Diagnostic evaluation of a point-of-care test for culture and microbial susceptibility testing in canine dermatological infections in clinical practice

Research (Published online: 20-03-2020)

19. Diagnostic evaluation of a point-of-care test for culture and microbial susceptibility testing in canine dermatological infections in clinical practice

Roberta Perego, Eva Spada, Piera Anna Martino and Daniela Proverbio

Veterinary World, 13(3): 521-529

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Empirical antimicrobial therapy is frequently given in superficial bacterial folliculitis (SBF) and otitis externa (OE) in dogs, especially for the initial clinical presentation. Culture and subsequent antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) are generally limited to chronic cases with poor response to initial therapy. Several factors contribute to the failure to implement the use of AST in veterinary practice, i.e., long laboratory turnaround time or special requirements for sample shipping. Point-of-care (PoC) testing might reduce laboratory turnaround time and costs and the risk of emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens. This study evaluated the Speed Biogram™ PoC test in canine SBF and OE compared with conventional methods for culture and AST.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-four canine samples were analyzed: eleven from SBF, seven from bacterial OE, four from mixed OE, six from Malassezia spp. OE, and six negative controls. Sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the PoC test and the agreement between the PoC test and conventional methods were evaluated.

Results: Se and Sp of PoC test in discriminating between healthy and unhealthy subjects were 100% (95% confidence interval [CI] 87.66-100.00) and 100% (95% CI 54.1-100.0), respectively. For bacterial identification, the k value was 0.532. Se and Sp of PoC tests for AST were 81.73% (95% CI 72.95-88.63) and 93.10% (95% CI 88.86-96.98), respectively with a total good agreement between tests (mean k=0.714), but major (8/27) and very major (19/27) errors were observed in 55% of bacterial conventional culture-positive samples.

Conclusion: PoC test can identify dogs with SBF and OE, but AST is not sufficiently accurate. The lack of susceptibility testing for methicillin makes this test inappropriate for use in small animal practice.

Keywords: antimicrobial susceptibility test, dog, otitis externa, point-of-care test, superficial bacterial folliculitis.

Acute and subacute toxicity tests of goat bile in BALB/c mice

Research (Published online: 20-03-2020)

18. Acute and subacute toxicity tests of goat bile in BALB/c mice

Heny Arwati, Windya T. Hapsari, Kartika A. Wardhani, Kholida N. Aini, Ramadhani R. Bahalwan, Puspa Wardhani and Willy Sandhika

Veterinary World, 13(3): 515-520

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the toxicity of goat bile in BALB/c mice since some Indonesian people consume raw goat gallbladder to treat malaria and increase stamina.

Materials and Methods: Acute toxicity test was done in six groups of BALB/c mice using 100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, and 6.75% of goat bile and negative control. The death of mice was observed within 14 days. In the subacute toxicity test, the body weight and hematology parameters on day 0 and day 4 post-treatment were evaluated. The mice were closely observed for 28 days before plasma collection for the blood biochemistry evaluation.

Results: Mild diarrhea was observed in acute and subacute toxicity tests. No death of mice was observed in acute test. Goat bile did not inhibit the increase of the body weight of mice. A slight reduction in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in mice treated with 25% and 50% goat bile, however, remained normal in mice treated with 100% goat bile. The red and white blood cell count were not affected. Liver and kidney functions were not affected by goat bile treatment as revealed by the plasma level of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine, which remained in the normal range.

Conclusion: Goat bile treatment in BALB/c mice caused mild toxicity in mice. Hydrophobic bile acids may cause the toxicity of goat bile in mice; therefore, it is recommended that goat bile consumption not to be taken oftenly to avoid its harmful effect.

Keywords: BALB/c mice, goat bile, Indonesia, toxicity.

Antibacterial and cytotoxic activity assessment of Channa striatus (Haruan) extract

Research (Published online: 19-03-2020)

17. Antibacterial and cytotoxic activity assessment of Channa striatus (Haruan) extract

Nur Zulaikha Mat Zawawi, Rumaizi Shaari, Muhammad Luqman Nordin, Ruhil Hayati Hamdan, Tan Li Peng and C. W. Salma C. W. Zalati

Veterinary World, 13(3): 508-514

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Channa striatus extract, a freshwater snakehead fish known as Haruan, is popular in Southeast Asia for consumption and as a traditional therapeutic remedy for wound healing. C. striatus is also used in osteoarthritic for its anti-inflammatory. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of antibacterial properties of C. striatus extract against oral bacteria and to investigate the cytotoxic activity against Vero cells.

