Structure of cytotoxic associated antigen A protein of Helicobacter pylori from Bali and Lombok isolates of Indonesia

Research (Published online: 13-07-2020)

10. Structure of cytotoxic associated antigen A protein of Helicobacter pylori from Bali and Lombok isolates of Indonesia

Hamong Suharsono, Dewa Nyoman Wibawa, Zainul Muttaqin and Kadek Karang Agustina

Veterinary World, 13(7): 1319-1326

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Helicobacter pylori is a well-known zoonotic agent with worldwide distribution. In Indonesia, only one report regarding the variation within the cytotoxic associated antigen A (CagA) protein of H. pylori has been described in the literature, which was conducted in Manado, South Sulawesi. There remains no report concerning the structure of this protein, particularly for the Bali and Lombok isolates. The objective of this study was to investigate the diversity of H. pylori CagA amino acid sequences of Bali and Lombok isolates, to predict their molecular structures and conduct toxicity examination of CagA on gastric cells.

Materials and Methods: A total of 36 samples were used in equal proportions for each pathologic condition. DNA extraction was performed to subculture H. pylori Bali isolates. The amplification of the CagA 3' variable region was carried out using the primers P1 (5'-GATAACAGGCAAGCTTTTTGAGG-3') and P2 (5'-CTGCAAAAGATTGTTTGGCAG-3'). The W2, W9, and W35 fragments were selected as a representation of H. pylori Bali isolates, which were modeled through the threading modeling approach using I-TASSER.

Results: According to the 12 CagA sequences obtained and phylogenetic analyses, the H. pylori strain originating from Bali can be grouped within the East Asian genotypes and is identical to the Lombok strain. In addition, the Bali isolates are phylogenetically more closely related to Southeast Asian strains, particularly the Filipino strain. The relationship between degree of inflammation induced and CagA-positive infection was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The structure of the H. pylori Bali isolate is identical to that of Lombok isolate, which belongs to the same group of East Asian genotypes, and bacterial virulence is not related to structure.

Keywords: Bali, cytotoxic associated antigen A, Helicobacter pylori, Lombok, structure, virulence.

Deleterious effect of short-term gavage of an ethanol extract of cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica L.) roots on testis and epididymal sperm quality

Research (Published online: 13-07-2020)

9. Deleterious effect of short-term gavage of an ethanol extract of cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica L.) roots on testis and epididymal sperm quality

Rini Widyastuti, Sigit Prastowo, Sony H. Sumarsono, Alkaustariyah Lubis, Tyagita Hartady, Mas R. A. A. Syamsunarno and Jaqueline Sudiman

Veterinary World, 13(7): 1311-1318

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica L.) (CGG) is a herbal medicine that could be developed into a male antifertility agent. The present study aims to determine the effect of an ethanol extract of CGG roots on mice testicular activity, reproductive hormone levels, and epididymal sperm quality.

Materials and Methods: This study was designed as completely randomized with three different doses, such as an ethanol extract of CGG roots at 0 (control), 90, and 115 mg/kg body weight. In total, 21 male DDY mice strain were treated with the CGG extract (by gavage) for 14 days, followed by an evaluation of reproductive organs, epididymal sperm quality, testis histology, histomorphometry, and reproductive hormone assays. All quantitative data were analyzed by analysis of variance, followed by Tukey's post hoc test at α=0.05.

Results: The results showed that the administration of the CGG root ethanol extract disrupted the testis interstitial area and seminiferous tubules, resulting in decreased epididymal sperm quality as well as serum testosterone levels in a dose-dependent pattern.

Conclusion: Oral administration of a CGG root ethanol extract induced testicular damage, decreased epididymal sperm quality, and impaired testosterone secretion.

Keywords: cogon grass root ethanol extract, epididymal sperm quality, male antifertility, reproductive hormones.

Coagulase-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus circulating in clinical mastitic goats in Bangladesh

Research (Published online: 11-07-2020)

8. Coagulase-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus circulating in clinical mastitic goats in Bangladesh

Eaftekhar Ahmed Rana, Tridip Das, Avijit Dutta, Mizanur Rahman, Mohammad Bayazid Bostami, Nasima Akter and Himel Barua

Veterinary World, 13(7): 1303-1310

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Staphylococcus aureus is argued as one of the principal organisms responsible for mammary gland infection in lactating goats, causing both clinical and subclinical mastitis. Being highly zoonotic potential, pathogen emergence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) has a significant clinical impact on treatment and management of clinical mastitis. We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the prevalence of coagulase-positive S. aureus (CoPS), antimicrobial resistance profile of Staphylococcus spp., prevalence of MRSA, and association between different clinical parameters with CoPS.

