Disease prevalence among young dogs in Grand Tunis, Tunisia: A retrospective study

Research (Published online: 02-04-2019)

3. Disease prevalence among young dogs in Grand Tunis, Tunisia: A retrospective study

Ghada Tagorti

Veterinary World, 12(4): 489-495

ABSTRACT

Aim: A retrospective study was undertaken to determine the occurrence, and the distribution of the most common clinical conditions of young dogs encountered at the National School of Veterinary Medicine clinic, Tunisia, from September 2012 to July 2013, based on sex, age, breeds, and season variation.

Materials and Methods: A total of 515 cases were examined, and 11 clinical conditions were recorded. Clinical examination was performed. X-ray examination and necropsy were carried out only when needed.

Results: Of the 515, 298 cases (57.86%) were male, while 217 (42.14%) were female. The breed-wise difference in the occurrence of various health problems was statistically significant. Nevertheless, no significant association was found between the occurrence of a disease and age. The commonly found clinical conditions were traumatic injuries (22.72%), ectoparasitic infections (20.58%), and gastroenteritis (13.40%). The occurrence of diseases was the highest (60.19%) in the wet season (September-February) followed by 39.81% in the dry season (March-July).

Conclusion: The current study presents the first recorded data about the major clinical conditions of young dogs in Tunisia. These findings can be used to develop more effective disease management and control strategies.

Keywords: disease, dog, epidemiology, juvenile, prevalence, Tunisia.

Effect of citrus waste on blood parameters of broiler birds with and without cocktail of enzymes

Research (Published online: 02-04-2019)

2. Effect of citrus waste on blood parameters of broiler birds with and without cocktail of enzymes

Devi Prasad Behera, Amrit Pal Singh Sethi, Chanchal Singh, Udeybir Singh and Manju Wadhwa

Veterinary World, 12(4): 483-488

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to assess the effect of different levels of citrus waste (CW) with or without enzyme cocktail on blood profile of broilers.

Materials and Methods: CW was sun-dried and grounded to powder CW. 256-day-old birds were distributed into eight groups; control (C), CW-supplemented diets (2.5% CW, 5.0% CW, and 7.5% CW), enzyme (E) cocktail supplemented diets (CE, 2.5% CWE, 5.0% CWE, and 7.5% CWE). The diets were fed during starter (0-14 days), grower (15-21 days), and finisher (22-42 days) phases. Blood was collected from the wing vein from four birds per treatment. Serum was separated out after centrifugation and stored at −20°C until further analysis. The samples were analyzed for liver function test (glucose, total protein [TP], albumin [ALB], and globulin), lipid profile (cholesterol and triglyceride), kidney function test (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase [AST], blood urea nitrogen [BUN], and creatinine), and antioxidant levels (catalase, superoxide dismutase [SOD], lipid peroxidation [LPx], glutathione peroxidase [GPx], glutathione [GSH], and Vitamins E and C).

Results: Blood profile data revealed that supplementation of CW showed no effect on TP, ALB, globulin, and BUN levels. Plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, and AST levels decreased linearly with an increase in the levels of CW in the diet. Catalase and SOD activity increased non-significantly with an increase in inclusion level of CW in the diets. LPx, GPx, and GSH activities decreased (p≤0.05) up to 5% CW-fed groups. Vitamin E and C activity were found to be highest (p≤0.05) in birds fed with diet supplemented with 5% CW. GPx and GSH activities and serum Vitamin C levels were observed to be highest (p<0.05) in birds fed CW (at 5%)-based diet supplemented with enzymes.

Conclusion: The blood profile showed that supplementation of CW up to 5% decreased cholesterol, triglyceride, and AST levels and improved the antioxidant status. Vitamin C levels were observed to be highest (p<0.05) in birds fed CW (at 5%)- based diet supplemented with enzymes.

Keywords: antioxidant levels, citrus waste, cocktail of enzymes, lipid profile, liver and kidney function test.

Sumateran wild boar (Sus scrofa vittatus) meat antibody production as immunodiagnostic reagent candidate

Research (Published online: 01-04-2019)

1. Sumateran wild boar (Sus scrofa vittatus) meat antibody production as immunodiagnostic reagent candidate

Melani Wahyu Adiningsih, Retno Damajanti Soejoedono, Rahmat Setya Adji, Dwi Desmiyeni Putri, Trioso Purnawarman, Hadri Latif and Okti Nadia Poetri

Veterinary World, 12(4): 477-482

ABSTRACT

Aim: Meat authentication gives significance values in view of religious, food safety, public health, quality assurance, and legal concern. Most of the meat authentication is based on molecular assay; a simpler method to authenticate meat is needed to develop. An immunoassays technique may offer a solution for simpler test. The aim of our current study was to develop a polyclonal antibody of Sus scrofa vittatus (Sumateran wild boar) as an immunodiagnostic reagent candidate.

