The potency of chitosan-based Pinus merkusii bark extract nanoparticles as anti-cancer on HeLa cell lines

Research (Published online: 25-10-2019)

15. The potency of chitosan-based Pinus merkusii bark extract nanoparticles as anti-cancer on HeLa cell lines

Annise Proboningrat, Amaq Fadholly, Regina Purnama Dewi Iskandar, Agung Budianto Achmad, Fedik Abdul Rantam and Sri Agus Sudjarwo

Veterinary World, 12(10): 1616-1623

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Cervical cancer accounts for the fourth as a cause of death from cancer in women worldwide, with more than 85% of events and deaths occurring in developing countries. The main problems of chemotherapy are the lack of selectivity and drug resistance. This study aimed to investigate the signal transduction of chitosan-based Pinus merkusii bark extract nanoparticles (Nano-PMBE) as an anticancer on HeLa cell line.

Materials and Methods: Nano-PMBE was prepared based on the ionic gelation method. Its anticancer activities in HeLa cells were investigated through cytotoxicity test, cell cycle, and apoptosis analysis. The expression of p53 and caspase-9 was also observed.

Results: The results showed that Nano-PMBE has a size of 394.3 nm. Meanwhile, the Nano-PMBE was cytotoxic to HeLa cells ( IC50 of 384.10 μg/ml), caused G0/G1 phase arrest and cell apoptosis in HeLa cells. Besides, the expression of p53 and caspase-9 has increased.

Conclusion: The results showed a notable anticancer effect of Nano-PMBE by arresting the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis in HeLa cells, suggesting that it might have therapeutic potential for cervical cancer. Further research is needed to find out more about the anticancer mechanism of Nano-PMBE in HeLa cells to in vivo and clinical studies.

Keywords: chitosan, HeLa cells, nanoparticles, Pinus merkusii.

The effect of avocado seed powder (Persea americana Mill.) on the liver and kidney functions and meat quality of culled female quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Research (Published online: 24-10-2019)

14. The effect of avocado seed powder (Persea americana Mill.) on the liver and kidney functions and meat quality of culled female quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Elly Tugiyanti, Ning Iriyanti and Yosua Sujud Apriyanto

Veterinary World, 12(10): 1608-1615

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: High temperatures have a detrimental effect on quail performance, even disrupting the immune system and function of the internal organs. This research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of avocado seed powder supplements on meat quality and the liver and kidney functions of culled female quails.

Materials and Methods: A total of 100 six-month-old culled female quail were allotted to four dietary treatments, i.e., R0: Basal feed without avocado seed powder supplement and R1, R2, and R3 with basal feed + 3%, 6%, and 9% avocado seed powder supplement, respectively. The observed variables included meat quality (protein, fat, cholesterol and meat collagen, water holding capacity, and tenderness), liver function (liver weight, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase [SGOT], and serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase [SGPT]), and kidney function (urea level, creatinine, uric acid, albumin, and glucose).

Results: Analysis of variance showed that avocado seed powder supplements significantly affected the level of SGOT, urea, creatinine, protein, fat, cholesterol, meat tenderness, and cooking loss. A non-significant effect was found on liver weight, SGPT, uric acid, albumin and glucose blood level, collagen, or water holding capacity level.

Conclusion: Avocado seed powder supplements improved meat quality as well as the liver and kidney functions of the culled female quail.

Keywords: cooking loss, flavonoid, natural antioxidant, poultry.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with Ehrlichia infections in smallholder dairy cattle in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Research (Published online: 24-10-2019)

13. Prevalence and risk factors associated with Ehrlichia infections in smallholder dairy cattle in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Shepelo Getrude Peter, Daniel Waweru Gakuya, Ndichu Maingi and Charles Matiku Mulei

Veterinary World, 12(10): 1599-1607

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia ruminantium is a tick-borne disease of great economic importance in cattle production worldwide. Despite its economic impact, limited knowledge is available on its epidemiology in Africa, including Kenya. Suspected cases of E. ruminantium infections have been reported in the recent past to the University of Nairobi's Veterinary Hospital, prompting the need to investigate their possible re-emergence. Therefore, this study was aimed at determining the prevalence of E. ruminantium among smallholder dairy cattle in Nairobi City County and to assess potential risk factors. This knowledge may guide the development of appropriate control strategies of ehrlichiosis, subsequently reducing associated losses.

Materials and Methods: A total of 107 smallholder dairy farms from Nairobi City County were recruited for the study. Blood samples were collected from 314 apparently healthy dairy cattle, and Giemsa-stained blood smears were screened under the microscope for Ehrlichia species. A commercial antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit was then used to confirm the presence of the infections in serum samples. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data on management practices that may be potential risk factors. A univariate and mixed-effects logistic regression was then used to determine significant risk factors.

