Risk factors associated with ticks and Rickettsia spp. exposure in wild boars (Sus scrofa), hunting dogs, and hunters of Brazil

Research (Published online: 25-10-2021)

24. Risk factors associated with ticks and Rickettsia spp. exposure in wild boars (Sus scrofa), hunting dogs, and hunters of Brazil

Louise Bach Kmetiuk, Thiago Fernandes Martins, Renato van Wilpe Bach, Camila Marinelli Martins, Ivan Roque de Barros-Filho, Leandro Cavalcante Lipinski, Giovani Marino Fávero, Andrea Pires dos Santos and Alexander Welker Biondo

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2745-2749

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Wild boars have recently been implicated as the maintainers and carriers of Amblyomma spp. ticks, which are essential for Rickettsia spp. transmission. Consequently, wild boar hunting may increase the risk of tick exposure and subsequent human tick-borne infection and disease. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the risk factors for ticks and Rickettsia spp. exposure in wild boars, hunting dogs, and hunters in Brazilian biomes.

Materials and Methods: The statistical relationship of Rickettsia spp. antibodies were evaluated using the Chi-square test in 80 wild boars, 170 hunting dogs, and 49 hunters.

Results: The only statistically significant difference in seropositivity found in this study was between male and female wild boars (p=0.034), probably associated with in-park exposure to Amblyomma brasiliense infected with Rickettsia spp.

Conclusion: The absence of statistical differences in the associated risk factors for hunting dogs and hunters may indicate a random exposure to Rickettsia spp.

Keywords: Brazilian spotted fever, hunting activities, wild boars.

The first survey of cryptococcal cells in bird droppings across Bloemfontein, South Africa

Research (Published online: 25-10-2021)

23. The first survey of cryptococcal cells in bird droppings across Bloemfontein, South Africa

Gloria Kankam, Byron Christians, Maphori Maliehe, Nozethu Mjokane, Adepemi O. Ogundeji, Olufemi S. Folorunso, Carolina H. Pohl and Olihile M. Sebolai

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2739-2744

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Cryptococcal yeast cells are spread across different ecosystems through bird movement and are deposited in bird guano. These cells may be inhaled by humans and lead to cryptococcal pneumonia. In individuals with reduced immune T-cell populations, cells may disseminate to the brain and cause the often-deadly cryptococcal meningitis. In this study, we surveyed cryptococcal cells in bird droppings across the city of Bloemfontein, South Africa.

Materials and Methods: We aseptically collected 120 bird dropping samples from 15 representative city sites. In the laboratory, samples were assessed with regards to location, weighed, and standardized to a mass of 1 g before suspension in 10 mL phosphate buffer saline. Samples were first screened using Calcofluor-white stain as it is a rapid technique for the detection of fungi via binding to cell wall components such as chitin. After this, positive Calcofluor samples were serologically assayed for the cryptococcal antigen (CrAg). To confirm assay data, CrAg positive samples were then cultured on bird seed agar and resulting colonies were assessed using Indian ink.

Results: We determined that 10/15 locations were positive for the CrAg. Pathogenic cells were identified on bird seed agar as brown colonies. When examined using microscopy, brown colony cells exhibited characteristic thick capsules representative of cryptococcal cells.

Conclusion: This is the first proximate analysis showing the ecological distribution of cryptococcal cells in Bloemfontein. This is important as associated infections are acquired from the environment. Similarly, given the threat posed by cryptococcal cells to immunocompromised individuals, local authorities must initiate measures curbing the spread of these cells.

Keywords: Bloemfontein, Calcofluor-white stain, cryptococcal antigens, cryptococcal cells, cryptococcal meningitis, cryptococcal pneumonia, South Africa.

Serosurvey of anti-Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum antibodies in hunting dogs and hunters in Brazil

Research (Published online: 24-10-2021)

22. Serosurvey of anti-Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum antibodies in hunting dogs and hunters in Brazil

Louise Bach Kmetiuk, Monique Paiva de Campos, Renato van Wilpe Bach, Ana Pérola Drulla Brandão, Ivan Roque de Barros-Filho, Leandro Cavalcante Lipinski, Giovani Marino Fávero, Andrea Pires dos Santos, Fabiano Borges Fiqueiredo and Alexander Welker Biondo

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2735-2738

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Although wild boar hunting activities and the hunting dog trade in the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes of Brazil overlap both with endemic and with non-endemic areas for visceral leishmaniasis, no study to date has focused on Leishmania spp. exposure among hunting dogs and hunters. The aim of the present study was to assess the presence of Leishmania spp. antibodies in hunting dogs and hunters in different anthropized areas of two Brazilian biomes.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 170 hunting dogs and 46 hunters between October 2016 and May 2018. The presence of antibodies against Leishmania spp. in hunting dogs was screened through a dual-path platform immunochromatographic test (DPP rapid test; Bio-Manguinhos/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and in hunters through an rK39-based rapid immunochromatographic test. Both tests were used in accordance with Brazilian Ministry of Health recommendations.

