Relationship between certain serum biochemical values and serostatus against Anaplasma marginale in dairy cows

Research (Published online: 26-11-2019)

23. Relationship between certain serum biochemical values and serostatus against Anaplasma marginale in dairy cows

Myassar O. Alekish and Zuhair Bani Ismail

Veterinary World, 12(11): 1858-1861

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the possible association between values of certain serum biochemical parameters and seropositivity against Anaplasma marginale in dairy cows.

Materials and Methods: Serum samples from 60 seropositive and 40 seronegative cows were used to determine the values of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), glucose, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, total protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) using commercially available kits and reagents. The serostatus of cows against A. marginale was determined using a commercially available cellular enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Significant differences in serum biochemical values between seropositive and seronegative groups were evaluated using independent Student's t-test. Possible associations between the serostatus of the cows and different biochemical parameters were evaluated using univariate followed by multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results: There was a statistically significant increase (p≤0.05) in values of total protein, BHB, LDH, and AST in seropositive cows compared to seronegative cows while a non-significant increase in values of ALP, ALT, and GGT was detected in seropositive cows. A strong correlation (R=0.69) between serum levels of BHB, LDH, and AST and seropositivity against A. marginale was detected.

Conclusion: There is evidence of a possible association between A. marginale infection and liver damage/hepatic fatty degeneration in dairy cows. Further studies, however, are required to elucidate the exact pathophysiological mechanisms of this relationship.

Keywords: blood parasites, dairy cows, hemolysis, metabolic diseases.

Comparative analysis of hatcheries contribution to poor development of day-old chicks based on biological and immunological performance

Research (Published online: 26-11-2019)

22. Comparative analysis of hatcheries contribution to poor development of day-old chicks based on biological and immunological performance

P. P. Yeboah, L. A. Konadu, J. A. Hamidu, E. A. Poku, D. Wakpal, P. Y. Kudaya, A. Dey and S. M. Siddiq

Veterinary World, 12(11): 1849-1857

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The quality of day-old chicks is a cornerstone to successful poultry production. Chicks with a poor quality start slowly in the field and may have high feed intake, poor growth rate, and poor feed conversion ratio. The current study aimed to assess chick quality challenges encountered from day-old chicks hatched in most commercial hatcheries in Ghana.

Materials and Methods: A total of 300 day-old chicks each were obtained from commercial hatcheries in Ghana and Europe. The chicks were labeled as locally hatched broiler day-old chicks (LBDOC) and foreign hatched broiler day-old chicks (FBDOC), respectively. Chicks were reared and monitored from day old to 21 days post-hatch. Sample of chicks (n=25) from each hatchery was euthanized weekly at 1, 7, 14, and 21 days and blood samples collected for analysis. The parameters measured included physical, hematological, immunological, histological, and bacteriological characteristics. All data were analyzed by SAS Proc GLM at p<0.05.

Results: The live weight of chicks was higher in FBDOC compared to LBDOC on the 1st day. The chick length and shank length of FBDOC were longer than the LBDOC. The 7-day chick mortality was 6% in LBDOC as compared to 1.5% in FBDOC. The LBDOC also had a higher wet and dry residual yolk sac percentages as well as higher residual yolk sac fluid volume than the FBDOC. The rate of yolk sac disappearance of the FBDOC was higher than the LBDOC. More than half of the LBDOC had developed navel strings and leaky navel compared to FBDOC. The LBDOC recorded Escherichia coli, Proteus, Streptococcus spp., and Gram-negative bacteria in the residual yolk sac isolated through the 21 days while FBDOC recorded E. coli, Proteus, and Gram-negative bacteria. The intestinal villi count, lengths, width, and surface area were all not significantly different. The blood monocyte levels appeared higher in FBDOC than LBDOC, which give evidence of higher immunity in FBDOC than LBDOC.

Conclusion: The results indicate a challenging situation in maintaining the quality of locally hatched broiler day-old-chicks compared to foreign hatched broiler-day-old-chicks. The study demonstrates that chick quality impact goes beyond the physical characteristics of chick weight and chick length, and the higher performance of FBDOC may be influenced by compliance with international hatchery standards and vaccination protocols.

Virulence and antibiotic resistance profile of avian Escherichia coli strains isolated from colibacillosis lesions in central of Algeria

Research (Published online: 25-11-2019)

21. Virulence and antibiotic resistance profile of avian Escherichia coli strains isolated from colibacillosis lesions in central of Algeria

Nacima Meguenni, Nathalie Chanteloup, Angelina Tourtereau, Chafika Ali Ahmed, Saliha Bounar-Kechih and Catherine Schouler

Veterinary World, 12(11): 1840-1848

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli cause extensive mortality in poultry flocks, leading to extensive economic losses. To date, in Algeria, little information has been available on virulence potential and antibiotics resistance of avian E. coli isolates. Therefore, the aim of this study was the characterization of virulence genes and antibiotic resistance profile of Algerian E. coli strains isolated from diseased broilers.

