Oral flora of stray dogs and cats in Algeria: Pasteurella and other zoonotic bacteria

Research (Published online: 30-12-2020)

29. Oral flora of stray dogs and cats in Algeria: Pasteurella and other zoonotic bacteria

Kahina Razali, Rachid Kaidi, Amine Abdelli, Mohamed Nabil Menoueri and Khatima Ait-Oudhia

Veterinary World, 13(12): 2806-2814

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Knowledge of potentially pathogenic bacteria presents in the oral cavity of dogs and cats may be helpful in determining appropriate treatment for infected bite wounds. About 120.000 people are exposed to dog and cat bites every year in Algeria, but little is known about the dog and cat oral flora causing bite wound complications. The purpose of this study was to identify potential zoonotic bacteria from oral cavity of dogs and cats and to determine their susceptibility to antibiotics to contribute to the treatment of bite wound infection.

Materials and Methods: Oral swabs from 100 stray dogs and 100 stray cats were collected and cultured in several media: Chocolate agar, MacConkey agar, and Mannitol Salt Agar. Bacterial isolates were identified using several commercial kits of the analytical profile index and tested for antibiotic susceptibility by disk diffusion method.

Results: Overall, 185/200 (92.5%) dogs and cats carried zoonotic bacteria in their mouths, of which 55.13% (102/185) had at least two bacterial pathogens. 374 pathogenic strains belonging to 15 genera were isolated: Eleven were Gram-negative (Proteus, Pasteurella, Escherichia, Moraxella, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, and Neisseria Haemophilus) and four were Gram-positive (Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Corynebacterium, Bacillus). Fifty-one strains of Pasteurella were isolated from 44 carriers of Pasteurella (21 Pasteurella multocida, 21 Pasteurella pneumotropica, and 9 Pasteurella spp.). Pasteurella strains were tested for antibiotic resistance. Resistance to at least one drug was observed in 8 (15.68%) of Pasteurella isolates and two strains (3.92%) were found to be multidrug-resistant (to two or more drugs). Erythromycin, penicillin, and ampicillin were the antimicrobials to which the isolates showed greater resistance (7.84%, 5.88%, and 3.92%, respectively).

Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first in Algeria to detect potential human pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity of dogs and cats. It reveals that these animals have multiple zoonotic bacteria in their mouths including Pasteurella species, which may be multidrug-resistant.

Keywords: Algeria, bite, dogs and cats, oral flora, Pasteurella.

Comparison of subclinical dermatophyte infection in short- and long-haired cats

Research (Published online: 29-12-2020)

28. Comparison of subclinical dermatophyte infection in short- and long-haired cats

Panpicha Sattasathuchana, Chunyaput Bumrungpun and Naris Thengchaisri

Veterinary World, 13(12): 2798-2805

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Long-haired cats may have an increased risk of dermatophytosis due to insufficient grooming and their thick hair coat trapping fungal spores. The prevalence of subclinical dermatophytosis in long-haired cats was evaluated using fungal culture and Wood's lamp test. Hematology and blood chemistry results were compared between cats negative and positive for dermatophytosis.

Materials and Methods: A total of 127 cats (median age, 3 years [range, 10 months-10 years]) without feline leukemia virus or feline immunodeficiency virus infection were classified into short-haired (n=64) and long-haired (n=63) groups. Hair samples were cultured on a fungal culture medium (dermatophyte test medium, enhanced sporulation agar, and Sabouraud agar).

Results: The prevalence of dermatophytosis in short-haired and long-haired cats was 6.25% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.15-12.28) and 34.92% (95% CI, 22.94-46.90), respectively. The odds of long-haired cats having dermatophytosis were 8.05 (95% CI, 2.44-33.97) times greater than that in short-haired cats. The number of positive dermatophytosis found in domestic short-haired cats (2/50, 4.0%) was significantly lower than that in Persian cats (17/47, 36.17%; p<0.001) and long-haired mixed breed cats (3/7, 42.86%; p=0.011). The overall sensitivity and specificity of the Wood's lamp test for diagnosing Microsporum canis infection were 37.5% (95% CI, 21.2-57.3%) and 96.1% (95% CI, 90.4-98.5%), respectively. Cats with dermatophytosis had significantly lower hematocrit and serum albumin levels than cats without dermatophytosis.

Conclusion: Subclinical dermatophytosis was more common in long-haired cats; therefore, dermatophyte examinations should be performed routinely.

Keywords: cats, dermatophyte, hematology, mycosis, Wood's lamp.

