Serological study on brucellosis in captive elephants (Elephas maximus) and stray dogs in North Thailand

Research (Published online: 26-09-2020)

34. Serological study on brucellosis in captive elephants (Elephas maximus) and stray dogs in North Thailand

Suchanit Ngamkala, Taweepoke Angkawanish, Weerapun Nokkaew and Nikorn Thongtip

Veterinary World, 13(9): 1992-1997

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Brucellosis is considered as an important zoonotic disease caused by various strains of Brucella in numerous host species. Although brucellosis has been reported in almost animal species, the relevance of brucellosis infection and diagnostic technique in Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) has been limited. The present serological investigation aimed to investigate the antibody response to Brucella abortus in captive Asian elephants in North Thailand. Moreover, further serological survey was also conducted to detect the antibody response to Brucella canis in stray dogs cohabiting the same area as the elephant herd.

Materials and Methods: Serum samples were collected from 40 captive Asian elephants and submitted for serological analysis based on B. abortus antigen using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) in combination with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-tube agglutination test (EDTA-TAT) as a supplementary test and by commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). In addition, serum samples were also obtained from 16 stray dogs that live nearby the elephant-raising area and were tested using commercial Dot-ELISA based on B. canis antigen.

Results: Serological analysis in captive Asian elephants showed 100% seronegative (40/40) from all serological tests response to B. abortus. For stray dogs, 12.5% (2/16) had a low positive reaction response to B. canis.

Conclusion: The serological survey for brucellosis in Asian elephant was adapted and applied using RBPT, EDTA-TAT, and iELISA in the present study. For future evaluation, we recommended the use of a combination of serological tests with validation together with comparing by direct detection such as bacterial isolation to provide an appropriate brucellosis surveillance program in Asian elephants. In addition, the surveillance of stray dogs or multispecies habitation should be kept into considerations.

Keywords: Asian elephants, brucellosis, serology, stray dogs.

Contamination factors associated with surviving bacteria in Thai commercial raw pet foods

Research (Published online: 25-09-2020)

33. Contamination factors associated with surviving bacteria in Thai commercial raw pet foods

Suppada Kananub, Nayika Pinniam, Sitthiporn Phothitheerabut and Praphaphan Krajanglikit

Veterinary World, 13(9): 1988-1991

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to identify the surviving bacteria in commercial raw pet food and to analyze the factors associated with their contamination.

Materials and Methods: A total of 17 samples from 12 brands available in Thailand were randomly selected for analysis. Fifteen samples were frozen products and two were freeze-dried. The total bacterial counts (TBCs) of Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Listeria spp., and Listeria monocytogenes were measured. Association between the bacterial profile and feed ingredients, as well as with product types, was analyzed by Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests.

Results: Campylobacter was not found in any product, whereas Salmonella spp. and Listeria spp. showed the highest prevalence with respect to the standard's limits. The TBC was significantly related to the type of the products (frozen or freeze-dried), and S. aureus and L. monocytogenes were significantly related to a chicken-based diet.

Conclusion: Pet food contamination can occur during the manufacturing process, storage, or even preparation. The freezing and drying processes may reduce, but not eradicate, the bacterial contamination in raw pet food. These results emphasize the need for quality control in the manufacturing process and show the importance of personal hygiene for the pet owner to reduce health risks.

Keywords: foodborne pathogen, freeze-dried product frozen product, meat types, raw pet food.

Productivity, absence of a bull and endoparasitic nematodiosis in beef cattle farms in an upland area of East Java, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 25-09-2020)

32. Productivity, absence of a bull and endoparasitic nematodiosis in beef cattle farms in an upland area of East Java, Indonesia

Widi Nugroho, Siska Aditya, Rahadi Swastomo and Aulanni'am Aulanni'am

Veterinary World, 13(9): 1982-1987

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Cattle are an important economic asset for the rural community in East Java Province, Indonesia. The study aimed to provide updated data of cattle farm demography, productivity, as well as the role of the absence of a bull and nematodiosis in reduced productivity of beef cattle in an upland rural area of the province.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in Sukowono village, Bondowoso region. A Census survey was conducted to collect data through interviews with farmers. Further, 102 fecal samples were taken systematically and processed using a double centrifugation method to investigate the endoparasitic nematodiosis in the cattle population. The demographic data, productivity, and nematodiosis were analyzed descriptively. The difference between proportions was analyzed using Chi-square with 95% confidence limit. The associations were described in risk ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results: The total cattle population was 814 heads; the range of farm size was 1-7 (median: 2) cattle. Female cattle comprised 81.8% (666/814) of the cattle population but, only 5.5% (23/422) farmers kept both bull and mature female cattle. Pregnancy rate was 26.8% (145/542) of mature female cattle. The delayed first calving time appeared in 24.8% (62/250) of heifers and calving interval of >14 months occurred in 83.2% (149/179) of multiparous cows. The prevalence of endoparasitic nematodiosis was 43.1% (44/102, 95%, CI: 38.1-52.1%). Either the absence of the bull or the nematodiosis did not associate with pregnancy rate or calving interval of cows.

