The use of carotene-containing preparation in cows for the prevention of postpartum complications

Research (Published online: 04-05-2021)

1. The use of carotene-containing preparation in cows for the prevention of postpartum complications

Tatyana Vladimirovna Zubova, Vladimir Alexandrovich Pleshkov, Oksana Vladimirovna Smolovskaya, Alexander Nikolaevich Mironov and Larisa Nikolaevna Korobeynikova

Veterinary World, 14(5): 1059-1066 

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: It is known that metabolic disturbances in the animal body negatively affect parturition, uterine involution, and, ultimately, fertility, especially in cows, during the first insemination. Although the method of diet optimization with the use of a software package results in positive outcomes, adjustment is required for certain groups of animals (e.g., cows), in accordance with the period of the year. Every year, in the spring and autumn, blood is taken from animals to detect metabolic disorders, and then either the diet is balanced or, if the cows lack vitamins and minerals, they are administered to cows parenterally or with food. The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of using carotene-containing preparation in the prevention of postpartum complications in cows.

Materials and Methods: Before the start of the experiment, blood was collected from the animals of the experimental and control groups, with ten animals in each group, and its serum was examined for the presence of carotene. Low carotene content was found in the serum of all animals (from 0.2 to 0.25 mg%) with the norm within the range of 0.40-0.62 mg%. The cows of the experimental group were injected subcutaneously with the carotene-containing preparation 30, 20, and 10 days before the expected calving date at a dose of 10 mL per head. The carotene-containing preparation was a solution of crystalline β-carotene substance in deodorized sunflower oil. Moreover, the share of β-carotene was at least 0.18%. The drug was administered intramuscularly into the rump.

Results: In the postpartum period, the retention of the placenta was observed in two animals of the control group. The uterine involution in the cows of the control group was 16.0 (p<0.05) days longer than that in the cows of the experimental group. The duration of placenta separation in the cows of the control group was on average 3.21 h longer (p<0.01) than that in the cows of the experimental group. The period from calving to the introduction of the embryo was 63.17±1.56 days in the control group and 48.3±0.83 days in the experimental group. The survival rate of embryos in the cows of the experimental group was 60%, and the period from the calving date to the introduction of the embryo averaged 48 days, which were 14.9 (p<0.05) days less than that in the cows of the control group.

Conclusion: When the carotene-containing preparation was administered in a dose of 10 mL subcutaneously to cows 30, 20, and 10 days before the calving date, the blood carotene content increased, and the duration of the last stage and uterine involution decreased. The period from the calving date to the introduction of the embryo was reduced to 48.3±0.83 days, and the survival rate of embryos was 60%.

Keywords: carotene, diet, embryos, feeding, involution, uterine.

Understanding eco-immunology of bacterial zoonoses and alternative therapeutics toward "One Health"

Review (Published online: 03-05-2021)

13. Understanding eco-immunology of bacterial zoonoses and alternative therapeutics toward "One Health"

Manisha Behera, Soma Mondal Ghorai, Sachinandan De and Hardeep Kaur

International Journal of One Health, 7(1): 104-115 

ABSTRACT

The current review identifies key bacterial zoonoses, the understanding of comparative immunology, evolutionary trade-offs between emerging bacterial pathogens and their dynamics on both arms of immunity. The several gaps in the literature limit our understanding of spread of prominent bacterial zoonotic diseases and the host-pathogen interactions that may change in response to environmental and social factors. Gaining a more comprehensive understanding of how anthropogenic activities affects the spread of emerging zoonotic diseases, is essential for predicting and mitigating future disease emergence through fine-tuning of surveillance and control measures with respect to different pathogens. This review highlights the urgent need to increase understanding of the comparative immunity of animal reservoirs, design of vaccines according to the homology in host-pathogen interactions, and the alternative strategies to counter the risk of bacterial pathogenic spillover to humans with eventual spread of zoonotic diseases.

Keywords: alternative antimicrobials, bacterial zoonoses, comparative immunology, One Health.

One Health information management: health system reforms to support social well-being in Thailand

Research (Published online: 03-05-2021)

12. One Health information management: health system reforms to support social well-being in Thailand

Sangtien Youthao and Somsak Amornsiriphong

International Journal of One Health, 7(1): 96-103

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The information about the health problems interaction between animal health, ecosystems, and human health that the "One Health (OH)" concept is becoming more complex. This study focused on OH information in Thailand to develop guidelines for establishing a "One Health Information Management (OHIM)" system by drafting the structure of an OH information strategic plan.

