Molecular genotyping reveals mixed bovine and human trypanosomiasis in cattle from West Africa

Research (Published online: 23-01-2023)

18. Molecular genotyping reveals mixed bovine and human trypanosomiasis in cattle from West Africa

Olanrewaju B. Morenikeji, Jessica L. Metelski, Anastasia Grytsay, Jacob Soulas, Mabel O. Akinyemi, and Bolaji N. Thomas

Veterinary World, 16(1): 149-153

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Animal trypanosomiasis is a major contributor to agricultural and economic losses, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. We have shown that some animal species expressed genes that are significant players in immune response to bovine trypanosomosis, impeding signs and symptoms of the disease. We hypothesize that such animals are contributors to disease transmission dynamics and severe outcomes. Therefore, this study aims to ascertain trypanosome species diversity in cattle and their potential role as reservoirs for the transmission of human disease.

Materials and Methods: We performed a molecular genotyping of trypanosome internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) and 18S ribosomal RNA genes on genomic DNA extracts from randomly sampled N'Dama cattle from slaughterhouses in Nigeria. We identified trypanosome species circulating among the animals through polymerase chain reaction and genomic sequencing. We performed multiple sequence alignments as well as conducted a phylogenetic relationship between identified species.

Results: In all, 9 of 127 (7.1%) samples were positively amplified (band sizes ranging from 250 bp to 710 bp), including an isolate with two distinct bands (700 and 710 bp), indicating two trypanosome types. Sequence similarity and homology analysis identified four species, namely: Trypanosoma vivax, Trypanosoma congolense forest type, T. congolense savannah type, and Trypanosoma brucei. Interestingly, one of the bands, additionally verified by nucleotide sequencing, was identified as a human trypanosome (Trypanosoma brucei gambiense), confirming our hypothesis that cattle are potential reservoir hosts for human trypanosomes.

Conclusion: Overall, we observed different trypanosome species in our study area, with animals on the same farm infected with multiple species, which could complicate treatment and disease control strategies. Finding human trypanosome species strengthens the argument that disease transmission dynamics are modulated by other vertebrates, further complicating control programs.

Keywords: Africa, animal, genotyping, internal transcribed spacer, trypanosome.

Efficacy validation of a low-cost handmade simulator (SIMCA-COW) in palpation, ultrasonography evaluation, and artificial insemination in cows

Research (Published online: 23-01-2023)

17. Efficacy validation of a low-cost handmade simulator (SIMCA-COW) in palpation, ultrasonography evaluation, and artificial insemination in cows

Carolina Balão da Silva and Elvira Matilla Pinto

Veterinary World, 16(1): 144-148

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Using simulators in high education enables practical training by repetition in circumstances close to reality reducing the stress of both animal and operator. The limited resources of veterinary schools, the increase in the number of students in lecture halls, and the low availability of animals for teaching due to welfare regulations, reduce teaching opportunities with live animals being simulator as the better alternative. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a low-cost handmade simulator (SIMCA-COW) in eight veterinary students inexperienced in palpation, ultrasonography evaluation, and artificial insemination in cows.

Materials and Methods: Two sets of exercises were carried out: structure localization by rectal palpation and ultrasonography were evaluated by the inexpert veterinary students in the SIMCA-COW simulator. Also, evaluated the length of time to insert the insemination catheter through the cervix in the inert simulator during four sessions.

Results: All the students were able to palpate both structures and to locate the body and both uterine horns by ultrasonography. Cervix and follicles were located by 5/8 (62.5%) students and 3/8 (37.5%) students found the corpus luteum by ultrasonography. A reduction in time span between the first and fourth intrauterine insemination attempts was observed (8.26 ± 2.7 vs. 3.69 ± 1.7; mean ± standard error; p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The simulator validated in this study (SIMCA-COW) allows training and learning by repetition, saving the limitations found in live animal practice.

Keywords: artificial insemination, bovine rectal palpation, simulator, ultrasonographic evaluation.

Comparison of topical 0.03% tacrolimus and homologous injectable platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs

Research (Published online: 21-01-2023)

16. Comparison of topical 0.03% tacrolimus and homologous injectable platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs

Giovana José Garcia Estanho, João Victor Goulart Consoni Passareli, Letícia da Silva Pando, Daniel Espinhosa Vieira, Gisele Alborghetti Nai, Cecília Laposy Santarém, and Silvia Franco Andrade

Veterinary World, 16(1): 134-143

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is predominantly an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory ocular disease that is commonly diagnosed in dogs. This study aimed to compare the conventional use of topical immunosuppressant tacrolimus 0.03% eye drops and a new therapy injectable homologous platelet-rich plasma (HPRP) into the third eyelid gland and inferior and superior palpebral conjunctiva of dogs with KCS.