Conclusion: This study indicates that the productivity of the cattle in the study area was low but may not associate with the absence of a bull or nematodiosis.

Keywords: beef cattle farm, bull, nematodiosis, productivity.

Effects of respiratory disease on Kele piglets lung microbiome, assessed through 16S rRNA sequencing

Research (Published online: 25-09-2020)

31. Effects of respiratory disease on Kele piglets lung microbiome, assessed through 16S rRNA sequencing

Jing Zhang, Kaizhi Shi, Jing Wang, Xiong Zhang, Chunping Zhao, Chunlin Du and Linxin Zhang

Veterinary World, 13(9): 1970-1981

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Due to the incomplete development of the immune system in immature piglets, the respiratory tract is susceptible to invasion by numerous pathogens that cause a range of potential respiratory diseases. However, few studies have reported the changes in pig lung microorganisms during respiratory infection. Therefore, we aimed to explore the differences in lung environmental microorganisms between healthy piglets and piglets with respiratory diseases.

Materials and Methods: Histopathological changes in lung sections were observed in both diseased and healthy pigs. Changes in the composition and abundance of microbiomes in alveolar lavage fluid from eleven 4-week-old Chinese Kele piglets (three clinically healthy and eight diseased) were studied by IonS5TM XL sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA genes.

Results: Histopathological sections showed that diseased pigs displayed more lung lesions than healthy pigs. Diseased piglets harbored lower bacterial operational taxonomic units, α-diversity, and bacterial community complexity in comparison to healthy piglets. Taxonomic composition analysis showed that in the diseased piglets, the majority of flora was composed of Ureaplasma, Mycoplasma, and Actinobacillus; while Actinobacillus, Sphingomonas, and Stenotrophomonas were dominant in the control group. The abundance of Ureaplasma was significantly higher in ill piglets (p<0.05), and the phylogenetic tree indicated that Ureaplasma was clustered in Ureaplasma diversum, a conditional pathogen that has the potential to affect the swine respiratory system.

Conclusion: The results of this study show that the microbial species and structure of piglets' lungs were changed during respiratory tract infection. The finding of Ureaplasma suggested that besides known pathogens such as Mycoplasma and Actinobacillus, unknown pathogens can exist in the respiratory system of diseased pigs and provide a potential basis for clinical treatment.

Keywords: 16S rRNA sequencing, Kele piglets, microbial diversity, respiratory diseases, Ureaplasma, Ureaplasma diversum.

Evaluation of the immune status of birds and domestic and companion animals for the influenza A virus in Eastern Saudi Arabia

Research (Published online: 23-09-2020)

30. Evaluation of the immune status of birds and domestic and companion animals for the influenza A virus in Eastern Saudi Arabia

Abdelmohsen Abduallah Alnaeem, Abdulkareem Al-Shabeb and Maged Gomaa Hemida

Veterinary World, 13(9): 1966-1969

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Influenza type A virus infections are still one of the major concerns for the health of humans and various species of domestic and companion animals. Wild birds play an essential role in the transmission cycle of the virus. Regularly monitoring the spread of the virus is a significant step in its mitigation. Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses, including H5N1 and H5N8, have been reported in birds in the Arabian Peninsula, including Saudi Arabia, in recent decades. This study aimed to evaluate the immune status of birds, domestic and companion animals for Influenza type A virus in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods: We collected 195 serum samples from dromedary camels, sheep, goats, native breed chickens, doves, dogs, and cats. We tested these sera for the presence of specific antibodies against influenza type A virus using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Our results show that 4% of the tested samples had antibodies in sera, including some doves, chickens, and dogs. These data suggest exposure and seroconversion of these animals or birds to the influenza type A virus.

Conclusion: The presence of antibodies against influenza type A virus in sera of some animals and birds without a previous vaccination history against the virus indicates a natural exposure history regarding this virus and seroconversion. Further large-scale molecular and epidemiological studies are needed to obtain a better understanding of the dynamics of influenza type A virus among various species of animals and birds.

Keywords: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, influenza virus, livestock, Saudi Arabia, serology, type A.