Materials and Methods: In this study, 43 avian E. coli strains isolated from chicken colibacillosis lesions at different years were analyzed to determine their contents in 10 virulence factors by polymerase chain reaction, antimicrobial susceptibility to 22 antibiotics belonging to six different chemical classes and genomic diversity by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).

Results: Mainly E. coli isolates (58.1%) carried two at six virulence genes and the most frequent virulence gene association detected were ompT (protectin), hlyF (hemolysin) with 55.8% (p<0.001), and iroN, sitA (iron acquisition/uptake systems), and iss (protectin) with 41.8% (p<0.001). Some strains were diagnosed as virulent according to their virulence gene profile. Indeed, 23.25% of the isolates harbored iroN, ompT, hlyF, iss, and sitA combination, 14% ompT, hlyF, and frzorf4 (sugar metabolism), and 11,6% iroN, hlyF, ompT, iss, iutA (iron acquisition/uptake systems), and frzorf4. The chicken embryo lethality assay performed on five isolates confirmed the potential virulence of these strains. All isolates submitted to PFGE analysis yielded different genetic profiles, which revealed their diversity. Overall, 97.2% of the isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic and 53.5% demonstrated multi-antimicrobial resistance to three different antimicrobial classes. The highest resistance levels were against nalidixic acid (83.4%), amoxicillin and ampicillin (83.3%), ticarcillin (80.5%), pipemidic acid (75%), and triméthoprim-sulfamethoxazole (66.6%). For beta-lactam class, the main phenotype observed belonged to broad-spectrum beta-lactamases. However, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase associated with three at six virulence factors was also detected in 13 isolates. Two of them were attested virulent as demonstrated in the embryo lethality test which constitutes a real public threat.

Conclusion: It would be imperative in avian production to discourage misuse while maintaining constant vigilance guidelines and regulations, to limit and rationalize antimicrobial use.

Keywords: antibiotic resistance, avian Escherichia coli, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase, virulence.

Quantitative evaluation of viral interference among Egyptian isolates of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (H5N1 and H5N8) with the lentogenic and velogenic Newcastle disease virus genotype VII in specific pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs model

Research (Published online: 23-11-2019)

20. Quantitative evaluation of viral interference among Egyptian isolates of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (H5N1 and H5N8) with the lentogenic and velogenic Newcastle disease virus genotype VII in specific pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs model

Mohamed A. Soliman, Ahmed A. Nour and Ahmed M. Erfan

Veterinary World, 12(11): 1833-1839

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Mixed infections of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) are considered the most distressing problem of the poultry industry. The problem arises due to the influence of a hidden virus on the replication of another suspected virus. Consequently, misdiagnosis of the real cause of disease may become a source of infection for other healthy stock by transmission and dissemination of the hidden virus. This study aimed to determine the impact of HPAIV and NDV on each other in a specific pathogen-free embryonated chicken egg (SPF-ECE) model.

Materials and Methods: HPAIVs (H5N1 and H5N8) and NDVs [avirulent NDV [avNDV] and velogenic NDV [vNDV]) were inoculated into the allantois cavity of SPF-ECE with graded titers (2, 3, and 4 log10 EID50) at 24 and 48 h of incubation, followed by the collection of allantoic fluid. A quantitative reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the viral RNA copies of both viruses.

Results: Obvious interference was reported on the growth of NDVs when co-inoculated with AIVs. NDV RNA titers reduction ranged from <3 to 5 log10 to complete suppression, but slight interference with the growth of AIVs occurred. H5N1 RNA titers showed <1-2 log10 reduction when co-inoculated with vNDV compared with the H5N1 control. The interference impact of H5N8 was more powerful than that of H5N1, while vNDV showed more resistance for interference than the avNDV strain. On the other hand, interference of AIVs was not observed except when vNDV was inoculated before H5N1. The interfering impact was increased after 48 h of inoculation, whereas no titer of avNDV was detectable.

Conclusion: AIV strains had a powerful effect on NDV growth, regardless of which infection occurred first.

Keywords: avian influenza virus, Newcastle disease virus, real-time polymerase chain reaction, viral interference.

Molecular and histopathological confirmation of clinically diagnosed lumpy skin disease in cattle, Baghdad Province of Iraq

Research (Published online: 23-11-2019)

19. Molecular and histopathological confirmation of clinically diagnosed lumpy skin disease in cattle, Baghdad Province of Iraq

Hasanain A. J. Gharban, Sattar J. J. Al-Shaeli, Hams H. H. Al-Fattli and Muthanna N. K. Altaee

Veterinary World, 12(11): 1826-1832

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to confirm the clinically diagnosed cattle with lumpy skin disease (LSD) at Baghdad Province/Iraq from October 2018 to March 2019.

Materials and Methods: Molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and histopathology were applied for the detection of LSD among 71 infected cattle issued for slaughter.

