The epidemiological background of small ruminant lentivirus infection in goats from Romania

Research (Published online: 15-07-2020)

13. The epidemiological background of small ruminant lentivirus infection in goats from Romania

Adrian-Valentin Potarniche, Constantin Gheorghe Cerbu, Michal Czopowicz, Olga Szalus-Jordanow, Jaroslaw Kaba and Marina Spinu

Veterinary World, 13(7): 1344-1350

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE) is an economically significant viral disease of goats caused by a small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) belonging to Retroviridae family. This study aimed to summarize current information on the epidemiological status of SRLVs infection in the population of goats from Romania and to point out the CAE incidence throughout the 2008-2018 periods.

Materials and Methods: An exhaustive review of the papers published in the international literature concerning the epidemiological status of CAE in Romania was carried out using electronic databases, and available statistical data from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) regarding the incidence of the disease between 2008 and 2018 were analyzed.

Results: The true individual-level seroprevalence of CAE was estimated in 13 of 42 counties (31%) and ranged from 0.4% to roughly 40%. One hundred eighty-two outbreaks from 14 counties (33%) were reported, with a peak in 2010.

Conclusion: The findings sourcing in the literature are very scarce and show disagreement with the situation reported by the national veterinary authorities. Lack of SRLVs screening policies represents the main obstacle in limiting the spread of the disease. Romania's National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority should implement a program for diagnosis and surveillance of the disease to build a straightforward epidemiological picture that represents a prerequisite of any control and eradication program.

Keywords: epidemiology, goat, outbreaks, small ruminant lentivirus.

Effects of polymorphism of myostatin and fatty acid-binding protein 4 genes on the chemical composition of meat in cull female Aceh cattle

Research (Published online: 14-07-2020)

12. Effects of polymorphism of myostatin and fatty acid-binding protein 4 genes on the chemical composition of meat in cull female Aceh cattle

Al Azhar, Muslim Akmal, Muhammad Hambal, Mustafa Sabri and Teuku Shaddiq Rosa

Veterinary World, 13(7): 1334-1343

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the association of single nucleotide polymorphism of the myostatin (MSTN) and fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) genes on the total water, ash, fat, protein, and cholesterol contents of sirloin (gluteus medius muscle) and silverside (biceps femoris muscle) meats of cull female Aceh cattle.

Materials and Methods: This analysis covered a total of 27 cull female Aceh cattle slaughtered at the Animal Slaughterhouse of Banda Aceh that was purposively selected based on hair color referred to the criteria described in the Decree of Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia. Genomic DNA was extracted from 25 mg of fresh meat using the spin column method before subjected to a polymerase chain reaction amplification using primer sets specific for 1346-bp and 275- bp fragments of MSTN and FABP4, respectively. A 4-h digestion reaction was done separately for the MSTN/HaeIII and FABP4/NlaIII loci genotyping. The total protein, ash, and fat of the meat were measured using the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) methods whereas its cholesterol content was determined using the AOAC method. The association between each polymorphism and the variation in meat chemical parameters was analyzed using the Pearson correlation test.

Results: The results showed that the MSTN/HaeIII locus was polymorphic in Aceh cattle, but the FABP4/NlaIII locus was monomorphic. Meat chemical parameters were not influenced by different commercial cuts and MSTN genotypes, showing that there was no association between different commercial cuts, cattle hair colors, and MSTN/HaeIII and FABP4/NlaIII markers with the meat chemical parameters in Aceh cattle.

Conclusion: These results suggest that focusing on the novel effects of MSTN and FABP4 gene polymorphisms on meat production traits might not be useful for marker-assisted selection in Aceh cattle.

Keywords: Aceh cattle meat, ash, cholesterol, fat, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, protein.

Preliminary screening of the possible protective effect of Moroccan propolis against chromium-induced nephrotoxicity in animal model

Research (Published online: 14-07-2020)

11. Preliminary screening of the possible protective effect of Moroccan propolis against chromium-induced nephrotoxicity in animal model

Soukaina El-Guendouz, Soumia Zizi, Youssef Elamine and Badiaa Lyoussi

Veterinary World, 13(7): 1327-1333

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) compounds have been shown to induce nephrotoxicity associated with oxidative stress in humans and animals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the nephroprotective effect of bee propolis, as highly antioxidant natural product, in vivo using an animal model.

Materials and Methods: First of all, total phenol and flavonoid contents of propolis sample were estimated in vitro. Afterward, to study the protective effect of propolis on renal damages caused by an injection of a single dose of potassium dichromate (15 mg/kg b.wt), 24 male Wister rats were divided into test and control groups. Propolis treatment was performed by oral gavage of 100 mg/kg b.wt/day, while the control groups received water instead. The 24 h urine was collected and blood samples were withdrawn before and after each treatment for further analysis.