Renal ultrasonographic shear-wave elastography and urinary procollagen type III amino-terminal propeptide in chronic kidney disease dogs

Research (Published online: 23-09-2020)

29. Renal ultrasonographic shear-wave elastography and urinary procollagen type III amino-terminal propeptide in chronic kidney disease dogs

Chutimon Thanaboonnipat, Saikaew Sutayatram, Chollada Buranakarl and Nan Choisunirachon

Veterinary World, 13(9): 1955-1965

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Renal fibrosis is a well-established pathological alteration associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in several species and progresses as CKD advances. Although a renal biopsy is the gold standard for determining renal fibrosis, it is an invasive, impractical method for clinical practice. In humans, ultrasonographic shear-wave elastography (SWE), a novel advanced diagnostic imaging tool, can evaluate renal parenchyma stiffness, and urinary procollagen type III amino-terminal propeptide (uPIIINP), a promising renal fibrosis biomarker in humans, has increasingly been use applied to reduce the biopsies. This study compares renal tissue elasticity observed through SWE Young's modulus (E) values between healthy dogs (HD) and those with CKD.

Materials and Methods: The E value acquired by SWE, uPIIINP levels, and renal function were evaluated in 15 CKD dogs and 15 HD.

Results: The renal cortical E values were significantly higher than the renal medullary E values in both groups (p<0.001). Renal cortical and medullary E values in CKD dogs were significantly higher than in HD (p<0.01). Cortical E values had greater significant correlations with renal functional parameters than the medullary E values and had a significant positive correlation with concentrations of plasma creatinine (Cr) (p<0.001); blood urea nitrogen (p<0.01); urine protein Cr ratio (p<0.01); and fractional excretions of sodium (p<0.05), potassium (p<0.05), chloride (p<0.05), and magnesium (p<0.001) while they had a negative correlation with urine specific gravity (p<0.05) and urine osmolality to plasma osmolality ratio (p<0.05). The uPIIINP to Cr (uPIIINP/Cr) ratios of CKD dogs were higher than those of HD (p<0.001). Moreover, the uPIIINP/Cr levels presented significant correlations with the renal cortical E values (p<0.01) and also the renal functional parameters.

Conclusion: SWE offers a complementary, non-invasive diagnostic imaging tool for evaluating renal tissue stiffness in CKD dogs with renal function deterioration. In addition, uPIIINP levels are associated with renal function and structural changes in dogs. Therefore, the uPIIINP level might be a non-invasive, complementary, and promising biomarker for evaluating renal fibrosis in canine CKD.

Keywords: chronic kidney disease, dog, renal fibrosis, shear-wave elastography, urinary procollagen type III amino-terminal propeptide.

Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida isolated from ovine respiratory infection: A study from Karnataka, Southern India

Research (Published online: 23-09-2020)

28. Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida isolated from ovine respiratory infection: A study from Karnataka, Southern India

Swati Sahay, Krithiga Natesan, Awadhesh Prajapati, Triveni Kalleshmurthy, Bibek Ranjan Shome, Habibur Rahman and Rajeswari Shome

Veterinary World, 13(9): 1947-1954

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Respiratory infection due to Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida are responsible for huge economic losses in livestock sector globally and it is poorly understood in ovine population. The study aimed to investigate and characterize M. haemolytica and P. multocida from infected and healthy sheep to rule out the involvement of these bacteria in the disease.

Materials and Methods: A total of 374 healthy and infected sheep samples were processed for isolation, direct detection by multiplex PCR (mPCR), and antibiotic susceptibility testing by phenotypic and genotypic methods.

Results: Overall, 55 Pasteurella isolates (27 [7.2%] M. haemolytica and 28 [7.4%] P. multocida) were recovered and identified by bacteriological tests and species-specific PCR assays. Significant correlation between the detection of M. haemolytica (66.6%) with disease condition and P. multocida (19.1%) exclusively from infected sheep was recorded by mPCR. In vitro antibiotic susceptibility testing of 55 isolates revealed higher multidrug resistance in M. haemolytica (25.9%) than P. multocida (7.1%) isolates. Descending resistance towards penicillin (63.6%), oxytetracycline (23.6%), streptomycin (14.5%), and gentamicin (12.7%) and absolute sensitivity towards chloramphenicol were observed in both the pathogens. The antibiotic resistance genes such as strA (32.7%) and sul2 (32.7%) associated with streptomycin and sulfonamide resistance, respectively, were detected in the isolates.

Conclusion: The study revealed the significant involvement of M. haemolytica together with P. multocida in ovine respiratory infection and is probably responsible for frequent disease outbreaks even after vaccination against hemorrhagic septicemia in sheep population of Karnataka, southern province of India.

Keywords: antimicrobial susceptibility, isolation, Mannheima haemolytica, multiplex PCR, Pasteurella multocida.