Seroprevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in small ruminant flocks in Karnataka in the Southern Province of India

Research (Published online: 09-11-2021)

3. Seroprevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in small ruminant flocks in Karnataka in the Southern Province of India

Krithiga Natesan, Triveni Kalleshamurthy, Mangadevi Nookala, Chaitra Yadav, Nagalingam Mohandoss, Somy Skariah, Swati Sahay, Bibek Ranjan Shome, Obli Rajendran Vinodh Kumar, Habibur Rahman and Rajeswari Shome

Veterinary World, 14(11): 2855-2862

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease of high economic and public health importance in large and small ruminant populations worldwide. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis in small ruminants in organized farms in the southern region of India.

Materials and Methods: Farms exclusively rearing sheep and goats were selected based on the number of animals (small, medium, or large) and the location of the farm (urban, periurban, or rural). A total of 1499 serum samples; 1001 from sheeps and 498 from goats were sourced from six sheep and four goat farms and tested using Rose Bengal Plate and indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay tests.

Results: The apparent prevalence of brucellosis was higher in sheep (8.29%, 95% CI 6.7-10.1) than goats (5.82%, 95% CI 4.0-8.2). The true adjusted population level seroprevalence was also higher in sheep, at 7.7% (95% CI 6.0-9.6) than in goats, at 5.1% (95% CI 3.2-7.6). According to bivariate categorical analysis, six highly significant (p<0.001) animal- and farm-level risk factors for sheep were age, breed, number of lambings, history of abortion, rural farms, and presence of dogs on the farm. In goats, five significant risk factors were found: History of abortion, separate sheds, dogs on the farm, weekly veterinary consultation, and lack of brucellosis awareness. In a logistic regression model, abortion (OR adjusted 10.8, 95% CI 1.2-96.12), rural farms (OR adjusted 8.5, 95% CI 3.6-20.0), and absence of separate sheds on the farms (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1- 3.5) were found to be significant risk factors for ovine brucellosis.

Conclusion: The use of complementary measures to tackle the multiple animal- and farm-level risk factors may help to reduce the disease burden in the absence of a vaccination policy for small ruminants in India.

Keywords: brucellosis, goats, India, risk factors, sheep, seroprevalence.

Emergence of Dirofilaria repens (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) in dogs in Eastern Thailand

Research (Published online: 06-11-2021)

2. Emergence of Dirofilaria repens (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) in dogs in Eastern Thailand

Wanarit Jitsamai, Patchana Kamkong, Sariya Asawakarn and Piyanan Taweethavonsawat

Veterinary World, 14(11): 2851-2854

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Dirofilaria repens is a zoonotic vector-borne parasite of dogs and cats. It is not commonly found in every part of Thailand, except the southern part. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of this parasite in Eastern Thailand in 2019.

Materials and Methods: A total of 8003 blood samples were collected from private veterinary clinics and animal hospitals in Eastern Thailand. Blood parasites were examined using buffy coat thin blood smears with Wright-Giemsa staining. D. repens was morphologically identified and confirmed using the acid phosphatase activity technique.

Results: The first case of D. repens was found in March 2019. The prevalence of D. repens from January to December 2019 was 0.44% (35/8003) (95% confidence interval 0.30-0.61).

Conclusion: The prevalence data of D. repens in Eastern Thailand indicate that this parasitic infection should be considered as a zoonotic vector-borne disease. A strategic plan to control zoonotic transmission alongside a preventive program should be emphasized and encouraged among pet owners and veterinarians.

Keywords: Dirofilaria repens, dog, emerging, prevalence, Thailand, zoonosis.

Advances in nanotechnology and the benefits of using cellulose nanofibers in animal nutrition

Review (Published online: 03-11-2021)

1. Advances in nanotechnology and the benefits of using cellulose nanofibers in animal nutrition

Geovane Rosa de Oliveira, Carla de Andrade, Cristina Santos Sotomaior and Leandro Batista Costa

