Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of fowl adenovirus serotype-4 from Guangdong Province, China

Research (Published online: 24-05-2020)

22. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of fowl adenovirus serotype-4 from Guangdong Province, China

Fu Yuming, Yuan Sheng, Deng Wenyu, Chi Shihong, Li Wenfeng, Huang Wenjing, Li Xiaowen, Saeed El-Ashram, Kun Mei, Guo Jinyue, Zhang Xuelian, Li Zhili and Huang Shujian

Veterinary World, 13(5): 981-986

ABSTRACT

Aim: Our aim in this study was to isolate potentially novel strains of fowl adenovirus serotype-4 (FAdV-4) that is currently circulating in broiler chicken flocks in Guangdong Province, China, and to compare nucleotide and amino acid (AA) sequences of their respective hexon genes.

Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out on poultry farms experiencing outbreaks of FAdV-4-associated hydropericardium syndrome (HPS). Tissue samples from the hearts and livers of deceased chickens were screened for FAdV-4 infection using hexon gene-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: New virus isolates were used to infect 7-day-old chicks, which went onto reproduce typical HPS signs. The hypervariable region of the FAdV-4 hexon gene was PCR-amplified and sequenced. The hexon nucleotide and deduced AA sequence identities were 99.8-99.9% and 99.5-99.8%, respectively, among the four novel isolates. In addition, the new isolates were 97-100% and 96.4-99.9% identical to the nucleotide and deduced AA sequences, respectively, of FAdV-4 hexon genes available in the National Center for Biotechnology Information GenBank database. Phylogenetic analyses, based on the hexon gene sequence, revealed that the new isolates, clustered with FAdV-C; the FAdV-A, FAdV-B, FAdV-D, and FAdV-E viruses, were more distantly related.

Conclusion: New FAdV-4 isolates from Guangdong Province are similar to those identified in other regions of the world. This information provides critical insight into HPS epidemiology and provides a perspective for monitoring outbreaks and developing strategies for disease prevention.

Keywords: Angara disease, fowl adenovirus-4, phylogenetic analysis.

Genetic characterization and risk factors for feline hemoplasma infection in semi-domesticated cats in Bangkok, Thailand

Research (Published online: 23-05-2020)

21. Genetic characterization and risk factors for feline hemoplasma infection in semi-domesticated cats in Bangkok, Thailand

Thom Do, Ketsarin Kamyingkird, Linh Khanh Bui and Tawin Inpankaew

Veterinary World, 13(5): 975-980

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Stray cats are a reservoir for various zoonotic diseases relevant to public health in Thailand. The vector-borne infection, hemoplasmosis, also known as infectious anemia, is one such disease carried by domestic and wild felids. This study focuses on molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of hemoplasma in semi-domesticated cats in Bangkok, Thailand.

Materials and Methods: In total, 473 blood samples were collected from 53 temple communities in 34 metropolitan districts and assayed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify partial 16S rRNA genes for hemoplasma detection. Risk factors for hemoplasma infection (gender, age, free-roaming, and ectoparasite exposure) were analyzed using Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using R software (version 3.6.1). A phylogenetic tree was established from genetic characterization of hemoplasmas.

Results: In total, 180 samples (38.05%) were positive for hemoplasma. Of half of the positive sequenced samples, 83.33% were infected with Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm), 13.33% with Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), and 3.33% with Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (CMt). Cats over 5 years old were more likely to be infected than younger cats (p<0.005, OR=3.8, 95% CI=1.64-4.78). Cats were diagnosed as positive based on PCR assays in 97% (33/34) of districts surveyed. The phylogenetic tree showed two majority clusters with three clades of feline hemotropic mycoplasma.

Conclusion: Overall, the survey shows the prevalence (38.05%) and distribution of feline hemoplasma in semi-domesticated cats. This information will contribute to effective prevention and control strategies to minimize infections by feline vector-borne pathogens in Thailand.

Keywords: hemoplasma, semi-domesticated cat, Thailand, vector-borne diseases.

Histopathological study and intestinal mucous cell responses against Aeromonas hydrophila in Nile tilapia administered with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG

Research (Published online: 22-05-2020)

20. Histopathological study and intestinal mucous cell responses against Aeromonas hydrophila in Nile tilapia administered with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG

Suchanit Ngamkala, Khomson Satchasataporn, Chanokchon Setthawongsin and Wuttinun Raksajit

Veterinary World, 13(5): 967-974

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to examine the intestinal histopathological lesions and mucous cell responses in the entire intestines of Nile tilapia administered with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG)-mixed feed, after Aeromonas hydrophila challenge.

