Opportunistic parasitic infections in patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: A review

Review (Published online: 17-04-2020)

15. Opportunistic parasitic infections in patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: A review

D. A. Laksemi, L. T. Suwanti, M. Mufasirin, K. Suastika and M. Sudarmaja

Veterinary World, 13(4): 716-725

ABSTRACT

The number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases increases annually, and Indonesia has become the country with the fastest HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic spread among the five Southeast Asian countries. Indonesia entered the critical phase of HIV/AIDS infections after 5 out of the 33 provinces, namely, Papua, Jakarta, Bali, West Java, and East Java, reported HIV/AIDS epidemic since 2004. In AIDS pathophysiology and immune-suppression are severe, thus, opportunistic intestinal parasitic infections that cause diarrhea in HIV infection may be fatal. Several studies have suggested that Cryptosporidium parvum, Isospora belli, and Blastocystis hominis are the most common intestinal protozoan parasites categorized as AIDS associated illness. Diarrhea caused by parasites is considerably suspected in the cases of chronic and persistent diarrhea in adults, in an era of increasing HIV/AIDS cases nowadays. The present review highlights the current advances in etiologic agents of HIV/AIDS opportunistic infections among countries, epidemiology and prevalence, lifecycle, risk factors, examination methods, and treatment.

Keywords: epidemic, immune suppression, opportunistic infection, protozoa.

Carcass and meat characteristics of male Kacang goat fattened by complete silage

Research (Published online: 17-04-2020)

14. Carcass and meat characteristics of male Kacang goat fattened by complete silage

Paulus Klau Tahuk and Gerson F. Bira

Veterinary World, 13(4): 706-715

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the carcass and meat characteristics of male Kacang goat fattened by complete silage made from natural grass, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench and Pennisetum purpuphoides.

Materials and Methods: This study examined 12 young male Kacang goats aged 10-12 months with an initial body weight of 10-12 kg. The livestock was divided into three groups randomly to receive feed treatments. The three treatments of this study included T1: Complete silage made from natural grass; T2: Complete silage made from S. bicolor (L.) Moench, and T3: Complete silage made from P. purpuphoides. Data were analyzed according to the analysis of variance procedure.

Results: The carcass percentage of livestock T2 and T3 treatment was relatively similar but higher (p<0.05) than the T1 group. The non-carcass percentage of T2 and T3 was relatively the same but lower than T1. The water content of T1 treatment was higher (p<0.05) than T3, but relatively the same as T2 treatment. The collagen content of T2 and T3 was relatively the same but lower (p<0.05) than T1; likewise, the cholesterol of T2 and T3 treatments was relatively similar but higher than T1 treatment. The variables of slaughter and carcass weight, and non-carcass weight, meat protein content, acidity, cooking losses, water holding capacity, and tenderness were not significantly different between groups of animals.

Conclusion: The use of S. bicolor (L.) Moench and P. purpuphoides as a basic forage in making complete silage has been shown to increase carcass percentage, the content (%) of fat, collagen, and cholesterol. Otherwise, the treatments have no effect on the content of pH, tenderness (kg/cm2), cooking loss (%), and water holding capacity (%) of male Kacang goat fattened. Therefore, S. bicolor (L.) Moench and P. purpuphoides plants have great potential to be developed by farmers/ ranchers as feed for goats.

Keywords: carcass characteristics, chemical and physical quality of meat, complete silage, fattening, male Kacang goat.

Effect of cocoa powder on hypertension and antioxidant status in uninephrectomized hypertensive rats

Research (Published online: 16-04-2020)

13. Effect of cocoa powder on hypertension and antioxidant status in uninephrectomized hypertensive rats

Olayinka Christianah Jayeola, Ademola Adetokunbo Oyagbemi, Omolara Ibiwunmi Okunlola, Olayiwola Olubamiwa, Temidayo Olutayo Omobowale, Temitayo Olabisi Ajibade, Foluso Bolawaye Bolaji-Alabi, Blessing Seun Ogunpolu, Olufunke Olubunmi Falayi, Adebowale Benard Saba, Adeolu Alex Adedapo, Momoh Audu Yakubu, Afolabi Oluwadun and Oluwafemi Omoniyi Oguntibeju

Veterinary World, 13(4): 695-705

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: High salt diet and uninephrectomy are associated with high blood pressure with attendant cardiovascular disease conditions such as hypertension, renal damage, myocardial infarction, and stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of consumption of cocoa and cocoa-containing products in the management of high blood pressure in uninephrectomized hypertensive rats.