Veterinary World, 14(11): 2843-2850

ABSTRACT

The production of cellulose nanofibers promotes the utilization of plant residues that are generated in agro-industries during food processing. The utilization of these plant by-products reduces environmental contamination. Cellulose nanofibers are used in several sectors, including the drug, food, and animal nutrition industries. Many sources of nanofibers used in animal diets can be used as potential fiber substitutes after being processed to improve efficiency. For instance, including nanometric particles of plant fibers (<100 nm) in animal feed may provide excellent physical properties such as high reactivity, a large surface area, and improved nutrient absorption from the diet. Nanotechnology improves the characteristics of fibers that are important for gastrointestinal transit and their utilization as energy sources and substrates for microbial fermentation in the digestive tract of animals. Nanofibers can improve the synthesis of volatile fatty acids and the blood lipid profile, with positive effects on the intestinal health of animals. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated promising effects in reducing blood glucose levels without toxic effects on the body. Supplying nanofibers in the diet improve animal performance, increase productivity, and work toward a more sustainable economic development of agribusinesses. The quality of animal products such as meat, milk, and eggs is also reported to be improved with the inclusion of nanominerals in the feed. Overall, the application of nanotechnology to harness the by-products of agro-industries can increase economic viability and sustainability in animal production systems. Therefore, this review presents a current survey on the main research and advances in the utilization of nanotechnology, focusing on cellulose nanofibers in animal feed to improve animal performance.

Keywords: animal performance, animal production, coproduct, fibers, nanocellulose.

First report of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 detection in two asymptomatic cats in the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil

Research (Published online: 31-10-2021)

36. First report of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 detection in two asymptomatic cats in the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil

Ivyson da Silva Epifanio, Davi dos Santos Rodrigues, Leonardo Borges de Lima, Maria Aurea de Azevedo Nogueira, Laelia Reginae do Monte Pessoa Felix, Barbara Ferreira de Almeida, Claudia Kathariny da Silva Farias, Otavio Valerio de Carvalho, Rita de Cassia Carvalho Maia, Luiz Eduardo Ristow, David Soeiro Barbosa, Juliana Arena Galhardo, Christina Pettan-Brewer, Louise Bach Kmetiuk, Rafael Garabet Agopian, Valeria Dutra, Helio Autran de Morais, Andrea Pires dos Santos, Alexander Welker Biondo and Daniel Friguglietti Brandespim

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2839-2842

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Despite worldwide case reports, including Brazilian cases, no frequency study on infection of pets by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been conducted to date in Brazil. Accordingly, the present study was aimed to assess dogs and cats belonging to positive owners in Recife, Northeastern Brazil.

Materials and Methods: This was a longitudinal prospective study on dogs and cats in the city of Recife whose owners were in isolation at home due to a confirmed laboratory diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 through reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Oral and rectal swabs from the pets were tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific RNA by means of RT-qPCR.

Results: Among the pets tested, 0/16 dogs and 2/15 cats were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Interestingly, the two positive cats were owned by two unrelated asymptomatic veterinary students, which, therefore, post a warning to veterinarians worldwide.

Conclusion: The findings herein indicate that cats may act as sentinels for human cases, particularly sharing households with asymptomatic human cases. Although with small sampling and convenient recruiting, the presence of infected cats by SARS-CoV-2 was most likely due to close cat-human contact with positive owners, posting a human-animal health threat when pets share the same bed and interact with owners without protection, particularly during owner self-isolation. Thus, infected owners should follow the same human preventive guidelines with their pets to avoid spreading infection.

Keywords: Brazil, coronavirus, domestic animals, pandemic.

p53, p21, and cyclin d1 protein expression patterns in patients with breast cancer

Research (Published online: 31-10-2021)

35. p53, p21, and cyclin d1 protein expression patterns in patients with breast cancer

Marwa Mohammed Ali Jassim, Khetam Habeeb Rasool and Majid Mohammed Mahmood

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2833-2838

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The mutation in the wild-type tumor suppressor gene p53 is the most common genetic change in human tumors. In addition, the normal function of p21, which is both antiproliferative and an inhibitor of the cell cycle, is disrupted in some types of cancer. Meanwhile, cyclin D1 is a member of the cyclin protein family that is involved in regulating cell cycle progression. This study aimed to assess the expressions of the cell cycle inhibitory proteins p21, cyclin D1, and tumor suppressor gene p53, as well as their influence on the expressed histopathological changes in breast cancer tissues.

Materials and Methods: Overall, 40 breast tissue specimens were investigated in this study, 30 of which were cancerous, while 10 were healthy tissues. p53, p21, and cyclin D1 expression patterns were detected using an immunohistochemistry (IHC) system.

Results: The IHC reactions for p53 were positively observed in 27/30 (90%) cancerous tissues, compared with 2/10 (20%) normal breast tissues. For p21, reactions were observed in 28/30 (93.33%) cancerous tissues and 3/10 (30%) control tissues. For cyclin D1, reactions were observed in 25/30 (83.33%) cancerous tissues and 1/10 (10%) control tissues. The differences between the breast cancer tissues and the control tissues were statistically highly significant (p<0.01).