Wound healing in immunocompromised dogs: A comparison between the healing effects of moist exposed burn ointment and honey

Research (Published online: 29-12-2020)

27. Wound healing in immunocompromised dogs: A comparison between the healing effects of moist exposed burn ointment and honey

Musa Alshehabat, Wael Hananeh, Zuhair Bani Ismail, Safwan Abu Rmilah and Mahmoud Abu Abeeleh

Veterinary World, 13(12): 2793-2797

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Natural topical products have been used to enhance wound healing, especially in immunocompromised animals. The aims of this study were to evaluate and to compare the effects of moist exposed burn ointment (MEBO) and honey on the healing of full-thickness skin wounds in immunocompromised dogs.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using 12 adults, apparently healthy mongrel dogs. Immunosuppression was induced in six dogs by oral administration of prednisone (2 mg/kg) and azathioprine (2 mg/kg), once a day for 21 days. On each dog, a total of 9, 1.5 cm in diameter full-thickness skin circular wounds were created aseptically in the thoracolumbar area under general anesthesia using customized skin punch biopsy kit. In a random fashion, three wounds in each dog were treatment using MEBO (contains b-sitosterol, baicalin, and berberine as active ingredients in a base of beeswax and sesame oil), honey or no treatment (control), once per day for 21 days. Wounds were grossly evaluated once a day for signs of inflammation or infection. In addition, biopsy specimens and digital imaging data of each wound were obtained on days 7, 14, and 21 for histopathological evaluation of the healing process.

Results: Wounds in immunocompromised dogs appeared to heal significantly in a slower fashion than in non-immunocompromised counterparts. Digital analysis data showed that MEBO-treated wounds expressed better epithelialization area, faster contraction, and smaller wound area percentage when compared with honey-treated wounds. Histopathological analysis showed significantly higher angiogenesis scores in MEBO-treated wounds when compared with other treatments.

Conclusion: Results of this study showed that MEBO resulted in significant enhancement of wound healing in both healthy and immunocompromised dogs. However, when compared to honey, the wound healing effect of MEBO was superior to that of honey.

Keywords: epithelialization, open wound healing, wound contraction, wound dressings.

Clinical and pathological features of aspergillosis due to Aspergillus fumigatus in broilers

Research (Published online: 26-12-2020)

26. Clinical and pathological features of aspergillosis due to Aspergillus fumigatus in broilers

Alfarisa Nururrozi, Yanuartono Yanuartono, Sitarina Widyarini, Dhasia Ramandani and Soedarmanto Indarjulianto

Veterinary World, 13(12): 2787-2792

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous pathogen causing aspergillosis in poultry. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical and pathological features of aspergillosis infection in broilers.

Materials and Methods: A. fumigatus infection was induced experimentally by intra-air sac inoculation of a 1.7×108 spore suspension into broilers. Infected and non-infected birds were closely observed for the development of clinical signs of infection twice daily. Pathological samples were collected 5, 14, and 30 days post-infection (dpi) and examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining.

Results: A total of 160 birds were included in this study. Clinical signs emerged at 3 dpi and became consistent at 5 dpi. A considerable decrease in severity and number of birds showing infection symptoms followed. The clinical signs of aspergillosis included anorexia (n=40; 50%), lethargy (n=32; 40%), dyspnea (n=38; 48%), and gasping (n=29; 36%). Macroscopic changes in the air sacs at 3 dpi included the development of minor lesions showing cloudiness, slight membrane thickening, and local exudates. Histopathological examination of the air sacs collected at 3 dpi indicated local inflammation surrounded by hyphae and spores. At 5 dpi, infected birds developed nodules, necrosis, and parenchymal consolidation of the lungs. Pulmonary changes, such as bronchopneumonia, spores, septate hyphae, and mild granulomatous inflammation, were also observed. At 14 dpi, multiple caseous nodules and plaques were found in the air sacs; plaque and necrosis in large areas of the lungs and severe multifocal granulomatous inflammation were noted.

Conclusion: The clinical symptoms of aspergillosis emerged at 3 dpi and gradually decreased beginning at 7 dpi. Similar pathological changes were observed in the air sacs and lungs. The results of this work provide additional information on the pathogenesis of aspergillosis.

Keywords: aspergillosis, broiler, clinical, pathological.

Effect of parity on metabolic and oxidative stress profiles in Holstein dairy cows

Research (Published online: 26-12-2020)

25. Effect of parity on metabolic and oxidative stress profiles in Holstein dairy cows

Shimaa G. Yehia, Eman S. Ramadan, Eissa A. Megahed and Noha Y. Salem

Veterinary World, 13(12): 2780-2786

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Pregnancy and lactation have an impact on health status of animals and constitute burden on body metabolites and the oxidant-antioxidant equilibrium. This study is aimed at evaluating metabolic and oxidative stress patterns and parity impacts in both primiparous and multiparous dairy cows.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven primiparous and multiparous Holstein cows were enrolled and categorized into four groups according to their physiologic status: Primiparous peripartum heifer (n=5), primiparous postpartum cow (n=9), multiparous peripartum cows (n=5), and multiparous postpartum cows (n=8). Blood sample was taken from each animal – peripartum groups at 3 weeks prepartum and postpartum groups at 3 weeks post-parturition – for complete blood picture, glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, albumin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity, and haptoglobin estimation.