Materials and Methods: Three male New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study for antibody production. Antigen used was meat extract of Sumateran wild boar, each rabbit was immunized with meat extract antigen (0.5 mg/ml) emulsified in Freund's complete adjuvant at a 1:1 (v/v) ratio as much as 1 ml at subcutaneous route. Booster was carried out 3 times with interval time of 14 days, using meat extract antigen emulsified in Freund's incomplete adjuvant at a 1:1 (v/v) ratio. Serum samples were taken every week, start from 1 week after the first immunization up to 1 week after the third booster. Antibody purification was performed using ammonium sulfate precipitation and Protein A. The presence of specific antibody was determined using agar gel precipitation test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while purified specific IgG was characterized using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis method.

Results: Specific antibody was detected at 14 days after the first immunization and still detected until 2 weeks after the third booster. Highest absorbance of specific antibody was detected 1 week after the third booster.

Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that specific antibody of Sumateran wild boar is favorable to be produced in rabbit and showed that antibody produced is applicable to detect Sumateran wild boar meat antigen in immunodiffusion assay, indicating that it is promising as a reagent candidate in immunodiagnostic assay/kit.

Keywords: antibody, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, rabbit, reagent, Sumateran wild boar.

Marek's disease herpesvirus serotype 1 in broiler breeder and layer chickens in Malaysia

Research (Published online: 30-03-2019)

19. Marek's disease herpesvirus serotype 1 in broiler breeder and layer chickens in Malaysia

Iryanti Othman and Erkihun Aklilu

Veterinary World, 12(3): 472-476

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Marek's disease (MD) in five poultry farms in Malaysia using postmortem examination, histopathology, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Materials and Methods: Tissue samples were collected from 24 broiler breeder chickens from four commercial broiler breeder farms and six layer chickens from one layer farm. Gross and histopathological examinations and PCR amplification of the gene encoding for avian MD herpesvirus (MDV-1) were conducted.

Results: Gross pathological changes including hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, lymphomatous lesion at the mesentery, oviduct atrophy, and follicular atresia with lymphomatous were observed, whereas diffuse multifocal whitish infiltration of the spleen, neoplastic infiltration in the liver, intrafollicular lymphoid infiltration of the bursa of Fabricius, and lymphomatous tumor at the mesentery were seen on histopathological examinations. Confirmation by PCR showed that a total of 16 (53.33%) samples were positive for avian MDV-1. Although the outbreak involved a much larger number of birds in the respective farms, our investigation was limited based on resource and time frame allocated for the study.

Conclusion: The findings from this study help in emphasizing the potential threats of MDV to the poultry industry globally, in general, and in Malaysia, in particular. As the scope of the current study is limited, future studies focusing on MDV pathogenesis, typing, and causes of vaccine failures are recommended.

Keywords: lymphoproliferative diseases, Marek's disease virus-1, Marek's disease, molecular detection, poultry diseases.

Hazard assessment of Staphylococcus with positive coagulase in meat produced and distributed in the Northern regions of Cameroon

Research (Published online: 30-03-2019)

18. Hazard assessment of Staphylococcus with positive coagulase in meat produced and distributed in the Northern regions of Cameroon

Raoul Bakari Afnabi, Jean Jacques Nenba Sambo, Moctar Mohamed Mouliom Mouiche and Rodrigue Simonet Poueme Namegni

Veterinary World, 12(3): 466-471

ABSTRACT

Aim: Staphylococcus with positive coagulase (SPC) is a major problem for beef consumers in the northern part of Cameroon. For this purpose, the SPC concentrations in beef produced and supplied in the northern regions were determined, as well as the resistance profile of these bacteria to antibiotics.

Materials and Methods: A total of 125 samples were obtained by the wet and dry swabbing method in traditional slaughterhouses and butcheries to evaluate the SPC concentration in meat, and then, 102 SPC isolations were collected to determine the antibiotic resistance profile.

Results: The distribution of concentration of the SPC indicated no significant differences of bacterial evidence in almost all the slaughterhouses except the one in Manwi (with 2.66 log CFU/cm2) and the density in SPC is higher than that one in Guider (1.99 log CFU/cm2). The assessment of density in SPC among the selected slaughterhouse highlighted a superiority of the SPC concentrations in the Ngaoundere butcheries (3.83 log CFU/cm2) in comparison with those of other towns. At the level of the slaughterhouses, a higher proportion of resistance to Penicillin G was recorded than Gentamicin. Some butcheries recorded that all SPC reacted to Kanamycin, whereas they were more resistant to Penicillin G.

