Coronavirus disease 2019 and its potential animal reservoirs: A review

Review (Published online: 25-08-2021)

4. Coronavirus disease 2019 and its potential animal reservoirs: A review

Md. Sirazul Islam, F. M. Yasir Hasib, Chandan Nath, Jahan Ara, Mong Sing Nu, Md. Abul Fazal and Sharmin Chowdhury

International Journal of One Health, 7(2): 171-181

ABSTRACT

In the 21st century, the world has been plagued by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a virus of the family Coronaviridae epidemiologically suspected to be linked to a wet market in Wuhan, China. The involvement of wildlife and wet markets with the previous outbreaks simultaneously has been brought into sharp focus. Although scientists are yet to ascertain the host range and zoonotic potential of SARS-CoV-2 rigorously, information about its two ancestors, SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), is a footprint for research on COVID-19. A 96% genetic similarity with bat coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 indicates that the bat might be a potential reservoir of SARS-CoV-2 just like SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, where civets and dromedary camels are considered the potential intermediate host, respectively. Perceiving the genetic similarity between pangolin coronavirus and SARS-CoV-2, many scientists also have given the scheme that the pangolin might be the intermediate host. The involvement of SARS-CoV-2 with other animals, such as mink, snake, and turtle has also been highlighted in different research articles based on the interaction between the key amino acids of S protein in the receptor-binding domain and angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2). This study highlights the potential animal reservoirs of SARS-CoV-2 and the role of wildlife in the COVID-19 pandemic. Although different causes, such as recurring viral genome recombination, wide genetic assortment, and irksome food habits, have been blamed for this emergence, basic research studies and literature reviews indicate an enormous consortium between humans and animals for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: ACE2 receptor, COVID-19, Intermediate host, SARS-CoV-2, wildlife.

Antibacterial activity of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii) essential oil against extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing bacteria

Research (Published online: 25-08-2021)

29. Antibacterial activity of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii) essential oil against extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing bacteria

Elgio Venanda Ginting, Endah Retnaningrum and Dyah Ayu Widiasih

Veterinary World, 14(8): 2206-2211

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) is an enzyme produced by the family of Enterobacteriaceae, especially Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, which can hydrolyze β-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillins, cephalosporins, cephamycin, and carbapenem. ESBL-producing bacteria are widely distributed from farms to slaughterhouses until food products originating from animals are available in the market, which plays an important role as a pathway for the exposure and transmission of ESBL-producing bacteria from food products of animal origin to humans. This study aimed to determine the antibacterial activity of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) and Cinnamomum verum (cinnamon) essential oils against strains resistant to ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates.

Materials and Methods: The antibacterial activity of clove and cinnamon essential oils was tested against three strains of tested bacteria using the disk diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of clove and cinnamon essential oils was determined using the broth microdilution method. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was determined using the MIC. Morphological changes on each tested bacteria were observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results: Both essential oils exhibited inhibitory effects toward all test organisms, indicated by inhibition zones around the disk. The MIC values of clove essential oil were 0.078% (v/v) for all tested bacteria, whereas the MICs of cinnamon essential oil ranged from 0.039% (v/v) to 0.156% (v/v) for all tested bacteria. MBC values of clove and cinnamon essential oils ranged from 0.078% (v/v) to 0.156% (v/v) for all tested bacteria. There were morphological changes in each tested bacterial cell that was observed through SEM. Each tested bacteria treated with clove and cinnamon essential oils showed shrinkage and cells lysis.

Conclusion: It was concluded that clove and cinnamon essential oils have emerged as effective antibacterial agents by showing high antibacterial activity against ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates, as evidenced by the inhibition zone diameter and MIC value.

Keywords: cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), extended-spectrum β-lactamase, essential oils, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Effects of the prebiotic lactoferrin on multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli infections in broiler chickens

Research (Published online: 25-08-2021)

28. Effects of the prebiotic lactoferrin on multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli infections in broiler chickens

Heba Badr, Nehal M. Nabil and Maram M. Tawakol

Veterinary World, 14(8): 2197-2205

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Increased multidrug resistance in Escherichia coli has created challenges for the poultry industry. Consequently, new antimicrobial agents should preferentially be utilized for the prevention and treatment of E. coli outbreaks. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of lactoferrin (LF) as a prebiotic on broiler chicks challenged with multidrug-resistant E. coli in comparison with antibiotics.

Materials and Methods: A total of 70 diseased flocks from Egypt were collected for E. coli isolation and identification, serotyping, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern determination. E. coli was isolated and characterized phenotypically and one isolate that showed multidrug-resistance was selected. A challenge trial was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of LF as a prebiotic on the isolated multidrug-resistant E. coli. Liver samples were collected from the experimental chicks and subjected to E. coli enumeration to illustrate the effectiveness of LF on the liver cells and bacteria using an electron microscope. Serum samples were also collected to estimate lysozyme and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations.