Results: Pre-slaughter clinical examination showed significant increases (p<0.05) in values of temperature (39.7±0.74°C), pulse (96.42±3.51), and respiratory (33.54±0.63) rates. Enlargement of lymph nodes (prescapular, supramammary, and prefemoral), lacrimation, mucopurulent nasal discharge, salivation, edema in limbs and head among severe infected cases, and marked fall in milk production was seen. An association of LSD to risk factors (age, gender, and areas) showed that there is significant elevation in prevalence of disease in >2-5 years (54.93%) rather than other age groups (>5 and <2 years) in females (73.24%) than males (26.76%); and in sub-rural (42.25%) and rural (39.44%) compared to urban (18.31%) areas. Postmortem examination appeared nodular lesions in upper parts of the digestive system (9.86%), rumen (2.82%), upper respiratory tracts (7.04%), and lung (4.23%). The PCR examination of P32 and thymidine kinase antigenic genes showed 90.14% and 60.56% positive samples, respectively. Histopathological analysis of nodular skin biopsies showed edema, hyperemia, acanthosis, severe hydropic degeneration, and hyperkeratosis in epidermis; whereas, mononuclear cell infiltration, inclusion bodies, and vasculitis seen in the dermis.

Conclusion: PCR and histopathology assay could be a potential method to confirm the LSD infection concomitant with clinical examination.

Keywords: cattle, histopathology, Iraq, lumpy skin disease, polymerase chain reaction.

Crossbreeding and consanguinity management in pig farms in the departments of Ouémé and Plateau in Benin

Research (Published online: 21-11-2019)

18. Crossbreeding and consanguinity management in pig farms in the departments of Ouémé and Plateau in Benin

Ignace Ogoudanan Dotché, Simon Idohou, Mahamadou Dahouda, Pascal Kiki, Benoit Govoeyi, Nicolas Antoine-Moussiaux, Jean-Paul Dehoux, Guy Apollinaire Mensah, Souaïbou Farougou, Pierre Thilmant, Issaka Youssao Abdou Karim and Benoît Koutinhouin

Veterinary World, 12(11): 1816-1825

ABSTRACT

Background: The improvement in pig zootechnical performances is a common practice in Benin. This improvement of the performances is made by the choice of the best reproducers in farms and the crossbreeding between the different breeds.

Aim: This study aims to characterize practices related to consanguinity management in pigs reared in Ouémé and Plateau.

Materials and Methods: Crossbreeding and consanguinity data were collected from 60 farms in these two departments. Frequencies and averages were calculated and compared between departments, genetic types, and origin of progenitors.

Results: The majority of the investigated pig farmers in both departments were married men of primary or secondary education level. Most of them cross animals without a specific crossbreeding scheme. These crossings were performed to a greater extent (p<0.05) in Ouémé (94.28%) than in Plateau (52%). In general, farmers cross improved animals of high breeding values with the crossbred ones. These crossings were mainly performed to improve zootechnical performances. Renewing animals were commonly chosen from the farm or were provided from nearby farms. The majority of pig breeders in Ouémé (100%) and Plateau (86.67%) obtained reproductive animals from nearby farms. Males and females were sometimes bought from the same farm or from farms that pig breeders have sold reproductive animals in the previous years. In the case of selection within their own farm, male and female progenitors are separated at puberty by the majority of the breeders of Plateau (42.11%) and Ouémé (50%). Inbred mating was reported by breeders. More than half of breeders mate animals having a parental link in both departments. The mating was performed between animals of the same mother in 37.93% of farms in Ouémé and in 45.46% in Plateau. The main consanguinity consequences mentioned by the breeders were the high mortality at birth and weaning, piglets' weakness at the birth, the slow growth, and the decrease in litter size. Sows with at least one parent from external farm had a litter size at birth and weaning and a live-born piglets' number significantly higher than sows with both parents from the same farm.

Conclusion: Rigorous monitoring of crossing and the filial links are necessary for pig farms for ensuring the improvement of zootechnical performances.

Keywords: consanguinity, crossbreeding, pig, zootechnical performances.

Live vaccines against bacterial fish diseases: A review

Review (Published online: 21-11-2019)

17. Live vaccines against bacterial fish diseases: A review

Aslizah Mohd-Aris, Mohd Hafiz Ngoo Muhamad-Sofie, Mohd Zamri-Saad, Hassan Mohd Daud and Md. Yasin Ina-Salwany

Veterinary World, 12(11): 1806-1815

ABSTRACT

Fish diseases are often caused either by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or a combination of these pathogens. Of these, bacterial fish diseases are considered to be a major problem in the aquaculture industry. Hence, the prevention of such diseases by proper vaccination is one of the integral strategies in fish health management, aimed at reducing the fish mortality rate in the aquaculture farms. Vaccination offers an effective yet low-cost solution to combat the risk of disease in fish farming. An appropriate vaccination regime to prevent bacterial diseases offers a solution against the harmful effects of antibiotic applications. This review discusses the role of live-attenuated vaccine in controlling bacterial diseases and the development of such vaccines and their vaccination strategy. The current achievements and potential applications of live-attenuated and combined vaccines are also highlighted. Vaccine development is concluded to be a demanding process, as it must satisfy the requirements of the aquaculture industry.

Keywords: aquaculture, attenuated vaccines, bacterial fish diseases, vaccination.