Interaction of Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus with the biofilm-forming Aeromonas hydrophila

Research (Published online: 22-10-2022)

12. Interaction of Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus with the biofilm-forming Aeromonas hydrophila

Ekaterina Lenchenko, Svyatoslav Lenchenko, Nadezhda Sachivkina, Olga Kuznetsova, and Alfia Ibragimova

Veterinary World, 15(10): 2458-2465

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The resistance of susceptible fish populations and the adaptive potential of heterogeneous biofilms, which cause multiple antibacterial resistance and long-term persistence of microorganisms, mediate the development and outcome of the infectious process. The study of the fish immunological parameters in interaction with biofilm-forming bacteria is of practical importance for assessing the stability of the homeostasis of the fish. This study aimed to determine the immunobiological parameters of Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus when interacting with biofilm-forming bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila.

Materials and Methods: Clinically healthy fish C. carpio L. (Linnaeus, 1758) of both sexes, aged 4 years, and weighing 1.0–1.5 kg (n = 10), were used in this study. The fish were taken from the pond of the VNIIR experimental base in the period of 2020–2022. The standard method was employed to determine the phagocytic activity of blood cells, the total redox activity of neutrophils, and the bactericidal activity of blood serum.

Results: After 24–48 h of cultivation in nutrient broth, the implementation of the processes of intercellular communication of bacteria had common patterns of formation of the heterogeneous structure of biofilms. Moreover, analyzing the optical density indices (density, D), it was observed that A. hydrophila was a strong producer of biofilms, as the optical density of the sample (density of sample, Ds) exceeded the optical density of the control (density of control, Dc) by more than 4 times (D = 0.464 ± 0.07). The ratio of the average number of microorganisms attached to the surface of one erythrocyte (average adhesion index) and the percentage (%) of erythrocytes having bacteria on their surface (adhesion coefficient [AC]) was 14.05 ± 0.72, and the adhesion index, AI was ≥4.00, indicating A. hydrophila to be highly adhesive. In addition, the AC of erythrocytes having bacteria on the surface was 14.05% ± 0.72%. A direct correlation was established (R2 = 0.94) between the AC (14.05% ± 0.11%–13.29% ± 0.08%) and the phagocytic index (11.3% ± 0.29%–32.0% ± 0.8%). The indicators of spontaneous nitro blue tetrazolium were 103.20 ± 11.70 when estimating the total redox activity of neutrophils. The optical density increased to 182.10 ± 21.12 with the addition of 20.0 μL of A. hydrophila bacteria (1 billion/mL) and the activity of neutrophils also increased.

Conclusion: Among the markers of homeostasis stability, immunological indicators most fully reflect the mechanisms of initiation, development, and outcome of the infectious process mediated by the interaction of adhesive molecules of multicellular eukaryotes and adhesives of infectious disease pathogens. The research will contribute to further understanding the potential mechanism of quorum-sensing molecules and the search for new anti-adhesive drugs that reduce the formation of biofilms.

Keywords: adhesion, Aeromonas hydrophila, biofilm, Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, optical density.

The effect of feeding black soldier fly larvae on growth performance, protein, and fat content of red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis spp.)

Research (Published online: 22-10-2022)

11. The effect of feeding black soldier fly larvae on growth performance, protein, and fat content of red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis spp.)

H. N. Aisyah, Z. A. R. Athirah, W. R. Hanani, S. S. Arshad, H. A. Hassim, M. F. Nazarudin, and M. Y. Ina-Salwany

Veterinary World, 15(10): 2453-2457

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: In the aquaculture industry, the crucial goal is to minimize production costs, especially feeding costs, without significant side effects. Black soldier fly larva (BSFL) is a locally available, eco-friendly, and sustainable source that is high in crude protein (42% dry matter [DM]) and fat (35% DM). This study aimed to determine the growth performance along with the composition of crude fat and protein in red hybrid fingerlings after the addition of BSFL into the diet.

Materials and Methods: A total of 120 fingerlings of uniform size (mean initial weight of 1.46 ± 0.06 g) were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n = 10) (A, B, C, and D) per tank (1 m × 2 m × 1 m). For 21 days, Group A (control group) was fed with 100% commercial diet; Group B was fed with 90% commercial fish diet + 10% BSFL; Group C was fed with 80% commercial fish diet + 20% BSFL; and Group D was fed with 70% commercial fish diet + 30% BSFL. Feed efficiency, growth performance, and proximate composition analysis were performed on the fish.

Results: The results displayed that the group with the highest BSFL percentage had a greater effect on protein and fat composition than the control group. The proximate composition analysis of fish-fed diet revealed that an increase in the level of BSFL inclusion increases the protein content in the fish. In comparison to the other groups, the experimental diet with 30% BSFL inclusion has the highest levels of crude protein (80.30% DM) and fat (2.90% DM).

Conclusion: It is concluded that incorporating BSFL into a commercial diet for red hybrid tilapia fingerlings increased crude protein and fat composition, providing an alternative protein and fat source in fish diets.

