Prevalence of anti-leptospiral antibodies and frequency distribution of Leptospira serovars in small ruminants in enzootic South Peninsular India

Research (Published online: 06-08-2021)

6. Prevalence of anti-leptospiral antibodies and frequency distribution of Leptospira serovars in small ruminants in enzootic South Peninsular India

Vinayagamurthy Balamurugan, Anusha Alamuri, Kirubakaran Vinod Kumar, Bibitha Varghese, Gurrappanaidu Govindaraj, Divakar Hemadri and Parimal Roy

Veterinary World, 14(8): 2023-2030

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: For understanding the epidemiology of leptospirosis, the confined abundance of several species of pathogenic leptospires and knowledge on the serovar(s) prevalent in the reservoir and carrier hosts may be a useful indicator of transmission to incidental/accidental hosts in a geographical niche. The present study was carried out to ascertain the frequency distribution of Leptospira serovars and the prevalence of anti-leptospiral antibodies in small ruminants (sheep and goats) in the epidemiological units (villages) in the coastal districts of enzootic regions in South Peninsular India.

Materials and Methods: A total of 1167 serum samples (sheep n=299 and goats n=868) from apparently healthy animals, randomly collected from various epidemiological units were tested in microscopic agglutination test (MAT) using 18 reference Leptospira serovars antigens.

Results: The overall seroprevalence of 40% (at 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 36.82-42.43) in small ruminants (44% [95% CI: 40.49-52.26] in sheep and 38% [95% CI: 34.96-41.41] in goats) was observed with the predominance of Icterohaemorrhagiae, Javanica, Australis, Hurstbridge, and Pyrogenes serogroup anti-leptospiral antibodies in the studied region. The Chi-squared test revealed that the presence of anti-leptospiral antibodies is significantly not independent (associated) across the administrative division (Chi-square=105.80, p<0.05) as well as for sheep (Chi-square=34.67, p<0.01) and goats (Chi-square=68.78, p<0.01). Among seropositive samples (n=462 reactors), the MAT was positive for more than one serovar in 73% of sheep (95/131) and 53% of goats (177/331), representing an overall 59% cross-reactive prevalence in small ruminants. The determined frequency distribution (varied among small ruminants) of the employed serovars representing major reactive serogroup was Icterohaemorrhagiae (29.87), Javanica (20.78), Australis (20.35), Hurstbridge (16.23), Pyrogenes (15.8), Djasmin (15.58), Bataviae (15.37), Autumnalis (14.5), Canicola (14.5), Hebdomadis (14.07), Shermani (13.64), Panama (13.42), Sejroe (12.77), etc.

Conclusion: This study indicates alarmingly high seroprevalence of leptospirosis in small ruminants with existing endemicity in the studied region in South Peninsular India. Further, these prevalent serovars in the administrative division may be of use in the reference panels of antigens in the MAT in both humans and animal disease diagnostic laboratories for effective and timely diagnosis of leptospirosis and to combat the challenges in public health.

Keywords: leptospirosis; sheep and goats, seroprevalence, frequency distribution, serovars, microscopic agglutination test, South Peninsular India.

Suppressive effect of goat bile in Plasmodium berghei ANKA infection in mice

Research (Published online: 06-08-2021)

5. Suppressive effect of goat bile in Plasmodium berghei ANKA infection in mice

Heny Arwati, Ramadhani R. Bahalwan, Windya T. Hapsari, Kartika A. Wardhani, Kholida N. Aini, Putu I. B. Apsari and Puspa Wardhani

Veterinary World, 14(8): 2016-2022

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Some individuals in Indonesia consume intact goat gallbladder to prevent and treat malaria. The acute and subacute toxicity tests of goat bile (GB) have shown mild diarrhea in mice. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the suppressive effect of GB on parasitemia, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and blood biochemistry to assess liver and kidney function in BALB/c mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA.