Conclusion: These results reveal that the SPC found in meat poses a threat to meat consumers in the northern part of Cameroon.

Keywords: contamination, meat, Northern regions of Cameroon, resistance to antibiotics, Staphylococcus with positive coagulase.

Antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from milk produced by smallholder dairy farmers in Mbeya Region, Tanzania

Research (Published online: 28-03-2019)

5. Antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from milk produced by smallholder dairy farmers in Mbeya Region, Tanzania

H. F. Massawe, R. H. Mdegela and L. R. Kurwijila

International Journal of One Health, 5: 31-37

ABSTRACT

Aim: The study determined and evaluated the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from milk collected along the milk value chain from farm herds, milk collection center, and milk shops in Mbeya rural and Mbozi districts, Tanzania.

Materials and Methods: A total of 150 milk samples were collected; 96 from farmers' herds, 18 from milk collection centers, and 36 from milk shops. The samples were cultured in Mannitol salt agar for pathogen isolation and biochemical tests performed for confirmation of S. aureus. Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was employed for antibiotic resistance testing.

Results: One hundred and forty samples yielded Staphylococcus species; these were from farmer's herd (92), milk collection center (18), and milk shops (30), respectively. Biochemical tests showed that 21 (15%) were positive for S. aureus. The corresponding prevalence rates from the value chain nodes were 14.1%, 16.7%, and 16.7%, respectively. Resistance to penicillin was frequently observed (57.1%) and vancomycin was sensitive to all S. aureus isolates tested. Resistance along the sampling points showed a significant positive correlation (r=0.82, p<0.0001; r=0.65, p<0.003; and r=0.61, p<0.01) between farmers, milk collection points, and milk shops, respectively. More than half (57.1%) of the isolates exhibited resistance to three or more of the antibiotics used in this study. S. aureus isolates were shown to have a multiple antimicrobial resistance patterns, particularly with respect to penicillin, ampicillin, erythromycin, and tetracycline.

Conclusion: The level of staphylococcal isolates and the antibiotic resistance of S. aureus found in this study is an indication of subclinical mastitis, poor hygiene, and inappropriate use of antibiotics; therefore, education of farmers on subclinical mastitis control and proper use of antibiotics would be of benefits in these areas.

Keywords: milk contamination, milk products, multiple antibiotic resistant.

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in chickens from small-scale (backyard) poultry farms in Maiduguri, Nigeria

Research (Published online: 27-03-2019)

4. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in chickens from small-scale (backyard) poultry farms in Maiduguri, Nigeria

Iliya Dauda Kwoji, Jasini Athanda Musa, Nubwa Daniel, Dauda Luka Mohzo, Asinamai Athliamai Bitrus, Abiodun Andrew Ojo and Kingsley Uwakwe Ezema

International Journal of One Health, 5: 26-30

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study investigated the occurrence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli in chickens from small-scale (backyard) commercial poultry farms in Maiduguri.

Materials and Methods: A total of 96 cloacal swab samples were collected. This comprised of 24 samples each from broiler chicks, pullets, layers, and broilers (adults). The samples were examined for the presence of E. coli using conventional microbiological culture and biochemical tests. The pure E. coli isolates were screened for ESBL production by culturing onto BrillianceTM ESBL agar. Isolates that showed positive reactions with production of bluish or pinkish colonies were tested for susceptibilities against some selected β-lactam antibiotics which include cefotaxime (30 μg), ceftriaxone (30 μg), cefpodoxime (10 μg), aztreonam (30 μg), and ceftazidime (30 μg). Isolates that exhibited resistance to any two or three of the antibiotics were selected and confirmed by combination disk diffusion method with ceftazidime (30 μg) and cefotaxime (30 μg) alone and in combination with clavulanic acid (30 μg/10 μg).

Results: The total occurrence of E. coli was 67.6% (65/96) with the highest occurrence of 83.3% (20/24) from broiler chicks and least detection of 54.2% (13/24) from layers. Of this, 32.0% were ESBL-producing E. coli with the highest detection rate from layers (38.5%) and least occurrence from pullets (26.7%).

Conclusion: This study revealed the presence of ESBL-producing E. coli in chickens from small-scale commercial poultry farms in Maiduguri, thus indicating that chickens may serve as important reservoirs for the transmission of antimicrobial resistant pathogens to humans through the food chain.

Keywords: antimicrobials, chickens, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase, Escherichia coli, Maiduguri.