Improving endangered antelope habitat through water quality assessment and collaboration with Kenya Wildlife Service

Research (Published online: 08-09-2020)

4. Improving endangered antelope habitat through water quality assessment and collaboration with Kenya Wildlife Service

Tamie Joy Jovanelly

International Journal of One Health, 6(2): 118-122

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: A population of endangered sitatunga antelope (Tragelaphus spekii) lives in a free-range environment at Impala Sanctuary in Kisumu, Kenya. Kenya Wildlife Service park officials suspected that increased demands on outdated sewage infrastructure caused animal drinking water sources to become contaminated which resulted in animal sickness and death. In this study, we complete a water quality assessment on open water sources within the park boundaries to determine if water was suitable for animal consumption.

Materials and Methods: For the assessment of water, we measure eight physical and chemical parameters (pH, temperature, fecal coliform, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrates, total phosphates, and turbidity). These eight parameters were chosen because they are used to establish a water quality index (WQI) percentage which proved to be useful to communicate conditions to park rangers, stakeholders, and adjacent landowners.

Results: Through 6 months of assessments, data collection, and analysis, we determined that most open water sources are severely contaminated, ranking on the WQI from 46% to 58% (bad to medium). In addition, we compared our data to drinking water standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for livestock to find that only two sites met the minimum criteria. The remaining four sites were exponentially contaminated with levels reaching 10× recommended values for animal health.

Conclusion: Following these findings, the park was able to attract money for sewage infrastructure rebuilds that resolved the contamination problems. Sickness and death of free-roaming animals, including the antelope, were reduced.

Keywords: animals and contaminated water, Kenya, water quality.

Hepatoprotective activity of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) in sodium nitrite-induced hepatotoxicity

Research (Published online: 07-09-2020)

10. Hepatoprotective activity of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) in sodium nitrite-induced hepatotoxicity

Sri Puji Astuti Wahyuningsih, Elma Sakinatus Sajidah, Baiq Naili Dewi Atika, Dwi Winarni and Manikya Pramudya

Veterinary World, 13(9): 1815-1821

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: For years, people have used sodium nitrite as a food preservative. This study determined the effect of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) pod methanol extract (OPME) on mice with hepatotoxicity induced by sodium nitrite. The flavonoid and total phenolic levels, serum biochemistry, and liver histology were examined.

Materials and Methods: Green okra pod extraction was performed using ethanol methanol solvent. Thirty adult male BALB/c mice (8-10 weeks, ∼30 g) were divided into six groups: Normal control, negative control (sodium nitrite 50 mg/kg BW exposure), and treatment groups (sodium nitrite exposure and OPME at doses of 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW). Subsequently, they were exposed to sodium nitrite and administered multiple doses of OPME for 19 days by gavage. After that, serum was used for biochemical evaluation, and liver histological analysis was performed. All data were statistically analyzed (α=0.05).

Results: All doses of OPME reduced the levels of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). In this research, both superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels increased in all OPME-administered treatments . All doses also reduced necrotic cells, proportion of swollen cells, and inflammation in liver histological analysis. The results of this study showed that OPME exerted hepatoprotective effects by lowering MDA, NO, ALT, and AST levels. It also improved SOD and CAT levels and recovered damaged liver tissue to its normal state. The optimal dose of OPME was 50-100 mg/kg BW.

Conclusion: OPME has potential as a natural hepatoprotective agent against sodium nitrite exposure.

Keywords: hepatoprotective, liver histology, okra pods methanol extract, sodium nitrite.

Phylogenetic group determination and plasmid virulence gene profiles of colistin-resistant Escherichia coli originated from the broiler meat supply chain in Bogor, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 05-09-2020)

9. Phylogenetic group determination and plasmid virulence gene profiles of colistin-resistant Escherichia coli originated from the broiler meat supply chain in Bogor, Indonesia

Irma Rahayuningtyas, Agustin Indrawati, I Wayan Teguh Wibawan, Maria Fatima Palupi and Istiyaningsih Istiyaningsih

Veterinary World, 13(9): 1807-1814

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Pathogenic Escherichia coli contamination along the broiler meat supply chain is a serious public health concern. This bacterial infection with multidrug-resistant can lead to treatment failure. Several studies have revealed that avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) and human extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) showed a close genetic relationship and may share virulence genes. This study aimed to determine the phylogenetic group and virulence gene profiles in colistin-resistant E. coli obtained from the broiler meat supply chain in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia.

Materials and Methods: Fifty-eight archive isolates originated from the cloacal swab, litter, drinking water, inside plucker swab, fresh meat at small scale poultry slaughterhouses, and traditional markets were used in this study. All the isolates were characterized by a polymerase chain reaction to determine the phylogenetic group (A, B1, B2, or D) and virulence gene profiles with APEC marker genes (iutA, hlyF, iss, iroN, and ompT).

