Hematological and biochemical reference values of Asian house shrews (Suncus murinus) in Bangladesh

Research (Published online: 30-09-2019)

24. Hematological and biochemical reference values of Asian house shrews (Suncus murinus) in Bangladesh

Md. Kaisar Rahman, Shariful Islam, Mizanur Rahman, Jinnat Ferdous, Sazeda Akter, Md. Mustafizur Rahaman, Mohammad Alamgir Hossain, Mohammad Mahmudu Hassan and Ariful Islam

Veterinary World, 12(9): 1514-1518

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Determining reference values for hematological and biochemical parameters of Asian house shrew (Suncus murinus) is important for wildlife research to protect human health in surrounding communities. This study aimed to establish the reference values for selected hematology and serum clinical chemistry analyses that may contribute to research on shrew in future.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples (n=51) were collected from shrews between July and December 2015, Bangladesh, to estimate the levels of hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total leukocyte count (TLC), total erythrocyte count (TEC), lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil, basophil, calcium, phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), urea, glucose, total protein (TP), creatinine, and alanine transaminase (ALT).

Results: Although the values did not differ significantly among sexes, age was found to be a significant factor. Hb, PCV, TEC, glucose, and P were higher in males; eosinophil, Na, Cl, TP, and ALT were higher among females. Adults had significantly greater urea and glucose (p<0.05) while juveniles had insignificantly higher values for TLC, PCV, neutrophil, P, and TP.

Conclusion: This study provides the first reference values for this species in Bangladesh and can be used to guide wildlife research studies.

Keywords: Asian house shrew, hematology, reference interval, serum chemistry, Suncus murinus.

Molecular techniques for sex identification of captive birds

Research (Published online: 30-09-2019)

23. Molecular techniques for sex identification of captive birds

Medania Purwaningrum, Herjuno Ari Nugroho, Machmud Asvan, Karyanti Karyanti, Bertha Alviyanto, Randy Kusuma and Aris Haryanto

Veterinary World, 12(9): 1506-1513

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Many avian species are considered sexually monomorphic. In monomorphic bird species, especially in young birds, sex is difficult to identify based on an analysis of their external morphology. Accurate sex identification is essential for avian captive breeding and evolutionary studies. Methods with varying degrees of invasiveness such as vent sexing, laparoscopic surgery, steroid sexing, and chromosome inspection (karyotyping) are used for sex identification in monomorphic birds. This study aimed to assess the utility of a non-invasive molecular marker for gender identification in a variety of captive monomorphic birds, as a strategy for conservation.

Materials and Methods: DNA was isolated from feather samples from 52 individuals representing 16 species of 11 families indigenous to both Indonesia and elsewhere. We amplified the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding (CHD) gene using polymerase chain reaction with MP, NP, and PF primers to amplify introns with lengths that differ between the CHD-W and the CHD-Z genes, allowing sex discrimination because the W chromosome is exclusively present in females.

Results: Molecular bird sexing confirmed 33 females and 19 males with 100% accuracy. We used sequencing followed by alignment on one protected bird species (Probosciger aterrimus).

Conclusion: Sex identification may be accomplished noninvasively in birds, because males only have Z sex chromosomes, whereas females have both Z and W chromosomes. Consequently, the presence of a W-unique DNA sequence identifies an individual as female. Sexing of birds is vital for scientific research, and to increase the success rate of conservation breeding programs.

Keywords: bird, chromodomain helicase DNA-binding gene, molecular bird sexing, polymerase chain reaction, sexing.

Proteomics analysis of serum protein patterns in duck during aflatoxin B1 exposure

Research (Published online: 29-09-2019)

22. Proteomics analysis of serum protein patterns in duck during aflatoxin B1 exposure

Natthasit Tansakul, Jatuporn Rattanasrisomporn and Sittiruk Roytrakul

Veterinary World, 12(9): 1499-1505

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Unlike the already well-documented human serum proteome, there are still limitations regarding analyzing and interpreting the various physiological changes and disease states of the serum proteomes found in duck. Serum proteome in duck under the condition of mycotoxin contamination in feed has not yet been examined. This study aimed to introduce the characterization of the circulating proteomes in duck serum during exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1).

Materials and Methods: Duck serum samples were collected from four experimental groups, gel-based mass spectrometry was then applied, and finally, 445 proteins were identified in pulled serum sample.

Results: Among these 445 proteins, 377 were present in at least one group from all. There were 35 proteins which were expressed when the duck was exposed to AFB1. The protein library that allows the identification of a large number of different proteins in duck serum will be enhanced by the addition of these peptide spectral data. It is noteworthy that chromodomain-helicase-DNA-binding protein 7 (CHD7) [Gallus gallus] was up-regulated in the group with the highest AFB1 contamination.