Results: Propolis revealed to be rich in polyphenols and flavonoids. Chromate provoked a nephrotoxic effect expressed by a drastic decrease in glomerular filtration assessed by creatinine clearance. However, the administration of propolis attenuated the renal damages induced by the chromate. This attenuation can be seen by the increase of creatinine clearance when comparing propolis treated group to the non-treated group.

Conclusion: Propolis showed a protective potential against chromate-induced nephrotoxicity through the amelioration of chromate's toxic effects. It might be concluded that propolis could be effective as chemoprotectant in the management of potassium dichromate-induced nephrotoxicity.

Keywords: antioxidant, chromium, phenols, propolis, renal damage.

Structure of cytotoxic associated antigen A protein of Helicobacter pylori from Bali and Lombok isolates of Indonesia

Research (Published online: 13-07-2020)

10. Structure of cytotoxic associated antigen A protein of Helicobacter pylori from Bali and Lombok isolates of Indonesia

Hamong Suharsono, Dewa Nyoman Wibawa, Zainul Muttaqin and Kadek Karang Agustina

Veterinary World, 13(7): 1319-1326

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Helicobacter pylori is a well-known zoonotic agent with worldwide distribution. In Indonesia, only one report regarding the variation within the cytotoxic associated antigen A (CagA) protein of H. pylori has been described in the literature, which was conducted in Manado, South Sulawesi. There remains no report concerning the structure of this protein, particularly for the Bali and Lombok isolates. The objective of this study was to investigate the diversity of H. pylori CagA amino acid sequences of Bali and Lombok isolates, to predict their molecular structures and conduct toxicity examination of CagA on gastric cells.

Materials and Methods: A total of 36 samples were used in equal proportions for each pathologic condition. DNA extraction was performed to subculture H. pylori Bali isolates. The amplification of the CagA 3' variable region was carried out using the primers P1 (5'-GATAACAGGCAAGCTTTTTGAGG-3') and P2 (5'-CTGCAAAAGATTGTTTGGCAG-3'). The W2, W9, and W35 fragments were selected as a representation of H. pylori Bali isolates, which were modeled through the threading modeling approach using I-TASSER.

Results: According to the 12 CagA sequences obtained and phylogenetic analyses, the H. pylori strain originating from Bali can be grouped within the East Asian genotypes and is identical to the Lombok strain. In addition, the Bali isolates are phylogenetically more closely related to Southeast Asian strains, particularly the Filipino strain. The relationship between degree of inflammation induced and CagA-positive infection was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The structure of the H. pylori Bali isolate is identical to that of Lombok isolate, which belongs to the same group of East Asian genotypes, and bacterial virulence is not related to structure.

Keywords: Bali, cytotoxic associated antigen A, Helicobacter pylori, Lombok, structure, virulence.

Deleterious effect of short-term gavage of an ethanol extract of cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica L.) roots on testis and epididymal sperm quality

Research (Published online: 13-07-2020)

9. Deleterious effect of short-term gavage of an ethanol extract of cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica L.) roots on testis and epididymal sperm quality

Rini Widyastuti, Sigit Prastowo, Sony H. Sumarsono, Alkaustariyah Lubis, Tyagita Hartady, Mas R. A. A. Syamsunarno and Jaqueline Sudiman

Veterinary World, 13(7): 1311-1318

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica L.) (CGG) is a herbal medicine that could be developed into a male antifertility agent. The present study aims to determine the effect of an ethanol extract of CGG roots on mice testicular activity, reproductive hormone levels, and epididymal sperm quality.

Materials and Methods: This study was designed as completely randomized with three different doses, such as an ethanol extract of CGG roots at 0 (control), 90, and 115 mg/kg body weight. In total, 21 male DDY mice strain were treated with the CGG extract (by gavage) for 14 days, followed by an evaluation of reproductive organs, epididymal sperm quality, testis histology, histomorphometry, and reproductive hormone assays. All quantitative data were analyzed by analysis of variance, followed by Tukey's post hoc test at α=0.05.

Results: The results showed that the administration of the CGG root ethanol extract disrupted the testis interstitial area and seminiferous tubules, resulting in decreased epididymal sperm quality as well as serum testosterone levels in a dose-dependent pattern.

Conclusion: Oral administration of a CGG root ethanol extract induced testicular damage, decreased epididymal sperm quality, and impaired testosterone secretion.

Keywords: cogon grass root ethanol extract, epididymal sperm quality, male antifertility, reproductive hormones.