Results: Phylogenetic grouping revealed that the isolates belong to A group (34.48%), D group (34.48%), B1 group (17.24%), and B2 group (13.79%). The virulence gene prevalence was as follows: iutA (36%), hlyF (21%), ompT (21%), iroN (10%), and iss (9%). The B2 group presented with more virulence genes combinations. iroN, hlyF, and ompT genes were positively associated with the B2 group (p≤0.05).

Conclusion: Our results highlight the role of colistin-resistant E. coli originated from the broiler meat supply chain as a potential reservoir for human ExPEC virulence genes.

Keywords: broiler supply chain, Escherichia coli, phylogenetic group, virulence gene.

Anti-feline immunodeficiency virus reverse transcriptase properties of some medicinal and edible mushrooms

Research (Published online: 05-09-2020)

8. Anti-feline immunodeficiency virus reverse transcriptase properties of some medicinal and edible mushrooms

Supaphorn Seetaha, Siriluk Ratanabunyong, Lueacha Tabtimmai, Kiattawee Choowongkomon, Jatuporn Rattanasrisomporn and Khuanjarat Choengpanya

Veterinary World, 13(9): 1798-1806

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) causes AIDS-like symptoms in domestic and wild cats. Treatment of infected cats has been performed using human anti-HIV drugs, which showed some limitations. This study aimed to determine the anti-FIV potential of some mushrooms.

Materials and Methods: A total of 17 medicinal and edible mushrooms were screened to find their inhibitory effect against FIV reverse transcriptase (FIV-RT). Three solvents, water, ethanol, and hexane, were used to prepare crude mushroom extracts. Fluorescence spectroscopy was used to perform relative inhibition and 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) studies.

Results: The ethanol extract from dried fruiting bodies of Inonotus obliquus showed the strongest inhibition with an IC50 value of 0.80±0.16 μg/mL. The hexane extract from dried mycelium of I. obliquus and ethanol and water extracts from fresh fruit bodies of Phellinus igniarius also exhibited strong activities with the IC50 values of 1.22±0.20, 4.33±0.39, and 6.24±1.42 μg/mL, respectively. The ethanol extract from fresh fruiting bodies of Cordyceps sinensis, hexane extracts from dried mycelium of I. obliquus, ethanol extracts of Ganoderma lucidum, hexane extracts of fresh fruiting bodies of Morchella esculenta, and fresh fruiting bodies of C. sinensis showed moderate anti-FIV-RT activities with IC50 values of 29.73±12.39, 49.97±11.86, 65.37±14.14, 77.59±8.31, and 81.41±17.10 μg/mL, respectively. These mushroom extracts show anti-FIV potential.

Conclusion: The extracts from I. obliquus, P. igniarius, C. sinensis, and M. esculenta showed potential anti-FIV activity.

Keywords: feline immunodeficiency virus, fluorescence spectroscopy, mushrooms, crude extracts, reverse transcriptase.

Prophylactic impact of nano-selenium on performance, carcasses quality, and tissues' selenium concentration using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography during microbial challenge in broiler chickens

Research (Published online: 04-09-2020)

7. Prophylactic impact of nano-selenium on performance, carcasses quality, and tissues' selenium concentration using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography during microbial challenge in broiler chickens

Essam S. Soliman, Fadwa F. Mahmoud, Mai A. Fadel and Rania T. Hamad

Veterinary World, 13(9): 1780-1797

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Nano-selenium (NS) supplementation contributes in improving productivity, performance, and meat quality while reducing public health concern. Influence of NS and inorganic selenium (Se) water additive on performance, carcass quality, immunoglobulin concentration, intestinal microbiota, Se tissue concentrations, and tissue architecture was studied.

Materials and Methods: Two-hundred and sixty 1-day-old Hubbard chicks were randomly grouped into five groups (5×52) and supplemented with 0.5 and 1.0 mL of NS and inorganic Se (100 mg.L-1). G1, G2, G3, and G4 were challenged with Escherichia coli O157: H7 2.6×108 on the 14th day. A total of 2250 samples, including 250 sera, 250 intestinal swabs, and 1500 organ and tissue samples as liver, spleen, heart, bursa, intestine, and breast muscles, and 250 eviscerated carcasses were collected.