Results: Postpartum primiparous cows showed significant decrease in glucose, total protein, and albumin while showing significant increase in MDA, NEFA, and globulin; on the other hand, multiparous postpartum cows showed significant decrease in glucose, total protein, and albumin, associated with significant increase in cholesterol and MDA when compared with prepartum PP and MP cows, respectively. Postpartum multiparous cows significantly showed reduction in NEFA when compared to primiparous postpartum cows. Hematologic profiles of postpartum primiparous and multiparous cows showed significant decrease in red blood cells and packed cell volume, significant increase in lymphocytes when compared with prepartum cows.

Conclusion: Metabolic and oxidative abnormalities exist in both primiparous and multiparous cows during the transition phase, however postpartum primiparous cows show higher susceptibility to negative energy balance impacts. Oxidant/ antioxidant imbalance occurred in both the primiparous and multiparous postpartum cows, highlighting the importance of oxidative stress profiles in the assessment of metabolic health status during transition.

Keywords: haptoglobin, heifers, multiparous, non-esterified fatty acids, oxidative stress, transition.

Post-calving umbilical cord tissue offcut: A potential source for the isolation of bovine mesenchymal stem cells

Research (Published online: 25-12-2020)

24. Post-calving umbilical cord tissue offcut: A potential source for the isolation of bovine mesenchymal stem cells

Parishma Debbarma, Tanmay Mondal, Camelia Manna, Kuldeep Kumar, Joydip Mukherjee, Bikash Chandra Das, Sadhan Bag and Kinsuk Das

Veterinary World, 13(12): 2772-2779

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Veterinary health care is an emergent area in animal sciences and innovative therapeutic approaches happen to be imperative in the present days. In view of the importance of cattle health and production, it is necessary to take up contemporary approach of stem cell therapy in this sector also. This study aimed to standardize an explant culture method of bovine umbilical tissue offcut to isolate mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) because considerable efforts are required for ensuring easy accessibility and availability of MSCs in bulk quantity, as well as in establishing and characterizing the cell lines.

Materials and Methods: The umbilical cord (UC) tissue matrix offcut was collected after calving. A simplified in vitro cell isolation technique was followed to collect the emerged out cells from the explants of UC. Further, we expanded these isolated cells in vitro, observed its growth kinetics, and characterized to confirm as per the criterion of bovine MSCs.

Results: A considerable exponential growth rate of the UC-derived cells was noticed. In addition to their confirmation as MSCs, the cells also exhibited plastic adherent property and maintained the spindle-shaped morphology throughout the in vitro culture. The cultured cells were found positive MSC-specific surface markers CD105, CD90, and CD73 and were negative for hematopoietic cell marker CD45. Cytochemical studies revealed the ability of the cells to differentiate into osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineages.

Conclusion: This simplified method of isolation and culture of bovine multipotent MSCs from the UC offcut collected after calving could be extrapolated for the greater availability of the cells for prospective therapeutic applications.

Keywords: cattle, umbilical cord tissue, mesenchymal stem cells, isolation.

Growth performance and small intestinal morphology of native chickens after feed supplementation with tryptophan and threonine during the starter phase

Research (Published online: 24-12-2020)

23. Growth performance and small intestinal morphology of native chickens after feed supplementation with tryptophan and threonine during the starter phase

Charles V. Lisnahan and Oktovianus R. Nahak

Veterinary World, 13(12): 2765-2771

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The amino acid content of feed can affect growth performance of poultry during the first 6 weeks of life or the starter phase. Unlike for broiler and layer chickens, there is no information concerning standard requirements for tryptophan and threonine during the starter phase. This study aimed to determine the amount of threonine and tryptophan that should be supplemented in chicken feed to maximize growth performance and small intestinal morphology of native chickens during the starter phase.

Materials and Methods: A total of 128 day-old native chickens were divided into four treatment groups with four replications based on a completely randomized design. The treatment diets were as follows: T0 (control feed); T1 (T0+0.10% L-tryptophan+0.35% L-threonine); T2 (T0+0.17% L-tryptophan+0.68% L-threonine); and T3 (T0+0.25% L-tryptophan+1.00% L-threonine).

Results: The feed intake was highest for the T2 and T3 groups (123.06 and 124.18 g/bird/week, respectively). The T3 group had the highest body weight gain (49.35 g/bird/week) and carcass weight (201.44 g/bird) relative to the other groups, while the T2 and T3 groups showed similar, significant (p<0.05) increases in feed conversion ratio (2.57 and 2.51, respectively) and carcass percentage (60.88 and 60.99%/bird, respectively) compared to the other groups. This study showed villi height, crypt depth, and villi width of duodenum, the highest jejunum and ileum of T3 (1109.00±27.26, 1325.50±75.00, 1229.50±101.68, 225.50±17.52, 236.00±24.81, 219.75±17.25, 192.25±14.41, 191.75±4.79, and 184.75±6.40, respectively) compare to other treatment.

Conclusion: These results indicate that supplementation of feed with 0.17% L-tryptophan and 0.68% L-threonine positively affected the growth performance and small intestinal morphology of native chickens during the starter phase.

Keywords: growth performance, native chickens, small intestinal morphology, starter phase, threonine, tryptophan.