Materials and Methods: The authors prepared C. striatus extract in chloroform-methanol solvents. Next, the authors took subgingival microbiological samples from 16 cats that had periodontal disease. The authors determined the antibacterial properties of C. striatus extract against the isolated bacteria using the disk diffusion method and a broth microdilution-based resazurin microtiter assay. Finally, the authors used the Vero cell line to evaluate the cytotoxic activity, and they assessed the cell availability using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.

Results: The results showed weak antibacterial activity of C. striatus extract against Pseudomonas spp. and Escherichia coli. In addition, the authors found that minimum inhibition concentration values ranged between 400 and 500 mg/mL, and minimum bactericidal concentration values ranged between 650 and 550 mg/mL. However, the cytotoxic results were promising, showing that C. striatus extract increased the cell viability and growth when it was at a higher concentration. The extract also promotes growth and cell proliferation.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that C. striatus extract promoted cell proliferation in vitro and could be a plausible therapeutic wound healing alternative for periodontal disease in cats.

Keywords: antibacterial properties, Channa striatus, feline periodontitis, periodopathogen.

Prescription of antibiotics as a source of emerging antibiotic resistance: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of medical staff in the Dassa-Glazoué and Savalou-Bantè's health zones (Benin, West Africa)

Research (Published online: 18-03-2020)

7. Prescription of antibiotics as a source of emerging antibiotic resistance: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of medical staff in the Dassa-Glazoué and Savalou-Bantè's health zones (Benin, West Africa)

Victorien Dougnon, Yossounon Chabi, Hornel Koudokpon, Jerrold Agbankpe, Richard Sefounon, Didier Alle, Honoré Bankole and Lamine Baba-Moussa

International Journal of One Health, 6(1): 34-40

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Antibiotics have been some great effective molecules against infections since their discovery. The excessive use and misuse of antibiotics have resulted in a selection of antibiotic-resistant strains. Among the reasons involved, the prescription of antibiotics can be important. The present study aimed to contribute to the reduction of antibiotic resistance due to the misuse of antibiotics.

Materials and Methods: A knowledge, attitude, and practice survey of health professionals from Savalou-Bante (230) and Dassa-Glazoué (100) health zones was performed about the prescription of antibiotics.

Results: About 53% of respondents in the health zone of Savalou-Bantè were assistant nursing and only 3% of them were specialized physicians. The other respondents were physicians (3%), midwives (10%), and nurses (31%). Forty-five percent of the respondents were nurses and only 5% of them were specialized physicians in Savalou-Bantè. However, all these health professionals prescribe antibiotics. The first-line antibiotics prescribed were penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, aminoglycosides, and quinolones. These health professionals usually have no knowledge of the mechanism of action of these antibiotics. The antibiotics prescribed mostly were for ear, nose, and throat and upper respiratory infections (80% in Dassa-Glazoué and 79% in Savalou-Bantè). The most commonly used dosage form was tablets (58%) in the health zone of Savalou-Bantè and the injectable form in the sanitary zone of Dassa-Glazouè.

Conclusion: It is important to implement a policy of rational use of antibiotics to reduce the excessive and misuse of antibiotics and prevent antibiotic resistance.

Keywords: antibiotics, health professionals, knowledge, prescription.

Variability of serum reproductive hormones in cows presenting various reproductive conditions in semi-arid areas of the North West Province, South Africa

Research (Published online: 17-03-2020)

16. Variability of serum reproductive hormones in cows presenting various reproductive conditions in semi-arid areas of the North West Province, South Africa

K. Molefe and M. Mwanza

Veterinary World, 13(3): 502-507

Background and Aim: Hormones play a significant role in supporting reproductive processes. Predisposition to metabolic disorders may result from biological alterations in the neurohormonal system, thus leading to impaired immune function and poor reproductive performance. The aim of this study was to determine the reproductive hormonal profile in cows with reproductive conditions in semi-arid areas of the North West Province, South Africa, to establish possible correlations between different conditions and the hormonal profile.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from cows in different communal areas of Mafikeng. Convenience sampling was used to collect samples for the study. Blood samples were collected cows experiencing dystocia (n=50), retained placenta (n=13), downer cow syndrome (n=34), vaginal prolapse (n=16), and abortions (n=69), following cases reported at the Animal Health Hospital of the North-West University, Mafikeng Campus. Descriptive statistics, such as mean and standard deviations, were used to describe the distribution of hormone levels across reproductive conditions. p-value less than the significance level was set at 5% (p<0.05).