Results: Overall, although antibodies were detected through the immunochromatographic test in 3/170 (0.02%) of these female asymptomatic hunting dogs, all living in anthropized areas of the Atlantic Forest biome in South Brazil, no sample was confirmed through the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All the hunters were non-reactive in the rapid immunochromatographic test.

Conclusion: Our study on three suspicious hunting dogs has suggested that Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum may circulate both in endemic and non-endemic areas in Brazil. In addition, a high rate of hunting dog replacement due to death and trade may have led to less chance of infection and transmission between animals and between animals and humans, which would corroborate the outcomes reported here. Further studies should be conducted to fully establish whether hunting dogs and hunters may be used as sentinels in other areas endemic for Leishmania spp.

Keywords: Brazilian biomes, canine visceral leishmaniasis, hunting activities, Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum, rural dogs.

Interleukin gene expression in broiler chickens infected by different Escherichia coli serotypes

Research (Published online: 24-10-2021)

21. Interleukin gene expression in broiler chickens infected by different Escherichia coli serotypes

Reham Elnagar, Rasha Elkenany and Gamal Younis

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2727-2734

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Escherichia coli is the cause of avian colibacillosis, a significant threat to the poultry industry and public health. Thus, this study investigated the prevalence of E. coli in diseased chicken broilers, pathological effects of these bacteria, and interleukin (IL) gene expression of different serotypes of E. coli (O78, O26, O44, and O55) on experimentally infected chickens.

Materials and Methods: A total of 295 organ samples (liver, lungs, heart, and spleen) from 59 diseased broiler chickens were used for conventional identification of E. coli. Chickens were orally infected with one of the following E. coli serotypes (O78, O26, O44, or O55) and examined for clinical signs, mortality, macroscopic and microscopic lesions, and IL gene expression using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results: E. coli was isolated from 53.2% of broiler chicken organs with a high prevalence in lungs (26.1%). The most prevalent serotypes were O78, O26, O44, O55, O157, and O127 prevalence of 27.8, 22.2, 16.7, 16.7, 5.6, and 5.6%, respectively. In the experimental design, five groups (G1-G5) of birds were established. G1 served as the negative control group, while G2-G5 were challenged orally with E. coli O78, O26, O55, or O44, respectively. Chickens infected with E. coli O78 or O26 showed significant clinical signs in comparison to the other infected birds. Mortality (13.3%) was only observed in birds infected with E. coli O78. Necropsy of dead birds after E. coli O78 infection showed pericarditis, enteritis, airsacculitis, and liver and lung congestion. More severe histopathological changes were observed in intestines, spleen, liver, and lung from chickens infected with either E. coli O78 or O26 than for birds infected with other serotypes. On the 2nd day post-infection, E. coli challenge, particularly with E. coli O78, displayed significantly upregulated levels of ileal IL-6 and IL-8, but ileal IL-10 level tended to be downregulated in comparison to the control group.

Conclusion: This study assessed the application of cytokines as therapeutic agents against infectious diseases, particularly colibacillosis.

Keywords: broiler chicken, Escherichia coli, experimental infection, histopathology, interleukins.

Effects of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) supplementation in the diet on the growth, small intestinal histomorphology, and digestibility of hybrid ducks

Research (Published online: 24-10-2021)

20. Effects of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) supplementation in the diet on the growth, small intestinal histomorphology, and digestibility of hybrid ducks

Bambang Suwignyo, Eprilia Aristia Rini, Muhammad Khoerul Fadli and Bambang Ariyadi

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2719-2726

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Feed plays the most important role in supporting livestock productivity. There is a need for studies on the nutrient levels in feed absorbed by the body of livestock. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) supplementation in feed on growth, small intestinal histomorphology, and digestibility in hybrid ducks.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in vivo using 75 hybrid ducks, with three treatments and five replications. Each replication consisted of five ducks. The treatments were: T0=basal ration without any alfalfa supplementation; T1=basal ration+3% fresh alfalfa supplementation; and T2=basal ration+6% fresh alfalfa supplementation. Fresh alfalfa was quantified on the basis of dry matter content. Drinking water was provided ad libitum. The observed variables were growth performance, measured in terms of feed consumption, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio; duodenum histomorphology, measured in terms of villus height, villus width, and crypt depth; digestibility, measured in terms of dry matter digestibility; and organic matter, crude protein, and crude fiber concentrations. The data were analyzed using variance analysis with a completely randomized design of one-way pattern with Statistical Product for Service Solution application of version 22. The data with significant differences were further analyzed using Duncan's new multiple range rest.

