Multilocus analysis of Gallid herpesvirus 1 in layer chickens in Iraq

Research (Published online: 24-01-2020)

25. Multilocus analysis of Gallid herpesvirus 1 in layer chickens in Iraq

Mohammed Hamzah Abdulkadhim Al-Saadi

Veterinary World, 13(1): 170-176

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) causes a highly pathogenic respiratory disease that affects poultry. It is also known as Gallid herpesvirus 1. ILT prophylaxis measures often include using live attenuated vaccines. The live attenuated vaccine can, however, lead to the formation of new strains of ILTV as a result of vaccine reversion and recombination with field strains. Therefore, this study was performed to explore the multilocus variation of ILTV strains of field and vaccine origin. Samples were tested from two distinctive geographical areas in Iraq as little is known about the ILTV genetic diversity within these areas.

Materials and Methods: The polymerase chain reaction method was utilized to generate sequencing templates of six highly polymorphic genes, including UL54, UL52, gB, ICP18.5, ICP4, and gJ in the layer chicken sample (n=15). The Western blotting technique was also employed to detect and estimate the native molecular weight of gE.

Results: The results revealed an important degree of genetic relatedness between the field and vaccine strains across all genes. In addition, gE was found to be expressed natively at 49 kDa.

Conclusion: The findings of this study may be used to improve the production process of the vaccine for more effective ILT prophylaxis and could further the understanding of epidemiologists and immunologists to better control ILT in the future.

Keywords: Gallid herpesvirus 1, infectious laryngotracheitis virus, infectious laryngotracheitis, polymerase chain reaction.

Effect of immunoglobulin G concentration in dairy cow colostrum and calf blood serum on Cryptosporidium spp. invasion in calves

Research (Published online: 24-01-2020)

24. Effect of immunoglobulin G concentration in dairy cow colostrum and calf blood serum on Cryptosporidium spp. invasion in calves

Alīna Derbakova, Maksims Zolovs, Dace Keidāne and Žanete Šteingolde

Veterinary World, 13(1): 165-169

ABSTRACT

Aim: The research aimed to test the association between the level of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in bovine colostrum and calf blood serum and to evaluate its relation to Cryptosporidium spp. invasion in calves.

Materials and Methods: Fresh colostrum and fecal specimens from cows (n=114) as well as blood and fecal specimens from newborn calves (n=114) were collected in the dairy cattle farm. Investigated calves were separated from their mothers directly after birth and received 2 L of colostrum in two separate feedings within the first 24 h. Blood samples were taken from calves at the age of 2 days. Coprological samples were taken from calves at the age of 1, 10, and 15 days. Both colostrum and fecal samples from cows were taken on the 1st day after calf birth. Rectal fecal samples were collected separately from each calf and cow into plastic bags. The collected calf serum samples and bovine colostrum samples were tested for bovine IgG by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit bovine Ig. To record oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. in feces, the flotation method was used. Binomial logistic regression was performed to ascertain the effects of IgG in bovine colostrum and calf blood serum on the likelihood of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in calves.

Results: The concentration of IgG in bovine colostrum was higher (70.7±26.6 g/L, mean±standard deviation) than that in calf blood serum (13.2±6.1 g/L); the statistically significant difference was 57.4 g/L (95% confidence interval, 52.4-62.4), t (124.872)=22.536, p<0.001. Mann–Whitney's U-test showed a significant difference between samples collected on days 10 and 15 of the experiment (U=1944, z=2.330, p=0.020). The higher number of oocysts in calf feces was recorded on day 15 (median=6.5) compared to day 10 (median=4). The prevalence of calf infection from days 10 to 15 increased from 26.3 to 45.6% and was at least 3 times higher than in cows. A statistically significant positive correlation was recorded between IgG concentration of cow colostrum and calf blood serum (r (114)=0.414, p=0.001), whereas a correlation between the concentration of IgG and the intensity of Cryptosporidium spp. infection was not recorded (p>0.05). The logistic regression model was not statistically significant (χ2(2)=0.013, p=0.99 (10 days) and χ2(2)=0.100, p=0.95 (15 days)).

Conclusion: Mother passive transfer of immunity to the offspring through colostrum does not influence the susceptibility of calves to Cryptosporidium infestation.

Keywords: calves, Cryptosporidium, dairy cows, immunoglobulins.

The influence of duration on pain stress, oxidative stress, and total antioxidant power status in female dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy

Research (Published online: 23-01-2020)

23. The influence of duration on pain stress, oxidative stress, and total antioxidant power status in female dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy

Kanissarinn Sakundech, Chayanon Chompoosan, Pongsatorn Tuchpramuk, Thongchai Boonsorn and Worapol Aengwanich

Veterinary World, 13(1): 160-164

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Ovariohysterectomy (OHE) is a common procedure for sterilization of female dogs. However, knowledge of changes in pain stress, oxidative stress, and total antioxidant power status before, during, and after OHE is limited. The objective of this experiment was to study the effect of duration on pain stress, oxidative stress, and total antioxidant power status in female dogs undergoing OHE.

