The medical relevance of Spirometra tapeworm infection in Indonesian Bronzeback snakes (Dendrelaphis pictus): A neglected zoonotic disease

Research (Published online: 18-06-2019)

18. The medical relevance of Spirometra tapeworm infection in Indonesian Bronzeback snakes (Dendrelaphis pictus): A neglected zoonotic disease

Aditya Yudhana, Ratih Novita Praja and Arif Supriyanto

Veterinary World, 12(6): 844-848

ABSTRACT

Aim: Spirometra parasites cause sparganosis, a zoonotic disease, especially in reptiles and humans. This study aimed to report on the prevalence and effects of Spirometra parasites infection on public health and provide a scientific foundation for its prevention.

Materials and Methods: A total of 378 living Indonesian wild-caught and captive-bred Bronzeback snakes (Dendrelaphis pictus) were selected. The snakes were euthanized using ethyl ether anesthesia before checking for Spirometra parasites. The numbers of Spirometra located in the muscle tissue, subcutaneous tissue, and coelom (including the viscera) were each counted to investigate the distribution of Spirometra inside the snake body cavity.

Results: The total prevalence in the sample was 50.85%. The prevalence values in wild-caught and captive-bred snakes were 70.7% and 48.7%, respectively. More than half (56.6%) of the Spirometra parasites were located in the muscular tissue, while 29.5% were in the subcutaneous tissue and 13.8% were in the coelomic cavity.

Conclusion: Wild-caught Indonesian Bronzeback snakes, which are sold as food in markets, and captive-bred snakes, which are collected as exotic pets in Indonesia, have similar opportunities to transmit the Spirometra parasite and cause global health problems due to their high prevalence.

Keywords: Dendrelaphis pictus, sparganosis, Spirometra, zoonosis.

Propolis supplementation improved productivity, oxidative status, and immune response of Barki ewes and lambs

Research (Published online: 18-06-2019)

17. Propolis supplementation improved productivity, oxidative status, and immune response of Barki ewes and lambs

Hesham Attia Shedeed, Bahaa Farrag, Eman Ali Elwakeel, Ibrahim Samir Abd El-Hamid and Muhammed Ahmed Hilmy El-Rayes

Veterinary World, 12(6): 834-843

ABSTRACT

Aim: The present study was conducted to study the effect of propolis administration on bio-hematological parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities, and productivity of Barki ewes during late pregnancy and lactation under the arid conditions.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-five pregnant Barki ewes were fed the basal diet (n=12, control) and the basal diet plus propolis (5 g/kg diet, n=13) for 1 month before parturition and continued 2 months after parturition. Milk yield and milk composition, hematological constituents, antioxidant enzyme activities, thyroid hormones, and lambs birth and weaning weights, and antioxidants were determined.

Results: Significant (p<0.05) increase in white blood cells in the propolis group compared to control was observed. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (Hb) (MCH) and corpuscular Hb (MCH concentration %) were decreased (p<0.05) in propolis compared to control group. Milk yield was increased (p<0.05) in the propolis group compared with control and continued to increase with the advancement of lactation. Milk fat and milk total solids increased (p<0.05) in the propolis group than the control. Plasma immunoglobulin A (IgA) was increased (p<0.05) in propolis compared to control with no effect in IgM and IgG. Superoxide dismutase, hydrogen peroxide (HP), and nitric oxide were decreased (p<0.01) in the propolis group compared to control. Weaning weight for lambs born to ewes fed propolis was increased (p<0.05) at week 8 after birth compared with control lambs. Malondialdehyde and HP activities were decreased (p<0.01) in lambs born to propolis ewes compared to control.

Conclusion: Crude Chinese propolis (5 g/d) supplementation improved milk yield, milk composition, and the antioxidant enzymes in Barki ewes and immune functions, growth performance and antioxidant status in their lambs under arid conditions.

Keywords: antioxidants, Chinese propolis, immunoglobulin, productivity, sheep, thermorespiratory responses.

Evaluation of phytochemical constituents and sedative-hypnotic activity of the methanol leaf extract of Ficus exasperata in mice

Research (Published online: 17-06-2019)

16. Evaluation of phytochemical constituents and sedative-hypnotic activity of the methanol leaf extract of Ficus exasperata in mice

Hudu Garba Mikail, David Dezi Akumka, Mohammed Adamu and Aishatu Ummi Zaifada

Veterinary World, 12(6): 830-833

Background and Aim: Sedative drugs mostly cause dose-dependent depression of the central nervous system which results in hypnosis and anesthesia possibly; however, these agents are associated with some side effects ranging respiratory, digestive, immune system dysfunctions, tolerance, cognitive function deterioration, and physical dependence; hence, investigations of newer and safer agents are, therefore, imperative. The current study was aimed at investigating the sedative-hypnotic (S-H) effects of the methanol leaf extract of Ficus exasperata in mice.