Materials and Methods: Intestinal samples from fish fed with control normal diet or LGG-mixed feed (1010 colony-forming unit [CFU]/g feed) with or without A. hydrophila in phosphate-buffered saline challenge (7.46 × 108 CFU/mL/fish) were collected and processed for histopathological study. The mucous cell responses were evaluated using histochemistry, using Alcian blue (AB) at pH 2.5, AB at pH 1.0, and periodic acid-Schiff-AB at pH 2.5. The quantification of the intestinal mucous cell size and the staining character of each mucin type from the entire intestine were recorded and counted.

Results: Histopathological study showed remarkable lesions only in the proximal intestine in fish infected with A. hydrophila, while LGG-fed fish had less intestinal damage, perhaps resulting from heterophil infiltration. Furthermore, a significant (p<0.01) increase in mixed mucous cell numbers was observed mainly in the proximal intestine of all challenged fish, compared with normal diet-fed fish without challenge, and also in LGG-fed fish with A. hydrophila challenge compared with LGG-fed fish without challenge.

Conclusion: Dietary LGG-fed Nile tilapia showed improvements in host innate immunity. In addition, LGG was effective in decreasing intestinal lesions from A. hydrophila-induced intestinal damage. Moreover, increasing numbers of mixed mucous cells in the proximal intestine might be indicative of certain pathological conditions in Nile tilapia after A. hydrophila infection.

Keywords: Aeromonas hydrophila, intestine, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, mucous cell, Nile tilapia.

Alpha-lipoic acid ameliorates sodium valproate-induced liver injury in mice

Research (Published online: 22-05-2020)

19. Alpha-lipoic acid ameliorates sodium valproate-induced liver injury in mice

Chrismawan Ardianto, Hijrawati Ayu Wardani, Nurrahmi Nurrahmi, Mahardian Rahmadi and Junaidi Khotib

Veterinary World, 13(5): 963-966

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study examines the effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on sodium valproate-induced liver injury through histological features of mice liver tissue.

Materials and Methods: Mice were divided into three groups; (1) vehicle group, (2) sodium valproate group, and (3) sodium valproate-ALA group. The vehicle group was injected with saline intraperitoneal (i.p.) for 28 days. The sodium valproate group was injected with sodium valproate 300 mg/kg, i.p. daily for 2 weeks, after which the vehicle was administered daily until day 28. The sodium valproate-ALA group was injected with sodium valproate 300 mg/kg daily for 2 weeks before the administration of ALA 100 mg/kg i.p. until day 28. The mice were euthanized, and the liver was extracted for histopathological examination.

Results: Histopathological examination of the liver section of the vehicle group showed a normal structure of the liver. Two weeks after the administration of sodium valproate, histopathological examination showed an abnormal structure of the liver, with necrotic appearance and inflammatory cells. Moreover, treatment with ALA after the administration of sodium valproate notably ameliorated hepatic histopathological lesions and the liver structure corresponded to a normal liver structure.

Conclusion: ALA ameliorates sodium valproate-induced liver injury in mice.

Keywords: alpha-lipoic acid, drug-induced liver injury, histopathological, liver injury, sodium valproate.

Comparison of canine stifle kinematic analysis after two types of total knee arthroplasty: A cadaveric study

Research (Published online: 20-05-2020)

18. Comparison of canine stifle kinematic analysis after two types of total knee arthroplasty: A cadaveric study

Chaiyakorn Thitiyanaporn, Nattapon Chantarapanich, Somchai Sompaisarnsilp and Naris Thengchaisri

Veterinary World, 13(5): 956-962

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Osteoarthritis is a common consequence of cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) in the canine stifle. Total knee replacement is a valuable method for managing end-stage osteoarthritis.

Materials and Methods: Two new designs of total knee replacement implants were fabricated with information from computed tomography scans. Canine hind limbs of cadavers were tested with a biomechanical testing machine with C-arm fluoroscopy. The four groups tested were as follows: Intact stifles (INTACT), CCLR, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with a peg on top of the tibial component (TKAP), and TKA with no peg on top of the tibial component (TKAN). Extension, flexion, adduction, abduction, internal rotation, external rotation, cranial translation, caudal translation, and range of motion were measured.

Results: The cranial translation of the tibia relative to the femur increased significantly after cutting off the cranial cruciate ligament. After arthroplasty, adduction/abduction and cranial/caudal translation within the TKAN group was increased compared with the intact stifle group. In the TKAP group, only adduction was greater than it was in the intact stifle group.

Conclusion: The design of the prosthesis used for the TKAP group was more appropriate for total knee replacement in dogs than the design of the prosthesis for the TKAN group.

