Histopathology of the kidney and seroprevalence of leptospirosis in wild rats in Baghdad Province, Iraq

Research (Published online: 17-02-2021)

4. Histopathology of the kidney and seroprevalence of leptospirosis in wild rats in Baghdad Province, Iraq

Abdulkarim Jafar Karim and Zainab Majid Abbas

International Journal of One Health, 7(1): 19-30

Background and Aim: Leptospirosis, caused by pathogenic leptospires, is a globally emerging infectious disease affecting both humans and animals, which act as reservoirs, with large outbreaks worldwide. The role of rats in dispersing leptospirosis was never investigated in Iraq. Because of the seriousness of the disease and the scarce data regarding this disease in Iraq, this study determines the incidence of leptospirosis in rats and its renal histopathological profile.

Materials and Methods: Of 211 captured rats, 82 apparently healthy rats were included in this study. After euthanatizing, 3-5-ml blood was collected by cardiac puncture. Approximately 0.5 cm3 of the kidney was collected for routine histopathology and stained using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Warthin–Starry (WS) stains. Blood smears were prepared and stained with the WS stain.

Results: All rats (100%) with different age groups were immunoglobulin G (IgG)-positive, and 90.24% of them had the IgG against leptospiral antigens in kidney tissues. The juvenile age group had higher IgG levels than other age groups. Considering sex, no significant differences in the overall results were observed. Serum concentrations of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine showed significant increments in the sub-adult and adult IgG- positive groups compared with the IgG-negative groups. No significant alterations were observed in the juvenile group. Using WS stains, 13 and 1 blood smears and 0 and 8 kidney tissues were positive for leptospires in the sub-adult and adult groups, respectively. Microscopical findings of the renal cortex and medulla in the sub-adult IgG-positive group showed hemorrhage, glomerular deterioration, tubular cell degeneration and necrosis with cast formation, periarterial edema, and focal hemorrhage with congestion of peritubular arteries. The adult IgG-positive group revealed deterioration similar to that in the sub-adult group and tended to be chronic. No leptospires were observed using H&E staining.

Conclusion: IgG-positive carrier rats refer to previously exposed or infected rats. Understanding the risk of transmitting the disease to human and animals through a carrier rat's urine is highly predicted and possible mitigation of zoonotic transmission.

Infection rate and genetic diversity of Giardia duodenalis assemblage C in Iranian stray dogs, targeting the glutamate dehydrogenase gene

Research (Published online: 16-02-2021)

13. Infection rate and genetic diversity of Giardia duodenalis assemblage C in Iranian stray dogs, targeting the glutamate dehydrogenase gene

Asghar Fazaeli, Mohammad Hasan Kohansal, Adel Spotin, Ali Haniloo, Abbasali Nourian, Alireza Khiabani, Abolghasem Siyadatpanah, Roghayeh Norouzi and Veeranoot Nissapatorn

Veterinary World, 14(2): 419-425

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Giardia duodenalis is one of the most common enteric protozoan parasites in vertebrates, such as humans, domestic and wild animals, causing giardiasis. To the best of our knowledge, little is known about the genetic diversity of G. duodenalis assemblages. This study aimed to identify genetic diversity of G. duodenalis assemblages in Iranian stray dogs.

Materials and Methods: A total of 450 fecal samples were collected from 2015 to 2016 from stray dogs of Northwest Iran. All specimens were observed microscopically following concentration and flotation techniques. Subsequently, DNA samples were extracted, amplified, and sequenced targeting the glutamate dehydrogenase gene.

Results: The overall prevalence of G. duodenalis in infected dogs was estimated at 1.6%, based on microscopic and molecular diagnoses. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses indicated a high level of genetic diversity of assemblage C (haplotype diversity; 0.802).

Conclusion: The pairwise sequence distances between the identified isolates of assemblage C showed an intradiversity of 0.3%-1.3% and identity of 98.7%-100%. Current findings indicate that a significant genetic diversity of G. duodenalis assemblage C haplotypes is unequivocally circulates among stray dogs in Northwest Iran.

Keywords: genetic variation, Giardia lamblia assemblage C, glutamate dehydrogenase, Iran, stray dogs.

Prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infection in water buffaloes in selected areas in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro, the Philippines

Research (Published online: 16-02-2021)

3. Prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infection in water buffaloes in selected areas in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro, the Philippines

Rohani C. Navarro, Aleyla E. de Cadiz, Jordan M. Fronda, Lynnell Alexie D. Ong, and Vicente Y. Belizario Jr.

