First reported cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pets in São Paulo, Brazil

Research (Published online: 16-11-2022)

11. First reported cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pets in São Paulo, Brazil

Rafael G. Agopian, Suellen C. G. da Luz, Alexandre G. B. Zebral, Giovanna F. de Sousa, Igor A. V. de Oliveira, Letícia S. Lima, Marcela A. Sechi, Mayara C. de Oliveira, Valéria F. Rudiniski, Daniel Friguglietti Brandespim, Otávio V. de Carvalho, Christina Pettan-Brewer, Andrea P. dos Santos, Louise B. Kmetiuk, and Alexander Welker Biondo

Veterinary World, 15(11): 2593-2596

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the global coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) in humans in 2019. Although SARS-CoV-2 infection is primarily asymptomatic and transitory in companion animals, the role of these animals in the life cycle of the virus remains unclear. This study aimed to survey the first SARS-CoV-2 infection cases in pets, including a dog and three cats in São Paulo, Brazil.

Materials and Methods: We invited COVID-19-positive pet owners to participate in the survey and obtained nasal, oropharyngeal, and rectal swab samples from their pets. These samples were placed in vials and subjected to a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the owners answered an epidemiological questionnaire, and the pets underwent clinical examination and monitoring.

Results: Out of 49 sampled pets, 3/19 (15.8%) cats and 1/30 (3.3%) dogs tested positive, with wide variations in viral loads. Despite the limitations of size and non-randomized sampling, our results showed that cats are more susceptible than dogs to SARS-CoV-2 infection, presenting a cat: dog ratio of 4.8: 1. Only one cat presented mild and transitory respiratory symptoms.

Conclusion: Although SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected in pets in the largest South American city and the COVID-19 epicenter at the time, these first detected pet cases displayed either none or mild clinical signs.

Keywords: novel coronavirus, One Health, veterinary medicine, zoonoses.

Phenotypic characteristic of Staphylococcus aureus from subclinical mastitis in Etawah-crossbreed goats in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 15-11-2022)

10. Phenotypic characteristic of Staphylococcus aureus from subclinical mastitis in Etawah-crossbreed goats in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Widodo Suwito, Widagdo Sri Nugroho, Rahmat Setya Adji, Andriani Andriani, Eny Kusumaningtyas, and Tri Martini

Veterinary World, 15(11): 2587-2592

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Subclinical mastitis (SCM) in Etawah-grade (PE) goats in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, is commonly due to Staphylococcus aureus. At present, S. aureus from SCM in PE goats in Yogyakarta has not been characterized. Therefore, this study aimed to phenotypically characterize S. aureus, which has been isolated from SCM of PE goats.

Materials and Methods: A total of 314 lactating PE goats were collected from 60 PE goat farms (e.g., Sleman, Bantul, and Kulonprogo) located in parts of Yogyakarta with an average age of 3–4 years old, three of which showed SCM based on the California mastitis test (CMT). Subclinical mastitis is confirmed in PE goats if CMT shows ++ or +++. Furthermore, S. aureus was detected by biochemical assays. Staphylococcus aureus could determine hemolysin (Hae), coagulase (Coa), clumping factor (Cf), and antibiotic susceptibility. Hemolytic bacteria were detected by culturing on blood agar plate, and Cf was detected by slide agglutination. The production of Coa was detected by tube coagulation. Staphylococcus aureus susceptibility was determined by antimicrobial agar diffusion using a paper disc.

Results: Phenotypically characterized S. aureus from PE goats with SCM in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Coa–, Cf–, and Hae– were found to be resistant to erythromycin (ERYTHRO), ampicillin (AMP), penicillin (PEN-G), and sulfamethoxazole (SULFA).

