Saturday, 28 August 2021

The first report on internal transcribed spacer region-based characterization of microfilaria in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Thailand

Research (Published online: 28-08-2021)
36. The first report on internal transcribed spacer region-based characterization of microfilaria in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Thailand
Choenkwan Pabutta, Nuttapon Bangkaew, Pratthana Inthawong, Pannarai Mahadthai, Waleemas Jairak, Nantana Soda, Manakorn Sukmak and Supaphen Sripiboon
Veterinary World, 14(8): 2260-2266

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Filarial infections can significantly impact the health of both humans and animals. In elephants, filariasis has been associated with cutaneous dermatitis and skin nodules. However, molecular evidence for such infections is limited in Thailand. This study aimed to identify the morphological and molecular characteristics of microfilaria in captive Asian elephants in Thailand.

Materials and Methods: Whole blood collected from the ear vein of 129 captive Asian elephants was hematologically analyzed, and the blood parasites were evaluated using three standard techniques: The microcapillary test, thin blood smears, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: Conventional PCR revealed that approximately 17% (22/129) of the sampled elephants were positive for microfilaria. Microscopy revealed that microfilariae are large, unsheathed, with extended nuclei, a short headspace, and a curved tail tapering at the end. Results of internal transcribed spacer region analysis show that the elephant microfilariae are closely related to Onchocerca spp. All of the elephants positive for microfilaria presented with neither skin lesion nor anemic signs. Microfilaria infection was not associated with age; however, microfilariae were more likely to be detected in male elephants due to differences in management systems.

Conclusion: This is the first study to provide both morphological and molecular evidence of microfilaria in Thai elephants. There is an urgent need to investigate the long-term and large-scale effects of microfilaria on the health of elephants.

Keywords: Asian elephant, genotype, internal transcribed spacer, microfilaria, Thailand.



Friday, 27 August 2021

Assessment of wound area reduction on chronic wounds in dogs with photobiomodulation therapy: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Research (Published online: 28-08-2021)
35. Assessment of wound area reduction on chronic wounds in dogs with photobiomodulation therapy: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Somphong Hoisang, Naruepon Kampa, Suvaluk Seesupa and Supranee Jitpean
Veterinary World, 14(8): 2251-2259

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Chronic wounds are a clinical problem and require intensive standard wound care. However, this is sometimes insufficient to promote healing. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) can be used as an adjunctive therapy to improve wound healing. Various PBMT devices with different properties and parameter settings as well as different animal species can influence a variety of clinical outcomes. This study aims to assess the use of 830 nm PBMT or simultaneous superpulsed and multiple wavelengths (SPMW; 660, 875, and 905 nm) PBMT on chronic wounds in client-owned dogs.

Materials and Methods: This study included 21 client-owned dogs with chronic wounds allocated into three groups: (1) Control group (C) treated with irrigated saline and without PBMT (n=7); (2) L1 group treated with irrigated saline together with the radiation of 830 nm PBMT (n=7); and (3) L2 group treated with irrigated saline together with the radiation of simultaneous SPMW-PBMT (n=7). Wound healing was assessed on the basis of wound size reduction as a percentage of wound area every 2nd day for 15 days using image analysis software (ImageJ software®, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA).

Results: A significant difference in the percentage of wound area reduction was noted between the C and PBMT groups (L1 and L2; p<0.05). The average percentages of wound area reduction at the end of the study (15 days) were 42.39±20.58, 56.98±24.82, and 61.81±27.18 in the C, L1, and L2 groups, respectively. A steady decrease in wound size was noted in both PBMT and non-PBMT groups, and coefficients were 7.77, 8.95, and 10.01 in the C, L1, and L2 groups, respectively. The percentage of wound area reduction was found to be significantly different between the PBMT and non-BPMT groups on day 7 (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Based on the results of the current study, using either 830 nm PBMT or simultaneous SPMW-PBMT can accelerate the chronic wound healing process in dogs with a significant reduction in wound area. Therefore, it can be used as an adjunctive therapy to improve wound healing in dogs with reduced treatment duration.

Keywords: canine, chronic wound, combined wavelength photobiomodulation therapy, low-intensity laser therapy, photobiomodulation therapy.



Immunomodulatory, behavioral, and nutritional response of tryptophan application on poultry

Review (Published online: 28-08-2021)
34. Immunomodulatory, behavioral, and nutritional response of tryptophan application on poultry
Nguyen Thuy Linh, Budi Guntoro and Nguyen Hoang Qui
Veterinary World, 14(8): 2244-2250

ABSTRACT

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid for all animals that was discovered through casein hydrolysis. The use of tryptophan as feed additives has been attracting the attention of many nutritionists because it cannot be synthesized enough in an animal's body. Tryptophan or precursor to the vitamin niacin in the diet is important, and its supplementation for poultry is determined to improve the amino acid balance and promote the poultry's growth performance through enhancing appetite, feed efficiency, and protein synthesis. Moreover, poultry in different growth phases, breeding, and conditions require various amounts of tryptophan. In addition, supplemented tryptophan also improves the immune response or the immunomodulatory activity of poultry to various diseases through the kynurenine pathway, especially diseases in the bursa. Furthermore, tryptophan also has a strong relationship with lysine (the ideal tryptophan/lysine ratio) in improving growth performance. However, tryptophan deficiency could affect the behavioral responses (e.g. pecking behavior and poultry stress) because tryptophan serves as a precursor for the neurotransmitter serotonin and the pineal hormone melatonin in the diet. This paper tried to summarize all information about applying tryptophan in the diets and illustrate the roles of tryptophan in the poultry industry.

