Characterization of putative pathogenic Shewanella algae isolated from ballast water

Research (Published online: 19-03-2021)

18. Characterization of putative pathogenic Shewanella algae isolated from ballast water

Nik Nuraznida Nik Ibrahim, Nurathirah Mat Nasir, Fathul Karim Sahrani, Asmat Ahmad and Fareed Sairi

Veterinary World, 14(3): 678-688

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Shewanella algae is ubiquitous in marine-associated environments and has been increasingly recognized as a significant human pathogen that can cause serious infections mainly associated with exposure to seawater and ingestion of raw seafood. This study aimed to isolate and characterize S. algae from ballast water of ships berthed at Port Klang, Malaysia.

Materials and Methods: Ballast water was sampled from nine ships docked at Port Klang, Malaysia. The isolates were identified and characterized based on biochemical and enzymatic properties, 16S rRNA and gyrB sequencing, biofilm formation capability, and antibiotic susceptibility.

Results: A total of four S. algae isolates were isolated from four ballast water samples tentatively name Sa-BW1, Sa-BW2, Sa-BW7, and Sa-BW8. All isolates showed positive reaction for cytochrome oxidase, catalase, high tolerance to NaCl (6% and 8%), ability to grow at 42°C, and on Salmonella-Shigella agar. The strains also exhibited β-hemolytic activity on sheep blood and human blood agar, positive reaction for lipase, protease, DNase and gelatinase, strong biofilm adherence capabilities and multiple antibiotic resistances against ampicillin, carbenicillin, cephalothin, colistin, novobiocin, oxacillin, penicillin, rifampicin, and tobramycin which suggested their potential pathogenicity.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated the occurrence of putative pathogen S. algae in ballast water of ships docked at Malaysian port.

Keywords: ballast water, extracellular enzymes, putative pathogen, Shewanella algae.

Effect of feed additive "Ceobalyk" on the biological and microbiological parameters of African sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Research (Published online: 19-03-2021)

17. Effect of feed additive "Ceobalyk" on the biological and microbiological parameters of African sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Nurzhan Biltebaevna Sarsembayeva, Ardak Sabyrzhanovna Akkozova, Tolkyn Bakytovna Abdigaliyeva, Aida Bolatbekovna Abzhalieva and Aray Berkimbekovna Aidarbekova

Veterinary World, 14(3): 669-677

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to analyze biological and microbiological parameters of Clarias gariepinus bred at Chundzha natural hot spring in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan, a new feed additive, namely, the prebiotic "Ceobalyk."

Materials and Methods: Two groups (50 heads each) of fish of the same age were established and kept in specialized rectangular pools of AsylTasEngineering LLP. The experiment lasted 61 days. We used the feed additive "Ceobalyk", developed based on natural minerals. Feed additive was added to the feed of the experimental group of fish in an amount of 10% per 1 kg of the main diet. Laboratory studies were conducted at the laboratories of the Kazakhstan-Japan Innovation Center. The quality of the fish was studied in accordance with the standards of the Republic of Kazakhstan and interstate standards.

Results: In biological and microbiological studies of all samples of African sharptooth catfish, which received a new type of feed additive "Ceobalyk", the pH values of fish meat in the experimental groups were normal and varied in the range from 6.5 to 6.7. When setting up the reaction with copper sulfate, the reaction was positive. During bacterioscopy, there was a noticeable decrease in the number of microbes (2-3 bacteria less) in comparison with the control. An increase in the indices of the absolute body length and body width was observed by the end of the study. The body length in the experimental group was significantly greater (by 2.12% on average) than that in the control group. In the experimental variant, the average weight of fish was 21.8% higher. As a result of organoleptic studies, it was revealed that the musculature of the fish of the experimental groups was dense and elastic; when pressed on the skin with a finger, a fossa did not remain; the smell was specific, fresh. When tested by cooking, the broth was transparent and aromatic.

Conclusion: This feed additive "Ceobalyk" does not cause deviations in the physiological status of fish and can be used as part of the main diet.

Keywords: African sharptooth catfish, Escherichia coli, feed additives, microbiological parameters, quality, total viable count.

Microbiome structure in a recirculating aquaculture system and its connection to infections in sturgeon fish

Research (Published online: 18-03-2021)

16. Microbiome structure in a recirculating aquaculture system and its connection to infections in sturgeon fish

Nurlan Khabibullovich Sergaliev, Murat Galikhanovich Kakishev, Nurbek Satkanuly Ginayatov, Farida Khamidullievna Nurzhanova and Evgeny Evgenievich Andronov

Veterinary World, 14(3): 661-668

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to determine the bacterial composition at various stages of the temperature regime in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) to assess the pathological risk of a group of opportunistic pathogenic microflora.