Conclusion: The phenotypic characteristic of S. aureus, which was obtained from SCM in PE goats in Yogyakarta, consists of Coa, and Cf–. S. aureus cannot perform hemolysis of red blood cells. This phenotypic characteristic can prevent and control SCM in PE goats. Several antibiotics such as ERYTHRO, AMP, PEN-G, and SULFA were no longer effective for treating SCM in PE goats because S. aureus has developed its resistance to these antibiotics.

Keywords: Etawah-grade goats, phenotypic, Staphylococcus aureus, subclinical mastitis.

Microbiological and chemical evaluation of dairy products commercialized in the Lebanese market

Research (Published online: 14-11-2022)

9. Microbiological and chemical evaluation of dairy products commercialized in the Lebanese market

Hiyam El Kojok, Mahmoud Khalil, Rima Hage, Rola Jammoul, Adla Jammoul, and Nada El Darra

Veterinary World, 15(11): 2575-2586

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Cheese is considered an essential component of the Lebanese table, however, several foodborne illnesses have been reported due to cheese consumption. This study aimed to assess the microbiological quality and the occurrence of antibiotic and pesticide residues in two traditional Lebanese cheeses, Akkawi and Baladiyeh. In addition, drug resistance of isolated pathogens from the cheese samples was evaluated.

Materials and Methods: Fifty Akkawi and Baladiyeh cheese samples were obtained in duplicate from 37 different commercial brands in supermarkets and shops from various regions of Lebanon. Samples of different weights were either individually vacuum packed or soaked in brine unpacked where it was placed in plastic bag after being purchased. Samples were homogenized to determine antibiotic and pesticide residues using liquid and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, and microbiological evaluation was performed according to the International Organization for Standardization reference analytical methods. The disk diffusion method was used to determine the susceptibility of these isolates to antibiotics.

Results: Microbiologically, 17% of Akkawi and 14% of Baladiyeh samples were found to be non-conforming. The bacterial isolates (n = 29) were tested for their susceptibility to 11 different antibiotics commonly prescribed in the Lebanese community or used for treating infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria and listeriosis. Each isolate was found to be resistant to at least three antibiotics. Liquid and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy analysis showed the absence of pesticide residues in all samples. However, sulfamethazine antibiotic residue was found in 14% of the samples.

Conclusion: The results suggest that the cheese samples tested could cause foodborne illnesses due to the detection of pathogenic bacteria and are a public health concern due to the presence of antibiotic residues and the transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms.

Keywords: antibiotic residues, antibiotic resistance, cheese, dairy products, high-performance liquid chromatography, microbial contamination.

Elemental composition of the hair and milk of black-spotted cows and its relationship with intestinal microbiome reorganization

Research (Published online: 14-11-2022)

8. Elemental composition of the hair and milk of black-spotted cows and its relationship with intestinal microbiome reorganization

Elena Sizova, Elena Yausheva, Olga Marshinskaia, Tatiana Kazakova, Yuriy Khlopko, and Svyatoslav Lebedev

Veterinary World, 15(11): 2565-2574

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The cattle breeding system is facing severe problems associated with the increased negative impact of various human activity areas on the environment and the bodies of farm animals. The use of heavy metals in different production areas leads to their accumulation in the environment due to the ingestion of animals and humans through animal products. This study aimed to assess the elemental composition of the hair and milk of black-spotted cows and to identify the relationship between the content of toxic and essential elements and the state of the intestinal microbiome.

Materials and Methods: The element status was estimated by studying the chemical composition of the biosubstrates using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. Based on the analysis of hair, the elemental composition, and the use of the coefficient of toxic load, two groups of animals were formed: Group I, which included cows with a lower load factor, and Group II, which included cows with a higher load factor.

Results: An increase in the heavy metal concentrations in the hair and milk of animals in Group II was observed. The As, Fe, Pb, Al, Co, Ni, and V concentrations in the hair of cows from Group II increased relative to Group I by 19%, 29%, 24.5%, 32.3%, 35.6%, 21.5%, and 18.2%, respectively. There was a significant increase in the level of Fe by 11.5%, Cr by 8.25%, Mn by 17.6%, Pb by 46.1%, and Cd by 25% in Group II compared with Group I in the assessment of elemental milk composition. There were no apparent changes in the intestinal microbiome of Group II.