Results: Data obtained revealed significantly higher estradiol in abortion (1122.99±71.99 pg/ml), downer cow syndrome (781.32±135.7 pg/ml), and dystocia (862.09±123.44 pg/ml). Oxytocin (OT) differed significantly in cows with dystocia (370.50±71.66 pg/ml) and abortion (574.73±60.65 pg/ml). Significantly low progesterone (Pg) was observed in abortion (2.45±1.509 ng/ml) and dystocia (8.59±0.402 ng/ml) while increased prostaglandin alpha was observed in cows with vaginal prolapse and abortion.

Conclusion: The findings highlight an increase in serum estradiol and OT in aborting cows. Low Pg and estradiol in cows with vaginal prolapses and retained placenta were noted. An association was seen between downer cow syndrome and high concentrations of estradiol and Pg. Prostaglandin alpha may increase in cases of vaginal prolapse and abortion. Hormonal alterations were observed and may contribute to the incidences of different reproductive conditions.

Keywords: cows, hormones, reproductive conditions.

Molecular and cellular evidence of natural Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus infection in frugivorous bats in Colombia

Research (Published online: 16-03-2020)

15. Molecular and cellular evidence of natural Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus infection in frugivorous bats in Colombia

Camilo Guzmán, Alfonso Calderón, Teresa Oviedo, Salim Mattar, José Castañeda, Virginia Rodriguez and Luiz Tadeu Moraes Figueiredo

Veterinary World, 13(3): 495-501

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an alphavirus that causes encephalitis with a high impact on public health in Latin America. However, only in Guatemala, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mexico have found antibodies in VEEV in bats, using immunohistochemistry, the sensitivity and specificity are improved; thus, it is better for demonstrating natural infection in bats as potential hosts. This study aimed to determine the presence of VEEV in tissues of frugivorous bats.

Materials and Methods: A prospective descriptive cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sampling was carried out in 12 localities of Córdoba and Sucre area of the Colombian Caribbean. Two hundred and eighty-six bats were captured using fog nets, and the specimens according to taxonomic keys were classified. According to the Ethics Committee of the University of Córdoba, the bats were treated with analgesics and anesthetics. Blood samples were taken and then euthanized to obtain tissues and organs which were preserved in liquid N2 at –196°C. A portion of each organ was fixed in 10% buffered formalin for the detection of antigens by immunohistochemistry. Several pathological anatomy analyses were performed to determine the histological characteristics of tissue lesions of frugivorous bats naturally infected with the VEEV.

Results: Of the 286 bats captured, 23 species were identified. In samples of the brain, spleen, and lung of two frugivorous bats (2/286=0.70%) Artibeus planirostris and Sturnira lilium, the presence of VEEV was confirmed by immunohistochemistry.

Conclusion: A fragment of the nsP4 non-structural protein gene corresponding to the alphavirus was amplified. Two samples were positive (2/286=0.70%) in frugivorous bats; A. planirostris (code GenBank: MG820274) and S. lilium (code GenBank: MG820275). The present study showed the first molecular evidence and cellular evidence (histopathology and immunohistochemistry) of natural VEEV infection in frugivorous bats in Colombia; these bats could be a host of this zoonosis.

Keywords: Alphavirus infections, Chiroptera, pathology.

Effect of supplementation with rumen-protected choline and green tea extract on production performance of transition Karan Fries cows

Research (Published online: 14-03-2020)

14. Effect of supplementation with rumen-protected choline and green tea extract on production performance of transition Karan Fries cows

Parag Acharya, S. S. Lathwal, Pawan Singh, Neela Madhav Patnaik and Baisakhi Moharana

Veterinary World, 13(3): 489-494

ABSTRACT

Aim: The main objective of this study was to estimate the effect of supplementation of rumen-protected choline (RPC) and green tea extract (GTE) on production parameters in transition Karan Fries (KF) cows.

Materials and Methods: The present experiment was carried out on 32 pregnant KF cows. In the control group, cows were fed basal diet. In T1, each cow was fed RPC (55 g/day), in T2 – GTE (3 g/d), and in T3 – RPC + GTE (55+3) g/day along with basal diet. The duration of the experiment was 30 days before calving to 60 days after parturition.

Results: Feeding of both RPC and GTE significantly increased milk yield (p≤0.01), 4% fat corrected milk yield (p≤0.01), milk fat (p≤0.01), and total solid content (p≤0.05) than control. There was no significant difference (p≥0.05) in milk protein, lactose, and solids not fat ( SNF) content among the groups.

Conclusion: Supplementing RPC and GTE in combination improved milk yield and fat content of the milk without altering protein, lactose content of the milk in transition KF cows.

Keywords: green tea extract, milk fat, milk yield, production, rumen-protected choline, transition Karan Fries cows.