Keywords: nutrition, poultry's diet, poultry's performance, tryptophan.



Evaluation of pleural fluid parameters related to cardiac diseases in cats

Research (Published online: 27-08-2021)
33. Evaluation of pleural fluid parameters related to cardiac diseases in cats
Nutcha Chobsuk, Panita Pongprasit, Pralphun Puangploy, Monnakarn Bunnag, Luksika Keerativitayanant and Sirilak Disatian Surachetpong
Veterinary World, 14(8): 2238-2243

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Cardiac disease is common in cats, and concurrent pleural effusion can worsen the prognosis. However, the definitive diagnosis of feline cardiac disease by echocardiography is limited in some areas. This study was designed to determine the indicators from fluid analysis obtained from pleural effusion to help diagnose cardiac disease in cats.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted. Data of 61 cats with pleural effusion were retrieved. The cats were divided into two groups: Cardiac disease (n=34) and non-cardiac disease (n=27) groups. Sex, neuter status, breed, age, weight, physical findings, fluid analysis results, radiographic findings, echocardiographic findings, and the presence of other diseases or conditions were recorded.

Results: The Chi-square test showed the relationship between cardiac disease and the presence of abnormal heart sounds (p=0.0003), the N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide-positive result from serum samples (p=0.046), the presence of arterial thromboembolism (p<0.00001), and the presence of radiographic evidence of cardiomegaly and pulmonary edema (p=0.0002 and 0.001, respectively). The Mann–Whitney U-test showed a significant difference in protein concentration and specific gravity between the cardiac and non-cardiac disease groups (p=0.012 and 0.009, respectively). The decision tree classification method showed that protein concentrations of ≤3 g/dL were related to cardiac disease (sensitivity, 41.2% and specificity, 92.6%).

Conclusion: The protein concentration in the pleural fluid may be used to distinguish cardiac and non-cardiac diseases in cats.

Keywords: cardiac disease, cat, pleural effusion, protein concentration.



Diagnosis of naturally occurring lumpy skin disease virus infection in cattle using virological, molecular, and immunohistopathological assays

Research (Published online: 27-08-2021)
32. Diagnosis of naturally occurring lumpy skin disease virus infection in cattle using virological, molecular, and immunohistopathological assays
Dawlat M. Amin, Gehan Shehab, Rawhya Emran, Rabab T. Hassanien, Gehan N. Alagmy, Naglaa M. Hagag, Mervat I. I. Abd-El-Moniem, Ahmed R. Habashi, Essam M. Ibraheem and Momtaz A. Shahein
Veterinary World, 14(8): 2230-2237

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a contagious viral disease that has great economic losses among Egyptian breeding flocks. The present study was designed to compare the results of different diagnostic approaches used for the diagnosis of LSD virus (LSDV).

Materials and Methods: A total of 73 skin nodule samples were collected from suspected infected cattle with LSDV from some Egyptian governorates during 2019 and 2020. Trials for virus isolation (VI) and identification on embryonated chicken eggs (ECEs) were conducted. Molecular detection, histopathological, and immunohistochemical examination were also conducted.

Results: The virus was isolated into ECEs, and 58 samples of 73 were positive and gave a characteristic pock lesion on the chorioallantoic membrane. Twenty-two representative nodular skin specimens of the 58 positive samples were selected to be used for molecular, histopathological, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) diagnosis. Conventional polymerase chain reaction succeeded in detecting LSDV DNA in all tested 22 skin nodule samples. Histological examination of skins of different cases revealed various alterations depending on the stage of infection. IHC was used as a confirmatory test for detecting LSDV antigen in the tissues of the skin nodules of infected cattle using specific anti-LSDV antibodies. Lumpy skin viral antigen was detected within the cytoplasm of the epidermal basal cells layer and prickle cell and within the cytoplasm of the hair follicles' epithelial outer and inner roots.

Conclusion: This study confirmed the prevalence of LSDV infection in different Egyptian governorates during 2019 and 2020. In addition, histopathology and IHC could be potential methods to confirm Lumpy skin disease infection besidesVI and molecular detection.

Keywords: histopathology, immunohistochemistry, isolation, lumpy skin disease virus, polymerase chain reaction.