Conclusion: Some heavy metals were accumulated in the bodies and milk of animals. This shows a high probability of heavy metals causing harm to the health of animals and humans.

Keywords: breeding, heavy metals, intestinal microbiome, probability.

Seasonal dynamics of Fasciola gigantica transmission in Prafi district, Manokwari Regency, West Papua, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 11-11-2022)

7. Seasonal dynamics of Fasciola gigantica transmission in Prafi district, Manokwari Regency, West Papua, Indonesia

Purwaningsih Purwaningsih, John Arnold Palulungan, Angelina Novita Tethool, Noviyanti Noviyanti, Fadjar Satrija, and Sri Murtini

Veterinary World, 15(11): 2558-2564

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Indonesia's farming practices are a perfect setting for establishing an infection with Fasciola gigantica which can result in economically detrimental. The objectives of the current study were to describe and analyze the transmission dynamics of fasciolosis (F. gigantica) in Prafi District, to provide information on effective control strategies and to identify risk factors associated with fasciolosis in cattle.

Materials and Methods: Fecal samples were purposively collected from the rectum of 60 beef cattle in Prafi District, Manokwari Regency, West Papua Province, Indonesia. The samples were collected once a month for 8 months from April 2019 to November 2019. Furthermore, the samples were taken from two rearing system groups: 30 stall cattle and 30 cattle in a palm oil garden. The presence of F. gigantica eggs in the fecal samples was examined using a modified Danish Bilharziasis Laboratory technique-sedimentation. Meanwhile, the antigenic diagnosis of Fasciola in the fecal samples was analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit to perform an indirect sandwich assay on feces. Snails were collected from an irrigation canal, rice field, and palm oil garden canal around Prafi District. These snails were examined for infection with cercariae larvae of F. gigantica by cercarial shedding and crushing techniques.

Results: The peak occurrence of F. gigantica infection was identified in August (65.00%) and the lowest in June (35.00%). The highest prevalence of fasciolosis in cattle was recorded in August and November (90.00%) and the lowest was in May (40.00%). Moreover, the highest prevalence of fasciolosis in cattle exposed to the palm oil garden was recorded in April (53.33%) and the lowest prevalence of F. gigantica infection was recorded in June (23.33%). In total, 2046 snails were screened by the cercarial shedding and crushing method; of these, 426 (20.82%) were found to be positive for trematode cercariae. The prevalence of F. gigantica infection in Lymnaea spp. snails was highest in November (47.46%) and lowest in April (9.28%).

Conclusion: The current study shows that beef cattle grown in two types of rearing systems in Prafi District were infected with F. gigantica during the dry and rainy season. It was revealed that Lymnaea spp. are common snails found in and around Prafi District, and can act as intermediate hosts with an infective stage of trematode. The transmission to cattle was highly effective, despite the short activity period, the low infection rate of snails, and the incidental anthelminthic treatment.

Keywords: epidemiology, Fasciola gigantica, seasonal dynamic, snails, transmission, West Papua.

Rumen fermentation, methane concentration, and blood metabolites of cattle receiving dietetical phytobiotic and cobalt (II) chloride

Research (Published online: 11-11-2022)

6. Rumen fermentation, methane concentration, and blood metabolites of cattle receiving dietetical phytobiotic and cobalt (II) chloride

Vitaliy Ryazanov, Galimzhan Duskaev, Elena Sheida, Baer Nurzhanov, and Marina Kurilkina

Veterinary World, 15(11): 2551-2557

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Ensuring the genetic potential of ruminants through nutrition studies using medicinal plants and trace element metals is an urgent task. This study aimed to study the effect of Artemisia absinthium L. (Asteraceae) herb plant separately and in combination with cobalt (II) chloride (CoCl2) chelate compounds on the course of metabolic processes in the rumen, methane concentration, and biochemical blood parameters in bulls.

