Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of infectious bronchitis virus variant strain from an outbreak in egg-layer flocks in Baghdad, Iraq

Research (Published online: 16-07-2020)

15. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of infectious bronchitis virus variant strain from an outbreak in egg-layer flocks in Baghdad, Iraq

Abdullah O. Alhatami, Furkan Alaraji, Husam Muhsen Abdulwahab and Yahia Ismail Khudhair

Veterinary World, 13(7): 1358-1362

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Infectious bronchitis (IB) has an influential economic impact on the poultry industry, causing huge losses each year due to the condemnation of infected chickens. Despite the use of many kinds of vaccines in Iraq, it is common to find IB problems in vaccinated chickens. Information about the strains that affect Iraqi chickens is very limited. Therefore, we aimed to detect the currently circulating strains of IB virus that cause frequent outbreaks in egg layers despite the use of vaccination against the virus.

Materials and Methods: Isolate detection, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis were performed using a rapid IB virus antigen kit (32 tracheal swabs), flinders technology associates (FTA) card (32 tracheal swabs), and partial gene sequencing (16 positive FTA samples).

Results: The isolated strain was different from other strains, especially the strain isolated in the North of Iraq (Sulemania Strain) and shares 98% homology with an Israeli strain (Israel variant 2, IS 1494).

Conclusion: Although more studies are needed to detect IB virus strains circulating in Iraq, this work lays the foundation for making a good strategy to control the disease and selecting vaccines that should be used in farms.

Keywords: infectious bronchitis, phylogenetic tree, poultry, real-time polymerase chain reaction, spike 1 gene.

Infection with Babesia canis in dogs in the Algiers region: Parasitological and serological study

Research (Published online: 15-07-2020)

14. Infection with Babesia canis in dogs in the Algiers region: Parasitological and serological study

Amel Kiouani, N. Azzag, S. Tennah and F. Ghalmi

Veterinary World, 13(7): 1351-1357

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Canine babesiosis is a vector-borne disease transmitted by ticks of the Ixodidae family. The effects of infection in dogs can range from the subclinical to the severe lethal form. This study aimed to make an original contribution to the knowledge of circulating species of Babesia spp. in dogs in the region of Algiers as well as mechanisms and risk factors for their transmission.

Materials and Methods: An epidemiological study was carried out on 189 blood samples taken from dogs from April 2015 to January 2016. The samples taken underwent parasitological by Giemsa-stained blood smear and serological analyzes by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The ticks were looked on all the dogs taken.

Results: Giemsa-stained blood smears revealed the presence of two groups of parasites of the genus Babesia: Large Babesia (3/25, 12%) and small Babesia (22/25, 88%). The IFAT at a dilution of 1/32 showed an overall seroprevalence with Babesia canis of 17.98% (95% confidence interval 11.53-22.46). The distribution of the antibody titers for the positive samples showed that of the 34 positive sera with a titer ≥1/32, 28 sera remained positive at a dilution of 1/64 (14.81%), 22 at a dilution of 1/128 (11.64%) and 15 sera remained positive at a dilution of 1/256 (7.93%). Although seroprevalence varied according to canine population (20% and 19.49% in pet dogs and canine pound dogs, respectively, and 6.66-0% in farm dogs and hunting dogs, respectively), statistical analysis showed no significant differences between populations. The antibody titers obtained after several dilutions showed that 22 canine pound dog sera remained positive at a dilution of 1/128 compared to pet dogs and farm dogs which ceased to be positive at the dilution of 1/64. The comparison between the two diagnostic methods showed a strong agreement between the parasitological examination by blood smear and the serological method by IFAT. However, IFAT was much more sensitive. The analysis of risk factors, which may influence B. canis seroprevalence, has shown the influence of age, tick presence, and season. Finally, of the 242 ticks collected from a total of 59 dogs, only one tick species was identified, Rhipicephalus sanguineus.

Conclusion: This study indicates a frequent circulation of species of Babesia in the dog in the Algiers region and R. sanguineus was the only tick identified.

Keywords: Algiers, Babesia canis, Babesia spp., blood smears, dogs, prevalence, risk factors, serology, ticks.

The epidemiological background of small ruminant lentivirus infection in goats from Romania

Research (Published online: 15-07-2020)

13. The epidemiological background of small ruminant lentivirus infection in goats from Romania

Adrian-Valentin Potarniche, Constantin Gheorghe Cerbu, Michal Czopowicz, Olga Szalus-Jordanow, Jaroslaw Kaba and Marina Spinu

Veterinary World, 13(7): 1344-1350

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE) is an economically significant viral disease of goats caused by a small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) belonging to Retroviridae family. This study aimed to summarize current information on the epidemiological status of SRLVs infection in the population of goats from Romania and to point out the CAE incidence throughout the 2008-2018 periods.

