibody prevalence during the selected time periods was detected for PCV2 (80.8% in 2014, 79.1% in 2015, and 96.2% in 2016) followed by CSFV (76.4% in 2014, 66.09% in 2015, and 25.5% in 2016) and PRRS (2.8% in 2014, 2.7% in 2015, and 3.62% in 2016). The result indicates high seroprevalence for PCV2, which can be considered as an inducement factor due to the immunosuppressive nature of the virus, for animals being susceptible to other pathogens in farms where airborne transmission of PCV2 and postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome among animals reared in close pens can be a major possibility.

Conclusion: The data from this study indicates ubiquitous prevalence of PCV2 antibodies in the farm animals along with the endemic presence of swine fever and emergence of PRRS in an organized farm. There are few reports regarding PCV2 infections/outbreaks in pigs associated with reproductive failure from northern and southern part of India, but till date, there are no reports regarding concomitant infection of CSFV and PCV2 from India. Considerable high seropositivity of PCV2 indicates the need for high impact hygiene practice in farms, routine seromonitoring and implementation of the vaccination program. To the author's best knowledge, this is the first documented report on the seroprevalence of PCV2, CSFV, and PRRS from pig population of Meghalaya.

Keywords: antibody, classical swine fever virus, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Meghalaya, Porcine circovirus, Porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus, seroprevalence, virus.