Materials and Methods: Fifty healthy mice were infected with P. berghei ANKA and divided into five groups. Mice in three groups were administered 0.5 mL of 25%, 50%, or 100% of GB by gavage. Animals in Group 4 were administered 187.2 mg/kg BW of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine phosphate as a positive control (POS Group). Mice in fifth group were administered sterile water as negative (NEG) controls. Further, 30 uninfected mice were divided into groups 6-8 and administered GB as were mice in the first three groups. Group 9 included 10 uninfected and untreated animals as healthy controls. Treatments were administered in a 4-day suppressive test followed by daily observation of Giemsa-stained blood smears. On day 7, mice were sacrificed to measure the length and weight of spleens and livers, plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine.

Results: GB suppressed parasitemia but did not affect the size and weight of spleens or livers or plasma levels of AST and ALT compared to uninfected GB-treated and healthy control animals. Conversely, plasma levels of BUN and creatinine were suppressed and remained in the normal range in all groups of mice.

Conclusion: GB suppresses parasitemia with no significant impact on hepatic enzymes in GB-treated infected mice. Liver dysfunction in GB-treated infected mice was due to P. berghei rather than GB treatment.

Keywords: blood biochemistry, goat bile, hepatomegaly, malaria, splenomegaly, suppressive effect.

The effect of activated silicon dioxide and betaine supplementation on quails' growth and productivity

Research (Published online: 05-08-2021)

4. The effect of activated silicon dioxide and betaine supplementation on quails' growth and productivity

Adi Ratriyanto, Sigit Prastowo and Nuzul Widyas

Veterinary World, 14(8): 2009-2015

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Silicon dioxide and betaine supplements are essential in the poultry diet to improve growth and laying performance. This study aimed to determine the effect of activated silicon dioxide (ASD) and betaine supplementation on quails' growth performance during the starter period and on follicular development and productive parameters at the onset of the laying period.

Materials and Methods: The research used 1064 quails, aged 7 days. Four treatments were employed: A basal diet (control), a diet supplemented with 200 ppm ASD, a diet supplemented with 0.12% betaine, and a diet supplemented with a combination of 200 ppm ASD and 0.12% betaine (ASD+Betaine). Each diet group included seven replicates of 38 quails. The observed parameters were the quails' growth performance during the starter period and follicular development and egg production during the onset of the laying period.

Results: The results showed that combined supplementation with ASD+Betaine improved the quails' growth performance during the starter period (p<0.05). However, these supplements, either as single feed additives or in combination, did not affect ovarian and follicular characteristics during the onset of the laying period. Still, ASD and betaine enhanced egg production and weight. The highest magnitude of change resulted from combined supplementation with ASD+Betaine (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The ASD+Betaine could be productively applied to quails' diets during the starter period and at the onset of the laying period.

Keywords: betaine, follicle, productive parameters, quail performance, silicon dioxide.

Biochemical, electrolytic, and cardiovascular evaluations in cats with urethral obstruction

Research (Published online: 04-08-2021)

3. Biochemical, electrolytic, and cardiovascular evaluations in cats with urethral obstruction

Darlan Henrique Canei, Mariana Elisa Pereira, Maria Natália de Freitas, Yolanda Paim Arruda Trevisan, Carolina Zorzo, Juliano Bortolini, Adriane Jorge Mendonça, Valéria Régia Franco Sousa and Arleana do Bom Parto Ferreira de Almeida

Veterinary World, 14(8): 2002-2008

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Urethral obstruction (UO) is a common condition in feline medicine. Severe acid-base and electrolyte disorders promote relevant electrocardiographic changes in these animals. Cardiac biomarkers such as cardiac troponin I have been shown to be useful in identifying cats with myocardial disease, but it has not been investigated whether UO leads to myocardial damages. This study aimed to evaluate biochemical changes, electrocardiographic findings, troponin I measurements, and electrolyte disturbances for 7 days in cats with UO.

Materials and Methods: This follow-up prospective study included 33 cats diagnosed with UO for 7 days. For all cats, clinical examination, serum biochemistry, electrolyte analyses, blood pressure, and electrocardiography were performed. Cardiac troponin I was measured in the serum in 16 cats at 3 different times.