Materials and Methods: The effect of cocoa powder on blood pressure, markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and histopathology were investigated in uninephrectomized animals fed with cocoa feed alone or in combination with a high salt diet. Male rats were randomly divided into five groups: Group A was the control group and fed with normal feed alone, Group B was fed with cocoa feed alone, Group C was fed with high salt diet (8% salt), Group D was fed with cocoa-feed compounded with 8% salt for 4 weeks after uninephrectomy, and Group E was uninephrectomized rats on a normal diet. The left kidneys of animals in Groups C, D, and E were removed by surgery. After 4 weeks of treatment, the systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure was measured. The serum markers of renal damage and oxidative stress were determined. Histological examination was also performed on renal and cardiac tissues.

Results: Results showed significant increases in biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and renal damage with a concomitant decrease in antioxidant status in hypertensive uninephrectomized rats. Cocoa feed, however, significantly improved blood pressure and nitric oxide bioavailability, antioxidant status and reduced markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Conclusion: These findings show that cocoa powder could be used to maintain blood pressure levels in hypertensive rats through its antioxidant capacity.

Keywords: antioxidant therapy, cocoa powder, high salt diet, hypertension, oxidative stress.

Prevalence and risk factors of trematode infection in swamp buffaloes reared under different agro-climatic conditions in Java Island of Indonesia

Research (Published online: 15-04-2020)

12. Prevalence and risk factors of trematode infection in swamp buffaloes reared under different agro-climatic conditions in Java Island of Indonesia

Nanis Nurhidayah, Fadjar Satrija, Elok Budi Retnani, Dewi Apri Astuti and Sri Murtini

Veterinary World, 13(4): 687-694

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and intensity and to identify the associated risk factors and impact of trematode infection in swamp buffaloes reared under different agro-climatic conditions in Java, Indonesia.

Materials and Methods: A total of 580 fecal samples were collected from swamp buffaloes in five different agro-climatic areas in Banten and Central Java Provinces, Indonesia. The fecal samples were examined using the Danish Bilharziasis Laboratory Technique to determine the prevalence and intensity of trematode infection. The risk factors for infection were determined from an in-depth interview of owners/keepers, and the results were analyzed using Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression. The infection was also correlated with swamp buffalo production parameters (body weight and body condition score [BCS]).

Results: From all fecal samples, the overall prevalence of trematode infection was 64.83%, which comprised Fasciola spp. (16.03%; mean eggs per gram [EPG]±SD: 1.02±0.43) and Paramphistomatidae (62.93%; mean EPG±SD: 1.01±0.66). The main risk factor for trematode infection was feeding animals with rice straw (odds ratio [OR]: 40.124); the risk of trematode infection was 40.142 times higher in buffaloes that consumed rice straw. Other risk factors included the frequency of anthelmintic treatment (OR: 4.666), age (OR: 0.449), and drinking water source (OR: 0.358). Trematode infection did not significantly affect the body weight or BCS of swamp buffaloes.

Conclusion: Although the prevalence of trematode infection was high in swamp buffaloes, the intensity of infection was low, and the infection did not affect the animals' physical parameters.

Keywords: epidemiology, Indonesia, swamp buffalo, trematodes.

Age-related functional changes of total thyroid hormones and glycosaminoglycans in growing calves

Research (Published online: 14-04-2020)

11. Age-related functional changes of total thyroid hormones and glycosaminoglycans in growing calves

Pietro Medica, Cristina Cravana, Alida Maria Ferlazzo and Esterina Fazio

Veterinary World, 13(4): 681-686

Background and Aim: During the physiological growing, thyroid and proteoglycan glycosaminoglycan (GAG) changes dynamically occur, according to genetic and non-genetic factors. The purpose of this research was to compare the effects of early postnatal development (10 days) until 210 days of life on the triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), the relative T4:T3 ratio, and GAGs profile, and to define the different reference intervals of the calf's development through the various growing phases.

Materials and Methods: The effect of growing on total thyroid hormones and GAG profiles was studied from 10 days to 210 days of age in 64 clinically healthy Brown calves, 30 males and 34 females. Blood samples were collected at 10, 20, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, and 210 days of age.

