Genetic diversity of Echinococcus spp. in wild carnivorous animals in Kazakhstan

Research (Published online: 15-06-2022)

11. Genetic diversity of Echinococcus spp. in wild carnivorous animals in Kazakhstan

Rabiga Uakhit, Ainura Smagulova, Alfiya Syzdykova, Sarsenbay Abdrakhmanov and Vladimir Kiyan

Veterinary World, 15(6): 1489-1496

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The study of Echinococcus infection among farm animals in Kazakhstan was carried out to monitor the invasion among livestock and map the data obtained. Unfortunately, there are only partial data on the study of echinococcosis among wild carnivores in Kazakhstan, which makes it difficult to conduct a comparative analysis of the epidemiological situation among wild animals. The present study aimed to estimate the genetic diversity of Echinococcus spp. (Leuckart, 1863) in Kazakhstan based on sequence analysis of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) of worms isolated from wild carnivorous animals wolf (Canis lupus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and corsac (Vulpes corsac).

Materials and Methods: DNA from parasite tissue was used as a template for the amplification of the two mitochondrial genes cox1 and nad1. Sequencing was performed according to the manual for the Seq Studio Genetic Analyzer. The multiple alignments of obtained sequences were performed using the ClustalW algorithm in Mega (v.11) software. Alignments were exported as a Nexus extension and used as input for TCS v1.21 for the identification of haplotypes. The phylogenetic analysis was constructed according to the neighbor-joining method using Mega (v.11) software.

Results: Analysis of the extensiveness of echinococcosis invasion showed that 6.3% were wolves, 18.2% were corsacs, and 85% were foxes. In total, 159 adults of Echinococcus spp. from the three species of animals in different parts of Kazakhstan were analyzed, and 17 individual biological samples were successfully sequenced. Sequence analysis of cox1 and nad1 genes revealed two types of echinococcosis – Echinococcus granulosus in red foxes and wolves, and Echinococcus multilocularis in corsacs. Sequencing of a portion of the mitochondrial genome made it possible to determine seven haplotypes of the pathogen in the studied samples of E. granulosus. Molecular analysis of cox1 and nad1 genes of E. multilocularis revealed three new haplotypes, which have significant variability compared with other studied Asian haplotypes.

Conclusion: This study made it possible to fill the gaps in understanding the localization of the foci of the spread of the echinococcosis pathogen among the main wild carnivores and to determine the species reservoir of the pathogen in the greater territory of Kazakhstan.

Keywords: Asian haplotype, corsac, echinococcosis, phylogenetics, red foxes, wolf.

First study of in vitro protective effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on frozen–thawed bovine spermatozoa

Research (Published online: 14-06-2022)

10. First study of in vitro protective effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on frozen–thawed bovine spermatozoa

Johanna Leiva-Revilla, Miriam Rolón, Abolghasem Siyadatpanah, Maria de Lourdes Pereira and Veeranoot Nissapatorn

Veterinary World, 15(6): 1481-1488

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Lepidium meyenii Walp (Maca) is an herbaceous plant that grows in the Peruvian Andes and it has been widely used as a nutritional supplement and fertility enhancer and has been used in the treatment of a variety of diseases, such as rheumatism, respiratory disorders, and anemia. The most notable feature of Maca is its potent antioxidant capacity, which helps in the scavenging of free radicals and protection of cells from oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of Maca extract on thawed sperm cells from bulls.

Materials and Methods: Three dilutions of 1, 10, and 100 μg/mL of Maca extract were incubated with frozen–thawed bovine semen and analyzed at 1, 3, and 24 h of exposure time, evaluating the activity of the extract on the DNA, motility, morphology, viability, integrity of the membrane and acrosome of spermatozoa.

Results: The Maca extract improved the studied sperm parameters of motility, acrosome integrity, vitality, and DNA integrity of sperm cells at a concentration of 10 –g/mL, and at 1 –g/mL, an improvement was observed in the morphology and integrity of the membrane. However, the best activity of the Maca extract was observed on the DNA integrity of the sperm, which was effective at the three concentrations evaluated after 24 h of incubation.

Conclusion: The results indicate that L. meyenii can help in maintaining spermatozoa cellular integrity after the frozen–thaw process, especially in the protection against DNA fragmentation. Therefore, Maca would be a feasible supplementation to protect sperm to maintain their fertile ability after thawing.

Keywords: Aberdeenangus, antioxidant, bull, frozen-thawed semen, Lepidium meyenii (Maca), reproductive health.

Genetic characterization and distribution of the virus in chicken embryo tissues infected with Newcastle disease virus isolated from commercial and native chickens in Indonesia

Research (Published online: 14-06-2022)

9. Genetic characterization and distribution of the virus in chicken embryo tissues infected with Newcastle disease virus isolated from commercial and native chickens in Indonesia

Liza Angeliya, Yuli Purwandari Kristianingrum, Widya Asmara and Michael Haryadi Wibowo

Veterinary World, 15(6): 1467-1480

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Newcastle disease (ND) is a viral infectious disease that affects commercial and native chickens, resulting in economic losses to the poultry industry. This study aimed to examine the viral strains circulating in commercial and native chickens by genetic characterization and observe the distribution of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in chicken embryonic tissue.