Materials and Methods: Water temperature, incidences of illnesses, and fish mortality were monitored, during the research period to identify the causes of pathogens in sturgeons. Analysis of the nucleotide sequences was performed using the quantitative insights into microbial ecology module. Sequence alignment in the analysis of the distribution of gene libraries was performed using the Unclust method. The RDP database was used for the taxonomic identification of operational taxonomic units.

Results: The pattern of the contraction of infection among sturgeons bred in the RAS was established. A detailed analysis of the microbiome structure's taxonomic features showed dominant taxa during the "artificial wintering" period and at a temperature optimum in industrial aquaculture. It was found that the main outbreaks of pseudomonosis occurred during this period in the RAS. With a decrease in temperature of the aquatic environment, the incidence of illness increased by 75% compared with the optimum temperature period. Pseudomonas, Cetobacterium, and Lactococcus were specific taxa characteristic for the "artificial wintering" period. Xanthomonadaceae and Flavobacterium were specific taxa characteristic for the optimum temperature.

Conclusion: Consequently, the microbial structure was determined at different temperature regimes in a RAS, and the dominant communities were identified. The pattern of the contraction of infection caused by an opportunistic microflora (pseudomonosis) among sturgeons was established, allowing for the development and correction of treatment and preventive measures.

Keywords: metagenomics, microbial contamination, microbiome, recirculating aquaculture system, sturgeon.

Bacteriological quality of raw milk marketed in and around Guwahati city, Assam, India

Research (Published online: 18-03-2021)

15. Bacteriological quality of raw milk marketed in and around Guwahati city, Assam, India

Smita Kakati, Archana Talukdar, Razibuddin Ahmed Hazarika, Masuk Raquib, Saurabh Kumar Laskar, Girindra Kumar Saikia and Zakir Hussein

Veterinary World, 14(3): 656-660

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Milk is a highly perishable commodity, which is subjected to various types of contamination right from the farm level to the consumers' table. This study aimed to assess the quality of raw milk sold in and around Guwahati city based on the microbial load.

Materials and Methods: A total of 200 raw pooled milk samples collected from 25 different locations in and around Guwahati city were subjected to quality evaluation based on the methylene blue reduction test (MBRT), standard plate count, and coliform count as per the standard procedure.

Results: Out of the 200 samples evaluated, more than 50% of them were graded as poor to very poor quality based on the MBRT results. None of the samples could be graded as excellent quality and only 14.5% were graded as good quality. The standard plate count and coliform count of all the raw milk samples were found to be significantly higher than the legal standard. A highly significant (p<0.01) difference was observed for standard plate count and coliform count among the different locations in and around Guwahati city.

Conclusion: From the present study, it could be inferred that raw milk sold in most parts of Guwahati city do not confer to the legal microbiological standard and may pose a high risk of milk-borne illness among consumers of the city, which needs a systematic series of actions to be implemented properly.

Keywords: coliform count, methylene blue reduction test, raw milk, total viable count.

Patterns of blood biochemical parameters of peripartum dairy cows raised in either smallholder or semi-commercial dairy farms in Thailand

Research (Published online: 17-03-2021)

14. Patterns of blood biochemical parameters of peripartum dairy cows raised in either smallholder or semi-commercial dairy farms in Thailand

Supawit Triwutanon and Theera Rukkwamsuk

Veterinary World, 14(3): 649-655

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Data about dynamics of serum biochemical parameters and negative energy balance (NEB) related conditions differ among geographical areas or farm types. It should be cautious about applying those data to justify control and prevention strategies of NEB problems. Therefore, dynamics of blood biochemical parameters related to NEB condition of peripartum dairy cows raised in either smallholder (SH) or semi-commercial (SC) farms were studied.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-two healthy pregnant dry cows were selected from five dairy farms in Western part of Thailand, including 15 and 17 cows from three SH and two SC farms, respectively. Blood samples were collected at 2 weeks before the expected calving date, and 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks postpartum to determine concentrations of glucose, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA). Body condition scores (BCSs) and milk yields were also recorded.

Results: Dairy cows in both farm types suffered from NEB by elevation of serum NEFA and BHBA, and loss of BCS postpartum. Degrees of elevation in serum NEFA and BHBA were different between farm types. The SC cows showed more BCS loss postpartum, but lower serum NEFA. In the SH cows, even with less BCS loss, the cows showed high serum NEFA concentrations.

