Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 detection in domestic animals as a reservoir for the virus transmission to humans in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 19-02-2023)

13. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 detection in domestic animals as a reservoir for the virus transmission to humans in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Yuli Purwandari Kristianingrum, Tri Untari, and Asmarani Kusumawati

Veterinary World, 16(2): 341-346

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) that attacks the respiratory and digestive tract. The SARS-CoV-2 showed systemic characteristics with various clinical symptoms from subclinical to fatal (causing death). Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been reported to occur from humans to pets (cats, dogs, tigers, ferrets, and poultry). Knowledge about the role of domestic animals in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to humans, and as reservoirs of this virus needs to be investigated further. This study aimed to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in domestic animals such as dogs, cats, pigs, cows, birds, and bats that are often in contact with humans.

Materials and Methods: A total of 157 samples, which included nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs, along with sera samples from domestic animals such as cats, pigs, cows, birds, and bats, were taken from Veterinary Hospitals, Veterinary Clinics, and farms around the Yogyakarta region. Detection of the virus was done using rapid detection of viral antigens, antibodies, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique.

Results: The results showed that 5/157 (3.1%) samples found positive against the COVID-19 virus using a rapid antibody test; however, the results were negative on the rapid antigen and RT-PCR tests. Antibody-positive samples came from animals that had a history of household COVID-19 human infection.

Conclusion: Thus, findings of the present study conclude that there is a potential for transmission of the COVID-19 virus between animals and humans.

Keywords: antibody, reservoir, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2.

Goloba kusi (Hornstedtia scottiana [F. Muell.] K. Schum.) fruit as a feed additive to improve the histological structures and growth performance of broiler

Research (Published online: 17-02-2023)

12. Goloba kusi (Hornstedtia scottiana [F. Muell.] K. Schum.) fruit as a feed additive to improve the histological structures and growth performance of broiler

D. Blatama, N. Salsabila, and H. T. Saragih

Veterinary World, 16(2): 329-340

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The broiler farming industry in Indonesia has enormous potential, with chicken meat that can be optimized by providing adequate and high-quality feed. However, the main raw material for the feed still relies on imported products, which makes it necessary to produce alternative materials from native plants. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of giving Goloba kusi fruit (GF) (Hornstedtia scottiana [F. Muell.] K. Schum.) on the growth of the small intestine, pectoralis major, and gastrocnemius muscle, as well as the development of broiler chickens.

Materials and Methods: This study used a completely randomized design, in which 300 day-old Chicks were divided into five groups, consisting of 12 chickens in each group with five replications. The GF treatments, namely, 0% (control [CON]), 0.625% (GF1), 1.25% (GF2), 2.5% (GF3), and 5% (GF4) were administered through per kg basal feed. Subsequently, three chickens from each replication were taken, decapitated on the neck, subjected to surgery for histological preparations, and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin and Periodic acid-Schiff-alcian blue. The variables observed included small intestine morphology, muscle morphology, and chicken growth performance.

Results: The results showed that the small intestine morphology, muscle morphology, and chicken growth performance of the GF4 (5%) group increased significantly compared to the CON group.

Conclusion: The administration of GF with an optimum concentration of 5% through basal feed improves small intestine morphology, muscle morphology, and chicken growth performance.

Keywords: feed additive, Goloba kusi fruit, growth performance, muscle morphology, small intestine.

Prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in broilers in North Lebanon

Research (Published online: 17-02-2023)

11. Prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in broilers in North Lebanon

Rana Awada, Ghassan Ghssein, Ali El Roz, Mona Farhat, Nada Nehme, and Hussein F. Hassan

Veterinary World, 16(2): 322-328

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Great attention has been given recently to the prevalence of different Campylobacter spp. in poultry since the latter are considered the major contributing reservoir of human campylobacteriosis. In Lebanon, the occurrence of campylobacteriosis in humans is high. The aim of our first-of-its-kind study in the country was to estimate the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in broilers from a convenient sample of farms in North Lebanon.

Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty-five fecal samples were collected from 25 broiler farms, which were selected, examined, and classified according to their biosecurity level and rearing system. All samples were subjected to qualitative microbiological culture testing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to detect Campylobacter spp.

Results: Despite the reported use of antibiotics, cell culture and PCR were positive for 44% and 88%, respectively. This implies that this bacterium is resistant to antibiotics used on the farms. Furthermore, Campylobacter infection rate was higher in open (92%) than in closed (85%) system farms. All farms with poor biosecurity measures, and 82% of farms with good biosecurity measures had Campylobacter infections, and the difference was significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Our results show that campylobacteriosis was found prevalent among broilers in North Lebanon, making them potential carriers of Campylobacter spp. Future studies should include antibiotic susceptibility testing to check the susceptibility pattern of isolates.