Materials and Methods: Seven female dogs were sterilized using the OHE method. Pain scores, hematological changes, and biochemical markers were investigated during pre-operative, 3 h after starting OHE, and on days 3, 7, 10, and 14 of an experimental period. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance.

Results: At 3 days after OHE, pain score was higher than on days 7-14 of the experimental period; percentage of neutrophil, 3 h after starting OHE, was higher than during pre-operative and on days 3-14 of the experimental period; percentage of lymphocyte on days 10-14 was lower than during pre-operative, 3 h after starting OHE, and on days 3-7 of the experimental period; neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, 3 h after starting OHE, was higher than during pre-operative and on days 3-14 of the experimental period; plasma malondialdehyde on day 3 was higher than during pre-operative, 3 h after starting OHE, and on days 3-14 of the experimental period; and total antioxidant power on day 14 was higher than during pre-operative, 3 h after starting OHE, and on days 3-10 of the experimental period, respectively.

Conclusion: This experiment indicated that OHE caused pain stress, oxidative stress, and reduction of total antioxidant power in female dogs. Finally, female dogs needed antioxidant for 7 days after OHE.

Keywords: female dog, ovariohysterectomy, oxidative stress, pain stress, total antioxidant power.

Effects of sublethal and realistic concentrations of the commercial herbicide atrazine in Pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus): Long-term exposure and recovery assays

Research (Published online: 23-01-2020)

22. Effects of sublethal and realistic concentrations of the commercial herbicide atrazine in Pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus): Long-term exposure and recovery assays

Mariana Cruz Delcorso, Paula Pereira de Paiva, Marcela Regina Paganuchi Grigoleto, Sônia C. N. Queiroz, Carla Beatriz Collares-Buzato and Sarah Arana

Veterinary World, 13(1): 147-159

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The commercial formulations of the herbicide atrazine (cATZ) are widely employed in Brazilian agriculture, and, as a consequence, ATZ has been found at levels above that established by law in the river basins in Brazil. Although the toxicity of ATZ in fish is well documented, there are few studies on the recovery capacity after cATZ exposure. This work aimed to evaluate, using several biomarkers, the toxic effects of long-term exposure to the sublethal (3.57 mg/L) and nonlethal realistic (3.00 μg/L) cATZ concentrations followed by a recovery assay, in fingerlings of a Brazilian teleost, the Piaractus mesopotamicus (pacu).

Materials and Methods: Pacu fingerlings were housed in glass tanks and divided into the following experimental groups (two tanks/group): Exposure control = EC, recovery control = RC, the sublethal groups exposed to 3.57 mg/L of cATZ, (sublethal exposure group = SLE and sublethal recovery group = SLR) and the nonlethal groups treated with 3.00 μg/L of cATZ (nonlethal exposure group = NLE and nonlethal recovery group = NLR). The exposure assay was semi-static with a duration of 30 days and the recovery assay (after cATZ withdrawal) lasted 14 days. Several biomarkers were evaluated in fingerlings from all groups: The swimming behavior, the body weight gain, the micronucleus formation and nuclear alterations in erythrocytes, and the hepatic and renal histopathology analyzed by qualitative and semi-quantitative morphological methods (using light and electron microscopy).

Results: No significant difference in weight gain was observed among the groups after the exposure and recovery assays. The sublethal exposure induced impaired swimming movements, significant histopathological alterations, including necrosis in the liver and kidney, and a significant increase in the frequency of micronuclei in erythrocytes. The nonlethal exposure induced only subtle histopathological changes in the liver and kidney. After recovery assay, no genotoxic alteration was noted in pacu exposed to sublethal concentration, while the cATZ-induced kidney damage was partially reversed but not the hepatic injury.

Conclusion: cATZ exhibits long-term toxic effects on pacu, even at relatively low concentrations, affecting mainly the liver and the kidney, and the effects of sublethal concentration are only partially reversed after cATZ withdrawal.

Keywords: Brazilian ichthyofauna, genotoxicity, histopathology, liver and kidney lesions, recovery assay, ultrastructure.

A simple and efficient purification method of native immunoreactive antigen for diagnosis of camel hydatidosis

Research (Published online: 23-01-2020)

21. A simple and efficient purification method of native immunoreactive antigen for diagnosis of camel hydatidosis

Nagwa I. Toaleb, Mohamed S. Helmy, Eman E. El Shanawany and Eman H. Abdel-Rahman

Veterinary World, 13(1): 141-146

ABSTRACT

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE), a zoonotic disease that affects animal and human health, is of increasing economic importance due to high morbidity rates and high economic losses in the livestock industry.

Aim: The present study was conducted to purify the antigen from hydatid cyst fluid (HCF) with high diagnostic efficacy of camel hydatidosis using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Materials and Methods: The HCF antigen was purified using Sephacryl S-300 column chromatography. Characterization of fractions was performed using reducing and non-reducing sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot analysis. Further, antibodies against Echinococcus granulosus cysts in camel serum were detected using indirect ELISA.