Results: After isolation of E. coli with a percentage of 54.3% from the diseased broilers, the strain was serotyped (identified serotypes: O2, O18, O55, O78, O86a, O111, O125, O126, O127, O157, O159, and O166). Multi-antibiotic resistance was found to be harbored in a high percentage among 11 antibiotic discs. The LF in the prophylactic and treated groups was found to have a significant effect in comparison with the group treated with the drug of choice (ciprofloxacin). Furthermore, a significant difference in the NO (one of non-specific immune response) and a non-significant difference in lysozyme concentrations were reported in the group fed on rations with LF in comparison with the non-fed group.

Conclusion: LF was thus identified as an effective prebiotic that can improve chick performance, help them to overcome multidrug-resistant E. coli and stimulate immunity.

Keywords: chicken, electron microscope, lactoferrin, multidrug resistance Escherichia coli, prebiotic.

Evaluation of chimeric proteins for serological diagnosis of brucellosis in cattle

Research (Published online: 24-08-2021)

27. Evaluation of chimeric proteins for serological diagnosis of brucellosis in cattle

Aitbay K. Bulashev, Bakytkali K. Ingirbay, Kanatbek N. Mukantayev and Alfiya S. Syzdykova

Veterinary World, 14(8): 2187-2196

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: An accurate diagnosis of Brucella-infected animals is one of the critical measures in eradication programs. Conventional serological tests based on whole-cell (WC) antigens and detecting antibodies against pathogen-associated lipopolysaccharide might give false-positive results due to the cross-reactivity with other closely related bacteria. This study evaluated the serological potential of Brucella spp. chimeric outer membrane proteins (Omps) as antigens in an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA).

Materials and Methods: The chimeric gene constructs of the most immunodominant regions of Brucella Omps 25+31, 25+19, and 19+31 were cloned into the pET28a expression vectors and transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The serological potential of chimeric proteins compared with single recombinant Omps (rOmps)19, 25, and/or 31 were studied on blood serum samples of (i) a rabbit immunized with killed Brucella abortus 19WC, (ii) mice immunized with single rOmps, (iii) cows seropositive for brucellosis by rose Bengal test, and (iv) cattle naturally and/or experimentally infected with brucellosis.

Results: E. coli BL21 actively produced Brucella chimeric rOmps, the concentration of which reached a maximum level at 6 h after isopropyl-β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside stimulation. Target proteins were antigenic and expressed in an active state, as recognized by rabbit anti-B. abortus antibodies in an i-ELISA and western blotting. Murine antibodies against the single rOmps reacted with chimeric antigens, and conversely, antichimeric antibodies found their epitopes in single proteins. Brucella chimeric rOmps showed higher antigenicity in blood sera of seropositive cattle kept in the hotbed of the infection and/or experimentally challenged with brucellosis than single proteins.

Conclusion: Brucella chimeric recombinant outer membrane proteins could be a potential antigen candidate for developing an ELISA test for accurate diagnosis of bovine brucellosis.

Keywords: Brucella, chimeric protein, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, serological potential.

Knowledge, attitude, and practices associated with rabies in villages with different dog vaccination statuses in Cambodia

Research (Published online: 24-08-2021)

26. Knowledge, attitude, and practices associated with rabies in villages with different dog vaccination statuses in Cambodia

Bunsong Ung, Ketsarin Kamyingkird and Waraphon Phimpraphai

Veterinary World, 14(8): 2178-2186

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Rabies is a highly infectious but neglected zoonotic disease. Almost 99% of rabies-related human deaths are caused by dog-mediated rabies. Although canine rabies vaccination is highly effective and provides protection, nationwide rabies vaccination campaigns have been insufficient in Cambodia, resulting in a limited number of rabies vaccinated dogs. This study aimed to explore the rabies knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) among participants from both dog rabies vaccinated (DRV) and dog rabies unvaccinated (DRUV) villages located in the Kandal and Prey Veng Provinces, Cambodia.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with dog owners in Kandal and Prey Veng Provinces, Cambodia, during August and September 2020. The structural questionnaire collected general sociodemographic information and the KAP associated with rabies transmission, clinical signs, management, and control. The data were then analyzed using Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Chi-square statistics.

Results: In total, 312 participants were interviewed: 137 participants from DRV villages and 175 from DRUV villages. Among them, 99.4% (310/312) had previously heard about rabies. Out of these 310, 93.5% (290/310) were aware that rabies is a fatal disease, while 96.5% (299/310) were willing to vaccinate their dog against rabies if the vaccination was provided for free. However, 32.9% (102/310) indicated that they would be willing to sell their own dog if it bit someone or showed aggression. More than one-third (115/310) of all the respondents had poor overall KAP regarding rabies. The respondents from DRV villages had significantly higher overall scores with regard to rabies KAP than those from DRUV villages (p<0.0001). According to the factors related to overall KAP, village type and education level were significantly associated with overall KAP of the respondents (p<0.0001).

