Dry preservation of Toxocara vitulorum by plastination technique

Research (Published online: 18-09-2019)

11. Dry preservation of Toxocara vitulorum by plastination technique

Niranjan Kumar, Jayesh B. Solanki, Prabhakar Shil, Dharmesh C. Patel, Ramasamy Meneka and Shailendra Chaurasia

Veterinary World, 12(9): 1428-1433

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The most widely adopted technique to preserve the gross specimen of the parasite is immersions and storage in liquid preservatives. The present study aimed to describe the dry method of the preservation of Toxocara vitulorum using plastination technique.

Materials and Methods: Acetone dehydrated parasites were incubated at –20°C for 1 month in five different plastination solutions, prepared by mixing melamine and turpentine oil with clove oil (MTCl)/chloroform (MTC)/isopropanol (MTI)/benzene (MTB)/xylene (MTX) in 1:1:1 ratio to infiltrate the polymer. Technical personnel was asked to assign weekly score for dryness, stickiness, shrinkage, glossiness, flexibility, and odor of the prepared model on a 5-point scale.

Results: Overall, the plastinated parasites were dry, non-sticky, glossy, odorless, chemical-free, harmless, to some extent flexible, with detectable morphological structure including natural form but lost their natural color, and cuticle became translucent. A varying level of shrinkage was noted in all types of plastinated model, but it was least in MTCl model. One month post-plastination, the mean evaluation score for glossiness was maximum in the parasite plastinated in MTCl solution (4.50±0.17), followed by MTC (3.72±0.32), MTX (3.56±0.38), MTB (2.83±0.37), and MTI (2.31±0.33). Likewise, for flexibility, the score was maximum in the parasite plastinated in MTCl solution (4.36±0.16), followed by MTB (3.11±0.14), MTC (2.94±0.41), MTX (2.75±0.41), and MTI (1.97±0.28). The degree of dryness, stickiness, and odor of the prepared model varies non-significantly (p>0.05) with the polymer mixtures. Maximum shrinkage percentage in terms of length and width was 4.24% and 50%, respectively, in the parasites plastinated in MTB solution. Shrinkage percentage was minimal (1.81% in length and 25% in width) in the MTCl plastinated parasites. Shrinkage percentage in terms of dimension was statistically non-significant among the different polymer solutions. Plastinated models withstand the process of microbial decomposition. There were 5 and 11 odd points in favor of plastination and formalin preservation technique, respectively.

Conclusion: The prepared T. vitulorum model in MTCl can be used as an adjunct to the parasite preserve in 10% formalin solution. The plastination technique can be used as an alternative method of liquid preservation.

Keywords: melamine, plastination, preservation, Toxocara vitulorum.

Comparative immune responses of pups following modified live virus vaccinations against canine parvovirus

Research (Published online: 17-09-2019)

10. Comparative immune responses of pups following modified live virus vaccinations against canine parvovirus

Jayalakshmi Vasu, Mouttou Vivek Srinivas, Prabhakar Xavier Antony, Jacob Thanislass, Vijayalakshmi Padmanaban and Hirak Kumar Mukhopadhyay

Veterinary World, 12(9): 1422-1427

Background and Aim: Canine parvovirus (CPV) is the most important viral cause of enteritis and mortality in pups. Evaluation and monitoring of pre- and post-vaccine immune responses may help to determine the efficacy of the current vaccination schedule being followed in pups in India. This study aimed to evaluate and monitor the pre- and post-vaccine immune responses of CPV vaccinated pups using hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. The neutralizing antibody titer levels were also detected using serum neutralization test (SNT).

Materials and Methods: The pups were categorized into two groups, the double booster and the single booster groups. In this study, serum samples were subjected to HI and SNT for measuring the CPV antibody titer at frequent intervals for up to 6 months from 27 healthy pups following primary and booster CPV vaccinations.

Results: The antibody titers in double booster pups reached their peaks at the 21st day after the second booster vaccination with a geometric mean (GM) of 3.57. The antibody titers in single booster pups reached their peaks at the 21st day after the first booster vaccination with a lower GM of 3.18.

Conclusion: The double booster pups maintained a higher immune response throughout the period of the study compared to single booster pups though the difference in titers was not statistically significant. SNT results indicated that the raised antibody titer was also able to yield virus-neutralizing antibodies. No interfering maternally derived antibodies were found in the pups at the age of primary vaccination (45th day) in our study. Therefore, the second booster vaccination may be useful in maintaining the protective titer for a prolonged period.

Keywords: canine parvovirus, hemagglutination inhibition test, serum neutralization test, vaccine immune responses.