Keywords: black soldier fly larvae, growth performance, Oreochromis spp., red hybrid tilapia.

Prevalence and resistance to gastrointestinal parasites in goats: A review

Review (Published online: 21-10-2022)

10. Prevalence and resistance to gastrointestinal parasites in goats: A review

Takalani Judas Mpofu, Khathutshelo Agree Nephawe, and Bohani Mtileni

Veterinary World, 15(10): 2442-2452

ABSTRACT

Gastrointestinal parasitism, particularly nematode infection, is a major health issue affecting goats worldwide, resulting in clinical diseases and productivity loss. Prevalent gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) affecting goats in South Africa are the Strongyloides papillosus, Eimeria spp., and Strongyles, especially the Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus spp. According to the issues discussed in this paper and by other authors, the prevalence and intensity of various GIPs vary with an animal's location, breed, age, sex, and season. Because GIPs easily develop resistance to chemical treatment, selecting and breeding genetically GIP-resistant animals would be a relatively simple and inexpensive strategy for reducing or eliminating the current reliance on chemotherapy. Potential phenotypic indicators for selecting GIP-resistant goats include parasitological, immunological, and pathological phenotypic markers. Synergistic use of these indicators should be encouraged for a more accurate simplified genotype selection of resistant animals. Genes with Mendelian inheritance, particularly those involved in immunoregulatory mechanisms, have been identified in goats. Exploring this knowledge base to develop cost-effective molecular tools that facilitate enhanced genetic improvement programs is a current challenge. Future statistical and biological models should investigate genetic variations within genomic regions and different candidate genes involved in immunoregulatory mechanisms, as well as the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms known to affect GIP infection levels.

Keywords: immunoglobulin heavy chain, interferon-gamma resistant, interleukin, major histocompatibility complex, resilience, strongyles.

First study on the immunohistochemical expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and clinicopathological association in canine hepatoid gland neoplasms

Research (Published online: 20-10-2022)

9. First study on the immunohistochemical expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and clinicopathological association in canine hepatoid gland neoplasms

Pinkarn Chantawong, Thanongsak Mamom, Sahatchai Tangtrongsup, Setthakit Chitsanoor, and Hassadin Boonsriroj

Veterinary World, 15(10): 2432-2441

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Hepatoid gland neoplasms (HGNs) constitute one of the most common cutaneous tumors that arise from perianal glands in dogs and are clinically characterized by rapid growth. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the inducible form of the enzyme, is associated with several hallmarks of tumorigenesis. Its expression has been confirmed in several human and animal neoplastic tissues, but there are no reports in hepatoid gland tissues. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate COX-2 immunoexpression in canine HGNs, compare the expression among groups of normal hepatoid glands, hepatoid gland adenomas (HGAs), hepatoid gland epitheliomas (HGEs), and hepatoid gland carcinomas (HGCs), and assess the association of the COX-2 expression with clinicopathological features.

Materials and Methods: Sixty-one formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded canine hepatoid gland tissues (20 samples of HGAs, 16 of HGEs, 15 of HGCs, and 10 of normal hepatoid glands) were analyzed for COX-2 expression using immunohistochemistry with scoring for percentage positivity and intensity. Multiple comparisons of COX-2 expression among normal and neoplastic hepatoid glands and the associations between COX-2 expression and clinicopathological features were analyzed.

Results: Cyclooxygenase-2 expression was not detected in 60% of normal hepatoid glands and 25% of HGAs. Seventy-five percent of HGAs had a weak expression, while 43.7% and 56.3% of HGEs showed weak and moderate expression, respectively. The expression of HGCs ranged from weak (13.3%) to moderate (33.3%) and strong (53.3%). The immunoreactivity score of COX-2 labeling was significantly different among the normal and neoplastic hepatoid glands (p < 0.0001). The highest score was observed in the HGCs. Only in HGCs, the strong COX-2 expression was significantly associated with some clinicopathological features, including tissue invasion (p = 0.007) and necrosis (p = 0.029).

Conclusion: These results suggest that COX-2 may play a role in the modulation of neoplastic cell growth. These preliminary data lead to further investigation on the potential of COX-2 expression as a prognostic indicator and COX-2 inhibitors for canine HGCs treatment.

Keywords: canine, clinicopathological features, cyclooxygenase-2, hepatoid gland neoplasias, immunohistochemistry.

Biofilms and efflux pump regulatory gene (mexR) in multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from migratory birds in Egypt

Research (Published online: 19-10-2022)

8. Biofilms and efflux pump regulatory gene (mexR) in multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from migratory birds in Egypt

Esraa A. Elshafiee, Hanan S. Khalefa, Nayera M. Al-Atfeehy, Fatma Amer, Dalia A. Hamza, and Zeinab S. Ahmed

Veterinary World, 15(10): 2425-2431

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a global threat to public health. This study aimed to determine biofilms and efflux pump regulatory gene (mexR) in MDR P. aeruginosa isolates.