Results: The mean age of the feline population was 1.83±1.58 years (mean±standard deviation). Creatinine, urea, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, phosphorus, base excess, bicarbonate, and serum potassium decreased significantly (p≤0.05), while ionic calcium and blood pH increased significantly (p≤0.05) at different times. Electrocardiographic abnormalities were observed in 21/33 (63.63%) of the felines on admission day. The electrocardiographic abnormalities were no longer observed on the subsequent days. Only one feline showed changes in troponin I cardiac concentrations.

Conclusion: This study suggests the sum and severity of electrolyte abnormalities aggravate the clinical and cardiovascular status of these patients. However, cTnI, blood pressure, and heart rate within the reference range do not exclude the presence of major cardiovascular and metabolic abnormalities. The hyperglycemia in felines with UO appears to be associated with decreased renal clearance, which may reflect the severity of hyperkalemia and azotemia. The metabolic and cardiovascular changes of these felines are minimized by the establishment of appropriate intensive care; however, cardiac and blood gas monitoring is essential to assess the severity of the disease.

Keywords: arrhythmia, feline lower urinary tract disease, hyperkalemia, troponin I cardiac.

Association of the KiSS1 gene with litter size in Cyprus and Iraqi black goats

Research (Published online: 03-08-2021)

2. Association of the KiSS1 gene with litter size in Cyprus and Iraqi black goats

M. A. Rahawy and Hayder Abdul-Kareem AL-Mutar

Veterinary World, 14(8): 1995-2001

ABSTRACT

Aim: The study investigated the genetic polymorphism of the kisspeptin (KiSS1) gene and its relationship with litter size in Cyprus and Iraqi black goats.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples (n=124) were collected from the two goat breeds reared at the Agricultural Research-Ruminant Research Station Breeding Station, Baghdad, Iraq. Genomic DNA was isolated using a DNA extraction kit. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the KiSS1 gene. All PCR products were sequenced and samples were used for further analysis using NCBI-Blast online on the exon 1 (595 bp) region of the KiSS1 gene.

Results: The results of this study revealed a significantly (P<0.05) larger litter size of the Cyprus goat breed than in the Iraqi black goats in the first and second parity. Three (893G/C, 973C/A, and 979T/G) substitutions relative to the KiSS1 gene reference sequence (GenBank ID: J × 047312.1, KC989928.1) were identified. Only the mutation g893G>C was identified as a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associated with litter size. Furthermore, the average alleles in KiSS1 gene of both types of goats 0.567 and 0.3715 GG, were recorded. The genotyping at locus g893C>G was demonstrating domination of fecundity quality litter size, Both genotypes SNP of GC were classified at this marked region of KiSS1 gene.

Conclusion: The study concluded that the role of the KiSS1 gene in fecundity, revealing the status of this gene as an indicator in the assisted of caprine breeding selection.

Keywords: DNA sequence, goat, kisspeptin gene, litter size, polymorphism.

Effects of ethanol extract of curry leaves (Murraya koenigii) on HER2 and caspase-3 expression in rat model mammary carcinoma

Research (Published online: 03-08-2021)

1. Effects of ethanol extract of curry leaves (Murraya koenigii) on HER2 and caspase-3 expression in rat model mammary carcinoma

Siti Aisyah, Ekowati Handharyani, Nurliani Bermawie and Agus Setiyono

Veterinary World, 14(8): 1988-1994

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/erbB2/neu) is a prognostic factor and biomarker for detecting mammary tumor malignancy. Leaves of curry (Murraya koenigii) contain alkaloid, flavonoid, and phenolic compounds that can be cytotoxic to tumor cells. Caspase-3 is an indicator of apoptosis in tumor cells. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of curry leaf extract on the expression of HER2 and caspase-3 in mammary tumor through immunohistochemical analyses.

Materials and Methods: Thirty five Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into seven groups: negative control of tumor (P1), positive control of tumor (P2), tumor therapy with methotrexate (P3), and curry leaf extract doses of 300 and 400 mg/ kg body weight/BW after tumor formation (P4, P5), and before tumor formation (P6, P7). Thirty rats of six groups were injected subcutaneously into the mammary glands with 7,12-dimethylbenz(α)-anthracene DMBA) twice within 2 weeks for mammary tumor formation. At the end of the treatments, the rats were euthanized, and their mammary glands were analyzed histopathologically and immunohistochemically using HER2 and caspase-3 antibodies.