Materials and Methods: A total of 67 clinical mastitic goats were sampled based on clinical examination and California mastitis test. Standard bacteriological methods were performed to isolate and identify Staphylococcus spp. CoPS were confirmed by nuc gene using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All staphylococcal isolates were further examined for antimicrobial susceptibility testing by disk diffusion method. MRSA was confirmed based on mecA gene-based PCR.

Results: Here, 49 (73.13%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 61.41-82.35) samples were positive for Staphylococcus spp., of which 17 (34.69%; 95% CI, 22.88-48.73) isolates were CoPS and rest of the isolates (32; 65.30%; 95% CI, 51.27-77.12) were identified as coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (coagulase-negative staphylococci [CNS]). Both, CoPS and CNS isolates displayed the highest resistance against tetracycline (76.47% and 75%, respectively) and oxacillin (70.58% and 68.75%, respectively). Notably, all staphylococcal isolates were multidrug-resistant (showed resistance to ≥3 classes of antimicrobials). mecA gene was found in 6 (8.96%; 95% CI, 3.84-18.52) CoPS isolates indicating MRSA strains. Among different clinical parameters, presence of high body temperature (p<0.05), firm udder consistency (p<0.01), bloodstained milk (p<0.00), and pus in milk (p<0.00) were significantly associated with the presence of CoPS in mastitic caprine milk.

Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of MRSA isolated from clinical caprine mastitis cases in Bangladesh. The findings of this study would help in cautious selection as well as administration of antimicrobials for therapeutic management of mastitic goats.

Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance, clinical mastitis, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus, goat, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Clinicopathological and molecular profiles of Babesia vogeli infection and Ehrlichia canis coinfection

Research (Published online: 09-07-2020)

7. Clinicopathological and molecular profiles of Babesia vogeli infection and Ehrlichia canis coinfection

Thanakorn Rawangchue and Sivapong Sungpradit

Veterinary World, 13(7): 1294-1302

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Canine babesiosis, a tick-borne parasitic disease, is caused by the hemoprotozoa, Babesia vogeli, and Babesia gibsoni. Infection with these parasites, which is endemic globally, leads to life-threatening immunosuppression in dogs. The merozoites invade the red blood cells (RBCs) of infected dogs. Ehrlichia canis, an intracellular bacterium that infects monocytes, is transmitted by the same tick species (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) during blood consumption and coinfection with B. vogeli and E. canis has been reported. Although the hematology and biochemistry of canine babesiosis have been studied, more studies are needed to develop a better understanding of the hematobiochemical and molecular profiles associated with cases of single infection and coinfection of canine babesiosis in Thailand. This study aimed to investigate the hematological, biochemical, and molecular profiles of B. vogeli infection and E. canis coinfection.

Materials and Methods: The study included 33 B. vogeli–positive blood samples and 11 E. canis–coinfected blood samples. To exclude coinfection with Hepatozoon canis and Anaplasma platys, only dogs with B. vogeli infection and B. vogeli–E. canis coinfection were included in the study. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was conducted to detect B. vogeli, E. canis, and H. canis, and a conventional PCR assay was conducted for the detection of A. platys. Besides, the PCR assay and sequencing, comprehensive data analysis was conducted, including a microscopic blood parasite examination and hematological and biochemical data analysis.

Results: The comparison of the hematobiochemical data between the B. vogeli–positive and E. canis coinfection groups identified that there were statistically significant differences in the RBC parameters, including RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and RBC distribution width (p=0.001). Neither B. vogeli infection nor coinfection with E. canis was associated with the sex, breed, recorded clinical signs, geographic origin of the dog and also B. vogeli 18S rRNA gene sequencing results.

Conclusion: Coinfection with E. canis increased the severity of babesiosis. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying this infection, such as destruction of RBCs, require further investigation. This study may enhance diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of canine babesiosis.

Keywords: 18S rRNA gene, Babesia vogeli, coinfection, Ehrlichia canis, hematobiochemical data, red blood cell.

Prevalence of Newcastle disease virus in feces of free-range turkeys in Enugu, Nigeria

Research (Published online: 08-07-2020)

6. Prevalence of Newcastle disease virus in feces of free-range turkeys in Enugu, Nigeria

Obianuju Nkiruka Okoroafor, Paul Chukwuemeka Animoke, Edmund Chidiebere Mbegbu, Chinwe Justina Aronu, John Anelom Nwanta, Boniface Anene and John Ositadimma Okoye

Veterinary World, 13(7): 1288-1293

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Newcastle disease (ND) virus of free-range turkeys may be linked to outbreaks of ND in backyard chickens seen during Harmattan in Enugu State in Southeast Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ND virus and (NDV) detect NDV in the feces of free-range, domestic turkeys in Enugu, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: A total of 569 serum and 569 cloacal swab samples were collected from adult turkeys in selected households that keep turkeys and chickens together in the study area. The serum samples were assayed for antibodies against NDV using the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test, whereas the cloacal samples were subjected to virus detection using a hemagglutination (HA) test.