Conclusion: Dairy cows in our study entered NEB condition even with low milk yields. Moreover, elevation of serum NEFA and BHBA postpartum was higher in our studied cows as compared with other studies in high producing cows of commercial dairy farms in temperate areas.

Keywords: β-hydroxybutyrate, negative energy balance, non-esterified fatty acid, smallholder dairy farm, tropical area.

Effects of rumen-degradable-to-undegradable protein ratio in ruminant diet on in vitro digestibility, rumen fermentation, and microbial protein synthesis

Research (Published online: 17-03-2021)

13. Effects of rumen-degradable-to-undegradable protein ratio in ruminant diet on in vitro digestibility, rumen fermentation, and microbial protein synthesis

Ezi Masdia Putri, Mardiati Zain, Lili Warly and Hermon Hermon

Veterinary World, 14(3): 640-648

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Feeding ruminants must notice the degradability of feed, especially protein. Microbial rumen requires ammonia from rumen degradable protein (RDP) beside that ruminant require bypass protein or rumen undegradable protein (RUP) and microbial crude protein. The aim of the study was to discover the best RDP:RUP ratio in beef cattle diets commonly used by Indonesian farmers using an in vitro methodology.

Materials and Methods: Samples of Pennisetum purpureum, Leucaena leucocephala, Indigofera zollingeriana, cassava, maize, palm kernel cake, rice bran, and tofu waste were formulated into dietary treatments (dry matter [DM] basis). All experiments were carried out using a 3×3×2 factorial, randomized block design with three replications. Treatments consisted of three protein levels (12%, 14%, and 16%), two energy levels (65% and 70%), and three RDP:RUP ratio levels (55:45, 60:40, and 65:35). The experimental diets were incubated in vitro using buffered rumen fluid for 48 h at 39°C. After incubation, the supernatants were analyzed to determine pH, ammonia concentration, total volatile fatty acid (VFA), and microbial protein synthesis. The residues were analyzed to determine DM, organic matter, protein, and RUP digestibility.

Results: Increased protein, energy, and RDP levels increased digestibility, ammonia concentrations, total VFAs, and microbial protein synthesis (p<0.05), while rations with 16% protein lowered these parameters (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Increased dietary protein (from 12% to 14% DM), energy (from 65% to 70% DM), and RDP (from 55% to 65% crude protein [CP]) levels increased nutrient digestibility, ammonia concentration, total VFA levels, and microbial protein synthesis. The diet containing 14% DM dietary protein and 70% DM energy, which contained 55%, 60%, or 65% CP RDP optimally increased nutrient digestibility, ammonia concentration, total VFA levels, and microbial protein synthesis. Thus, feed based on these RDP:RUP ratios can optimize ruminant productivity.

Keywords: digestibility, microbial protein synthesis, protein, rumen characteristic, rumen degradable protein, rumen undegradable protein.

Global epidemiology of coronavirus disease 2019 and lessons for effective control of this and future pandemics

Review (Published online: 16-03-2021)

10. Global epidemiology of coronavirus disease 2019 and lessons for effective control of this and future pandemics

Emmanuel Okechukwu Njoga, Yusuf Feyisara Zakariya, Ishmael Festus Jaja, Chinwe Elizabeth Okoli and Philip Paul Mshelbwala

International Journal of One Health, 7(1): 78-87

ABSTRACT

Barely 1 year after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first reported in China, the virus has infected approximately 120 million people, caused around 3 million deaths, and adversely affected the global economy. Despite stringent measures to flatten the epidemiologic curve of the pandemic, there have been spikes and waves of the infection in many countries, particularly in the American, European, and Asian continents. This review critically evaluated the global epidemiology of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to provide advice on other possible ways of managing the disease as various COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out. To effectively control this and possible future epidemics/pandemics, there is a need to maintain a healthy balance between saving lives and livelihoods in the implementation of lockdowns. Unwarranted human exposures to animals, particularly pangolins, civet cats, bats, dromedary camels, and other wildlife known to be reservoirs and intermediate hosts of coronaviruses should be prevented. All the identified strains of SARS-CoV-2, including the highly infectious UK and South African variants, should be incorporated in COVID-19 vaccine production; to widen the protection spectrum. Some of the COVID-19 vaccines require primary inoculation, booster vaccination after 2-4 weeks and annual revaccination for adequate immunization against SARS-CoV-2. Survivors of COVID-19 may require only a single vaccine dozing and annual revaccination thereafter. Adoption of One Health approach and the development of globally coordinated active surveillance systems against emerging and reemerging zoonotic viruses are imperative.

Keywords: COVID-19, coronaviruses, emerging zoonoses, new variant SARS-CoV-2, pandemic diseases, SARS-CoV-2, public health.