An intestinal Candida albicans model for monomicrobial and polymicrobial biofilms and effects of hydrolases and the Bgl2 ligand

Research (Published online: 29-04-2022)

41. An intestinal Candida albicans model for monomicrobial and polymicrobial biofilms and effects of hydrolases and the Bgl2 ligand

Masfufatun Masfufatun, Rini Purbowati, Nira A. Arum, Mey S. Yasinta, Sri Sumarsih and Afaf Baktir

Veterinary World, 15(4): 1134-1140

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Candida albicans is the most prevalent human fungal pathogen. In biofilms, C. albicans becomes more resistant to antifungal agents because of the production of an extracellular matrix (ECM) that protects the yeast cells. This study aimed to determine the effects of hydrolase enzymes and the Bgl2 ligand on monomicrobial and polymicrobial biofilms.

Materials and Methods: Biofilm induction in rats was carried out using streptomycin (25 mg/kg) and gentamicin (7.5 mg/kg) administered orally once per day for 5 days. Rats were injected subcutaneously with cortisone acetate (225 mg/kg) as an immunosuppressant on day 5. In addition, rats were orally administered C. albicans for the single microbial model and a combination of C. albicans with Escherichia coli for the polymicrobial model. Following the biofilm production, the groups were treated with glucosamine (8.57 mg/kg body weight) and Achatina fulica hydrolases (1.5 mL) orally for 2 weeks. The reduction of the biofilm was measured using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Data were analyzed using a t-test, with a significance value of 95%.

Results: CLSM images revealed a strong association between C. albicans and E. coli in the polymicrobial biofilm. On the contrary, the combination treatment using glucosamine and A. fulica hydrolases reduced the ECM of the single microbial biofilm (53.58%). However, treatment effectiveness against the matrix (19.17%) was reduced in the polymicrobial model.

Conclusion: There is a strong association between C. albicans and E. coli in the formation of polymicrobial biofilms. The combination of glucosamine and the A. fulica enzyme can reduce the single microbial biofilm ECM; however, it is ineffective in the polymicrobial model.

Keywords: Achatina fulica hydrolases, Bgl2 ligand, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, intestinal polymicrobial biofilm.

First study on the molecular prevalence of caprine arthritis encephalitis virus in goats in Babylon, Iraq

Research (Published online: 28-04-2022)

40. First study on the molecular prevalence of caprine arthritis encephalitis virus in goats in Babylon, Iraq

Ahmed Hamzah Mosa, Karrar Jasim Hamzah and Hamed A. H. Aljabory

Veterinary World, 15(4): 1129-1133

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) is a virus that affects goats all over the world and causes enormous economic losses; as a result, screening for the disease is a priority, especially in Iraq. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of CAEV in infected goats using the précised PCR method in Babylon, Iraq.

Materials and Methods: A total of 85 blood samples from goats aged 1 month to ≥6 years were analyzed for CAEV infections using molecular methods. The polymerase chain reaction primer was designed to amplify a 573 bp region of the proviral pol gene.

Results: The CAEV tests revealed that five out of 85 goats were positive for CAEV. There were no significant differences in CAEV infection according to goat sex and significant differences according to age.

Conclusion: Based on these results, the present study is the first molecular survey to confirm the current CAEV genome in an Iraqi goat flock.

Keywords: caprine arthritis encephalitis virus, goats, Iraq, molecular detection, polymerase chain reaction.

First study on molecular detection of three major canine tick-borne pathogens in subclinically infected dogs in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Research (Published online: 28-04-2022)

39. First study on molecular detection of three major canine tick-borne pathogens in subclinically infected dogs in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Keiichiro Tazawa, Napassorn Poolsawat, Andrew D. Gibson, Luke Gamble, Alasdair King and Panat Anuracpreeda

Veterinary World, 15(4): 1121-1128

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Canine tick-borne pathogens (CTBPs) are an important cause of morbidity in dogs in Thailand. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of three CTBPs in clinically normal, owned dogs to understand the risk for the general canine population. We also examined sex, age, tick infestation, and packed cell volume (PCV) of the animals in association with active infection of the CTBPs.

Materials and Methods: A total of 139 dogs were included in the study. Blood samples were collected for thin blood smear, PCV and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Statistical analyses were performed to examine the association between individual factors and CTBP infection status determined by PCR. In addition, sensitivity, specificity, and Cohen's kappa were calculated to assess the utility of routine blood smear.

Results: The PCR results showed that 31 dogs (22.3%) were infected with at least one of the three pathogens. The occurrence rate for Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, and Hepatozoon canis was 2.2% (3/139), 18.7% (24/139), and 2.8% (4/139), respectively. There were two cases of coinfection with A. platys and E. canis. The univariate analyses did not yield any associations between recorded variables and the active infection. Microscopic examination showed good sensitivity and agreement only for H. canis (Sn: 75%, 95% confidence interval: 24.9-98.7, κ=0.85).