Materials and Methods: Control group (BD: Basal diet); experimental Group I – BD + A. absinthium herb at a dose of 2.0 g/kg dry matter (DM), experimental Group II – BD + A. absinthium herb at a dose of 2.0 g/kg DM + CoCl2 (1.5 mg/kg), and experimental Group III – BD + CoCl2 were set (1.5 mg/kg). The study was conducted on 16 beef bulls (Kazakh white-headed breed) aged 13–14 months, with an average live weight of 330–335 kg. Enzymatic processes in the rumen were studied, including the level of volatile fatty acids (using the gas chromatography method), nitrogen and its fractions (using the Kjeldahl method), methane concentration, and morphological and biochemical blood composition.

Results: There was a decrease in the concentration of acetic acid in experimental group I (15.9%) (p < 0.05) and in the III group (60.3%) and propionic acid in all experimental groups by 5.6%–47.3% (p < 0.05). Feeding A. absinthium herb as part of the diet of experimental Group I contributed to a decrease in methane concentration by 17.8% (p = 0.05) and the lowest methane concentration was noted for experimental Group III. It was less than in control by 59.1% (p < 0.05). An increase in the concentration of glucose, total protein, and creatinine was found in the experimental groups (p < 0.05). The digestibility of organic matter (3.5%), crude fiber (3.6%), and hemicellulose (11.0%) increased with the feeding of A. absinthium herb.

Conclusion: Thus, using biocomplexes based on A. absinthium herb and CoCl2 do not harm the rumen fermentation of cattle. Still, further microbiome studies are required to evaluate the effects of A. absinthium on cattle properly.

Keywords: Artemisia absinthium herbal, cobalt (II) chloride, digestibility, methane, nitrogen, volatile fatty acids.

Imbalance in the ratio between mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors and neurodegeneration in the dentate gyrus of aged dogs

Research (Published online: 10-11-2022)

5. Imbalance in the ratio between mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors and neurodegeneration in the dentate gyrus of aged dogs

Shirley Jaqueline Szriber, Leonardo Santana Novaes, Nilton Barreto Dos Santos, Carolina Demarchi Munhoz, and Deise Carla Almeida Leite-Dellova

Veterinary World, 15(11): 2543-2550

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Cortisol binds to mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) found in the hippocampus. The balanced expression of these receptors is essential to neuronal survival as MR and GR activations have antiapoptotic and proapoptotic effects, respectively. Given the aging changes in dogs' dentate gyrus (DG) and the possible involvement of cortisol receptors in this process, this study aimed to evaluate the expression of MR and GR and neuronal degeneration in this hippocampal region of aged dogs.

Materials and Methods: This study included cadaveric histologic hippocampus sections from six dogs aged 10 years and older (AG group) and 12 young/adult dogs aged up to 8 years (YAd group). Nissl staining and immunohistochemistry were performed to identify cells and investigate MR and GR expression, respectively. Furthermore, fluorescent labeling (fluoro- Jade B) was used to detect degenerating neurons.

Results: The AG group's polymorphic layer of the DG had a lower cell count (16%) and more degenerating neurons than the YAd group. In addition to these cellular changes, the AG group had lower MR immunoreactivity and MR-to-GR ratio. Furthermore, the lowest MR expression was associated with neuronal degeneration in the polymorphic layer of the DG of dogs.

Conclusion: An imbalance in the MR-to-GR ratio was observed in the polymorphic layer of the DG of aged dogs, along with lower MR expression and a greater number of degenerating neurons. These findings have clinical implications for understanding the decline in hippocampal memory formation associated with cognitive changes in aged dogs.

Keywords: aging, canine, cortisol receptors, hippocampus, neuronal loss.