Materials and Methods: A mixed methods approach was used and included questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, and observations in agencies across the country to gather evidence about actions relating to the OH concept, such as the Memorandum of Agreements between the Ministry of Public Health and eight main agencies.

Results: The study concentrated on the key issue that understanding the OH concept is difficult, as the environment and human health sectors include less knowledge of this concept than the animal health sector. Further, there are concerns about the comprehension of OH concepts, and high-level information management and data storage relating to OH, including medicine, cattle, wild animal, environment, and environmental resource management. Data from OH researchers and publicly accessible government data are less integrated and inconsistently managed across agencies.

Conclusion: The study of OHIM strategic development should consist of four important points: (1) Clarity in the OH concept, (2) OH staff development, (3) development of an OHIM data network and innovation, and (4) research and academic development, and global OHIM academic exchange. All of these points will lead to health system reforms to support social well-being.

Keywords: health information management, health, one health information, one health, social well-being, Thailand.

Risk factors associated with acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease at shrimp farm level in Bac Lieu Province, Vietnam

Research (Published online: 30-04-2021)

34. Risk factors associated with acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease at shrimp farm level in Bac Lieu Province, Vietnam

Hien The Nguyen, Toan Nguyen Van, Tien Tien Ngoc, Visanu Boonyawiwat, Theera Rukkwamsuk and Adisorn Yawongsa

Veterinary World, 14(4): 1050-1058

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) is a severe disease in shrimp farms and adversely affected the shrimp industry of Vietnam. So far, the study on risk factors associated with AHPND outbreaks is limited. The objective of this study was to determine the potential risk factors of AHPND at the shrimp farm level in Bac Lieu Province, Vietnam.

Materials and Methods: Real-time-Polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze data collected from an active surveillance program of shrimp farms in 2017 in the Vinh Tien and Vinh Lac villages, Vinh Thinh commune, Hoa Binh district in Bac Lieu Province, Vietnam. The matched case-control study selected 20 cases and 20 control farms from 134 shrimp farms. In 2018, face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires were conducted with the farmers of these selected farms.

Results: Of the 59 studied variables, seven had p≤0.2 based on bivariate analyses. The results of multivariable analysis showed that the presence of fish-eating birds on shrimp farms was a significant association with AHPND (odds ratio=8, p=0.049).

Conclusion: To reduce the effect of AHPND, farmers should apply effective methods to manage wild animals such as using a grid or net to cover the pond, combined with improved biosecurity.

Keywords: conditional logistic regression, early mortality syndrome, fish-eating bird, matched case-control study, odd ratio.

Prevalence of Balantidium coli (Malmsten, 1857) infection in swine reared in South Italy: A widespread neglected zoonosis

Research (Published online: 30-04-2021)

33. Prevalence of Balantidium coli (Malmsten, 1857) infection in swine reared in South Italy: A widespread neglected zoonosis

Filippo Giarratana, Luca Nalbone, Ettore Napoli, Vincenzo Lanzo and Antonio Panebianco

Veterinary World, 14(4): 1044-1049

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Balantidiasis, caused by Balantidium coli (syn. Neobalantidium coli or B. coli), represents a neglected parasitic infection of zoonotic significance affecting a variety of hosts, including domestic pigs that are the main reservoir. B. coli has a direct life cycle with a fecal-oral route transmission that occurs mainly by the ingestion of food and water contaminated with cysts. The ingestion of meat contaminated during inappropriate slaughtering processes may represent a new potential route of transmission. Only a few studies have investigated the prevalence of B. coli in domestic pigs in Italy, despite its high prevalence and zoonotic significance. This study aimed to improve the knowledge on B. coli prevalence in domestic swine reared both in intensive and "en plein air" breeding systems in the south of Italy.

Materials and Methods: The infection rate of B. coli in pigs bred in 15 different pig farms and regularly slaughtered in South Italy, in the Calabria region, was investigated. From 2017 to 2019, 177 terminal parts of the rectums of pigs, of which 91 commercial hybrids and 86 autochthonous (Nero Calabrese), reared, respectively, in intensive and "en plein air" breeding system, were tested for parasite detection. After the slaughtering, the terminal part of the rectum was sampled and transported to the laboratories and immediately processed. For the detection of trophozoites, fresh smears of feces were examined at light microscopy. Moreover, flotation was performed using a sodium chloride solution, then smears of feces were dispersed on microscope slides and examined at light microscopy. The observed parasites were identified at the species level using morphological characteristics.

