Red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum): From population genetics to functional genomics

Review (Published online: 02-08-2018)

4. Red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum): From population genetics to functional genomics

Harshit Kumar, Manjit Panigrahi, Supriya Chhotaray, V. Bhanuprakash, Rahul Shandilya, Arvind Sonwane and Bharat Bhushan

Veterinary World, 11(8): 1043-1046

ABSTRACT

Tribolium castaneum is a small and low maintenance beetle that has emerged as a most suitable insect model for studying developmental biology and functional genetic analysis. Diverse population genetic studies have been conducted using Tribolium as the principal model to establish basic facts and principles of inbreeding experiments and response to the selection and other quantitative genetics fundamentals. The advanced molecular genetic studies presently focused on the use of Tribolium as a typical invertebrate model for higher diploid eukaryotes. After a whole genome sequencing of Tribolium, many areas of functional genomics were unraveled, which enabled the use of it in many technical approaches of genomics. The present text reviews the use of Tribolium in techniques such as RNAi, transgenic studies, immune priming, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, gene sequencing for characterization of microRNAs, and gene editing using engineered endonuclease. In contrast to Drosophila, the T. castaneum holds a robust systemic RNAi response, which makes it an excellent model for comparative functional genetic studies.

Keywords: functional genomics, hox gene, insertional mutagenesis, RNAi, Tribolium.

Pathogens isolated from clinical cases of urinary tract infection in dogs and their antibiogram

Research (Published online: 02-08-2018)

3. Pathogens isolated from clinical cases of urinary tract infection in dogs and their antibiogram

Manisha Punia, Ashok Kumar, Gaurav Charaya and Tarun Kumar

Veterinary World, 11(8): 1037-1042

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aims to determine the etiology of urinary tract infection (UTI) in dogs and to develop an antibiogram of organisms isolated.

Materials and Methods: Urine samples were collected either through catheterization or cystocentesis from 35 dogs suspected of UTI admitted to VCC, LUVAS, Hisar. Bacteria were identified on the basis of cultural characteristics in 22 samples, and all the isolates were subjected to in vitro antimicrobial sensitivity testing.

Results: The urine samples found positive for bacteria yielded pure colony growth in 77.27% and mixed growth in 22.73% samples, respectively. Escherichia coli (29.62%) and Streptococcus spp. (29.62%) were the most prevalent microorganisms followed by Staphylococcus spp. (22.22%), Klebsiella spp. (11.11%), Pseudomonas spp. (3.7%), and Bacillus spp. (3.7%). Overall, maximum sensitivity of isolates was found toward ceftriaxone/tazobactam (88.88%) and least toward amoxicillin and cloxacillin (29.62%).

Conclusion: E. coli and Streptococcus spp. were the most predominant bacteria isolated from UTI affected dogs. In vitro sensitivity revealed a significant proportion of bacteria to be multidrug resistant.

Keywords: antibiogram, multidrug resistance, Escherichia coli, Staphylococci, Streptococci.

Seroprevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants in organized and unorganized sectors of Gujarat state, India

Research (Published online: 01-08-2018)

2. Seroprevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants in organized and unorganized sectors of Gujarat state, India

A. Kanani, S. Dabhi, Y. Patel, V. Chandra, O. R. Vinodh Kumar and R. Shome

Veterinary World, 11(8): 1030-1036

ABSTRACT

Aim: The present study aimed to study the seroprevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants of Gujarat state, India, using Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT) and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA).

Materials and Methods: A total of 2444 sera samples (675 sheep and 1769 goat) from unorganized sector and 1310 sera samples (861 sheep and 449 goat) from seven organized farms were collected for brucellosis screening.

Results: In unorganized sector, 23.70% sheep (160/675) and 15.99% goat (283/1769) were positive by RBPT and 24.44% sheep (165/675) and 17.24% goat (305/1769) by iELISA. The organized sector samples showed higher seroprevalence in goat (7.79 %, 35/449) than sheep (4.06 %, 35/861) by RBPT. Similarly, in iELISA, goat samples showed a higher seroprevalence (9.35%, 42/449) compared to sheep (7.50%, 65/861). The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of RBPT with ELISA were 88.69% and 99.65%, respectively, and showed a significant difference (p≤0.0001). The Chi-square analysis revealed a significant difference in seroprevalence between sectors (p≤0.01) and species (p≤0.01).

Conclusion: The seroprevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants of Gujarat was investigated and showed a higher prevalence of brucellosis and warrants the implementation of proper preventive measures.

Keywords: brucellosis, Gujarat, indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Rose Bengal Plate test, seroprevalence, small ruminants.