Results: On microscopy, 79.3% (249/314) of the sampled animals had Ehrlichia-like inclusion bodies in white blood cells, though only 18.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 14.2-23.0) of these were confirmed to be E. ruminantium on ELISA. A farm-level prevalence of 35.5% (95% CI 27.0-45.3) was reported. Female-headed households (p=0.013), farms in Langata region (p=0.027), cleaning of cowsheds fortnightly (p=0.019), and roofing of cowshed (p=0.022) were factors significantly associated with E. ruminantium infections.

Conclusion: There is a relatively high prevalence of E. ruminantium infections in apparently healthy cattle in smallholder dairy farms in this area, warranting control measures. It is critical to improve animal welfare-related factors, such as cowshed cleaning and roofing, as well as the strategic location of farms, especially, since reservoirs may reduce infection levels in the farms, in relation to wildlife. However, since Ehrlichia-like inclusion bodies other than those of E. ruminantium were observed in this study, there is a need to investigate further these factors and the possibility of other Ehrlichia species infecting cattle in the study area.

Keywords: Ehrlichia ruminantium, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, inclusion bodies, microscopy, tick-borne disease.

The contribution of domestic animals to the transmission of schistosomiasis japonica in the Lindu Subdistrict of the Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 23-10-2019)

12. The contribution of domestic animals to the transmission of schistosomiasis japonica in the Lindu Subdistrict of the Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

Novericko Ginger Budiono, Fadjar Satrija, Yusuf Ridwan, Ekowati Handharyani, and Sri Murtini

Veterinary World, 12(10): 1591-1598

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Schistosomiasis is endemic in Indonesia and is found in three remote areas in Central Sulawesi Province. Non-human mammals serve as reservoir hosts, meaning the disease is zoonotic. The previous schistosomiasis studies in animals from the Lindu Subdistrict did not determine which domestic animal species can serve as the primary source of transmission. No animals have been treated in Indonesia to control the disease; therefore, the parasite's life cycle is not blocked entirely. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and identify the risk factors associated with, Schistosoma japonicum infection in animals, and identify animals' relative contributions to S. japonicum transmission in the Lindu Subdistrict.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of S. japonicum infected animals was conducted in five villages of the Lindu Subdistrict. Fecal samples were collected from 134 selected animals (13 cattle, 26 buffaloes, 28 horses, 59 pigs, and 8 dogs). S. japonicum infection and infection intensity were determined using the Danish Bilharziasis Laboratory method. Environmental contamination with schistosome eggs was measured. The data were analyzed using a Chi-square test.

Results: The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis was 32.9%, with the prevalence of infection in each species of animal at 61.5% in cattle, 42.3% in buffaloes, 25.0% in horses, 35.6% in pigs, and 12.5% in dogs. Free-range pigs were 8.667 times more likely to have S. japonicum infection than pigs kept in cages. Buffaloes, cattle, and horses were the primary sources of S. japonicum egg contamination, with relative transmission indices of 59.15%, 22.80%, and 10.61%, respectively.

Conclusion: Bovines and horses are the main contributors to schistosomiasis transmission in the Lindu Subdistrict. In conjunction with other schistosomiasis control programs, the government should treat infected animals living within endemic areas where there are high infection rates of S. japonicum.

Keywords: coprology, mammalian animals, schistosomiasis, transmission, zoonosis.

Detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Shiga toxin 2a gene in pork, pig feces, and clean water at Jagalan slaughterhouse in Surakarta, Central Java Province, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 19-10-2019)

11. Detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Shiga toxin 2a gene in pork, pig feces, and clean water at Jagalan slaughterhouse in Surakarta, Central Java Province, Indonesia

Maria Kristiani Epi Goma, Alvita Indraswari, Aris Haryanto and Dyah Ayu Widiasih

Veterinary World, 12(10): 1584-1590

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The feasibility assessment of food products on the market becomes one of the milestones of food safety. The quality of food safety of animal origin especially pork need to get attention and more real action from the parties related and concerned. Since pork is also a source of transmission for the contagion of foodborne disease so that the study of the existence of several agents in the pork and its products become the benchmark of safety level. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and detect the Shiga toxin 2a (stx2a) gene from Escherichia coli O157:H7 in pork, pig feces, and clean water in the Jagalan slaughterhouse.

Materials and Methods: A total of 70 samples consisting of 32 pork samples, 32 pig fecal samples, and 6 clean water samples were used to isolate and identify E. coli O157:H7 and the stx2a gene. Isolation and identification of E. coli O157:H7 were performed using culture on eosin methylene blue agar and Sorbitol-MacConkey agar media and confirmed molecularly with polymerase chain reaction to amplify the target genes rfbE (317 bp) and fliC (381 bp). The isolates, which were identified as E. coli O157:H7, were investigated for the stx2a gene (553 bp).