Conclusion: The rabies disease is recognized in Cambodia, and dog owners are willing to vaccinate their dogs if the vaccination is provided for free. The overall rabies-related KAP were poor among 30% of the respondents, and higher KAP scores were obtained for the DRV villages. The village type and education level were found to be associated with the different overall KAP of the participants.

Keywords: attitude, knowledge, practices, rabies.

Comparative study of the therapeutic efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma and honey in healing skin wounds in sheep

Research (Published online: 23-08-2021)

25. Comparative study of the therapeutic efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma and honey in healing skin wounds in sheep

Daikh Badis and Deffa Ouafa

Veterinary World, 14(8): 2170-2177

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: This investigation is the continuation of a published preliminary study examining the therapeutic efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a topical treatment for skin wounds in sheep. The study aimed to compare the healing effects of autologous PRP with that of natural honey.

Materials and Methods: This study involved nine clinically healthy male sheep. After sterile skin preparation, full-thickness longitudinal incision wounds were created on the backs of each animal. The animals were randomly divided into three groups of three sheep each. In Group I, the wounds were treated with PRP; in Group II, the wounds were treated with honey; and in Group III, the wounds were treated with saline solution. The different treatments were administered topically every 3 days. Healing was assessed by a semi-quantitative histopathological study from biopsies taken on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days of healing. The data obtained were compared using the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U-test, and p<0.05 and 0.01 were used to determine the level of significance of the recorded differences.

Results: Semi-quantitative histopathological evaluation showed significant differences in the progression of wound healing between the three study groups. Recorded data showed that PRP may reduce inflammation during the first 3 days after the incision. Moreover, the synthesis and organization of collagen fibers were significantly improved in the group treated with PRP compared with those in the group treated with honey.

Conclusion: PRP offers a promising therapeutic option for healing skin wounds in sheep compared with honey.

Keywords: honey, platelet-rich plasma, sheep, skin, wound healing.

A parasitological survey of zoonotic cestodes carried by house rats in Aswan, Egypt, reveals cryptic diversity at the molecular level

Research (Published online: 23-08-2021)

24. A parasitological survey of zoonotic cestodes carried by house rats in Aswan, Egypt, reveals cryptic diversity at the molecular level

Abuelhassan Elshazly Younis, Atef Ibrahim Saad, Islam Refaat Mohamed El-Akhal and Nagla Mustafa Kamel Saleh

Veterinary World, 14(8): 2160-2169

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Some rat cestodes are zoonotic and are capable of parasitizing humans and animals, raising serious concerns regarding human and veterinary health. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for cestodes in Egyptian house rats and to characterize the cestodes molecularly.

Materials and Methods: The current survey examined 115 house rats (Rattus rattus) in two cities (Edfu and Aswan) in Egypt's Aswan Governorate for cestode infection using integrated molecular approaches (polymerase chain reaction, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis) and morphological/morphometrical approaches.

Results: The cestodes identified in this study exhibited the typical morphological characteristics of Hymenolepis diminuta (Rudolphi, 1819), Hymenolepis nana (Siebold, 1852) (from rat intestine), and Hydatigera taeniaeformis (from rat liver). The species prevalence rates from these three studies were reported to be 8.7%, 10.4%, and 20.9%, respectively. The ribosomal DNA (ITS1, 18S, and complete ITS) sequences revealed that the hymenolepid sequences were highly distinct but were related to other sequences in the GenBank database, with some sequences showing high similarities to those of H. nana and H. diminuta. In addition, the H. taeniaeformis sequences (ITS2 and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 [mtCOX1]) obtained in this study were highly similar to some Taenia taeniaeformis GenBank sequences. The constructed phylogram revealed that the hymenolepidid tapeworms examined in this study were classified into four major branches (the majority of which were hybrids of the two species) and belonged to the genus Hymenolepis. In addition, the phylogram of H. taeniaeformis assigned this species to T. taeniaeformis.

Conclusion: When typical hymenolepid morphology is combined with molecular and phylogenetic divergence, it may indicate the existence of possible cryptic species. In addition, on the basis of the phylogenetic analysis, genetic diversity within T. taeniaeformis may exist as determined by comparing the metacestode mtCOX1 sequences. The current study presents the prevalence values of zoonotic cestodes and contributes to the body of knowledge, including identification keys and the use of molecular tools for species confirmation.

Keywords: cestodes, cryptic diversity, molecular identification, rat.