Results: B. coli was detected in a total of 83 (i.e., 46.89%) pigs, with a significantly higher prevalence (p<0.0001) found in commercial hybrid (i.e., 59/91-64.84%) pigs rather than in autochthonous ones (i.e., 24/86-27.91%). It follows that the infection was more common in pigs reared in the intensive breeding system than in "en plein air" ones (p<0.0001). The infection prevalence was higher in males than in females and lower in elder animals than in younger ones (p=0.012 and p<0.0001, respectively).

Conclusion: The breeding system is likely the main discriminant for the parasite spread as well as the hygienic condition of the farms. Good manufacturing and hygiene practices along the food production chain are crucial in preventing human balantidiasis transmission by meat consumption. The high B. coli prevalence, the wide spectrum of host species, and its zoonotic significance push toward a greater public interest.

Keywords: Balantidium coli, ciliate protozoa, protozoa, swine, zoonosis.

First report of canine parvovirus molecular detection in Bangladesh

Research (Published online: 29-04-2021)

32. First report of canine parvovirus molecular detection in Bangladesh

F. M. Yasir Hasib, Sharmin Akter and Sharmin Chowdhury

Veterinary World, 14(4): 1038-1043

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Canine parvovirus (CPV) is the most important cause of mortality in dogs in many parts of the world. Clinical cases exhibit characteristic signs, including foul-smelling bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration. This study assessed field and vaccine variants of parvovirus in the Chattogram metropolitan area, Bangladesh. The investigation also aimed to identify risk factors for this disease. This research is the first to identify the presence of CPV in Bangladesh through molecular examination.

Materials and Methods: From October to December 2019, a total of 100 dogs were included in the study. Rectal swabs were taken from all dogs. Twenty dogs showed clinical signs of parvovirus. All clinically affected animals along with 20 randomly selected healthy dogs were tested using amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify variants from the samples. Logistic regression model analysis was performed to determine the possible risk factors for CPV.

Results: ARMS-PCR showed the presence of all three variants, CPV2a, CPV2b, and CPV2c, in clinically ill dogs, and vaccines available in the study area showed either CPV2a or CPV2b strain. The CPV2c variants showed a higher incidence than the other variants. All apparently healthy animals tested were molecularly negative. Multivariable logistic regression model (generalized linear mixed model) indicated that exotic breeds were 3.83 times more likely to be infected by CPV than local breeds. Furthermore, dogs reared in semi-intensive and extensive management systems were 3.64 and 3.79 times more likely to be infected, respectively, than those reared in an intensive management system.

Conclusion: These findings provide practitioners and pet owners information on the occurrence of different variants and help design effective prevention strategies for CPV infection.

Keywords: Bangladesh, canine parvovirus, CPV2a, CPV2b, CPV2c.

Comparative analysis of canine mesenchymal stem cells and bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells

Research (Published online: 29-04-2021)

31. Comparative analysis of canine mesenchymal stem cells and bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells

Noritaka Maeta, Katsutoshi Tamura, Fuuna Ezuka and Hiroshi Takemitsu

Veterinary World, 14(4): 1028-1037

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which have multi-lineage differentiation potentials, are a promising source for regenerative medicine. However, the focus of study of MSCs is shifting from the characterization of the differentiation potential to their secretion potential for cell transplantation. Tissue regeneration and the attenuation of immune responses are thought to be affected by the secretion of multiple growth factors and cytokines by MSCs. However, the secretion potential of MSCs profiling remains incompletely characterized. In this study, we focused on the secretion ability related and protein mRNA expression of dog adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AT-MSC), bone marrow (BM)-derived MSCs, and BM-derived mononuclear cells (BM-MNC).

Materials and Methods: Real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed mRNA expression of nine growth factors and seven interleukins in these types of cells and three growth factors protein expression were determined using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: For the BM-MNC growth factors, the mRNA expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) was the highest. For the BM-derived MSC (BM-MSC) and AT-MSC growth factors, the mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was highest. BM-MSCs and AT-MSCs showed similar expression profiles. In contrast, BM-MNCs showed unique expression profiles for hepatocyte growth factor and epidermal growth factor. The three types of cells showed a similar expression of TGF-β.

Conclusion: We conclude that expression of cytokine proteins and mRNAs suggests involvement in tissue repair and protection.

Keywords: bone marrow-derived mononuclear cell, canine, growth factor, interleukin, mesenchymal stem cell, secretion.