Residual quantification and oxidative stress induced by malachite green after subacute and sublethal exposure in red tilapia

Research (Published online: 16-09-2019)

9. Residual quantification and oxidative stress induced by malachite green after subacute and sublethal exposure in red tilapia

Penz Penz Kwan, Sanjoy Banerjee, Mohamed Shariff and Fatimah Md. Yusoff

Veterinary World, 12(9): 1416-1421

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Malachite green (MG) is an effective antiparasitic and antifungal chemical for treatment of fish. However, MG is reported to be a potential carcinogen. Yet, it is widely used in aquaculture despite its prohibition for use in food-producing animals by the EU and USFDA. The present study quantified MG residues and evaluated the oxidative stress in red tilapia when exposed to subacute and sublethal concentrations of MG.

Materials and Methods: Red tilapia exposed to subacute (0.105 mg/L for 20 days) and sublethal (0.053 mg/L for 60 days) concentrations were evaluated for total plasma protein, total immunoglobulin, nitroblue tetrazolium activity, malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) activity levels. The residues of MG and leuco-MG (LMG) were also quantified in the fish muscles using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Results: Fish exposed to subacute concentration showed higher CAT on day 10 in the liver and days 5 and 15 in the spleen, whereas in fish exposed to the sublethal concentration, higher levels of GSH were observed on day 1 in the kidney and day 50 in the spleen. Fish muscle was able to accumulate the sum of MG and LMG of 108.04 μg/kg for subacute (day 20) and 82.68 μg/kg for sublethal (day 60).

Conclusion: This study showed that red tilapia was able to adapt to the stress caused by exposure to MG at sublethal concentration.

Keywords: malachite green, oxidative stress, red tilapia, subacute, sublethal.

The impact of religious festival on roadside livestock traders in urban and peri-urban areas of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 16-09-2019)

8. The impact of religious festival on roadside livestock traders in urban and peri-urban areas of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Alek Ibrahim, I Gede Suparta Budisatria, Rini Widayanti and Wayan Tunas Artama

Veterinary World, 12(9): 1408-1415

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Eid al-Adha is one of the most important festivals celebrated by Muslims in Indonesia. Roadside livestock traders open their stalls during the Eid al-Adha period. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and behaviors of roadside livestock traders in urban and peri-urban areas in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Materials and Methods: In-depth interviews with 36 roadside livestock traders were conducted on August 7-23, 2018 in urban (n=20) and peri-urban (n=16) areas of Yogyakarta. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive and statistical analysis using one-way analysis of variance.

Results: The results indicate that the trading activities of roadside livestock traders in urban areas last longer (p<0.05) than in peri-urban areas. No difference was found in the opening day of stalls, the number of buyers, and trends in animal prices set by roadside livestock traders in urban and peri-urban areas. Most traders sell sheep and goats, buy livestock at the animal market, and only open their stalls during Eid al-Adha. Prices are high in this period, and buyers directly visit the stalls. A significant difference exists in the selling price of livestock between Eid al-Adha and ordinary days (non-festival), and most roadside traders benefit from the Eid al-Adha momentum.

Conclusion: Significant similarities exist among roadside livestock traders during the Eid al-Adha period in urban and peri-urban areas of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Sheep are more desirable than goats and cattle in this period, and Eid al-Adha generates a high profit for roadside livestock traders.

Keywords: Eid al-Adha, Indonesia, livestock trade, Muslim festival, roadside seller.

Exposure assessment of the consumers living in Mount Lebanon directorate to antibiotics through medication and red meat intake: A cross-sectional study

Research (Published online: 14-09-2019)

7. Exposure assessment of the consumers living in Mount Lebanon directorate to antibiotics through medication and red meat intake: A cross-sectional study

Christelle Bou-Mitri, Paula Hage Boutros, Joelle Makhlouf, Maya Abou Jaoudeh, Najwa El Gerges, Jessy El Hayek Fares, Elie Bou Yazbeck and Hussein Hassan

Veterinary World, 12(9): 1395-1407

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The misuse and abuse of antibiotics by human and in animal production are leading to serious threats to global health. This study aimed to assess the dietary exposure of Lebanese consumers to antibiotic residues from the consumption of meat and compare it to that from medication intake.

Materials and Methods: Beef samples (n=61) were collected and analyzed for penicillin residues using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and high-performance liquid chromatography. A cross-sectional study recruited 500 participants living in Mount Lebanon, using an interviewer-based questionnaire. The dietary exposure assessment was calculated following the tiered assessment approach.

Results: The results showed that only 44% of the participants reported using antibiotic on doctor's prescription. Participants with good antibiotic knowledge (6-7/7) are significantly less likely to change antibiotic during treatment and would better use them as compared to those with lower knowledge (p=0.000). Those with lower education and monthly household income are more likely to improperly use antibiotics as compared to those with higher education and income. Penicillin -containing antibiotics were among the most used medications. On the other hand, the prevalence of penicillin residues in the meat samples was 21.3%, though none was above the maximum residue level. The dietary exposure to penicillin through meat consumption was equivalent to 88.3%, 31.9%, and 5.7% of the acceptable daily intake, using Tier 1, 2, and 3 approaches, respectively. Males, single, obese participants, and those with household income below 999,000 Lebanese pound were significantly more exposed to penicillin as compared to other participants due to their high meat consumption.