International Journal of One Health, 7(1): 12-18

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Schistosomiasis (SCH) japonica is a zoonotic disease that can infect several mammalian hosts. Bovines, particularly water buffaloes, are considered the most important reservoir hosts due to the high levels of schistosome eggs, they excrete into the environment. In the Philippines, the previous studies have revealed a high prevalence of SCH in bovines in selected provinces in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. However, there is a lack of studies on SCH in the Davao Region, Mindanao, where the infection remains a public health concern. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SCH in water buffaloes in four barangays (villages) each in Braulio Dujali, Davao del Norte and Maragusan, Davao de Oro, Southeastern Mindanao, the Philippines.

Materials and Methods: Fecal samples from 91 water buffaloes were collected intrarectally, processed using the formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation technique, and examined microscopically to determine the prevalence of SCH.

Results: A total of three water buffaloes (8.6%) in Maragusan were determined to be positive for Schistosoma japonicum, while none in Braulio Dujali. The prevalence of other parasites (Fasciola spp. [53.8%], Paramphistome spp. [20.9%], Amphistome spp. [16.5%], Strongyle spp. [11.0%], Balantidium spp. [9.9%], Eurytrema spp. [2.2%], and Gongylonema pulchrum [1.1%]) was also observed.

Conclusion: The results of the study provide baseline data on the presence of S. japonicum in water buffaloes in the Davao Region, Mindanao. Strategies for controlling and eliminating SCH in animal reservoir hosts, especially in water buffaloes, are necessary for the long-term control and elimination of SCH in humans.

Keywords: formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation technique, prevalence, Schistosoma japonicum, schistosomiasis, water buffalo.

In vitro trichomonocidal potency of Naja nigricollis and Bitis arietans snake venom

Research (Published online: 16-02-2021)

2. In vitro trichomonocidal potency of Naja nigricollis and Bitis arietans snake venom

Tijjani Sabiu Imam, Zainab Tukur, Aisha Abdullahi Bala, Nuraddeen Bello Ahmad and Adamu Yunusa Ugya

International Journal of One Health, 7(1): 6-11

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Trichomonas vaginalis drug's limited efficacy and high toxicity, justify the need to explore other therapeutic agents, including animal toxins. In this study, the Naja nigricollis and Bitis arietans snake venoms were used to assess such trichomonocidal effect.

Materials and Methods: The median lethal dose (LD50) value for both snake species was calculated by probit analysis using a statistical package for the sciences version 20.0 with an LD50 of 4.04 μg/mL for the N. nigricollis, and no mortality was observed in the B. arietans envenomed rats.

Results: The trichomonocidal potency of the snake venom on T. vaginalis was evident with a growth inhibitory concentration of 89% with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.805 μg/mL in B. arietans while 95% for N. nigricollis at an IC50 of 0.411 μg/mL.

Conclusion: The statistical analysis of one-way analysis of variance shows a significant difference (p<0.05) between the venoms and positive control group (p<0.001), and there is no significant difference between each venom and its varying concentration (p>0.05). As the least concentration can be useful, interestingly, there is no significant difference in the efficacy of N. nigricollis and B. arietans to T. vaginalis (p>0.05); as such, either of the venom can be used for the treatment of trichomoniasis.

Keywords: Bitis arietans, Naja nigricollis, Trichomonas vaginalis, trichomonocidal activities.

The influence of low-fidelity simulator training on canine peripheral venous puncture procedure

Research (Published online: 15-02-2021)

12. The influence of low-fidelity simulator training on canine peripheral venous puncture procedure

Dayane Aparecida Francisco da Silva, Aline Angela Fernandes, Ana Evellyn Ventrone, Ariane Dias, Ana Maria Siqueira Silveira, Cecilia Laposy Santarém, Gabrielle Gomes dos Santos Ribeiro and Rosa Maria Barilli Nogueira

Veterinary World, 14(2): 410-418

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Blood collection from dogs is the most commonly performed procedure in the medical clinic. However, different factors can interfere with the quality of the material collected, potentially causing complications for patients. Simulated skill training is a teaching strategy designed to provide early training to students, develop their skills and self-confidence, and increase the procedure's success while reducing complications. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate skill training using a low-fidelity simulator in the peripheral venipuncture procedure and examine the training's influence on the in vivo procedure.