Materials and Methods: A total of 42 fecal samples of aquatic migratory birds collected during hunting season in Egypt were evaluated for the detection of P. aeruginosa according to standard culture-based methods. The antibiotic susceptibility of P. aeruginosa strains was evaluated using disk diffusion methods. The biofilm formation ability of the isolates was phenotypically determined using a colorimetric microtitration plate assay. Polymerase chain reaction amplification was performed to detect biofilm genes (PelA and PslA) and mexR.

Results: In total, 19 isolates (45.2%) were recovered from the 42 fecal samples of migratory birds. All isolates were identified as MDR P. aeruginosa, and 78.9% of the strains produced biofilms at different degrees. Molecular detection of biofilm extracellular polymeric substances revealed that PelA was the most predominant gene in the biofilm-producing isolates, followed by PslA. mexR was detected in 63.2% of MDR P. aeruginosa isolates, and its prevalence was higher in non–biofilm-producing strains (75%) than in biofilm-producing strains (60%).

Conclusion: Antibiotic resistance in P. aeruginosa isolates recovered from migratory birds through various mechanisms is a major public and animal health problem. It is important to consider the significance of migratory birds in disease transmission.

Keywords: biofilm, Egypt, mexR, migratory birds, multidrug-resistant, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Effects of parasites coinfection with other pathogens on animal host: A literature review

Review (Published online: 15-10-2022)

7. Effects of parasites coinfection with other pathogens on animal host: A literature review

Wael M. Hananeh, Asya Radhi, Rami M. Mukbel, and Zuhair Bani Ismail

Veterinary World, 15(10): 2414-2424

ABSTRACT

A parasite-host relationship is complicated and largely remained poorly understood, especially when mixed infections involving pathogenic bacteria and viruses are present in the same host. It has been found that most parasites are able to manipulate the host's immune responses to evade or overcome its defense systems. Several mechanisms have been postulated that may explain this phenomenon in different animal species. Recent evidence suggests that coinfections involving many parasitic species alter the host's vulnerability to other microorganisms, hinder diagnostic accuracy, and may negatively impact vaccination by altering the host's immune responsiveness. The objective of this review was to provide a comprehensive summary of the current understanding of how parasites interact with other pathogens in different animal species. A better understanding of this complex relationship will aid in the improvement efforts of disease diagnosis, treatment, and control measures such as novel and effective vaccines and therapeutics for infectious diseases.

Keywords: animals, coinfection, parasites.

Evolutionary conservation of motifs within vanA and vanB of vancomycin-resistant enterococci

Research (Published online: 13-10-2022)

6. Evolutionary conservation of motifs within vanA and vanB of vancomycin-resistant enterococci

Aylin Memili, Naseer Kutchy, Olubumi A. Braimah, and Olanrewaju B. Morenikeji

Veterinary World, 15(10): 2407-2413

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Global Health is threatened by the rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic resistomes rapidly evolve, yet conserved motifs elucidated in our study have the potential for future drug targets for precision medicine. This study aimed to identify conserved genetic sequences and their evolutionary pathways among vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus species such as Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis.

Materials and Methods: We retrieved a total of 26 complete amino acid and nucleotide sequences of resistance determinant genes against vancomycin (vanA and vanB), streptomycin (aac-aah), and penicillin (pbp5) from the publicly available genetic sequence database, GenBank. The sequences were comprised of bacteria classified under the genera of Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, Amycolatopsis, Ruminococcus, and Clostridium. Sequences were aligned with Clustal Omega Multiple Sequence Alignment program and Percent Identity Matrices were derived. Phylogenetic analyses to elucidate evolutionary relationships between sequences were conducted with the neighbor-end joining method through the Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis (MEGAX) software, developed by the Institute of Molecular Evolutionary Genetics at Pennsylvania State University. Subsequent network analyses of the resistance gene, vanB, within E. faecium were derived from ScanProsite and InterPro.

Results: We observed the highest nucleotide sequence similarity of vanA regions within strains of E. faecium (100%) and E. faecalis (100%). Between Enterococcus genera, we continued to observe high sequence conservation for vanA and vanB, up to 99.9% similarity. Phylogenetic tree analyses suggest rapid acquisition of these determinants between strains within vanA and vanB, particularly between strains of Enterococcus genera, which may be indicative of horizontal gene transfer. Within E. faecium, Adenosine 5'-Triphosphate (ATP)-Grasp and D-ala-D-ala ligase (Ddl) were found as conserved domains of vanA and vanB. We additionally found that there is notable sequence conservation, up to 66.67%, between resistomes against vancomycin and streptomycin among E. faecium.

Conclusion: Resistance genes against vancomycin have highly conserved sequences between strains of Enterococcus bacteria. These conserved sequences within vanA and vanB encode for ATP-Grasp and Ddl motifs, which have functional properties for maintaining cell wall integrity. High sequence conservation is also observed among resistance genes against penicillin and streptomycin, which can inform future drug targets for broader spectrum therapies.

Keywords: antibiotic resistance, bioinformatics, Enterococcus, evolution, public health.