Materials and Methods: Phytochemical screening of the leaf extract was conducted, and S-H activity of the plant extract was evaluated. Twenty Swiss Albino mice were randomly divided into four groups of five mice each. The mice in Groups A and B were injected with the extract intraperitoneally (IP) at the dose rate of 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively, those in Group C were injected with xylazine at the dose rate of 10 mg/kg, while Group D mice received distilled water at the dose rate of 2 ml/kg. All the four experimental groups were injected with ketamine (IP) at the dose rate of 100 mg/kg after 30 min.

Results: Phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, reducing sugars, steroids and triterpenes, saponins, tannins, condensed tannins, and flavonoids, while anthraquinones, anthracene derivatives, and alkaloids were absent. Results from the S-H evaluation show no significant difference (p≥0.05) on the onset of sleep time between the four experimental groups; however, statistically significant difference (p≤0.05) was recorded in the sleep duration time between the groups treated with only ketamine and the other experimental groups pre-treated with either the extract or xylazine before ketamine administration. The group pre-treated with a high dose of the plant extract (200 mg/kg) and the treated with ketamine after 30 min exhibited longer sleeping duration time. The plant extract, xylazine and ketamine, sedated the mice for some period of time after arousal from sleep.

Conclusion: Our finding suggests that methanol leaf extract of F. exasperata possesses S-H potential that may require further scientific investigations.

Keywords: Ficus exasperata, methanol leaf extract, mice, sedative-hypnotic activity.

Detection of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in trade donkeys (Equus asinus) at Ganawuri district market, Riyom Local Government area, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria

Research (Published online: 17-06-2019)

9. Detection of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in trade donkeys (Equus asinus) at Ganawuri district market, Riyom Local Government area, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria

Ishaku Bata Shalangwa and Shalom Byencit Kumra

International Journal of One Health, 5: 60-64

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite of public health significance due to its possible transmission to humans through ingestion of tissue cysts in raw or undercooked meat or food or water contaminated with oocysts shed by felids and transplacental transmission. This study was carried out to provide information on the possible risk of transmission through eating undercooked donkey meat by conducting a market based cross-sectional study design to determine the presence of T. gondii antibodies in trade donkeys in Ganawuri district, Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State, North Central, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: One hundred and thirteen serum samples were collected from trade donkeys at the market and analyzed for T. gondii antibodies using latex agglutination test (LAT). Serum samples with LAT titer >10 μl/ml were considered positive.

Results: The distribution of the donkeys based on their sources showed that greater proportions (61.1%) were from North Eastern part of the country. The study showed that 31 of the serum samples collected and analyzed were positive for T. gondii antibodies given an overall prevalence of 27.4%. The prevalence ranges between 22.2 and 33.3% across the states where the donkeys were sourced. The study showed that seropositivity increases with age (p=0.003; OR=11.8) and ranges between 12.5 and 47.2%. The prevalence did not vary significantly based on sex and source/location (p=0.494, OR=0.05; 0.920, 1.45, respectively).

Conclusion: This study showed that trade donkeys at Ganawuri district market have antibodies to T. gondii and suggest a public health risk from the consumption of undercooked donkey meat.

Keywords: antibodies, cross-sectional, donkeys, prevalence, public health, Toxoplasma gondii, trade.

Diversity of lactic acid bacteria in dadih produced by either back-slopping or spontaneous fermentation from two different regions of West Sumatra, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 15-06-2019)

15. Diversity of lactic acid bacteria in dadih produced by either back-slopping or spontaneous fermentation from two different regions of West Sumatra, Indonesia

Chandra Utami Wirawati, Mirnawati Bachrum Sudarwanto, Denny Widaya Lukman, Ietje Wientarsih and Eko Agus Srihanto

Veterinary World, 12(6): 823-829

ABSTRACT

Aim: Dadih samples from two different origins (Kamang and Gadut in West Sumatra) manufactured with different methods (back-slopping or spontaneous fermentation) were evaluated for the diversity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB).

Materials and Methods: Four dadih samples manufactured with two different fermentation methods were obtained from Kamang and Gadut regions. Both genotypic and phenotypic characteristic (16S rRNA partial gene sequence analysis and carbohydrate fermentation profile) were used to analyze the diversity of dadih LAB population.

Results: This study showed that LAB count in back-slopping fermented dadih was one log cycle higher than spontaneous fermented dadih. LAB isolates from the two regions were divided into three genera, namely Lactococcus, Lactobacillus, and Pediococcus. Sequencing results showed that 41.6% (five isolates) were identified as Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis, 25% (three isolates) were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum ssp. plantarum, 16.6% (two isolates) were identified as L. lactis ssp. cremoris, and 8.3% (one isolate each) were identified as Pediococcus pentosaceus and Lactobacillus pentosus.