Materials and Methods: An exhaustive review of the papers published in the international literature concerning the epidemiological status of CAE in Romania was carried out using electronic databases, and available statistical data from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) regarding the incidence of the disease between 2008 and 2018 were analyzed.

Results: The true individual-level seroprevalence of CAE was estimated in 13 of 42 counties (31%) and ranged from 0.4% to roughly 40%. One hundred eighty-two outbreaks from 14 counties (33%) were reported, with a peak in 2010.

Conclusion: The findings sourcing in the literature are very scarce and show disagreement with the situation reported by the national veterinary authorities. Lack of SRLVs screening policies represents the main obstacle in limiting the spread of the disease. Romania's National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority should implement a program for diagnosis and surveillance of the disease to build a straightforward epidemiological picture that represents a prerequisite of any control and eradication program.

Keywords: epidemiology, goat, outbreaks, small ruminant lentivirus.

Effects of polymorphism of myostatin and fatty acid-binding protein 4 genes on the chemical composition of meat in cull female Aceh cattle

Research (Published online: 14-07-2020)

12. Effects of polymorphism of myostatin and fatty acid-binding protein 4 genes on the chemical composition of meat in cull female Aceh cattle

Al Azhar, Muslim Akmal, Muhammad Hambal, Mustafa Sabri and Teuku Shaddiq Rosa

Veterinary World, 13(7): 1334-1343

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the association of single nucleotide polymorphism of the myostatin (MSTN) and fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) genes on the total water, ash, fat, protein, and cholesterol contents of sirloin (gluteus medius muscle) and silverside (biceps femoris muscle) meats of cull female Aceh cattle.

Materials and Methods: This analysis covered a total of 27 cull female Aceh cattle slaughtered at the Animal Slaughterhouse of Banda Aceh that was purposively selected based on hair color referred to the criteria described in the Decree of Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia. Genomic DNA was extracted from 25 mg of fresh meat using the spin column method before subjected to a polymerase chain reaction amplification using primer sets specific for 1346-bp and 275- bp fragments of MSTN and FABP4, respectively. A 4-h digestion reaction was done separately for the MSTN/HaeIII and FABP4/NlaIII loci genotyping. The total protein, ash, and fat of the meat were measured using the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) methods whereas its cholesterol content was determined using the AOAC method. The association between each polymorphism and the variation in meat chemical parameters was analyzed using the Pearson correlation test.

Results: The results showed that the MSTN/HaeIII locus was polymorphic in Aceh cattle, but the FABP4/NlaIII locus was monomorphic. Meat chemical parameters were not influenced by different commercial cuts and MSTN genotypes, showing that there was no association between different commercial cuts, cattle hair colors, and MSTN/HaeIII and FABP4/NlaIII markers with the meat chemical parameters in Aceh cattle.

Conclusion: These results suggest that focusing on the novel effects of MSTN and FABP4 gene polymorphisms on meat production traits might not be useful for marker-assisted selection in Aceh cattle.

Keywords: Aceh cattle meat, ash, cholesterol, fat, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, protein.

Preliminary screening of the possible protective effect of Moroccan propolis against chromium-induced nephrotoxicity in animal model

Research (Published online: 14-07-2020)

11. Preliminary screening of the possible protective effect of Moroccan propolis against chromium-induced nephrotoxicity in animal model

Soukaina El-Guendouz, Soumia Zizi, Youssef Elamine and Badiaa Lyoussi

Veterinary World, 13(7): 1327-1333

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) compounds have been shown to induce nephrotoxicity associated with oxidative stress in humans and animals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the nephroprotective effect of bee propolis, as highly antioxidant natural product, in vivo using an animal model.

Materials and Methods: First of all, total phenol and flavonoid contents of propolis sample were estimated in vitro. Afterward, to study the protective effect of propolis on renal damages caused by an injection of a single dose of potassium dichromate (15 mg/kg b.wt), 24 male Wister rats were divided into test and control groups. Propolis treatment was performed by oral gavage of 100 mg/kg b.wt/day, while the control groups received water instead. The 24 h urine was collected and blood samples were withdrawn before and after each treatment for further analysis.

Results: Propolis revealed to be rich in polyphenols and flavonoids. Chromate provoked a nephrotoxic effect expressed by a drastic decrease in glomerular filtration assessed by creatinine clearance. However, the administration of propolis attenuated the renal damages induced by the chromate. This attenuation can be seen by the increase of creatinine clearance when comparing propolis treated group to the non-treated group.

Conclusion: Propolis showed a protective potential against chromate-induced nephrotoxicity through the amelioration of chromate's toxic effects. It might be concluded that propolis could be effective as chemoprotectant in the management of potassium dichromate-induced nephrotoxicity.

Keywords: antioxidant, chromium, phenols, propolis, renal damage.

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.