Prevalence and risk factors associated with Eimeria species infection in cattle of different geographical regions of Indonesia

Research (Published online: 06-09-2021)

7. Prevalence and risk factors associated with Eimeria species infection in cattle of different geographical regions of Indonesia

Fitrine Ekawasti, Raden Wisnu Nurcahyo, Lintang Winantya Firdausy, April Hari Wardhana, Dyah Haryuningtyas Sawitri, Joko Prastowo and Dwi Priyowidodo

Veterinary World, 14(9): 2339-2345

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Eimeria spp. are gastrointestinal protozoans that affect animal productivity, thereby causing symptoms that range from bloody diarrhea to death. These symptoms cause economic losses to farmers. The distribution of Eimeria spp. in cattle has, therefore, been reported to have spread widely, especially in the tropics and subtropics. Indonesia is a tropical country at high risk of Eimeria infections. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors related to the levels of eimeriosis in beef cattle originating from different geographic areas in Indonesia.

Materials and Methods: Here, 817 fecal samples were collected from beef cattle in Indonesia, including 282 calves, 535 adults, 530 males, and 287 females. In addition, 156 semi-intensively and 661 intensively managed cattle were randomly collected. Then, fecal samples were analyzed by parasitology examinations.

Results: Screening examination using the sugar flotation modification method showed that Eimeria spp. were prevalent in Indonesia, as 65.4% of the bacterial strain was detected. The prevalence of identified Eimeria spp. in Indonesia was highest in North Maluku (Maluku Island) (94.1%), whereas the lowest levels were observed in West Java (24.0%) (Java Island). The prevalence was also found to be higher in males (79.3%) than females (51.9%). Similarly, levels in semi-intensively managed cattle (66.7%) were higher than those subjected to intensive management (65.9%). However, its prevalence in calf and adult cattle was similar.

Conclusion: Bovine eimeriosis spp. were detected at high prevalence in Indonesia, and high-level risks were observed in infected males, including those under the semi-intensive management. In addition, although the results from oocyst examinations were based on qualitative analysis, the endemicity levels of Eimeria spp. among farms in Indonesia should be considered because Eimeria spp. were distributed in most parts of Indonesia. Based on the results of this study, we provide the first information about the prevalence of bovine eimeriosis from different geographical locations in Indonesia, which have differing climates associated with the level of the existing risk factors. Hence, farmers are advised to pay more attention to strict biosecurity techniques on their farms, thereby favoring the early control of bovine eimeriosis.

Keywords: cattle, Eimeria, floatation, gastrointestinal, risk factor.

Body weight prediction using different data mining algorithms in Thalli sheep: A comparative study

Research (Published online: 06-09-2021)

6. Body weight prediction using different data mining algorithms in Thalli sheep: A comparative study

Ansar Abbas, Muhammad Aman Ullah and Abdul Waheed

Veterinary World, 14(9): 2332-2338

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The Thalli sheep are the main breed of sheep in Pakistan, and an effective method to predict their body weight (BW) using linear body measurements has not yet been determined. Therefore, this study aims to establish an algorithm with the best predictive capability, among the Chi-square automatic interaction detector (CHAID), exhaustive CHAID, artificial neural network, and classification and regression tree (CART) algorithms, in live BW prediction using selected body measurements in female Pakistani Thalli sheep.

Materials and Methods: A total of 152 BW records, including nine continuous predictors (wither height, body length [BL], head length, rump length, tail length, head width, rump width, heart girth [HG], and barrel depth), were utilized. The coefficient of determination (R2), standard deviation ratio, root-mean-square error (RMSE), etc., were calculated for each algorithm.

Results: The R2 (%) values ranged from 49.28 (CART) to 64.48 (CHAID). The lowest RMSE was found for CHAID (2.61), and the highest one for CART (3.12). The most significant predictors were the HG of live BW for all algorithms. The heaviest average BW (41.12 kg) was observed in the subgroup of those having a BL of >73.91 cm (Adjusted p=0.045).

Conclusion: Among the algorithms, CHAID provided the most appropriate predictive capability in the prediction of live BW for female Thalli sheep. In general, the applied algorithms accurately predicted the BW of Thalli sheep, which can be very helpful in deciding on the standards, available drug doses, and required feed amount for animals.

Keywords: artificial neural network, body weight, classification and regression tree, Chi-square automatic interaction detector, exhaustive Chi-square automatic interaction detector, Thalli sheep.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 as inflammatory biomarkers in dogs naturally infected with Ehrlichia canis

Research (Published online: 04-09-2021)

5. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 as inflammatory biomarkers in dogs naturally infected with Ehrlichia canis

Thanaporn Asawapattanakul, Tanagorn Pintapagung, Supawadee Piratae, Siriluck Juntautsa and Pawarat Chancharoen

Veterinary World, 14(9): 2325-2331

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Canine monocytotropic ehrlichiosis (CME), a tick-borne disease, leads to a systemic inflammatory response syndrome; it is thus important to assess the intensity of inflammation in order to treat it appropriately. The current study was designed to evaluate hematological, biochemical, and inflammatory parameters in dogs naturally infected with Ehrlichia canis compared with those in healthy dogs. We also assessed the relationship among several inflammation-related parameters and considered these parameters for use as inflammatory biomarkers of CME.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight dogs were divided into two groups based on the results of nested polymerase chain reaction for detecting E. canis, comprising a healthy group (n=11) and an infected group (n=17). A blood sample was collected from each dog to evaluate hematological, biochemical, and inflammatory parameters, with the obtained results being statistically compared between the groups. Moreover, the correlations of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were investigated in the 28 dogs.