Results: The results of this study show that of the total collected samples, E. coli O157:H7 was 28.6% in Jagalan slaughterhouse and consisted of 25% of pork samples, 31.25% of pig fecal samples, and 33.3% of clean water samples. The isolates that were identified to be E. coli O157:H7 mostly contained the stx2a gene, which was equal to 75%, and consisted of seven isolates from pork samples, seven isolates from fecal samples, and one isolate from clean water samples.

Conclusion: E. coli O157:H7 was found in 28.6% of pork, pig feces, and clean water in Jagalan slaughterhouse and 75% of identified E. coli O157:H7 contained the stx2a gene.

Keywords: Escherichia coli O157:H7, feces, pork, slaughterhouse, Shiga toxin 2a, water.

Antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli in deer and nearby water sources at Safari parks in Bangladesh

Research (Published online: 19-10-2019)

10. Antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli in deer and nearby water sources at Safari parks in Bangladesh

Md Samun Sarker, Abdul Ahad, Saurav Kumar Ghosh, Md Shahriar Mannan, Arup Sen, Sirazul Islam, Md Bayzid and Zamila Bueaza Bupasha

Veterinary World, 12(10): 1578-1583

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The emergence and rapid dissemination of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in different ecosystems is a growing concern to human health, animal health, and the environment in recent years. The study aimed to determine the antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli from deer and nearby water sources at two different Safari parks in Bangladesh.

Materials and Methods: A number of 55 fresh fecal samples of deer and six water samples from nearby lakes were collected from two Safari parks. Samples were processed, cultured, and carried out biochemical tests for E. coli. The antibiotic susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion method. To identify the resistance genes, polymerase chain reaction was performed.

Results: A total of 32 E. coli isolates from 55 fecal samples and 6 of 6 E. coli isolates from lake water were isolated. From fecal E. coli isolates, ampicillin and sulfamethoxazole were 90.63% (n=29/32) resistant and 87.5% (n=28/32) were resistant to tetracycline and nalidixic acid. High resistance was also observed to other antibiotics. On the contrary, all E. coli isolates from water sources were 100% (n=6/6) resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, and nalidixic acid. MDR was revealed in all water samples, whereas 96.88% (n=31/32) was found in fecal isolates. A number of blaTEM, tetA, and Sul2 genes were detected from both isolates.

Conclusion: This study for the 1st time highlights, a significant proportion of E. coli isolates in wildlife deer and nearby water sources were MDR in Bangladesh.

Keywords: antibiotic-resistant, deer, Escherichia coli, lake, multidrug-resistant.

Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of multidrug-resistant protein-encoding genes in Trypanosoma evansi isolated from buffaloes in Ngawi district, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 17-10-2019)

9. Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of multidrug-resistant protein-encoding genes in Trypanosoma evansi isolated from buffaloes in Ngawi district, Indonesia

Mohammad Mirza Nuryady, Rini Widayanti, Raden Wisnu Nurcahyo, Brilyantika Fadjrinatha and Ahmad Fahrurrozi Z. S.

Veterinary World, 12(10): 1573-1577

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Excessive use of trypanocidal drugs can lead to cases of drug resistance. Multiple cases of resistance have been widely reported for drugs such as isometamidium chloride and diminazene aceturate. These cases deserve serious attention, especially in Indonesia, where the first case was recorded and where the molecular basis of trypanocidal drug resistance has never been evaluated. This study aimed to analyze the multidrug resistance protein (MRP) gene in Trypanosoma evansi isolates, sampled from Indonesia, by focusing on the phylogenetic relationship between these isolates and other Trypanosoma spp.

Materials and Methods: A total of 88 blood samples were drawn from buffaloes in the Ngawi district, Indonesia. Animals infected with T. evansi were detected through the microhematocrit technique and Giemsa blood smear methods. Positive blood samples were used to inoculate in male mice (Mus musculus BALB-C strain) as an animal model for culturing the T. evansi. The genomic DNA of the blood taken from the T. evansi-infected mice was used for polymerase chain reaction amplification, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis.

Results: Two genes were analyzed; the first gene detected for T. evansi corresponded to Trypanosoma brucei with a homology of 99% and the second gene to Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, with a homology of 100%. These two genes of the MRP from T. evansi showed clear similarity to the MRPE and MRPA genes of the T. brucei ssp.

Conclusion: The MRP gene is conserved on the subspecies level of T. brucei. Only few point mutations were found between various sequences, which mean that the proteins have the same structure. This is important to treat the parasite with the appropriate drugs in the future.

Keywords: multidrug-resistant protein gene, phylogenetic analysis, surra, Trypanosoma evansi.