Coagulase-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus circulating in clinical mastitic goats in Bangladesh

Research (Published online: 11-07-2020)

8. Coagulase-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus circulating in clinical mastitic goats in Bangladesh

Eaftekhar Ahmed Rana, Tridip Das, Avijit Dutta, Mizanur Rahman, Mohammad Bayazid Bostami, Nasima Akter and Himel Barua

Veterinary World, 13(7): 1303-1310

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Staphylococcus aureus is argued as one of the principal organisms responsible for mammary gland infection in lactating goats, causing both clinical and subclinical mastitis. Being highly zoonotic potential, pathogen emergence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) has a significant clinical impact on treatment and management of clinical mastitis. We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the prevalence of coagulase-positive S. aureus (CoPS), antimicrobial resistance profile of Staphylococcus spp., prevalence of MRSA, and association between different clinical parameters with CoPS.

Materials and Methods: A total of 67 clinical mastitic goats were sampled based on clinical examination and California mastitis test. Standard bacteriological methods were performed to isolate and identify Staphylococcus spp. CoPS were confirmed by nuc gene using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All staphylococcal isolates were further examined for antimicrobial susceptibility testing by disk diffusion method. MRSA was confirmed based on mecA gene-based PCR.

Results: Here, 49 (73.13%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 61.41-82.35) samples were positive for Staphylococcus spp., of which 17 (34.69%; 95% CI, 22.88-48.73) isolates were CoPS and rest of the isolates (32; 65.30%; 95% CI, 51.27-77.12) were identified as coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (coagulase-negative staphylococci [CNS]). Both, CoPS and CNS isolates displayed the highest resistance against tetracycline (76.47% and 75%, respectively) and oxacillin (70.58% and 68.75%, respectively). Notably, all staphylococcal isolates were multidrug-resistant (showed resistance to ≥3 classes of antimicrobials). mecA gene was found in 6 (8.96%; 95% CI, 3.84-18.52) CoPS isolates indicating MRSA strains. Among different clinical parameters, presence of high body temperature (p<0.05), firm udder consistency (p<0.01), bloodstained milk (p<0.00), and pus in milk (p<0.00) were significantly associated with the presence of CoPS in mastitic caprine milk.

Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of MRSA isolated from clinical caprine mastitis cases in Bangladesh. The findings of this study would help in cautious selection as well as administration of antimicrobials for therapeutic management of mastitic goats.

Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance, clinical mastitis, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus, goat, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Clinicopathological and molecular profiles of Babesia vogeli infection and Ehrlichia canis coinfection

Research (Published online: 09-07-2020)

7. Clinicopathological and molecular profiles of Babesia vogeli infection and Ehrlichia canis coinfection

Thanakorn Rawangchue and Sivapong Sungpradit

Veterinary World, 13(7): 1294-1302

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Canine babesiosis, a tick-borne parasitic disease, is caused by the hemoprotozoa, Babesia vogeli, and Babesia gibsoni. Infection with these parasites, which is endemic globally, leads to life-threatening immunosuppression in dogs. The merozoites invade the red blood cells (RBCs) of infected dogs. Ehrlichia canis, an intracellular bacterium that infects monocytes, is transmitted by the same tick species (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) during blood consumption and coinfection with B. vogeli and E. canis has been reported. Although the hematology and biochemistry of canine babesiosis have been studied, more studies are needed to develop a better understanding of the hematobiochemical and molecular profiles associated with cases of single infection and coinfection of canine babesiosis in Thailand. This study aimed to investigate the hematological, biochemical, and molecular profiles of B. vogeli infection and E. canis coinfection.

Materials and Methods: The study included 33 B. vogeli–positive blood samples and 11 E. canis–coinfected blood samples. To exclude coinfection with Hepatozoon canis and Anaplasma platys, only dogs with B. vogeli infection and B. vogeli–E. canis coinfection were included in the study. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was conducted to detect B. vogeli, E. canis, and H. canis, and a conventional PCR assay was conducted for the detection of A. platys. Besides, the PCR assay and sequencing, comprehensive data analysis was conducted, including a microscopic blood parasite examination and hematological and biochemical data analysis.

Results: The comparison of the hematobiochemical data between the B. vogeli–positive and E. canis coinfection groups identified that there were statistically significant differences in the RBC parameters, including RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and RBC distribution width (p=0.001). Neither B. vogeli infection nor coinfection with E. canis was associated with the sex, breed, recorded clinical signs, geographic origin of the dog and also B. vogeli 18S rRNA gene sequencing results.

Conclusion: Coinfection with E. canis increased the severity of babesiosis. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying this infection, such as destruction of RBCs, require further investigation. This study may enhance diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of canine babesiosis.

Keywords: 18S rRNA gene, Babesia vogeli, coinfection, Ehrlichia canis, hematobiochemical data, red blood cell.