Results: In the infected group, the mean levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were significantly lower than in the healthy group, while the mean lymphocyte and monocyte counts were higher. The mean levels of ESR and CRP were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the infected group, whereas no significant differences were found in IL-6 levels between the two groups. In the correlation analysis, ESR and CRP levels were highly correlated (p<0.01, r=0.531).

Conclusion: Elevated ESR and CRP levels were found in dogs naturally infected with E. canis, which also presented mild to moderate inflammation in this study. Moreover, CRP was significantly correlated with ESR, so ESR and CRP may serve as inflammatory biomarkers for monitoring CME.

Keywords: canine monocytotropic ehrlichiosis, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, interleukin-6.

Assessing hygiene indicators in two dairies in Algeria in producing pasteurized milk

Research (Published online: 04-09-2021)

4. Assessing hygiene indicators in two dairies in Algeria in producing pasteurized milk

Regguem Souad, Hamdi Taha Mossadak and Bouayad Leila

Veterinary World, 14(9): 2317-2324

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: There is a worldwide controversy about the choice of microbial flora for use as process hygiene indicators. This study aimed to evaluate the pertinence of using either coliforms or Enterobacteriaceae (EB) as process hygiene indicators in the pasteurized milk production line. Two flora families and total flora were used as bacterial indicators in some stages of pasteurized milk production line to identify the origin of post-pasteurization contamination and compare the results obtained for each flora. In addition, the bacteriological profile of isolated coliforms and EB was developed.

Materials and Methods: One thousand and two hundred samples of pasteurized cow milk and surfaces (pipes and tank) at various processing stages were taken from two dairies in the northern region of Algeria. The total microbial flora (TF), total coliforms (TC), thermotolerant coliforms, and EB were enumerated, following the recommendations of ISO 4833:2006, ISO 4832:2006, and ISO 21528-2:2017 methods, respectively. The bacteriological profile was determined using the API 20E and 10S tests (bioMérieux, France). Furthermore, the cleaning efficiency and disinfection protocol of surfaces were evaluated using contact agar slides 1 (Liofilchem™, Italy).

Results: Enumeration of the different indicators shows that the highest contamination rate is recorded by the total flora in the two units, 3.28 and 3.78 log CFU/mL, respectively. EB (–0.60 log CFU/mL) at post-pasteurization stage in Unit 1 and coliforms (0.44 log CFU/mL) at the pasteurized packaged milk stage in Unit 2 are the least significant germ families. The lowest compliance rates of bacterial contamination were reported for total flora (82-85%) at the three sampled sites in Unit 2. In comparison, the highest was reported in Unit 1 (99.8%) and 2 (98%) by the EB indicator. Assessing the surface cleaning and disinfection protocol compliance shows that the tank records the highest non-compliance rates for EB and TF (4% and 3%) in Unit 2. EB are represented in both units by various species. Acinetobacter baumannii in Unit 1 and Enterobacter cloacae in Unit 2 are the common species of the three indicator families. Acinetobacter and Enterobacter in Unit 1, Escherichia, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Hafnia in Unit 2 are the most time persistent bacterial genera along the production line. Stenotrophomonas, Serratia, Salmonella, Enterobacter, and Escherichia are common genera in both units.

Conclusion: The results obtained show no difference in the use of EB or TC as hygiene indicators. However, if the objective is to identify the species of bacterial populations, using EBs are the most appropriate.

Keywords: coliforms, enterobacteria, indicators, pasteurized milk, process hygiene, total microbial flora.

Screening of in vitro antimicrobial effects of Helicteres isora extract against Staphylococcus aureus

Research (Published online: 04-09-2021)

3. Screening of in vitro antimicrobial effects of Helicteres isora extract against Staphylococcus aureus

Sunisa Sirimongkolvorakul and Anusorn Jasancheun

Veterinary World, 14(9): 2313-2316

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen causing contagious mastitis in cows that need novel treatment rather than antibiotic therapy. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activity of Helicteres isora extracts against S. aureus isolated from subclinical and clinical mastitis cows using an in vitro model.

Materials and Methods: H. isora pods were extracted using the following solvents: Distilled water, ethanol, acetone, and methanol. The antimicrobial activity of each extract was determined by the disk diffusion method and broth microdilution assay to assess the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC).