Thursday, 26 August 2021

A global perspective of antibiotic-resistant Listeria monocytogenes prevalence in assorted ready to eat foods: A systematic review

Research (Published online: 26-08-2021)
31. A global perspective of antibiotic-resistant Listeria monocytogenes prevalence in assorted ready to eat foods: A systematic review
Prudence Mpundu, Allan Rabson Mbewe, John Bwalya Muma, Wizaso Mwasinga, Nawa Mukumbuta and Musso Munyeme
Veterinary World, 14(8): 2219-2229

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods remains consistently under-reported globally. Nevertheless, several independent studies conducted to investigate have elucidated the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of L. monocytogenes in RTE-associated foods and their antibiotic resistance profiles. Given the rapid increase in consumption of RTE foods of both animal and plant origin, it is imperative to know the prevalence deductive data focusing on how much of L. monocytogenes is present in RTE foods, which is critical for food safety managers and retailers to assess the possible risk posed to end-users. In addition, valuable insight and another angle to the depth of the problem, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize available data regarding the prevalence of L. monocytogenes in RTE foods and antibiotic resistance profiles.

Materials and Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis study of L. monocytogenes and antibiotic resistance to clinically relevant antibiotics to determine the extent of L. monocytogenes contamination in RTE foods and antibiotic resistance profiles. The primary search terms, also known as keywords used, were restricted to peer-reviewed and review articles, and databases, including Google Scholars, Science-Direct, and Scopus, were searched. The inclusion of articles meeting eligibility criteria published between 2010 and 2020 after title, abstract, and full article screening. Data analysis was performed at multiple stages using quantitative meta-analysis reviews.

Results: L. monocytogenes pooled proportion/prevalence was highest in chicken products determined at (22%) followed by various but uncategorized RTE foods at 21%. Regarding antibiotic resistance, profiling's highest pooled prevalence resistance was observed in penicillin at 80% resistance, followed by cephalosporin at 47%.

Conclusion: Within its limitations, this study has attempted to provide insight into the pooled proportion/prevalence of L. monocytogenes in RTE foods and the antibiotic resistance profile at the global level. Determining the proportion/ prevalence of L. monocytogenes in RTE foods across the globe and antibiotic resistance profile is essential for providing quality food and reducing public health problems due to unsuccessful treatment of foodborne illness. This study provides insight into the pooled prevalence of L. monocytogenes in RTE foods and the antibiotic resistance profile. The results of this study partly endeavored to help appropriate authorities strengthen their preventive measures on specific RTE foods that are most likely to be contaminated with L. monocytogenes and antibiotic resistance profiles.

Keywords: antibiotic resistance, Listeria monocytogenes, ready-to-eat foods.



Wednesday, 25 August 2021

Seropositivity and risk factors associated with the presentation of bovine leukosis virus in Sotaquirá, Colombia

Research (Published online: 26-08-2021)
30. Seropositivity and risk factors associated with the presentation of bovine leukosis virus in Sotaquirá, Colombia
Diana M. Bulla-Castañeda, Adriana M. Díaz-Anaya, Diego J. Garcia-Corredor, Julio C. Tobón-Torreglosa, Diego Ortiz Ortega and Martín O. Pulido-Medellín
Veterinary World, 14(8): 2212-2218

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Enzootic bovine leukosis is a disease economically important to the dairy farming industry worldwide. The virus is of the Deltaretrovirus genus and is primarily transmitted iatrogenically. Most bovines infected with the virus remain asymptomatic with only 5-10% of cattle having lymphomas. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of bovine leukosis virus (BLV) in Sotaquirá, Boyacá, Colombia.

Materials and Methods: We conducted a descriptive, observational epidemiological cross-sectional study using the simple random sampling method with a sample size of 1000. Blood samples from random bovine were processed using the SERELISA® BLV Ab Mono Blocking indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit (Zoetis, USA). The assay had a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 98%. The collected data were processed using Epi Info® (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta, Georgia). From the study, we could determine a high seroprevalence of BLV in Sotaquirá.

Results: We established a high seroprevalence on BLV in the municipality, with 31.1% apparent seroprevalence and 30.6% real seroprevalence rate. We found that male cattle more than 4 years old (39.4%) and the Ayrshire breed (45.5%) had the highest prevalence rates of the virus. In this study, we could establish statistically significant associations according to breed, age, and gender of the cattle under study. Moreover, we identified the risk factors for BLV infection. We found that in cattle aged <1 year and those older than 4 years of age and those of the Holstein breed, the presentation of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, mucosal secretions, mastitis, fetal death, the presence of a corral, and the implementation of artificial insemination practices were risk factors for BLV infection.

Conclusion: Determining the prevalence of BLV within the herd and identifying the associated risk factors for the disease are fundamental in developing efficient programs for the control and eradication of BLV within herds.

Keywords: bovine, bovine illness, bovine disease, antibodies, bovine leukosis virus.