Results: The results revealed a highly significant increase (p<0.01) in live body weights, weight gains, performance indices, carcasses, and organs weights, whereas immunoglobulin G and M concentrations in broilers treated with 0.5 and 1.0 mL NS, respectively, synchronized reveal a highly significant decline (p<0.01) in total bacterial and Enterobacteriaceae counts of intestinal swabs and breast muscles, final pH24, and drip loss in broilers treated with 0.5 and 1.0 mL NS, respectively. Meanwhile, water holding capacity revealed no significant differences between all groups. Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography examination revealed the earlier disappearance of NS residues than inorganic Se from the broiler's liver and muscles. Histopathological photomicrographs of the liver, spleen, bursa of Fabricius, and intestine, as well as, the immunohistochemistry of intestinal sections revealed superior tissue architecture in broilers treated with NS contrary to inorganic Se.

Conclusion: The study showed significant stimulation actions of NS on performance, immunity, carcass and meat quality, intestinal and muscles' bacterial load as well as short withdrawal period and nearly normal cellular architecture compared to inorganic Se.

Keywords: broilers, carcass, immunity, nano-selenium, performance, reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

Molecular characterization of antimicrobial resistance and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR as a molecular typing tool for Salmonella spp. isolated from poultry and humans

Research (Published online: 04-09-2020)

6. Molecular characterization of antimicrobial resistance and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR as a molecular typing tool for Salmonella spp. isolated from poultry and humans

María Paula Herrera-Sánchez, Roy Rodríguez-Hernández and Iang Schroniltgen Rondón-Barragán

Veterinary World, 13(9): 1771-1779

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Salmonella spp. are one of the most important food-borne pathogens in the world, emerging as a major public health concern. Moreover, multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains have been isolated from salmonellosis outbreaks, which compromise its treatment success. This study was conducted to characterize the phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic resistance profile of Salmonella strains isolated from broilers and humans from the regions of Tolima and Santander (Colombia).

Materials and Methods: Salmonella spp. strains (n=49) were confirmed through molecular detection by amplification of the invA gene. Phenotypic antibiotic resistance was determined by the automated method and the agar diffusion method, and the presence of resistance genes was evaluated by PCR. Genotypic characterization was conducted using the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR method, from which a dendrogram was generated and the possible phylogenetic relationships were established.

Results: Salmonella isolates were classified as MDR strains exhibiting resistance to four antibiotic classes, penicillins, aminoglycosides, sulfonamides, and cephalosporins, and the human strains were resistant to gentamicin. At the genotypic level, the isolates contained the genes blaCMY2, blaCTX-M, blaPSE-1, blaTEM, aadA1, srtB, dfrA1, sul2, and floR. The genotyping results obtained by ERIC-PCR allowed the grouping of strains according to the source of isolation.

Conclusion: The Salmonella spp. strains exhibited resistance to multiple antibiotics, as well as multiple genes associated with them, and the ERIC-PCR method was a technique that was helpful in generating clusters with biological significance.

Keywords: broiler farm, genotyping, resistance genes.

Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi in ticks from reptiles in Córdoba, Colombia

Research (Published online: 03-09-2020)

5. Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi in ticks from reptiles in Córdoba, Colombia

Jorge Miranda, Lina Violet-Lozano, Samia Barrera, Salim Mattar, Santiago Monsalve-Buriticá, Juan Rodas and Verónica Contreras

Veterinary World, 13(9): 1764-1770

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Wildlife animals are reservoirs of a large number of microorganisms pathogenic to humans, and ticks could be responsible for the transmission of these pathogens. Rickettsia spp. are the most prevalent pathogens found in ticks. This study was conducted to detect Rickettsia spp. in ticks collected from free-living and illegally trafficked reptiles from the Department of Córdoba, Colombia.

Materials and Methods: During the period from October 2011 to July 2014, ticks belonging to the family Ixodidae were collected, preserved in 96% ethanol, identified using taxonomic keys, and pooled (between 1 and 14 ticks) according to sex, stage, host, and collected place for subsequent DNA extraction. Rickettsia detection was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), followed by conventional PCR to amplify a larger fragment of the gltA and 16S rRNA genes. The amplicons were sequenced using the Sanger method, and the nucleotide sequences were subjected to BLAST analysis to identify homologous sequences in GenBank, after which phylogenetic analysis was performed using the MEGA X software.

Results: In total, 21 specimens of nine species of reptiles were sampled, from which 805 Amblyomma dissimile ticks were collected, but only 180 ticks were selected to create 34 groups. The DNA of Rickettsia spp. was detected in 30/34 (88%) groups. The sequences of the gene gltA and 16S rRNA revealed a 100% identity with Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi (GenBank: KF905456 and GenBank: KF691750).

Conclusion: A. dissimile was the only tick found in all the sampled reptiles. The presence of Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi in reptile ticks could represent a public health problem due to the risk of transmission to humans and the introduction of microorganisms to other geographical areas.

Keywords: arthropod vectors, reptile trade, tick-borne diseases, wild animals.