Materials and Methods: A total of 66 eyes from 33 dogs were evaluated. The eyes were divided into three equal groups: Negative control group, tacrolimus group (TG), and homologous platelet-rich plasma group (HPRPG). The animals were evaluated using the Schirmer's tear test-1 (STT-1), osmolarity test (OT), strip meniscometry test (SMT), tear film break-up test (TBUT), fluorescein test, lissamine green test (LGT), and cytological and histopathological analyses.

Results: In TG, there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the STT-1 and SMT values, and goblet cell count in the palpebral conjunctiva by the end of the study. In HPRPG, 36% (four dogs) received three applications, 55% (six dogs) received two applications, and 9% (one dog) received one application before the initial ocular signs improved. There was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the lymphocyte and neutrophil counts of the palpebral conjunctiva in HPRPG than in TG. Both groups showed equivalent improvements in TBUT, OT, and LGT values.

Conclusion: Tacrolimus 0.03% eye drops were more efficient than HPRP in increasing tear production and the number of goblet cells. However, injectable HPRP was more efficient than tacrolimus in decreasing the number of conjunctival inflammatory cells. Treatment with injectable HPRP requires an average of two to three applications, is safe and feasible, and can be used as a cheaper alternative or as an adjuvant to conventional treatment with topical immunosuppressants.

Keywords: dogs, homologous platelet-rich plasma, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, tacrolimus 0.03%.

Dairy farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the brucellosis surveillance and control program in Bogor, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 19-01-2023)

15. Dairy farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the brucellosis surveillance and control program in Bogor, Indonesia

Heris Kustiningsih, Etih Sudarnika, Chaerul Basri, and Mirnawati Sudarwanto

Veterinary World, 16(1): 126-133

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Brucellosis is an infectious and zoonotic disease that affects people's health and the economy in most countries. Brucellosis is still prevalent in several Indonesian regions. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between the characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of dairy farmers in Bogor District in supporting brucellosis control and surveillance programs.

Materials and Methods: The study was cross-sectional. Data were collected through interviews with 151 dairy farmers in Bogor Regency, West Java, Indonesia. The outcome is brucellosis surveillance and control practice among dairy farmers, and the variables include individual characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes toward brucellosis surveillance and control. Descriptive analysis and path analysis were used in statistical analysis.

Results: The majority of farmers' knowledge, attitudes and practices were moderate, with the percentages 67.55%, 60.92%, and 41.72% respectively. Formal education, training, and dairy rising length are variables that have a direct and significant impact on knowledge level. Knowledge is the variable that influences the overall level of attitude. Age, knowledge, and attitude are factors that influence the practice of brucellosis surveillance and control.

Conclusion: Although the practice level of brucellosis surveillance and control for dairy farmers in Bogor Regency is moderate, efforts to improve it are still required. The basic effort is critical for increasing farmers' knowledge.

Keywords: brucellosis control, dairy cattle, knowledge, surveillance.

First meta-analysis study of cholinesterase inhibition in experimental animals by organophosphate or carbamate insecticides under the influence of diphenhydramine

Research (Published online: 16-01-2023)

14. First meta-analysis study of cholinesterase inhibition in experimental animals by organophosphate or carbamate insecticides under the influence of diphenhydramine

Fouad K. Mohammad, Hishyar M. S. Garmavy, Ammar A. Mohammed, and Hussein M. Rashid

Veterinary World, 16(1): 118-125

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Diphenhydramine is an H1-antihistamine that counteracts the toxic effects of organophosphate and carbamate insecticides that inhibit cholinesterase (ChE) activity. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of diphenhydramine on ChE inhibition induced by these insecticides in the plasma, erythrocytes, or whole brain of experimental animals.

Materials and Methods: A data search was performed on erythrocyte, plasma, and brain ChE inhibition caused by organophosphate and carbamate insecticides in experimental animals (mice, rats, and chicks) treated with the antihistamine diphenhydramine in accordance with preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis, which was done by the two-group random-effects model meta-analysis. The meta-analysis included 18 records extracted from six studies that appeared from 1996 to 2022.

Results: Using the random-effects model, a two-group meta-analysis revealed that the combined effect size (ChE inhibition) was significantly more favorable in the control group than in the diphenhydramine intervention, as shown by a forest plot. The combined effect size (standardized mean difference) was 0.67, with a standard error of 0.3, a lower limit of 0.04, and an upper limit of 1.29 (p = 0.025). The heterogeneity was moderate, as I2 of the combined effect size was 74%, with a significant Cochrane Q-test result (Q = 65, p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis indicated that, with brain ChE inhibition, the heterogeneity (I2) became 5%, which was lower than ChE inhibition in plasma (84%) and erythrocytes (78%). No publication bias was identified using the funnel plot and Egger's test.

Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that, in addition to its documented antidotal action against ChE-inhibiting insecticides, diphenhydramine can also reduce the extent of ChE inhibition, especially in the brain, which is the main site of toxicity of these insecticides. There is a need for additional studies to assess such enzyme inhibition in different parts of the brain.

Keywords: acetylcholinesterase, antihistamine, carbaryl, dichlorvos, meta-analysis, methomyl.

The impact of farm practices and wild carriers on white spot disease in marine shrimp in Rayong Province, Thailand

Research (Published online: 16-01-2023)

13. The impact of farm practices and wild carriers on white spot disease in marine shrimp in Rayong Province, Thailand

Sompit Yaemkasem, Jiraporn Promchairat, Pinchakorn Srithongkhum, Napawan Paungsroy and Chaithep Poolkhet

Veterinary World, 16(1): 111-117

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: White spot disease (WSD) is a highly lethal and contagious viral disease in marine shrimp caused by the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). White spot disease impacts the worldwide crustacean aquaculture sector, including Thailand. This study aimed to investigate the effect of farm management practices and wild carriers on WSD occurrence in grow-out marine shrimp farms in Rayong Province, Thailand.

Materials and Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted using a structured questionnaire from June 2018 to June 2020. A total of 186 questionnaires for 186 ponds were collected from 15 shrimp farms. Univariate and multivariable analyses using generalized estimating equations were used to determine the risk factors associated with WSD. In addition, possible carrier samples (wild shrimp and wild crabs) were collected inside and outside farms to test for the presence of WSSV.

Results: Direct discharge of treated wastewater into farm ponds was statistically significant in the final model (p < 0.01), with an odd ratio (OR) factor of 0.097 (95% confidence interval [CI] of OR = 0.007–0.242). Pooled sampling for WSSV in wild shrimp and crabs showed that 48 out of 936 (5.13%) samples tested positive for WSD using nested polymerase chain reaction. The samples from banana shrimp, jinga shrimp, banded snapping shrimp, dwarf prawn, whiteleg shrimp, green tidal crabs, and mangrove crabs tested positive.

Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, we infer that the environment plays an important role in the spread of this disease. The results of this study will provide insights into the effective planning of disease control.

Keywords: disease carrier, farm practices, water management, white spot disease.

The use of ultrasonographic adrenal dimensions and the adrenal dimension-to-aorta ratio in the diagnosis of benign and malignant adrenal diseases in dogs

Research (Published online: 12-01-2023)

12. The use of ultrasonographic adrenal dimensions and the adrenal dimension-to-aorta ratio in the diagnosis of benign and malignant adrenal diseases in dogs

Naparee Srisowanna, Chutimon Thanaboonnipat, Sirinun Pisamai, Kiatpichet Komin, and Nan Choisunirachon

Veterinary World, 16(1): 104-110

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Ultrasound (US) is a useful tool for detecting adrenal abnormalities. However, a definite reference range differentiating normal and diseased adrenal glands in dogs of varying body sizes is still lacking. The organ dimension-to-aorta (Ao) ratio of the dogs is correlated with their body weight (BW). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the adrenal dimensions, including adrenal pole thickness and adrenal length, as well as the adrenal dimension-to-Ao ratio, to differentiate between dogs with normal, benign lesions such as pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) and malignant invasive adrenal tumors.

Materials and Methods: The medical records and US images of 39 dogs that were either normal (normal) (n = 15) or affected by PDH (n = 15) or malignant invasive adrenal tumors (tumor) (n = 9) were retrieved in this study. All the dogs had a transabdominal US on the sagittal plane. The adrenal dimensions and luminal Ao diameter at the peak of the systolic phase were recorded. The average adrenal dimensions, including the adrenal dimension-to-Ao ratio, were compared among the groups.

Results: Most of the dogs in each group were small-breed dogs with comparable ages, BW, and Ao values. Both adrenal dimensions and the adrenal dimension-to-Ao ratio were significantly lower in the normal group than in the PDH and tumor groups. To differentiate the PDH group from the tumor group, adrenal dimensions of pole thickness and length were more appropriate than the adrenal dimension-to-Ao ratio.

Conclusion: Adrenal dimensions and the adrenal dimension-to-Ao ratio can be used to diagnose adrenal diseases. However, in small-breed dogs, adrenal dimensions are suitable for differentiating PDH from tumor groups. Further research is required with a larger sample size and a wider range of canine body sizes.

Keywords: adrenal, aorta, dogs, hyperadrenocorticism, tumor, ultrasound.