Conclusion: These findings will provide insight into designing future targeted awareness interventions and adapted policies as efforts toward improving rational use and intake of antibiotics for preventing the development of antibiotic resistance.

Keywords: antibiotic knowledge, exposure, meat, penicillin, practices, risk assessment.

Ectoparasites of brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) in Grenada, West Indies

Research (Published online: 13-09-2019)

6. Ectoparasites of brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) in Grenada, West Indies

Katelyn Noelle Thille, Nia Francesca Rametta, Daniel Mark Fitzpatrick, Camille Coomansingh Springer, Keshaw Tiwari, Rhonda Denise Pinckney and Ravindra Nath Sharma

Veterinary World, 12(9): 1390-1394

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Arthropod ectoparasites (mites, lice, ticks, and fleas) on common house rats or brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) are known to transmit zoonotic pathogens and diminish rat health. To the best of our knowledge, there is no published information regarding the prevalence of ectoparasites on R. norvegicus in Grenada. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and types of ectoparasites present on brown rats from Grenada.

Materials and Methods: One hundred sixty-eight rats were collected live from the parishes of St. George and St. David, Grenada, from May to July 2017. Following euthanasia, external parasites were collected using fine combs, thumb forceps, and paper tape. Tape samples and free specimens were placed in containers with 70% ethanol. External parasites were evaluated using dissection microscopy.

Results: Over 2000 ectoparasites were collected from 149 of the 168 trapped rats (88.7%). Ectoparasites identified included mesostigmatid mites (found on 84.6% of infested rats), fur mites in the families Atopomelidae and Listrophoridae (67.1%), Polyplax spp. lice (6.7%), fleas (3.4%), an unidentified larval tick (0.7%), and a mite in the family Myobiidae (0.7%). Infestation rates were higher in St. David Parish (86/89; 96.6%) than in St. George Parish (63/79; 79.7%) (p=0.001). When comparing sex and age, males had a marginal increase in infestation rate (83/89; 93.3%) compared to females (66/79; 83.5%) (p=0.054), and adults had an infestation rate of 90.7% (97/107) compared to juvenile rats who had a 66.7% (14/21) infestation rate.

Conclusion: Brown rats in Grenada are heavily infested with ectoparasites, including known vectors of pathogens. Future studies will examine the prevalence of zoonotic pathogens in these arthropods.

Keywords: brown rats, ectoparasites, Grenada.

Bactericidal and virucidal efficacies of food additive grade calcium hydroxide under various concentrations, organic material conditions, exposure duration, and its stability

Research (Published online: 13-09-2019)

5. Bactericidal and virucidal efficacies of food additive grade calcium hydroxide under various concentrations, organic material conditions, exposure duration, and its stability

Sakchai Ruenphet, Kornkamon Paditporn, Darsaniya Punyadarsaniya, Tippawan Jantafong and Kazuaki Takehara

Veterinary World, 12(9): 1383-1389

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the bactericidal and virucidal activity of food additive grade calcium hydroxide (FdCa(OH)2) under various concentrations, organic material conditions, and exposure duration including its stability.

Materials and Methods: The FdCa(OH)2 powder as well as the 0.17% and 3% solutions were evaluated for bacteria and virus inactivating efficacies against Salmonella infantis (SI), Escherichia coli, Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and avian influenza virus (AIV), in the absence or presence of organic materials. In addition, the stability of FdCa(OH)2, was also examined using wet-dry conditions and under sunlight.

Results: The FdCa(OH)2 powder could inactivate both NDV and AIV in the absence and presence of organic materials within a 3 min exposure period. The bactericidal efficacy using solution form revealed that 0.17% and 3% of FdCa(OH)2 could inactivate SI in the absence and presence of organic materials within 3 min of exposure. However, 3% of FdCa(OH)2 inactivated E. coli both with and without organic materials within 3min, while 0.17% required 5 min to be efficacious. The virucidal efficacy also showed that 0.17% FdCa(OH)2 could inactivate NDV in the absence and presence of organic materials within 10 min and 30 min, respectively. However, AIV inactivation was achieved within 30 sec under all conditions. In addition, under wet and dry conditions, FdCa(OH)2 powder demonstrated high efficacy when re-suspended at least 16 times for NDV and 7 times for AIV. Simultaneously, the FdCa(OH)2 powder retained its efficacy under the sunlight during up to 4 months for NDV and at least 6 months for AIV.

Conclusion: The present study indicates that FdCa(OH)2 powder and solutions could inactivate SI, E. coli, NDV, and AIV while retaining good stability under challenging environmental conditions. Finally, the FdCa(OH)2 is safe for consumers because it is of food additive grade and can be useful as an alternative disinfectant, especially for biosecurity enhancement on and around poultry farms.

Keywords: bactericidal, biosecurity, food additive grade calcium hydroxide, virucidal.

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