Results: The purification process resulted in three fractions of antigens: FI, FII, and FIII. Indirect ELISA showed that higher diagnostic efficacy was observed in FI than in FII and FIII. Indirect ELISA, in which FI was utilized, showed 88% sensitivity and 91.7% specificity. Non-reducing SDS-PAGE showed that FI had two bands of molecular weights 120 and 60 kDa. Western blot analysis of FI demonstrated that 60, 38, and 22 kDa were antigenic bands when reacted with naturally infected camel sera with E. granulosus cysts. Using indirect ELISA, F1 recorded an infection percentage of 81.7% in randomly collected camel serum samples.

Conclusion: FI is a promising antigen for accurate diagnosis of camel CE using indirect ELISA.

Keywords: camel hydatidosis, cystic echinococcosis, Echinococcus granulosus, gel filtration chromatography, hydatid cyst fluid, indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Western blot.

Prevalence of Salmonella spp. in red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) from Grenada, West Indies

Research (Published online: 22-01-2020)

3. Prevalence of Salmonella spp. in red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) from Grenada, West Indies

Ravindra Nath Sharma, Vanessa Matthew-Belmar, Roxane Nicholas-Thomas, Gitanjali Arya, Bob Holtslander, Harry Hariharan and Victor A. Amadi

International Journal of One Health, 6(1): 12-16

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: There is currently no published information on the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in pet red-footed tortoises in Grenada. Monitoring is essential to understand the dynamics of the epidemiology of Salmonella. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Salmonella spp. from pet red-footed tortoises from Grenada and to test for antimicrobial drug resistance of the isolates.

Materials and Methods: Established bacterial culture, serotyping, and antimicrobial susceptibility methods were used. Fecal samples were obtained from 114 tortoises from five parishes of Grenada, and cultured for Salmonella using enrichment and selective culture techniques. The serotyping of isolated Salmonella was performed at the Office International des Epizooties Salmonella Reference Laboratory, Guelph, Ontario, Canada. The isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility in the Microbiology Laboratory of the School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, Grenada.

Results: Fifteen tortoises (13.2%) out of 114 were positive for Salmonella spp. Five serovars were identified: Salmonella Javiana (6.3%), Salmonella Rubislaw (6.3%), Salmonella Saintpaul (18.75%), Salmonella Glostrup (6.3%), and S. I: Rough.O;e,h:1,2 (62.5%). All isolates were sensitive to the 12 antimicrobial drugs.

Conclusion: Three serovars (S. Javiana, S. Saintpaul, and S. Rubislaw) are known pathogens causing disease in humans. Since tortoises included in the study were pets, the tortoises may be a possible source of transmission of Salmonella to their owners. The tortoise owners should be educated on the importance of hygienic raising of their pets. This is the first report of isolation of Salmonella spp. from pet red-footed tortoises in Grenada.

Keywords: antimicrobial susceptibility, Grenada, red-footed tortoises, Salmonella spp.

Determination of gentamicin use in poultry farms in Enugu state, Nigeria, and detection of its residue in slaughter commercial broilers

Research (Published online: 20-01-2020)

2. Determination of gentamicin use in poultry farms in Enugu state, Nigeria, and detection of its residue in slaughter commercial broilers

Chika ThankGod Onyeanu, Ekene Vivienne Ezenduka and Aruh Ottah Anaga

International Journal of One Health, 6(1): 6-11

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Gentamicin is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial used in the treatment of a variety of bacterial infections in poultry, its residue in tissues is known to have a deleterious effect in man when consumed. The study aimed to determine the use of gentamicin by poultry farmers and the presence and occurrence of gentamicin residue in tissues of commercial broilers in Ikpa slaughterhouse Nsukka.

Materials and Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional survey using questionnaire and immunological screening. A total of 108 broilers were sampled, testing 108 each of muscle, liver, and kidney tissues for gentamicin residue using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: The questionnaire survey revealed that in the management practices, 55.2% of the farms used intensive deep litter, 21% intensive battery cage, and 23.6% extensive farming system. Twenty-seven (71%) farms reared only broilers, 10.5% layers, and 18.4% both. The feeding management showed that 21.1% of farmers produced their own feed (medicated) while 78.8% used commercial feed, of which 11.5% incorporated antibiotics. Hundred (100%) of the respondents used gentamicin and only 47.3% were aware of the consequences of antimicrobial residue in foods of animal origin, with knowledge of the legislation on the prudent use of antimicrobials in food animals. The occurrence of gentamicin residue in surveyed birds was 65% with tissue distribution as follows: Muscle (44.4%), liver (51.9%), and kidney (59.3%).

Conclusion: Poultry farms in the study area make constant use of gentamicin without observing its withdrawal period before sale, and a high percentage of the commercial birds meant for human consumption contains gentamicin residue. Therefore, consumers might be at risk of consuming gentamicin as a parent drug or its metabolites in commercial poultry.

Keywords: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, farm management, gentamicin, poultry, residue.