Materials and Methods: ND was detected using a quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Genetic characterization of the fusion (F) and hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) genes from the eight NDVs was performed using specific primers. The sequence was compared with that of other NDVs from GenBank and analyzed using the MEGA-X software. The distribution of NDV in chicken embryos was analyzed based on lesions and the immunopositivity in immunohistochemistry staining.

Results: Based on F gene characterization, velogenic NDV strains circulating in commercial and native chickens that showed varying clinical symptoms belonged to genotype VII.2. Lentogenic strains found in chickens without clinical symptoms were grouped into genotype II (unvaccinated native chickens) and genotype I (vaccinated commercial chickens). Amino acid variations in the HN gene, namely, the neutralization epitope and antigenic sites at positions 263 and 494, respectively, occurred in lentogenic strains. The NDV reaches the digestive and respiratory organs, but in lentogenic NDV does not cause significant damage, and hence embryo death does not occur.

Conclusion: This study showed that velogenic and lentogenic NDV strains circulated in both commercial and native chickens with varying genotypes. The virus was distributed in almost all organs, especially digestive and respiratory. Organ damage in lentogenic infection is not as severe as in velogenic NDV. Further research is needed to observe the distribution of NDV with varying pathogenicity in chickens.

Keywords: fusion, gene characterization, hemagglutinin-neuraminidase, Newcastle disease, pathogenicity, viral distribution.

Implications of sperm heat shock protein 70-2 in bull fertility

Review (Published online: 13-06-2022)

8. Implications of sperm heat shock protein 70-2 in bull fertility

Zulfi Nur Amrina Rosyada, Mokhamad Fakhrul Ulum, Ligaya I. T. A. Tumbelaka, Dedy Duryadi Solihin, Bambang Purwantara and Erdogan Memili

Veterinary World, 15(6): 1456-1466

ABSTRACT

Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is one of the most abundant chaperone proteins. Their function is well documented in facilitating the protein synthesis, translocation, de novo folding, and ordering of multiprotein complexes. HSP70 in bovine consists of four genes: HSP70-1, HSP70-2, HSP70-3, and HSP70-4. HSP70-2 was found to be involved in fertility. Current knowledge implicates HSP70-2 in sperm quality, sperm capacitation, sperm–egg recognition, and fertilization essential for bull reproduction. HSP70-2 is also involved in the biological processes of spermatogenesis, as it protects cells from the effects of apoptosis and oxidative stress. Fertilization success is not only determined by the amount of sperm found in the female reproductive tract but also by the functional ability of the sperm. However, subfertility is more likely to be associated with changes in sperm molecular dynamics not detectable using conventional methods. As such, molecular analyses and omics methods have been developed to monitor crucial aspects of sperm molecular morphology that are important for sperm functions, which are the objectives of this review.

Keywords: fertility, heat shock protein, protective, semen quality, stress.

Leptospirosis in rats and livestock in Bantul and Gunungkidul district, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 12-06-2022)

7. Leptospirosis in rats and livestock in Bantul and Gunungkidul district, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Sunaryo Sunaryo and Dwi Priyanto

Veterinary World, 15(6): 1449-1455

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The animal reservoir of leptospirosis is comprised of both domestic and wild mammals, with rats known as the most important in the spread of the disease. The occurrence of this reservoir in residential areas increases the potential for leptospirosis transmission. This study aimed to investigate the type of reservoirs and estimate the prevalence of leptospirosis in rats and livestock animals in Bantul and Gunungkidul districts, Special Region of Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia.

Materials and Methods: This research utilized a cross-sectional study design. Rat trapping and livestock (cattle, goat, and sheep) blood surveys were conducted at four locations in each district. Samples of rat renal and livestock blood serum were examined using the polymerase chain reaction technique to determine the presence of Leptospira bacteria. The data were analyzed descriptively by describing the species of rats trapped, the types of cattle, and the prevalence of Leptospira in the sample.

Results: The rat species infected with Leptospira in Bantul district consisted of Rattus tanezumi 4.8% (3/63); Rattus norvegicus 12.5% (2/16); Bandicota indica 28.6% (2/7); and Bandicota bengalensis 50.0% (1/2). No rats were found to be positive for Leptospira in Gunungkidul district. The prevalence of Leptospira in cattle was 63.64% (7/11) in Bantul district and 50.00% (8/16) in Gunungkidul district. In goats and sheep, the prevalence of Leptospira was 22.22% (2/9) in Bantul district and 45.16% (14/31) in Gunungkidul district.

Conclusion: The potential exists for transmission of leptospirosis from rats and cattle in Bantul and Gunungkidul Districts. It is necessary to increase leptospirosis awareness. Community education, especially for livestock farmers, needs to be improved to prevent the transmission of leptospirosis from livestock.