Materials and Methods: To assess skill training, this study used a low-fidelity simulator in the peripheral venipuncture procedure and examines the training's effect on the in vivo procedure. In total, 100 dogs, 65 undergraduate students, 3 veterinarians, and 4 previously trained evaluators participated. The canine in vivo venipuncture procedure was evaluated both before and after the simulated skill training and the low-fidelity simulator training. Data were collected on participants' self-confidence levels.

Results: Local complications occurred during in vivo practice; however, after training, they decreased. Gloves were more frequently used during the procedure, resulting in a reduction of both harvest attempts and complications, as well as increased levels of self-confidence in post-training participants. The simulator developed had low fidelity, low cost, and was easy to create.

Conclusion: Skill training in peripheral venipuncture using a low-fidelity simulator positively influences student learning, increases their self-confidence during in vivo harvesting, and reduces the complications of the procedure, improving patient well-being.

Keywords: canine, clinical skills training, evaluation, self-confidence, veterinary simulation.

Molecular detection of feline leukemia virus in clinically ill cats in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Research (Published online: 13-02-2021)

11. Molecular detection of feline leukemia virus in clinically ill cats in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Kunambiga Mummoorthy, Abd Rahaman Yasmin, Siti Suri Arshad, Abdul Rahman Omar, Saulol Hamid Nur-Fazila, Prem Anand, Liew Wuan Hoong and Kiven Kumar

Veterinary World, 14(2): 405-409

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is classified as Retroviridae gammaretrovirus. FeLV occurs worldwide, including Malaysia. Thus far, only one decade-old study on molecular characterization of Malaysian FeLV isolates exists, which resulted in a scarcity of updated information of current FeLV isolates circulating in Malaysia. This study was conducted to determine the status of FeLV in clinically ill cats and to study the molecular characterization and phylogenetic relatedness of the current isolates.

Materials and Methods: Convenience sampling was performed in 20 cats from the Gasing Veterinary Hospital in Selangor. Plasma and saliva samples were collected from 15 clinically ill cats and 5 healthy cats subjected to one-step reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction with primers targeting a highly conserved gene of U3-LTR-gag.

Results: Two clinically ill cats' plasma and saliva samples tested positive for FeLV RNA. Partial nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the current isolates were 94-99% homologous to the previous Malaysian and Japanese FeLV isolates.

Conclusion: Current FeLV isolates from this study displayed higher similarity with the previous Malaysian isolates, signifying that a similar FeLV strain circulated among the cat population in Selangor.

Keywords: feline leukemia virus, Malaysia, one-step reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, phylogenetic analysis.

Neurobiology of anesthetic-surgical stress and induced behavioral changes in dogs and cats: A review

Review (Published online: 11-02-2021)

10. Neurobiology of anesthetic-surgical stress and induced behavioral changes in dogs and cats: A review

I. Hernández-Avalos, E. Flores-Gasca, D. Mota-Rojas, A. Casas-Alvarado, A. E. Miranda-Cortés and A. Domínguez-Oliva

Veterinary World, 14(2): 393-404

ABSTRACT

The anesthetic-surgical stress response consists of metabolic, neuroendocrine, hemodynamic, immunological, and behavioral adaptations through chemical mediators such as the adrenocorticotropic hormone, growth hormone, antidiuretic hormone, cortisol, aldosterone, angiotensin II, thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroxine, triiodothyronine, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, catecholamines, insulin, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and prostaglandin E-2. Behavioral changes include adopting the so-called prayer posture, altered facial expressions, hyporexia or anorexia, drowsiness, sleep disorders, restriction of movement, licking or biting the injured area, and vocalizations. Overall, these changes are essential mechanisms to counteract harmful stimuli. However, if uncontrolled surgical stress persists, recovery time may be prolonged, along with increased susceptibility to infections in the post-operative period. This review discusses the neurobiology and most relevant organic responses to pain and anesthetic-surgical stress in dogs and cats. It highlights the role of stress biomarkers and their influence on autonomous and demeanor aspects and emphasizes the importance of understanding and correlating all factors to provide a more accurate assessment of pain and animal welfare in dogs and cats throughout the surgical process.

Keywords: cats, dogs, neurobiology, pain, stress, welfare.