Conclusion: The high expression rates of p21, cyclin D1, and p53 in malignant breast cancer cells with little or no regulatory role might imply mutational events in these proteins operating in concert with a variety of other genetic mutations in these tissues, which may play a molecular role in the development and/or progression of breast carcinogenesis.

Keywords: breast cancer, D1 protein, Iraq, P21, P53.

Molecular characterization of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli isolated from diarrhea samples from human, livestock, and ground beef in North Jordan

Research (Published online: 30-10-2021)

34. Molecular characterization of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli isolated from diarrhea samples from human, livestock, and ground beef in North Jordan

Yaser H. Tarazi, Saeb N. El-Sukhon, Zuhair Bani Ismail and Amani A. Almestarehieh

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2827-2832

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is an important foodborne pathogen with worldwide distribution. Data regarding its presence, distribution, virulence, and antimicrobial susceptibility among various animal species and humans in Jordan are lacking. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to isolate and characterize EHEC from human and animal diarrhea fecal samples and ground beef samples.

Materials and Methods: A total of 100 and 270 diarrhea fecal samples from humans and animals, respectively, were collected. In addition, 40 ground beef meat samples were collected from retail markets. EHEC was positively identified by detecting Shiga toxins (stx1 and stx2) genes using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were determined using the disk diffusion test. Beta-lactamase production was detected using the double disk diffusion test and the extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) were identified by detection of blaTEM, blaSHV, and OXA-1 genes using multiplex PCR. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used to investigate the relatedness of EHEC isolates from different sources.

Results: Out of 410 samples, 194 E. coli isolates were positively identified, of which 57 isolates (29%) were classified as EHEC. Thirty-five (61%) of EHEC isolates were serotyped as O157 (19: O157:H7 and 16: O157:NM). The stx1 gene was detected only among the sheep and goats isolates at a rate of 7.6% and 5.2%, respectively, while the stx2 gene was detected in only one ground beef meat sample. EHEC isolates showed high resistance patterns against amoxicillin, gentamycin, cephalexin, and doxycycline. Twenty-four out of 32 EHEC isolates were determined as ESBL producers, among which 14 isolates expressed the blaSHV gene and 19 isolates expressed the blaTEM while four expressed both genes. PFGE analysis revealed two clusters with high similarity (92%) originated from ground beef meat and cattle fecal samples. No similarities were found between human and animal E. coli isolates.

Conclusion: Results of this study indicate widespread ESBL EHEC among humans, animals, and ground beef meat samples. These results represent an important alarm that requires the implementation of appropriate preventative measures by both human and animal health sectors to prevent the transmission of this important foodborne pathogen.

Keywords: animal health, Enterobacteriaceae, foodborne pathogens, public health.

Reverse zoonosis of coronavirus disease-19: Present status and the control by one health approach

Review (Published online: 30-10-2021)

33. Reverse zoonosis of coronavirus disease-19: Present status and the control by one health approach

R. Kumar Pramod, Asha V. Nair, Padmakar Kamalakar Tambare, Kanchana Chauhan, T. Vinay Kumar, R. Anju Rajan, Blessy M. Mani, Muhasin Asaf and Amit Kumar Pandey

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2817-2826

ABSTRACT

The recent coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak is one of its kind in the history of public health that has created a major global threat. The causative agent, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has a zoonotic source and hence, reverse zoonosis (disease transmission from humans to animals) increases the risk and rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Serological and molecular analyses and experimental infection studies have identified SARS-CoV-2 infection in several animal species in various countries. Different domestic and wild animals, including cats, dogs, tigers, lions, puma, snow leopard, minks, and pet ferrets, are infected naturally with SARS-CoV-2, mostly through suspected human to animal transmission. In addition, in vivo experimental inoculation studies have reported the susceptibility of cats, ferrets, hamsters, Egyptian fruit bats, and non-human primates to the virus. These experimentally infected species are found to be capable of virus transmission to co-housed animals of the same species. However, SARS-CoV-2 showed poor replication in livestock species such as pigs, chickens, and ducks with no detection of viral RNA after the animals were deliberately inoculated with the virus or exposed to the infected animals. As the pets/companion animals are more susceptible to COVID-19, the infection in animals needs an in-depth and careful study to avoid any future transmissions. The one health approach is the best inter-disciplinary method to understand the consequences of viral spread and prevention in novel host populations for the betterment of public health. Further in this review, we will explain in detail the different natural and experimentally induced cases of human to animal SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Keywords: mink, non-human primate, one health, reverse zoonosis, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.