Conclusion: CHD7 protein might be somehow relative to aflatoxicosis in the duck that causes poor performance and economic loss. Moreover, other proteins present in duck serum were also added in the protein library.

Keywords: aflatoxin B1, duck, proteomics, serum.

Immune-inflammatory concept of the pathogenesis of chronic heart failure in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy

Research (Published online: 28-09-2019)

21. Immune-inflammatory concept of the pathogenesis of chronic heart failure in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy

Yu Vatnikov, A. Rudenko, P. Rudenko, Ev Kulikov, A. Karamyan, V. Lutsay, I. Medvedev, V. Byakhova, E. Krotova and M. Molvhanova

Veterinary World, 12(9): 1491-1498

ABSTRACT

Background: Dilated cardiomyopathy is common in dogs. This form of cardiomyopathy is the main cause of death due to heart disease in dogs. Death can occur suddenly in clinically normal animals as a result of the progression of congestive heart failure (CHF). The pathogenesis of heart failure syndrome in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy involves activation of the neurohumoral system and immune-mediated inflammation, which leads to further progression of the condition. Heart failure syndrome in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy is caused by the progressive loss of cardiomyocytes, apoptosis, remodeling of the left ventricle, systolic and diastolic dysfunction, arrhythmias, reduced cerebral blood flow, the involvement of other key internal organs, and intestinal dysbiosis.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the immunological and inflammatory mechanisms surrounding the development of heart failure syndrome in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Materials and Methods: The subjects of this study were dogs with a dilated form of cardiomyopathy (n=159), complicated by various functional classes of heart failure syndrome. Evaluation of myocardial remodeling, systolic function, and systemic hemodynamics was performed using EMP-860 Vet and PU-2200V ultrasound scanners according to the standard technique. Electrocardiography was performed with all dogs in right lateral recumbency using the EK1T-04 Midas electrocardiograph (50 mm/s speed and 1 mV gain = 1 cm).

Results: In some affected animals, especially in cases of compensated dilated cardiomyopathy, leukocytosis was noted. In patients with dilated cardiomyopathy complicated by heart failure syndrome of various functional classes, the number of neutrophils was significantly increased, and the number of lymphocytes was decreased by 1.9-2.1 times when compared with those in clinically normal animals. In dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy, neutrophilic leukocytosis develops with a simple regenerative shift to the left. The results of immunological studies indicate that dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy develop T lymphocytopenia as compared with clinically normal animals.

Conclusion: The central component of heart failure syndrome in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy is the activation of the neurohumoral system and immune-mediated inflammation. The development of CHF in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy is caused by the progressive loss of cardiomyocytes, apoptosis, remodeling of the left ventricle, systolic and diastolic dysfunction, arrhythmias, reduced cerebral blood flow, involvement of other key internal organs, and intestinal dysbiosis.

Keywords: dilated cardiomyopathy, dogs, pathogenesis, heart failure, immunity and inflammation.

Prevalence and distribution of dermatophytosis lesions on cattle in Plateau State, Nigeria

Research (Published online: 27-09-2019)

20. Prevalence and distribution of dermatophytosis lesions on cattle in Plateau State, Nigeria

J. S. Dalis, H. M. Kazeem, J. K. P. Kwaga and C. N. Kwanashie

Veterinary World, 12(9): 1484-1490

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Dermatophytosis is an infection of the superficial, keratinized structures of the skin, nails, and hair of man and animals caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes in the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. The prevalence of dermatophytosis among cattle in Nigeria and Plateau State, in particular, is yet to be fully determined. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and the distribution of dermatophytosis lesions on cattle in Plateau State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: Four hundred and thirty-seven cattle showing visible skin lesions suggestive of dermatophytosis were drawn from nine local government areas (three each) from the three senatorial districts of Plateau State, Nigeria. Skin scrapings were aseptically collected using a cross-sectional study, in which sampling units were selected using purposive sampling method. Samples were processed for both direct microscopic examination and isolation of dermatophytes in culture. The isolates were stained with lactophenol cotton blue and identified microscopically based on the size, shape, and arrangement of macro- and micro-conidia. The dermatophytes were further identified by determining the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer regions of their ribosomal DNA. Data were analyzed and presented as percentages, bar graph, and Chi-square test of association. p≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The overall prevalence rate of bovine dermatophytosis in Plateau State was found to be 11.0%. Trichophyton verrucosum was more frequently isolated (54.2%) than Trichophyton mentagrophytes (45.8%). Age, breed, management practice, and season were significantly associated with the occurrence of the disease (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Dermatophytosis among cattle may be of public health significance in Plateau State, Nigeria. This is the first report on the prevalence and distribution of dermatophytosis lesions on cattle from Plateau State, Nigeria.