Results: The ethanolic extract of H. isora exhibited the largest inhibition zones against S. aureus (31.05±1.20 mm), followed by the aqueous, methanolic, and acetone extracts, respectively (26.34±1.15, 24.23±0.50, and 22.46±1.53). The ethanolic extract also had a strong inhibitory effect on S. aureus, with MIC and MBC of 0.13 and 0.52 mg/mL, respectively.

Conclusion: This study revealed that H. isora is a potential alternative natural antibacterial agent against S. aureus infection. The antimicrobial activity of H. isora is most likely mediated by phytochemical constituents.

Keywords: antimicrobial, Helicteres isora, herbs, mastitis, Staphylococcus aureus.

Antifungal and antitoxin effects of propolis and its nanoemulsion formulation against Aspergillus flavus isolated from human sputum and milk powder samples

Research (Published online: 03-09-2021)

2. Antifungal and antitoxin effects of propolis and its nanoemulsion formulation against Aspergillus flavus isolated from human sputum and milk powder samples

Alshimaa A. Hassanien, Eman M. Shaker, Eman E. El-Sharkawy and Walaa M. Elsherif

Veterinary World, 14(9): 2306-2312

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Aspergillus flavus causes human and animal diseases through either inhalation of fungal spores or ingestion of mycotoxins as aflatoxins produced in human and animal feed as secondary metabolites. This study was aimed to detect the incidence of A. flavus and its aflatoxins in human sputum and milk powder samples and explore the efficacy of pure propolis (PP) and propolis nanoemulsion (PNE) as natural decontaminants against fungal growth and its released aflatoxins.

Materials and Methods: A. flavus was isolated by mycological culture and identified macroscopically and microscopically. Coconut agar medium and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) were used to qualitatively detect aflatoxins in the isolated strains. Toxins were extracted from toxigenic strains by the fast extraction technique. The quantitative detection of toxin types was explored by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). PNE was prepared by a novel method using natural components and characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Zetasizer, and transmission electron microscopy. The effects of PP and PNE on A. flavus growth and its toxin were determined by the well-diffusion method and HPLC.

Results: The mycological culture showed that 30.9% and 29.2% of sputum and milk powder samples were positive for A. flavus, respectively. TLC confirmed the production of 61.8% and 63.2% aflatoxin by the isolated strains in sputum and milk powder, respectively. PP and PNE showed antifungal activity on A. flavus growth with mean±standard error (SE) inhibition zones of 27.55±3.98 and 39.133±5.32 mm, respectively. HPLC revealed positive contamination of toxin extracts with AFB1, AFB2, and AFG2 at 0.57±0.026, 0.28±0.043, and 0.1±0.05 mg/L, respectively. After treatment with PP and PNE, a significant decrease in AFB1, AFB2, and AFG2 concentrations was observed.

Conclusion: This study suggested using propolis and its nanoformulation as antifungal and antitoxins in human medicine and the food industry to increase the food safety level and stop food spoilage.

Keywords: aflatoxins, Aspergillus flavus, mycotoxigenic fungi, propolis nanoemulsion, propolis, Tween 80.

Molecular characterization and pathological identification of a novel strain of delta papillomavirus-4 (bovine papillomavirus-2) in Egypt

Research (Published online: 03-09-2021)

1. Molecular characterization and pathological identification of a novel strain of delta papillomavirus-4 (bovine papillomavirus-2) in Egypt

Rabab T. Hassanien, Mervat E. Hamdy, Sara M. Elnomrosy, Heba A. Hussein, Ahmed F. Afify, Fatma M. Darwish, Gehan Shehab, Rawhya Emran, Mervat I. I. Abd-El-Moniem, Ahmed R. Habashi, Hanan A. Fahmy, Essam M. Ibraheem, Momtaz A. Shahein, Mohamed Attya, Ali M.M. Abdelhakim and Naglaa M. Hagag

Veterinary World, 14(9): 2296-2305

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Bovine papillomaviruses (BPV) are a heterogeneous group of oncoviruses, distributed globally, which produce major economic losses. In the current study, we compared the results of different diagnostic approaches and compared the strains identified in this study with previously characterized strains at local and international levels.

Materials and Methods: Samples of skin warts were collected from five bovines with generalized papillomatosis from two Egyptian provinces, Menya and Ismailia, in 2020. Electron microscopy, molecular characterization, histopathological, and immunohistochemical examination were performed.

Results: BPV was detected using electron microscopy in the collected samples. Using molecular characterization, BPV-2 was successfully identified for 1st time in Egypt. The strain has 99.6% identity with the BPV-2 reference strains obtained from GenBank. These results were supported by histopathology and immunohistochemistry examination. Partial nucleotide sequences of the L1 gene were submitted to GenBank with accession numbers MW289843 and MW289844.

Conclusion: BPV-2 was reported for 1st time in the current study. The strain was identified grossly, microscopically, and pathologically and confirmed using molecular approaches. All results were consistent. The sequence analysis revealed that this strain has high sequence similarity to the reference Deltapapillomavirus-4, BPV-2 strains from Brazil and China.

Keywords: bovine papillomaviruses-2, first detection, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, phylogeny, transmission electron microscopy.