Conclusion: Five species were determined in back-slopping fermented dadih, i.e., L. lactis ssp. lactis, L. lactis ssp. cremoris, L. plantarum ssp. plantarum, L. pentosus, and P. pentosaceus. On the other hand, spontaneous fermented dadih only contained three different species, namely L. lactis ssp. lactis, L. lactis ssp. cremoris, and L. plantarum ssp. plantarum. This research showed that back-slopping fermentation offers greater abundance and diversity compared to spontaneous fermentation in dadih.

Keywords: back-slopping, dadih, lactic acid bacteria, spontaneous fermentation.

Phenotypic parameters affecting reproduction and production performances of dairy cattle in peri-urban of Bamako, Mali

Research (Published online: 14-06-2019)

14. Phenotypic parameters affecting reproduction and production performances of dairy cattle in peri-urban of Bamako, Mali

Abdoulaye Toure, Nicolas Antoine-Moussiaux, Fikremariam Geda, Ali Kouriba, Diakaridia Traore, Bakary Traore, Pascal Leroy and Nassim Moula

Veterinary World, 12(6): 817-822

ABSTRACT

Aim: The present study was conducted to evaluate the reproduction and production performances of crossbred and local dairy cattle in peri-urban of Bamako, the capital of Mali.

Materials and Methods: A total of 17 randomly selected households with 450 dairy cattle from four peri-urban of Bamako were individually interviewed, given register format and divided into four focus group discussions. The participants were dairy farmers and they were asked to know the phenotype that seems to them the more interesting for the reproduction and production performances of their dairy cattle.

Results: The calving interval (CI) obtained exceeded 433 days in all phenotypic types with average milk yields of 5.13±1.84 kg/day, 4.76±2.41, and 3.05±1.32 kg/day, respectively, for the Holstein crossbred, Montbeliard crossbred, and the local breeds (Zebu Peul and/or Zebu Maure). Crossbred was more productive than local breeds with significant (p<0.05) differences for lactation length, CI and total production and not significant on parity. The results also showed the advantages of the crossbred cows in terms of CI (460±80 days) compared to local zebus breeds (433±115 days) to keep the time of milking as long as possible. However, the Zebu Azawak breed whose cradle is located in Northern Mali, managed under extensive peri-urban rearing conditions, has less favorable production parameters than those of other local cattle breeds in milk production (636±43.3 kg vs. 681±41.1 kg).

Conclusion: The present study revealed that crossbred dairy cattle performed better in terms of CI, lactation length, and production compared to the local breeds. The study also showed that the local Azawak breed numerically performed less compared to the other local breeds evaluated in this study, namely, Peul and Maure.

Keywords: cattle, Mali, milk production, peri-urban, reproduction.

In vivo approach on femur bone regeneration of white rat (Rattus norvegicus) with the use of hydroxyapatite from cuttlefish bone (Sepia spp.) as bone filler

Research (Published online: 14-06-2019)

13. In vivo approach on femur bone regeneration of white rat (Rattus norvegicus) with the use of hydroxyapatite from cuttlefish bone (Sepia spp.) as bone filler

Aminatun Aminatun, Fadhilah D.E. Handayani, Prihartini Widiyanti, Dwi Winarni and Siswanto Siswanto

Veterinary World, 12(6): 809-816

ABSTRACT

Background: Hydroxyapatite (HA) from bovine bone has been widely used as bone filler in many fractures cases. HA can also be made from cuttlefish bone (Sepia spp.) that has abundant availability in Indonesia and contains 84% CaCO3, which is a basic ingredient of HA. However, research on the effects of HA from cuttlefish bone on bone regeneration parameters has not been done yet.

Aim: This study aimed to determine femur bone regeneration of white rats (Rattus norvegicus) through the use of HA from cuttlefish bone (Sepia spp.) as bone filler.

Materials and Methods: HA was made using the hydrothermal method by mixing 1M aragonite (CaCO3) from cuttlefish bone and 0.6 M NH4H2PO4 at 200°C for 12 h followed by sintering at 900°C for 1 h. In vivo test was carried out in three groups, including control group, bovine bone-derived HA group, and cuttlefish bone-derived HA group. The generation of femur bone was observed through the number of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, woven bone, lamellar bone, havers system, and repair bone through anatomical pathology test for 28 days and 56 days.

Results: Anatomical pathology test results are showed that administration of bovine bone-derived HA and cuttlefish bone-derived HA increased the number of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, woven bone, lamellar bone, havers system, and bone repair at recuperation of 56 days. Statistical test using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences with Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U-test was resulted in significant differences between the bovine bone-derived HA control group and the cuttlefish-derived HA control group. There was no significant difference toward the indication of bone formation through the growth of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, woven bone, lamellar bone, havers system, and bone repair in the bovine bone-derived HA and cuttlefish bone-derived HA groups.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that cuttlefish bone-derived HA has the potential as bone filler based on the characteristics of bone regeneration through in vivo test.

Keywords: anatomical pathology, bone filler, cuttlefish bone (Sepia spp.), hydrothermal, hydroxyapatite.