Keywords: cattle, dermatophytes, identification, isolation, Nigeria, Plateau State.

In vitro evaluation of ruminant feed from West Sumatera based on chemical composition and content of rumen degradable and rumen undegradable proteins

Research (Published online: 27-09-2019)

19. In vitro evaluation of ruminant feed from West Sumatera based on chemical composition and content of rumen degradable and rumen undegradable proteins

Ezi Masdia Putri, Mardiati Zain, Lili Warly and Hermon Hermon

Veterinary World, 12(9): 1478-1483

ABSTRACT

Aim: This research aimed to discover the chemical composition, as well as the content of the degradable and undegradable protein of the ruminant feed commonly used as cattle feed by Indonesian farmers.

Materials and Methods: In this study, Pennisetum purpureum, Leucaena leucocephala, Indigofera zollingeriana, Gliricidia sepium, cassava, maize, palm kernel cake, and rice bran were used as feed. Chemical composition was determined by proximate and Van Soest analyses performed in triplicate. Dry matter and organic matter digestibility, as well as the rumen degradable proteins (RDP) and rumen undegradable proteins (RUP) contents, were determined in vitro using the Tilley and Terry method.

Results: The results showed that more proteins can be obtained from legumes than from grass or concentrates. The highest protein amount was obtained from I. zollingerian (31.22%), while the lowest protein amount was obtained from cassava (3.59%). Dry matter digestibility ranged from 18.53% (rice bran) to 49.21% (G. sepium). Organic matter digestibility ranged from 35.71% (cassava) to 59.57% (I. zollingerian). Rice bran had the highest RDP from concentrate (73.26%), whereas I. zollingerian had the highest RDP from forage (74.72%). The highest RUP from concentrate was obtained from palm kernel cake (61.01%), and the highest RUP from forage was obtained from L. leucocephala (49.23%).

Conclusion: The preparation of ruminant livestock rations must be based on RDP and RUP to meet the needs of both the rumen microbes and host animals. Information regarding the RDP and RUP of feeds is still limited, making this study useful in the preparation of ruminant livestock rations based on RDP and RUP ratios.

Keywords: chemical compositions, rumen degradable proteins, rumen undegradable proteins, ruminant, tropical feedstuff.

Immunopathological immunohistochemical study of low pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 infection in lovebirds (Agapornis spp.) in Indonesia

Research (Published online: 26-09-2019)

18. Immunopathological immunohistochemical study of low pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 infection in lovebirds (Agapornis spp.) in Indonesia

Zulfikhar Zulfikhar, Raden Wasito and Hastari Wuryastuti

Veterinary World, 12(9): 1472-1477

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: To date, persistent infection with low pathogenic avian influenza virus (AIV) subtype H5N1 (LPAI H5N1) in chickens is widespread in Indonesia. Commercially available ornamental birds on markets play an important role in triggering the occurrence of AIV outbreaks. Thus, the presence of AIV in ornamental birds such as lovebirds needs to be closely monitored. Here, the presence of LPAI H5N1 was investigated in lovebirds with no clinical signs that, although apparently healthy, can be a continuous source of AIV transmission to other sensitive birds such as chickens and even humans.

Materials and Methods: In the present study, 30 lovebirds were necropsied. The immunopathology of the lungs, which had hemorrhages, was immunohistochemically studied using the streptavidin-biotin (SB) method to stain for LPAI H5N1. Polyclonal antibodies against the nucleoprotein or monoclonal antibodies against the hemagglutinin of the AIV subtype H5N1 were used to identify these antigens in lung tissue samples.

Results: LPAI H5N1 was detected in the lungs of all lovebirds according to the brownish colored deposits in the histological samples. The highest intensity of the SB staining was found in the lumina of vascular capillaries and the cell membranes of air capillaries. The discovery of LPAI H5N1 in lovebirds increases the environmental health risk and raises the possibility of exposure to AIV. Thus, it is very important to improve the mechanisms that control the traffic of ornamental birds between regions and islands, as well as the AIV vaccination strategies related to the prevention, control, and eradication of AIV in Indonesia, and these procedures should be reevaluated.

Conclusion: The present study proves that lovebirds are infected with LPAI subtype H5N1. Even if ornamental birds such as lovebirds do not show any clinical signs, they are likely to be a persistently infected with LPAI H5N1. Therefore, ornamental birds might be a continuous source of LPAI H5N1 infections in other sensitive birds, including poultry, and may also be responsible for virus transmission to humans.

Keywords: avian influenza virus H5N1, immunohistochemistry, Indonesia, lovebird, lung, streptavidin-biotin.