Results: The results of the study showed that 3% alfalfa supplementation increased feed consumption and body weight gain of the hybrid ducks at 35 days of age compared with 0% and 6% supplementation. Furthermore, 3% alfalfa supplementation presented the best result in terms of villus height and duodenal crypt depth. Meanwhile, 6% alfalfa supplementation decreased nutrient digestibility in the ducks.

Conclusion: These findings show that supplementation of feed with fresh alfalfa could have a significant effect on hybrid ducks in terms of growth performance, small intestinal histomorphology, and digestibility.

Keywords: alfalfa, digestibility, histomorphology, hybrid ducks, performance.

Influence of acetate containing fluid versus lactate containing fluid on acid-base status, electrolyte level, and blood lactate level in dehydrated dogs

Research (Published online: 24-10-2021)

19. Influence of acetate containing fluid versus lactate containing fluid on acid-base status, electrolyte level, and blood lactate level in dehydrated dogs

Annika Heitland, Ute Klein-Richers, Katrin Hartmann and René Dörfelt

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2714-2718

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Acetate or lactate buffered, balanced isotonic rehydration fluids are commonly used for fluid therapy in dogs and may influence acid-base and electrolyte status. This study aimed to assess acid-base status, electrolyte levels, and lactate levels in dehydrated dogs after receiving acetate or lactate-containing intravenous rehydration fluids.

Materials and Methods: In this prospective, randomized study, 90 dehydrated dogs were included and randomized to receive acetate [Sterofundin® ISO B. Braun Vet Care (STERO), Germany) or lactate (Ringer-Lactat-Lösung nach Hartmann B. Braun Vet Care (RL), Germany] containing intravenous fluids for rehydration. The exclusion criteria were as follows: Age <6 months, liver failure, congestive heart failure, and extreme electrolyte deviation. Physical examination, venous blood gas, and lactate levels were analyzed before and after rehydration. The two groups were compared using t-test and Chi-square test. The significance level was set at p≤0.05.

Results: Post-rehydration heart rate decreased in the STERO group (p<0.001) but not in the RL group (p=0.090). Lactate levels decreased in both groups STERO (p<0.001) and in group RL (p=0.014). Sodium and chloride levels increased during rehydration in group STERO (p<0.001; p<0.001) and group RL (p=0.002; p<0.001). There was a larger decrease in lactate levels in group STERO compared to group RL (p=0.047).

Conclusion: Both solutions led to a mild increase in sodium and chloride levels and decreased lactate levels. The acetate-containing solution had an inferior effect on the decrease in lactate level.

Keywords: acid-base disorders, crystalloid solutions, fluid therapy, hyperlactatemia, metabolic acidosis, rehydration.

The therapeutic potential of the novel angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in the treatment of coronavirus disease-19

Review (Published online: 23-10-2021)

18. The therapeutic potential of the novel angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in the treatment of coronavirus disease-19

Ademola Adetokunbo Oyagbemi, Temitayo Olabisi Ajibade, Yapo Guillaume Aboua, Idayat Titilayo Gbadamosi, Aduragbenro Deborah A. Adedapo, Abimbola Obemisola Aro, Olumuyiwa Abiola Adejumobi, Emma Thamahane-Katengua, Temidayo Olutayo Omobowale, Olufunke Olubunmi Falayi, Taiwo Olaide Oyagbemi, Blessing Seun Ogunpolu, Fasilat Oluwakemi Hassan, Iyanuoluwa Omolola Ogunmiluyi, Olufunke Eunice Ola-Davies, Adebowale Benard Saba, Adeolu Alex Adedapo, Sanah Malomile Nkadimeng, Lyndy Joy McGaw, Prudence Ngalula Kayoka-Kabongo, Momoh Audu Yakubu and Oluwafemi Omoniyi Oguntibeju

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2705-2713

ABSTRACT

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the etiological agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This virus has become a global pandemic with unprecedented mortality and morbidity along with attendant financial and economic crises. Furthermore, COVID-19 can easily be transmitted regardless of religion, race, sex, or status. Globally, high hospitalization rates of COVID-19 patients have been reported, and billions of dollars have been spent to contain the pandemic. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2 is a receptor of SARS-CoV-2, which has a significant role in the entry of the virus into the host cell. ACE2 is highly expressed in the type II alveolar cells of the lungs, upper esophagus, stratified epithelial cells, and other tissues in the body. The diminished expressions of ACE2 have been associated with hypertension, arteriosclerosis, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and immune system dysregulation. Overall, the potential drug candidates that could serve as ACE2 activators or enhance the expression of ACE2 in a disease state, such as COVID-19, hold considerable promise in mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reviews the therapeutic potential and pharmacological benefits of the novel ACE2 in the management of COVID-19 using search engines, such as Google, Scopus, PubMed, and PubMed Central.

Keywords: Renin-angiotensin system, COVID-19, hypertension, lung injury, ACE2, SARS-CoV-2.