Conclusion: Our findings confirmed the endemicity of the CTBPs in owned canine population in the study site. In-depth epidemiological investigation would be warranted to elucidate environmental risk factors for CTBP infection.

Keywords: Anaplasma platys, canine tick-borne disease, Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon canis, polymerase chain reaction, thin blood smear.

Colombian Creole Horse: Frequency of oral and motor stereotypies

Research (Published online: 27-04-2022)

38. Colombian Creole Horse: Frequency of oral and motor stereotypies

Jhonny Alberto Buitrago Mejía, Jairo Alejandro Navarro Jaramillo and Natalia Uribe Corrales

Veterinary World, 15(4): 1113-1120

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The current stable housing of Colombian Creole Horses severely restricts the animals' locomotion and natural behaviors. In addition, their feed consists of a combination of high-energy concentrates with considerably little forage which potentially leads to locomotor or oral stereotypies. This study aimed to report the frequency of locomotor and oral stereotypies in Colombian Creole Horses in Girardota (Antioquia, Colombia) and associated risk factors.

Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from 2019 to 2020, in which 102 stabled horses aged 28 months and older participated. A questionnaire was developed to collect information on the horses' daily barn routines. The horses were observed twice a day for 2 h for 3 consecutive days to record information related to stereotypy behaviors. The Fisher's exact test and the Mann–Whitney U test were utilized for data analyses. Associations were considered statistically significant at p<0.05.

Results: Among the horses evaluated, 32.35% presented at least one stereotyped behavior. The most common was crib-biting (i.e., cribbing), with 17.65% exhibiting this behavior. Age, weight, gender, type of feeding, visual contact between horses, and natural lighting were all associated with oral stereotypies. Crib-biting was most common in young horses (U=1.36, p≤0.05), wind-sucking was more common in lighter weight animals (U=1.45, p=0.01), and lip-smacking was more common in stallions (χ2=9.10, p≤0.01). It is noteworthy that their feeding diet included bran, molasses, and gopher. Horses that did not have visual contact with other horses and those that did not have natural lighting were associated with pica (χ2=9.52, p≤0.02; χ2=3.72, p≤0.05; and χ2=3.72, p≤0.05, respectively). Of locomotor stereotypies, kicking the wall was significant in young animals (U=1.54, p=0.03) and walking in circles in lactating mares (χ2=13.20, p≤0.02).

Conclusion: Housing conditions in this study were found to have several risk factors affecting horses that exhibit stereotypic behaviors, and all these factors resulted in a higher frequency of stereotypies. Establishing risk factors for the presentation of abnormal behaviors allows for the implementation of better management practices in the production systems of the Creole Colombian Horse and will help improve their overall welfare.

Keywords: behaviours disorders, equines, stereotypies, welfare.

The position of ground electrode affects electrocardiographic parameters in horses

Research (Published online: 27-04-2022)

37. The position of ground electrode affects electrocardiographic parameters in horses

Wootichai Kenchaiwong, Pamika Sangpo, Anawach Kusol, Theerapong Pontaema and Wichaporn Lerdweeraphon

Veterinary World, 15(4): 1107-1112

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Improper attachment of the grounding lead is one of the artifacts and causes difficulty in interpretation of ECG. This study aimed to examine the effects of the position of a ground electrode on electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters in horses.

Materials and Methods: Sixteen Arabian horses without any cardiac problems were included in this study. The animals were divided into two groups, the base-apex lead method 1 (BA1 method) and the base-apex lead method 2 (BA2 method) with the reposition of the ground limb electrode to the xiphoid. ECG recordings (paper speed=25 mm/s and calibration=10 mm/ mV) were performed to obtain six limb leads (leads I, II, III, aVR, aVL, and aVF). The amplitude and duration of P waves and QRS complexes, PR interval, QT interval, and T duration were analyzed. T wave morphology was observed. Heart rate was evaluated by using R-R interval in each recording.

Results: Heart rate, P duration and amplitude, PR interval and T duration, and QRS duration and amplitude were not significantly different between the BA1 and the BA2 method, except that the BA2 method had a significantly higher QT interval than did the BA1 method (p<0.05). A higher significance of the percentage of coefficient of variation was seen on the P wave amplitude and the ORS amplitude in the BA1 method when compared to BA2 method (p<0.05).

Conclusion: These data indicated that base-apex lead method with reposition of the ground limb electrode to the xiphoid can decrease variation of ECG configuration and might be useful for routine ECG evaluation and monitoring in horses. The limitation of this study was the evaluation of cardiac morphology and function by echocardiography to exclude cardiac problems. In further, the studies should examine the effect of breed, age, body weight, and sex on electrocardiography parameters in horses.

Keywords: electrocardiogram, ground electrode, horses, position.