Keywords: broilers, Campylobacter, campylobacteriosis, faeco-prevalence, Lebanon.

First report of acanthocephalan parasite in wild-caught Asian vine snake (Ahaetulla prasina) in Indonesia

Research (Published online: 17-02-2023)

10. First report of acanthocephalan parasite in wild-caught Asian vine snake (Ahaetulla prasina) in Indonesia

Aditya Yudhana, Ratih Novita Praja, and Ryanka Edila

Veterinary World, 16(2): 317-321

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Exotic pet snakes are more susceptible to infection, especially parasitic helminths than wild-caught. There is no comprehensive report on the prevalence of acanthocephalan parasite infection in Indonesian snakes. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence rate and to identify the acanthocephalan infection in wild-caught Asian vine snake (Ahaetulla prasina) from the Mojokerto District, East Java, Indonesia.

Materials and Methods: A total of 60 snakes were collected from the local sellers in the Mojokerto District, East Java, Indonesia. Then, snakes were euthanized and necropsied to observe various predilections of acanthocephalan larval stage (cystacanth). Morphological identification of the cystacanth was conducted using the carmine staining method and microscopic examination.

Results: Acanthocephalan infection was recorded with a high prevalence rate of 80.06%. A total of 696 cystacanths were examined from the muscle, subcutaneous tissues, and visceral with 32.90, 16.37, and 50.71% intensity rates, respectively.

Conclusion: Acanthocephalan prevalence rate was recorded at 80.06% in this study. Constant disease monitoring is necessary, considering wild-caught Asian vine snakes were susceptible host and lack of data regarding parasitological surveys. Therefore, further studies are needed in new areas and various species of wild-caught snakes in Indonesia, because of the potential of parasitic helminth transmission between snake and other reptiles.

Keywords: Acanthocephalan, Ahaetulla prasina, infectious disease, neglected disease.

The relationship between ovarian hormones and mast cell distribution in the ovaries of dromedary camel (Camelus dromedaries) during the follicular wave

Research (Published online: 17-02-2023)

9. The relationship between ovarian hormones and mast cell distribution in the ovaries of dromedary camel (Camelus dromedaries) during the follicular wave

Ragab H. Mohamed, Nasra A. Yousef, Mahmoud Awad, Rasha S. Mohamed, Fatma Ali, Hassan A. Hussein, and Axel Wehrend

Veterinary World, 16(2): 309-316

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Mast cells (MCs) play an essential role in regulating tissue homeostasis through various non-allergic immune reactions. This study aimed to describe the salient features of MCs during different phases of the estrous cycle and evaluate the relationship between ovarian hormones and the presence of MCs in camel ovaries.

Materials and Methods: Genital tracts (n = 28) of healthy, non-pregnant camels were collected from a local slaughterhouse. The follicular wave stage was determined according to structures on the ovaries using an ultrasound device. Stages were classified as "growing" (n = 12, FØ = 0.3–0.8 cm), "mature" (n = 9, FØ = 0.9–2.2 cm), or "regression" phase (n = 7, FØ >2.5). Blood samples were collected at slaughter to determine serum estradiol-17β and progesterone levels using an immunoassay. Safranin-O, periodic acid/Schiff, alcian blue, or methylene blue stains were used to detect MCs.

Results: Follicular numbers at the growing, mature, and regression phases were determined to be 36, 14, and 7 follicles, respectively. Mast cells were widely but sparsely distributed within the ovarian tissue (9.3 MCs in the growing phase, 10.7 in the mature phase, and 7.0 in the regression phase). Typical histological features of MCs were observed in ovarian stromal tissue. Some MCs were found in the interstitial tissue, either near the follicular wall or the interstitial gland. Mast cells were present at a higher density during the mature phase than in the growing and regression phases in the ovarian matrix. A significantly reduced presence of MCs was found in the regression phase than in both the growing and mature phases (p < 0.05). A very strong positive correlation was observed between serum estradiol-17β concentrations and MC density in the ovaries (r = 0.9; p < 0.001). In addition, a strong negative correlation (r = –0.65; p = 0.03) was observed between the presence of MCs and serum progesterone concentrations.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the follicular wave phase and the associated hormonal concentration induce changes in the number of MCs in the camel ovary.

Keywords: camel, follicular wave, immunohistochemistry, mast cell, ovarian hormones.