Genetic and phylogenetic analysis of the outer capsid protein genes of Indian isolates of bluetongue virus serotype-16

Research (Published online: 01-08-2018)

1. Genetic and phylogenetic analysis of the outer capsid protein genes of Indian isolates of bluetongue virus serotype-16

Arpit Saxena, Sanchay K. Biswas, Karam Chand, Jishnu Naskar, Ankita Chauhan, Gulam Mohd, Neha Tewari, Kurat-ul-Ain, Muthannan A. Ramakrishnan and Awadh Bihari Pandey

Veterinary World, 11(8): 1025-1029

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of the study was to characterize bluetongue virus serotype 16 (BTV-16), recently isolated from different states of India. The evolutionary relationship of newly isolated BTV-16 and previously reported Indian and global BTV-16 isolates were compared using molecular analysis.

Materials and Methods: In the present study, five (n=5) BTV-16 isolates were used to amplify gene segment-2 and segment-6 encoding the outer capsid proteins VP2 and VP5, respectively. The amplified products were purified and sequenced by the Sanger sequencing method. The phylogenetic relationship and nucleotide identity of all five BTV-16 isolates were compared with previously reported Indian and global BTV-16 isolates. Nucleotide sequence data were aligned using the CLUSTAL W algorithm implemented in the MegAlign of DNASTAR program package (MegAlign 5.00, DNASTAR Inc., Madison, USA). Phylogenetic analyses were carried out using MEGA version 6.0 software with the best nucleotide substitution model.

Results: Phylogenetic analysis based on the VP2 and VP5 encoding genes, segregates Indian BTV-16 isolates in a distinct cluster with proximity to the Eastern topotype. Indian isolates make a monophyletic cluster with Eastern topotypes with Western topotype BTV-16 (BTV-16/NIG/AJ586694) occupying a separate cluster. Indian isolates were found to share 91.5%- 97.5% and 96.5%-98.9% identity at the nucleotide and deduced amino acid (aa) level, respectively, to the global BTV-16 isolates. There is a high degree of variation with the Nigerian isolate with 27.0-27.7% and 26.0-26.9% at the nucleotide and aa sequence level, respectively. These data suggest that Indian BTV-16 isolates might have evolved separately within the Eastern BTV topotype.

Conclusion: Phylogenetic analyses and nucleotide identity of BTV-16 isolates at the VP2 and VP5 gene encoded level indicate that isolates used in the present study might have evolved from a common Eastern topotype ancestor. The data presented in this study will be helpful for future selection of reference strains in a serological and molecular epidemiology study.

Keywords: bluetongue virus, phylogenetic analysis, VP2 gene, VP5 gene.

Blood biochemical profiles of Brahman crossbred cattle supplemented with different protein and energy sources

Research (Published online: 31-07-2018)

21. Blood biochemical profiles of Brahman crossbred cattle supplemented with different protein and energy sources

Nguyen Hong Xuan, Huynh Tan Loc and Nguyen Trong Ngu

Veterinary World, 11(7): 1021-1024

ABSTRACT

Aim: The experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of supplementing different levels of protein and energy sources on blood biochemical profiles of Brahman crossbred cattle.

Materials and Methods: The study consisted of two experiments in Brahman crossbred cattle in An Giang Province. In trial 1, 28 cattle of 178±12.5 kg were arranged in a completely randomized block design. In the second trial, another 24 cattle of 182±14.3 kg were allocated in a 2 × 3 factorial design. The experiments lasted for 90 days. Blood samples were taken at the end of the experiments, and plasma concentrations of metabolites and enzymes were analyzed by an automated biochemical analyzer (Humalyzer 3000, USA).

Results: The glucose concentration was highest at 1.83 mmol/L when supplemented with urea (60 g/head/d). Urea and creatinine content was not significantly different between treatments when cattle were supplemented with different protein and energy sources. In the treatment with 360 g/head/d soybean meal supplementation, cholesterol concentration was lowest (2.50 mmol/L), compared with the highest concentration (3.86 mmol/L) in the treatment with soybean meal at 720 g/head/ day. The total protein concentration showed the highest values at 94.5 g/L and 96.3 g/L when supplemented with soybean meal (720 g/head/day) and fish oil, respectively.

Conclusion: There were slightly altered blood biochemical profiles among cattle at different protein and energy source supplements.

Keywords: cattle, concentrate, oil, soybean, supplementation.

The effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation on intake, nutrient digestibility, and rumen fluid pH in Awassi female lambs

Research (Published online: 30-07-2018)

20. The effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation on intake, nutrient digestibility, and rumen fluid pH in Awassi female lambs

Belal S. Obeidat, Kamel Z. Mahmoud, Mohammad D. Obeidat, Mysaa Ata, Rami T. Kridli, Serhan G. Haddad, Hosam H. Titi, Khaleel I. Jawasreh, Hosam J. Altamimi, Hadil S. Subih, Safaa M. Hatamleh, Majdi A. Abu Ishmais and Ruba Abu Affan

Veterinary World, 11(7): 1015-1020

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding low (LO)- or high (HI)-fiber diets supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) on nutrient intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, rumen fluid pH, and serum concentrations of glucose and urea nitrogen in Awassi female lambs in a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments.

Materials and Methods: Experimental diets were as follows: (1) LO-fiber diet with no SC supplementation (-LO), (2) LO-fiber diet supplemented with SC (+LO), (3) HI-fiber diet with no SC supplementation (-HI), or (4) HI-fiber diet supplemented with SC (+HI). Eight female lambs were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square design with 15-day experimental periods (10-day adaptation period and 5-day collection period).

Results: A fiber×SC interaction (p≤0.05) was detected for dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) intake among diets showing greater DM and CP intake for +LO diet compared to +HI group supplemented with SC, whereas -LO and -HI were intermediate. A fiber×SC interaction (p=0.05) was also detected for the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake among diets. Intake of NDF was greater for the -HI diet compared with +LO and -LO diets. Similarly, NDF intake was greater for +HI diet than -LO diet. A tendency (p=0.07) for a fiber×SC interaction was detected for acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake among diets as well. ADF intake tended to be greater for HI-fiber diets. No difference was observed in the rumen fluid pH for lambs fed with the different diets. No fiber×SC interactions were detected for the digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, and ADF among dietary treatments. Digestibility of DM was greater (72.9 g/100 g vs. 67.1 g/100 g; p=0.0002) for LO versus HI fiber. However, NDF and ADF digestibilities were greater (60.8 and 61.9 g/100 g vs. 55.8 and 52.7 g/100 g for NDF and ADF digestibility, respectively; p≤0.01) for the HI-fiber than the LO-fiber diets.

Conclusion: Results obtained in the current study indicate that SC supplementation has a minimal effect on the performance of Awassi female lambs fed with varying fiber levels.

Keywords: Awassi female lamb, intake, nutrients digestibility, yeast supplementation.

Use of molecular biology tools for rapid identification and characterization of Pasteurella spp.

Research (Published online: 29-07-2018)

19. Use of molecular biology tools for rapid identification and characterization of Pasteurella spp.

Ashraf M. Abbas, Dalia A. M. Abd El-Moaty, Eman S. A. Zaki, Elham F. El-Sergany, Nadine A. El-Sebay, Hala A. Fadl, and Ayman A. Samy

Veterinary World, 11(7): 1006-1014

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to create rapid characterization and genotyping of Pasteurella multocida (PM) protocol using modern molecular biology techniques.

Materials and Methods: Thirty bacterial isolates were characterized by capsular and somatic identification using conventional procedure followed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), restriction endonucleases analysis (REA), and finally confirmed by sequence analysis. Two local vaccine strains and two field isolates were identified as PM Type A and B.

Results: A total of 30 isolates were found positive for PM either morphologically and biochemically; however, multiplex PCR technique identified only 22 isolates as Pasteurella species using universal primers while 8 isolates were found negative for PM. 12 of 22 isolates (54%) were characterized at the same reaction into PM Type A, five isolates (23%) were Type B and the rest five isolates (23%) of tested isolates were negative for Types A, B, and D. Hemorrhagic septicemia Type B: 2 or B: 5 could be identified somatically within PM capsular serogroup B using PCR technique. Somatic characterization of PM was done using REA that could identify all PM Type A into A:1 and all PM Type B into B: 2. These protocols were verified for its accuracy and reliability by sequence analysis of two vaccine strains of PM Type A and B that were characterized previously by biochemical and serological methods as well as two selected isolates from the 22 positive isolates representing PM Type A and B.

Conclusion: PCR and REA could confirm the identity of PM and provide a rapid and reliable characterization in comparison with biochemical analysis and conventional serotyping that may take up to 2 weeks. Hence, they can reduce the time needed for polyvalent vaccine production and when the reference antisera are unavailable. Moreover, the identity of Omp-H for vaccine and field strains may provide better data to control Pasteurellosis in Egypt.

Keywords: multiplex polymerase chain reaction, outer membrane protein H, Pasteurella multocida, restriction endonucleases analysis.