Results: Regarding the expression of HER2 detected in the epithelial cell membrane of the mammary gland, P2, P3, P4, and P5 revealed positive expression, P6 and P7 showed equivocal expression, while P1 showed negative expression. Regarding caspase-3 expression in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells, it was low in P1, moderate in P2, P5, P6, and P7, and high in P3 and P4. These findings suggest that DMBA injection produced mammary tumors with HER2 as a biomarker of mammary tumor, and high caspase-3 expression in P4 was the effect of curry leaves extract.

Conclusion: The extract of curry leaves at a dose of 300 mg/kg BW with preventive and curative effects can potentially be used as an anti-tumor agent, which effectively induces the apoptosis of tumor cells.

Keywords: 7,12-dimethylbenz(α)-anthracene, anti-tumor drug, apoptosis, herbal plant, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, Murraya koenigii.

Development of an easy-to-use urease kit for detecting Helicobacter pylori in canine gastric mucosa

Research (Published online: 30-07-2021)

36. Development of an easy-to-use urease kit for detecting Helicobacter pylori in canine gastric mucosa

Chularat Hlaoperm, Kiattawee Choowongkomon, Chantima Pruksakorn and Jatuporn Rattanasrisomporn

Veterinary World, 14(7): 1977-1987

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Helicobacter pylori is an important pathogen in humans and animals involved in chronic gastritis, leading to the development of gastric cancer. Urease produced by H. pylori is an enzyme that promotes bacterial colonization and can be used clinically as a biomarker of H. pylori infection as part of a rapid urease test (RUT). A test with high specificity (95-100%) would be more convenient and faster than histopathology, bacterial culture, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The aim of this study was to develop a simple, cheap, and fast kit for detecting H. pylori infection in the gastric mucosa of canines, which can be used in clinical practice for diagnosing infection with this bacterium.

Materials and Methods: The RUT assays developed were prepared using 1% agar, 1% sodium phosphate monobasic, and 1% urea followed by the addition of 3% methyl red indicator. The cutoff value of sensitivity of the RUT assay was established using the urease of H. pylori ATCC 43504 and color change was monitored for 24 h. Comparisons of the sensitivity to H. pylori ATCC 43504 were made between the developed RUT assays and the Hp Fast™ commercial kit. Then, the limit of detection for H. pylori ATCC 43504 number was analyzed by the SYBR Green real-time PCR assay to measure the copy number of the ureC gene. Gastric biopsy samples from the antrum, body, and fundus of the stomach were collected from eight canines presenting with vomiting and gastroenteritis. Analyses were performed on fresh samples using the developed RUT assays and the Hp Fast™ commercial kit, which were read within 24 h; then, the results were confirmed with SYBR Green real-time PCR. The specificity of the RUT assays was tested with a number of different bacteria, including Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Proteus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus spp., Escherichia coli, and Salmonella spp.; H. pylori ATCC 43504 was used as a positive control.

Results: The results showed that the developed assays were sensitive to the urease enzyme at 0.1 mg/mL. The lowest detection limit of this assay for H. pylori ATCC 43504 was found to be 102 copies at 30 min. The sensitivity of detection of H. pylori in gastric biopsies of canines occurred in a minimum of 30 min. The RUT showed similar results to the Hp Fast™ commercial kit. In the developed RUT, the color change of the test from red to yellow could be clearly distinguished between the color of the positive test and the negative one; however, in the commercial Hp Fast™, it was difficult to observe the gel color change in the negative pH range of 5.8 and the positive pH of 6.5. The developed RUT was specific for H. pylori and did not detect any of the other tested bacteria. The test kit can also be stored for 6 months at 4°C.

Conclusion: The sensitivity of the developed assays allowed the detection of urease enzyme at a minimum concentration of 0.1 mg/mL. Our RUT could also detect H. pylori from one in eight canine specimens at a minimum of 102 copies within 30 min. This RUT is specific to H. pylori as it did not detect any of the other tested bacteria.

Keywords: dog, Helicobacter pylori, rapid urease test.