Therapeutic approaches for anti-sperm-antibodies in the testicular sperm aspiration rat model

Research (Published online: 15-02-2023)

8. Therapeutic approaches for anti-sperm-antibodies in the testicular sperm aspiration rat model

Abdel-Kader A. Zaki, Fahad S. Aldahmashi, Abd El-Nasser A. Madboli, Kamal A. Attia, Fahad S. Almulhim, and Saleh M. Albarrak

Veterinary World, 16(2): 296-308

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Anti-sperm antibodies (ASAs) treatment continued to be neglected. This study aimed to generate ASAs using the testicular sperm aspiration (TSA) rat model, which allowed for investigation of four distinct therapeutic approaches to find potential treatments for ASAs.

Materials and Methods: Adult Wistar albino male rats were divided into six equal groups (n = 12). The negative control group underwent scrotal sac surgery without having their testicles punctured. Punctures were made in the remaining 5 groups, with one group left untreated to serve as the positive control group. The remaining 4 groups were treated with either dexamethasone (DEX), azathioprine (AZA), frankincense, or anti-ASAs secondary antibodies. For 10 weeks, serum samples were collected every 2 weeks for specific quantification of ASAs. Testis and epididymis tissues were collected for histopathological analysis.

Results: The ASAs concentrations of the positive controls were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.001) than their negative control counterparts during the examined weeks. However, The ASAs indices (%) differed according to the treatment type. While the ASAs indices at the 2nd and 4th weeks in the AZA-treated group were significantly reduced compared to the positive control group (p ≤ 0.001), no significant differences were observed at any of the sample collection week for the DEX-treated rats. The ASAs indices were significantly decreased only at weeks 6 and 8 of treatment in the frankincense-treated group (p ≤ 0.001). In the secondary antibodies-treated group, the antibody indices were significantly decreased in all weeks except for samples collected at week 4 (p ≤ 0.001). The testosterone levels reverted to normal only in TSA rats treated with either Frankincense or secondary antibodies, as they were significantly higher than the positive controls (p ≤ 0.05). Tissue samples from the secondary antibody-treated rats showed a generally normal histological appearance.

Conclusion: This study tried to offer realistic therapy suggestions; however, caution should be applied when extrapolating findings from experimental models to meet clinical requirements.

Keywords: anti-sperm antibody, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, infertility, testicular sperm aspiration, testosterone.

Association of multilocus sequencing types and antimicrobial resistance profiles of methicillin-resistant Mammaliicoccus sciuri in animals in Southern Thailand

Research (Published online: 15-02-2023)

7. Association of multilocus sequencing types and antimicrobial resistance profiles of methicillin-resistant Mammaliicoccus sciuri in animals in Southern Thailand

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

Veterinary World, 16(2): 291-295

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Mammaliicoccus sciuri, formerly known as Staphylococcus sciuri, is an opportunistic pathogen in the environment, human and animal mucosa, and skin. Although this pathogen is becoming more resistant to drugs and harmful to animals and humans, basic knowledge of this pathogen remains limited. This study aimed to investigate a new multilocus sequencing type (MLST) related to the antibiotic resistance pattern of M. sciuri from animals in southern Thailand.

Materials and Methods: We used 11 methicillin-resistant M. sciuri (MRMS) isolates in this study which were obtained from six horses, four cows, and one chicken of the previous study. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was re-evaluated based on the minimum inhibitory concentration using the VITEK® 2 automated system. Three AMR genes were examined, namely mecA, mecC, and blaZ. Staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec (SCCmec) gene detection was performed through the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Internal segments of the seven housekeeping genes, ack, aroE, ftsZ, glpK, gmk, pta1, and tpiA, were used for multilocus sequence typing. The population of resistant bacteria and the types of multidrug-resistant, extensively drug-resistant, and pandemic drug-resistant bacteria were classified through descriptive analysis.

Results: mecA and blaZ genes were detected in all isolates; however, the mecC gene was not observed in any isolate based on the PCR results. All MRMS isolates revealed a non-typable SCCmec. Seven MLSTs (71, 81, 120, 121, 122, 199, and 200) were identified in this study.

Conclusion: The characteristics of MRMS in Southern Thailand were variable, particularly in cattle and horses. The antibiogram and SCCmec types of this pathogen remain concerns with regard to antibiotic-resistant gene transmission among Staphylococcus and Mammaliicoccus species. All MLSTs in Thailand revealed the distribution among clones in Asia, including the virulence of a zoonotic clone in Southern Thailand.

Keywords: antibiogram, Mammaliicoccus sciuri, methicillin-resistant bacteria, multilocus sequencing types, resistant gene.