Persistent detection of Tilapia lake virus in wild tilapia and tinfoil barbs

Research (Published online: 27-04-2022)

36. Persistent detection of Tilapia lake virus in wild tilapia and tinfoil barbs

Azila Abdullah, Afzan Muntaziana Mohd Pazai, Mohd Syafiq Mohammad Ridzuan, Fahmi Sudirwan, Shahidan Hashim, Adnan Abas, Munira Murni, Zuraidah Roli, Rimatulhana Ramly and Mohd Firdaus-Nawi

Veterinary World, 15(4): 1097-1106

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: One of the emerging viral diseases in freshwater fish is Tilapia lake virus (TiLV), which infects all stages of fish and results in mass mortalities. Previously, a TiLV case was detected in the wild environment in Malaysia that involved tilapia and tinfoil barb. Hence, this study aimed to determine the presence of TiLV in wild tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) as well as tinfoil barbs (Barbonymus schwanenfeldii) at the similar lake after the initial outbreak in year 2017.

Materials and Methods: Both fish species were sampled from this lake at a month interval for two years and subjected to TiLV detection using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and cell culture isolation. Concurrently, bacterial isolation and water quality measurements were performed to deduce their correlation with TiLV occurrence. Other wild fish species and mollusk were also occasionally sampled during the fish inventory activity at this lake. The fish's weight, length, and associated clinical signs were noted throughout the entire study period.

Results: Mortality was not observed throughout the whole study period, and results indicated a moderate to high prevalence of TiLV infection in both tilapia and tinfoil barbs. There was no correlation between TiLV infection with the isolation rate of opportunistic bacteria such as Aeromonas spp., Plesiomonas spp., and Edwardsiella spp. in the study site. At the same time, the Pearson correlation test revealed a moderate negative correlation between the water pH with the presence of TiLV (R=–0.4472; p<0.05) and a moderate positive correlation between the water iron content with the monthly detection of Aeromonas spp. in wild tilapia. This is contrary to tinfoil barbs, where there was a moderate negative correlation between the water iron content with the monthly isolation of Aeromonas spp. (R=–0.5190; p<0.05). Furthermore, isolation of TiLV on cell culture-induced viral invasion was resulted in the cytopathic effects.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that the wild fish may harbor TiLV for an extended period following a massive die-off event in 2017 without any obvious clinical signs and mortality. The persistency of viruses in the wild may need continuous and effective control as well as prevention strategies.

Keywords: Malaysia, Tilapia lake virus, tinfoil barbs, wild tilapia.

Antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius on the environmental surfaces of a recently constructed veterinary hospital in Southern Thailand

Research (Published online: 26-04-2022)

35. Antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius on the environmental surfaces of a recently constructed veterinary hospital in Southern Thailand

Punpichaya Fungwithaya, Narin Sontigun, Worakan Boonhoh, Kanpapat Boonchuay and Tuempong Wongtawan

Veterinary World, 15(4): 1087-1096

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a zoonotic bacterium commonly found in animals, especially dogs. These bacteria can survive on environmental surfaces for several months. The infection of S. pseudintermedius from the environment is possible, but properly cleaning surface objects can prevent it. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) in the environment of a recently constructed veterinary hospital in Southern Thailand, where we hypothesized that the prevalence of MRSP might be very low.

Materials and Methods: At three different time points, 150 samples were collected from different environmental surfaces and wastewater across the veterinary hospital. The collection was done after the hospital's cleaning. Bacteria were purified in the culture before being identified as species by biochemical tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Next, the antimicrobial-resistant profile was performed using an automated system (Vitek 2). Finally, the antimicrobial resistance genes were identified using PCR.

Results: Fifteen colonies of S. pseudintermedius were isolated from the surfaces of eight floors, four tables, two chairs, and one rebreathing tube. Fourteen colonies (93.3%) were multidrug-resistant (MDR) and carried the blaZ gene (93.3%). The majority of colonies were resistant to benzylpenicillin (93.3%), cefovecin (93.3%), ceftiofur (93.3%), kanamycin (93.3%), and neomycin (93.3%). Notably, only four colonies (26.7%) were methicillin-susceptible S. pseudintermedius, whereas 11 colonies (73.3%) were MRSP and carried both the mecA and blaZ genes. Five MRSP (45.5%) were resistant to at least 14 antimicrobial drugs, represented as extensively drug-resistant (XDR) bacteria. Ten of eleven MRSP (90.9%) were Staphylococcal chromosomal mec type V, while another displayed untypeable. Despite the routine and extensive cleaning with detergent and disinfectant, MRSP isolates were still detectable.

Conclusion: Many isolates of MRSP were found in this veterinary hospital. Almost all of them were MDR, and nearly half were XDR, posing a threat to animals and humans. In addition, the current hospital cleaning procedure proved ineffective. Future research should be conducted to determine the bacterial biofilm properties and bacterial sensitivity to certain detergents and disinfectants.

Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, cleaning, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, veterinary hospital.