Results: A total of 186 serum samples (32.7%) were positive for NDV and 383 (67.3%) were negative. Of the 186 NDV-positive serum samples, 138 (74.2%) had HI titers ≥ 8. The remaining 48 (25.8%) serum samples had HI titers <8. NDV was detected from the cloacal swabs of turkeys with NDV -positive serum samples.

Conclusion: The turkeys in this study were not previously vaccinated with the NDV vaccine; thus, those with NDV -positive serum samples and virus shedding in their feces may be potential risks to chickens reared in the same households as well as on commercial farms in the area. Those turkeys with sera negative for NDV are regarded to be at risk if they encounter a virulent strain of NDV. Regular vaccination of turkeys against the NDV is advised, especially in backyard farms, where turkeys are reared together with chickens and other species of poultry.

Keywords: Newcastle disease, prevalence, turkeys, virus shedding.

A topical ointment formulation containing leaves' powder of Lawsonia inermis accelerate excision wound healing in Wistar rats

Research (Published online: 07-07-2020)

5. A topical ointment formulation containing leaves' powder of Lawsonia inermis accelerate excision wound healing in Wistar rats

Kalbaza Ahmed Yassine, Hemida Houari, Benchohra Mokhtar, Amara Karim, Salem Hadjer and Bediaf Imane

Veterinary World, 13(7): 1280-1287

ABSTRACT

Aim: Lawsonia inermis (LI), a naturally grown or cultivated shrub in Northeast of Africa and India, has been traditionally used as a strong remedy for several injuries. However, few studies have reported its use as a cicatrizing agent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of daily application of an ointment prepared with LI leaves' powder on wound healing in Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: Twenty female Wistar rats were used in this study. Excisional wound model was realized by removing skin from the dorsal part of the neck of each animal. Wounds have been then treated by a daily application of LI ointment prepared by mixing leaves' powder to petroleum jelly in test group and by simple application of petroleum jelly in control group. Evaluation of wound healing activity was then based on calculating the percentage of wound contraction, period of epithelialization, and wound index every 3 days for a period of 24 days, then, a histological study of the healed excised wound was performed.

Results: Treatment with LI has shown excellent wound healing activity, since it has increased percent of wound contraction, and reduced period of epithelialization and wound index as compared to control (p<0.05). These results have been supported by the histological findings that revealed better epithelialization, dermal differentiation, collagen fiber orientation, and angiogenesis in LI treated rats compared to control (p<0.05).

Conclusion: We can conclude that LI leaves' can be used as a potential wound healing agent.

Keywords: excision, Lawsonia inermis, petroleum jelly, Wistar rats, wound healing.

A descriptive study of ciguatera fish poisoning in Cook Islands dogs and cats: Treatment and outcome

Research (Published online: 06-07-2020)

4. A descriptive study of ciguatera fish poisoning in Cook Islands dogs and cats: Treatment and outcome

Michelle J. Gray and M. Carolyn Gates

Veterinary World, 13(7): 1269-1279

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is an illness caused by the ingestion of fish containing ciguatoxins. Dogs and cats are susceptible to CFP, but there is little published and much unknown about the condition in these species. This study aimed to document the treatment and outcome of canine and feline cases of CFP, and to look for prognostic indicators.

Materials and Methods: Six years of medical records from the Esther Honey Foundation Animal Clinic (the only veterinary clinic in the Cook Islands during the study period) were reviewed to identify cases of CFP. Data relating to treatment and outcome were collected.

Results: Two hundred and forty-six cases of CFP were identified, comprising 165 dogs and 81 cats. The treatments most commonly administered to cases were fluid therapy and muscle relaxants. Mannitol was only given to five animals. The survival rate was >90% and almost all mortalities occurred in the first week of hospitalization. Recovery was slow, with hospitalization averaging 12.9 days. There was no significant difference in recovery times between dogs and cats. Prolonged periods of anorexia and recumbency were common in both species. Factors associated with prolonged recovery times included case severity, anorexia, and age (in dogs).

Conclusion: This article documented the treatment and outcome of animals afflicted by CFP in the Cook Islands. Therapy for CFP was primarily symptomatic and supportive. The survival rate was high, but recovery was often prolonged. The findings will assist veterinarians in giving prognoses and managing owner expectations.

Keywords: cats, ciguatera, Cook Islands, dogs, outcome, treatment.