Results: The results showed a significant effect of a calf's growth on T3, T4, and GAG values (p<0.0001). Significant correlations between T3 and T4 were observed. Compared to the previous time point, T3 showed a significant decrease at 20 days and at 60 days (p<0.01), while a significant increase was observed at 90 days and 210 days (p<0.05); T4 showed a significant decrease at 20 days (p<0.01), while significant increases were observed at both 180 days and 210 days (p<0.05); GAGs showed a significant increase at 120 days and 210 days (p<0.05). Positive and significant correlations between BW and GAGs in both males (p<0.0057) and females (p<0.0059) were observed.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that the highest T3 and T4 concentrations have been associated with the early growing process (10 days), with an increasing trend also at 210 days, it is possible to hypothesize a probable metabolic effect of thyroid function in anabolic and/or catabolic directions during the calves' development. Likewise, it can be reasonably inferred that the highest plasma GAGs at 210 days may be due to their metabolic role during the development of growing calves. Taken together, these findings suggest the potential and relative contribution made by thyroid and GAGs effects on the dynamics of growing calves.

Keywords: calves, glycosaminoglycans, growth, thyroxine, triiodothyronine.

Evaluation of phytochemical and superoxide dismutase activities of Enhalus acoroides (L.f.) Royle from coastal waters of North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 13-04-2020)

10. Evaluation of phytochemical and superoxide dismutase activities of Enhalus acoroides (L.f.) Royle from coastal waters of North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Febry S. I. Menajang, Mohammad Mahmudi, Uun Yanuhar and Endang Yuli Herawati

Veterinary World, 13(4): 676-680

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Seagrasses are an excellent and potential bioresource to discover new natural bioactive compounds such as antioxidants that have beneficial effects on health. Natural antioxidants have many functions in biological systems, primarily for defense against oxidation which produces free radicals in food, chemicals, and living systems. This study aimed to discover new natural antioxidant agents, Enhalus acoroides (L.f.) Royle was evaluated for phytochemical constituents and the antioxidant activity against superoxide dismutase (SOD) was assessed.

Materials and Methods: Sample specimens of E. acoroides (L.f.) Royle collected from two different areas, Manembo- Nembo, Bitung (SG-A) and Bahoi, Likupang Barat (SG-B) waters, were extracted with methanol and solutions were prepared in a concentration series.

Results: Extracts of the seagrass E. acoroides (L.f.) Royle cultivated in different areas have different phytochemical constituents and SOD activities. The secondary metabolites of phenols, flavonoids, and steroids contained in the ethyl acetic extracts of E. acoroides were linearly correlated with their antioxidant activity, which exhibited an IC50 of 7 ppm.

Conclusion: E. acoroides (L.f.) Royle samples cultivated in the two areas contained different phytochemical constituent profiles, indicating an effect of environmental factors, and both can be used as potential natural sources of antioxidant compounds.

Keywords: Enhalus acoroides (L.f.) Royle, phytochemical, superoxide dismutase.

Potential antimicrobial effect of plant essential oils and virulence genes expression in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates

Research (Published online: 13-04-2020)

9. Potential antimicrobial effect of plant essential oils and virulence genes expression in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates

Mohammad H. Gharaibeh, Mohammad S. Khalifeh, Esam M. Zattout and Luay F. Abu-Qatouseh

Veterinary World, 13(4): 669-675

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial efficacy of eight commercially available essential oil (EO) blends and characterize the effect on the expression of some virulence genes against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Materials and Methods: In vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial effects of oils against MRSA was performed using the disk diffusion method and by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The EOs (A-F) were contained (β-pinene, carvacrol, carvone, dimethyl trisulfide, linalool, limonene, menthol, monoterpene hydrocarbons, and thymol) in different amounts. In addition, a real-time polymerase chain reaction was also used to determine the gene expression of the virulence genes (intercellular adhesion cluster [ica]-9, ica-15, and RNA III) against MRSA (ATCC 43300) after treatment with selected oils.

Results: Among the eight EOs evaluated, EO (D), (E), and (A) showed, in general, the greatest antimicrobial activity against MRSA. EO at 1/3 MIC has effectively down-regulated ica-9 and ica-15 of MRSA by 17.83 and 4.94 folds, respectively. Meanwhile, EO (A) has effectively down-regulated RNAIII by 3.74 folds. Our results indicated that some of the EOs exhibit promising antimicrobial effects against MRSA isolates. Moreover, the results of the analyzed virulence genes related to the pathogenicity of MRSA were down-regulated at the sub-MIC concentrations of EOs, indicated that EOs could be successfully used to suppress the virulence factors and, consequently, decreased the pathogenicity of MRSA.

Conclusion: These encouraging results indicate that some of the EOs used in this study can be utilized as a natural antibiotic for the treatment of MRSA disease.

Keywords: accessory gene regulator locus, antibacterial activity, essential oils, intercellular adhesion cluster, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, minimum inhibitory concentration, virulence factors.