Keywords: cranial cruciate ligament, dogs, osteoarthritis, total knee arthroplasty.

Sperm protein markers for Holstein bull fertility at National Artificial Insemination Centers in Indonesia

Research (Published online: 20-05-2020)

17. Sperm protein markers for Holstein bull fertility at National Artificial Insemination Centers in Indonesia

Zulfi Nur Amrina Rosyada, Mokhamad Fakhrul Ulum, Ligaya I. T. A. Tumbelaka and Bambang Purwantara

Veterinary World, 13(5): 947-955

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Holstein cows and heifers are widely bred in Indonesia by artificial insemination (AI) to increase population and milk production. Sperm fertility is modulated by genetic factors, but the analysis of sperm quality is still based on macro- and microscopic characteristics. This study aimed to analyze both sperm quality and proteins of Holstein bulls at different fertility levels.

Materials and Methods: The frozen semen samples were collected from the Indonesia National AI Center. They were classified based on the reproductive efficiency data and were grouped into high fertile (HF) and low fertile (LF). Sperm qualities were evaluated by microscopic evaluation. The Holstein sperm proteins were extracted using phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride as a protease inhibitor and the benzidine detergent extraction method. Discontinuous sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was conducted to analyze the molecular weights (MWs) of the sperm proteins. The data obtained were analyzed by a t-test using the one-factor bull fertility level, and Spearman's correlation analysis was used to identify the correlation between the sperm microscopic evaluation parameters and protein bands.

Results: The sperm motility post-freeze thawing was not significantly different between the HF and LF (p>0.05). The HF level had a higher percentage of viability, intact plasma membrane integrity, and intact acrosomes than the LF (p<0.05). Five protein bands were found in the SDS-PAGE of sperm proteins of Holstein bulls with different concentrations. Sperm proteins with MWs of 17.51 kDa, 14.87 kDa, 33.71 kDa, and 41.97 kDa were abundant in the Holstein bulls with an HF level, while 55 kDa proteins were abundant in the LF level of Holstein bulls. The sperm of Holstein bulls in the HF level contained proteins of about 33.71 kDa that were not detected in the LF.

Conclusion: The sperm protein with a molecular weight of 33.71 kDa was predicted to be a specific protein biomarker that influences bull fertility. Sperm fertilization abilities were also determined by the sperm proteins, the morphology of sperm acrosomes, and the quality of plasma membranes. This method can be used to select bulls with high fertility to increase the population of Holstein bulls.

Keywords: biomarker, fertility, sperm proteins, bull, Holstein.

Evaluation of ensiled soy sauce by-product combined with several additives as an animal feed

Research (Published online: 19-05-2020)

16. Evaluation of ensiled soy sauce by-product combined with several additives as an animal feed

Sadarman Sadarman, Muhammad Ridla, Nahrowi Nahrowi, Roni Ridwan and Anuraga Jayanegara

Veterinary World, 13(5): 940-946

ABSTRACT

Aim: The present experiment aimed to evaluate the use of different additives, i.e., lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculant, tannin extract, and propionic acid, on the chemical composition, fermentative characteristics, and in vitro ruminal fermentation of soy sauce by-product (SSB) silage.

Materials and Methods: SSB was subjected to seven silage additive treatments: Fresh SSB, ensiled SSB, ensiled SSB+LAB, ensiled SSB+2% acacia tannin, ensiled SSB+2% chestnut tannin, ensiled SSB+0.5% propionic acid, and ensiled SSB+1% acacia tannin+1% chestnut tannin+0.5% propionic acid. Ensiling was performed for 30 days in three replicates, and each replicate was made in duplicate. The samples were evaluated for their chemical composition and silage fermentation characteristics and were tested in an in vitro rumen fermentation system.

Results: In general, the nutrient compositions did not differ among the tested SSBs in response to the different additives used. The addition of tannins, either acacia or chestnut, and propionic acid significantly decreased the pH of the ensiled SSB (p<0.05). The addition of several additives (except LAB) decreased the ammonia concentration in SSB silage (p<0.05). The total volatile fatty acids in the in vitro rumen fermentation profile of the ensiled SSB were not significantly altered by the various additives applied. The addition of some additives, i.e., ensiled SSB+LAB and ensiled SSB+2% acacia tannin, reduced the digestibility values of the SSB (p<0.05). Different silage additives did not significantly affect methane production, although the addition of acacia tannins tended to result in the lowest methane production among treatments.

Conclusion: The use of additives, particularly 2% acacia tannins, can reduce proteolysis in SSB silage.

Keywords: additive, feed, silage, soy sauce, tannins.