Keywords: cattle, leptospirosis, prevalence, rats.

Prevalence, risk factors, and infection intensity of fasciolosis in dairy cattle in Boyolali, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 12-06-2022)

6. Prevalence, risk factors, and infection intensity of fasciolosis in dairy cattle in Boyolali, Indonesia

Heri Kurnianto, Siti Zubaidah Ramanoon, Nor Azlina Abdul Aziz and Soedarmanto Indarjulianto

Veterinary World, 15(6): 1438-1448

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Fasciolosis is a significant problem in veterinary and public health, causing huge economic losses. Epidemiological studies of fasciolosis in dairy cattle in Indonesia are few and existing reports primarily focus on prevalence. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and infection intensity of fasciolosis in dairy cattle in Boyolali, Indonesia.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 400 dairy cattle from 72 household farms in eight subdistricts. Fecal samples (n=400) were examined using the Flukefinder® kit and the simple sedimentation technique was the gold standard for fasciolosis. In-person interviews using questionnaires collected data on farmers, farms, and animal characteristics. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associated risk factors for fasciolosis, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The overall prevalence of fasciolosis in dairy cattle in Boyolali, Indonesia, was 16.50% (95% confidence interval [CI] 12.85-20.15) at the animal level (n = 400), whereas 40.28% at household farms (n = 72) level (95% CI 18.67-51.88). The relative sensitivity and specificity of the Flukefinder® kit compared with those of the gold standard were 79.49% and 92.52%, respectively, with a moderate agreement (kappa=0.59; p < 0.001). Fasciolosis was more likely in cattle originating from the Mojosongo subdistrict than from other subdistricts (odds ratio (OR)=5.28, 95% CI 1.22-22.94); from farms that did not process manure versus from those that did (OR = 3.03, 95% CI 1.43-4.71); and with farmers that had never attended extension programs compared with those who had (OR = 4.72, 95% CI 1.99-11.19). Studied cattle were mostly affected by light Fasciola spp. infections (92.4%, 95% CI 77.8-100%) followed by moderate (6.1%, 95% CI 0-22.2%) and heavy (1.5%, 95% CI 0-5.6%) infections.

Conclusion: Fasciolosis is prevalent in dairy cattle in Boyolali, Indonesia. Control efforts should target the high-risk Mojosongo subdistrict, emphasize the importance of processing manure, and encourage farmers to attend extension programs. Flukefinder® is a practical on-site diagnostic kit for fasciolosis in Indonesian dairy farms. Parasite species identification and a malacological survey of intermediate hosts of Fasciola spp. in the farming environment are required for further research.

Keywords: dairy cattle, fasciolosis, Flukefinder®, Indonesia, prevalence, risk factors.

Epidemiological perspective associated with principal risk factors of Trichinella spiralis infection in pigs and humans in Egypt

Research (Published online: 11-06-2022)

5. Epidemiological perspective associated with principal risk factors of Trichinella spiralis infection in pigs and humans in Egypt

Eman Sayed Mohammed, Asmaa Gahlan Youseef, Asmaa Gaber Mubarak, Amany Sayed Mawas, Fatma Ahmed Khalifa and Wael Felefel

Veterinary World, 15(6): 1430-1437

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: In Egypt, there is a scarcity of recent data on trichinellosis in pigs and humans. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the epidemiological profile and risk factors associated with Trichinella spiralis infection as well as to assess the effectiveness of the trichinoscope and digestion technique in diagnosing trichinellosis.

Materials and Methods: Data were collected on 33812 pigs slaughtered during a year at the Al-Basateen abattoir, Cairo Governorate, Egypt. The slaughtered pigs had already been examined by trichinoscope in the abattoir. The diagnostic effectiveness technique was randomly conducted on 170 pork muscle samples, which were examined using the digestion technique. Furthermore, 90 serum samples from high-risk individuals in Qena and Sohag Governorates, Upper Egypt, were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: The investigation revealed that the overall prevalence was 1.06% in pigs by trichinoscope. Of the examined 170 samples, 2.35% and 3.35% were found to harbor Trichinella by trichinoscope and artificial digestion, respectively. Trichinella was identified as T. spiralis using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. A significant relationship was affirmed between the prevalence of trichinellosis and the sex and age of the examined pigs. Likewise, for the first time, there was a considerable seasonal trend in the prevalence of Trichinella with the maximum infection, which was observed during Autumn (1.18%). The prevalence of trichinellosis in humans was 10%, with a significant association with age.

Conclusion: Our findings are intended to serve as a starting point for developing effective preventive and control measures for trichinellosis (as application of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) in pig farms, stop feeding pigs on garbage as well as, preventing illegal slaughter of pigs outside the slaughterhouses). It also fortifies the establishment of the digestion technique because of its high specificity and sensitivity, although it is difficult to apply to a large number of samples.

Keywords: Egypt, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, humans, pigs, polymerase chain reaction, Trichinella spiralis.