Prevalence of Salmonella spp. in red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) from Grenada, West Indies

Research (Published online: 22-01-2020)

3. Prevalence of Salmonella spp. in red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) from Grenada, West Indies

Ravindra Nath Sharma, Vanessa Matthew-Belmar, Roxane Nicholas-Thomas, Gitanjali Arya, Bob Holtslander, Harry Hariharan and Victor A. Amadi

International Journal of One Health, 6(1): 12-16

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: There is currently no published information on the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in pet red-footed tortoises in Grenada. Monitoring is essential to understand the dynamics of the epidemiology of Salmonella. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Salmonella spp. from pet red-footed tortoises from Grenada and to test for antimicrobial drug resistance of the isolates.

Materials and Methods: Established bacterial culture, serotyping, and antimicrobial susceptibility methods were used. Fecal samples were obtained from 114 tortoises from five parishes of Grenada, and cultured for Salmonella using enrichment and selective culture techniques. The serotyping of isolated Salmonella was performed at the Office International des Epizooties Salmonella Reference Laboratory, Guelph, Ontario, Canada. The isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility in the Microbiology Laboratory of the School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, Grenada.

Results: Fifteen tortoises (13.2%) out of 114 were positive for Salmonella spp. Five serovars were identified: Salmonella Javiana (6.3%), Salmonella Rubislaw (6.3%), Salmonella Saintpaul (18.75%), Salmonella Glostrup (6.3%), and S. I: Rough.O;e,h:1,2 (62.5%). All isolates were sensitive to the 12 antimicrobial drugs.

Conclusion: Three serovars (S. Javiana, S. Saintpaul, and S. Rubislaw) are known pathogens causing disease in humans. Since tortoises included in the study were pets, the tortoises may be a possible source of transmission of Salmonella to their owners. The tortoise owners should be educated on the importance of hygienic raising of their pets. This is the first report of isolation of Salmonella spp. from pet red-footed tortoises in Grenada.

Keywords: antimicrobial susceptibility, Grenada, red-footed tortoises, Salmonella spp.

Determination of gentamicin use in poultry farms in Enugu state, Nigeria, and detection of its residue in slaughter commercial broilers

Research (Published online: 20-01-2020)

2. Determination of gentamicin use in poultry farms in Enugu state, Nigeria, and detection of its residue in slaughter commercial broilers

Chika ThankGod Onyeanu, Ekene Vivienne Ezenduka and Aruh Ottah Anaga

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

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Gentamicin is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial used in the treatment of a variety of bacterial infections in poultry, its residue in tissues is known to have a deleterious effect in man when consumed. The study aimed to determine the use of gentamicin by poultry farmers and the presence and occurrence of gentamicin residue in tissues of commercial broilers in Ikpa slaughterhouse Nsukka.

Materials and Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional survey using questionnaire and immunological screening. A total of 108 broilers were sampled, testing 108 each of muscle, liver, and kidney tissues for gentamicin residue using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: The questionnaire survey revealed that in the management practices, 55.2% of the farms used intensive deep litter, 21% intensive battery cage, and 23.6% extensive farming system. Twenty-seven (71%) farms reared only broilers, 10.5% layers, and 18.4% both. The feeding management showed that 21.1% of farmers produced their own feed (medicated) while 78.8% used commercial feed, of which 11.5% incorporated antibiotics. Hundred (100%) of the respondents used gentamicin and only 47.3% were aware of the consequences of antimicrobial residue in foods of animal origin, with knowledge of the legislation on the prudent use of antimicrobials in food animals. The occurrence of gentamicin residue in surveyed birds was 65% with tissue distribution as follows: Muscle (44.4%), liver (51.9%), and kidney (59.3%).

Conclusion: Poultry farms in the study area make constant use of gentamicin without observing its withdrawal period before sale, and a high percentage of the commercial birds meant for human consumption contains gentamicin residue. Therefore, consumers might be at risk of consuming gentamicin as a parent drug or its metabolites in commercial poultry.

Keywords: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, farm management, gentamicin, poultry, residue.

Analysis of phenolic compounds and immunomodulatory activity of areca nut extract from Aceh, Indonesia, against Staphylococcus aureus infection in Sprague-Dawley rats

Research (Published online: 18-01-2020)

20. Analysis of phenolic compounds and immunomodulatory activity of areca nut extract from Aceh, Indonesia, against Staphylococcus aureus infection in Sprague-Dawley rats

Liza Meutia Sari, Rachmi Fanani Hakim, Zaki Mubarak and Andriyanto Andriyanto

Veterinary World, 13(1): 134-140

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the immunomodulatory activity of areca nut extract. The phytochemical content and phenolic composition of the extract were also determined.

Materials and Methods: An extract of areca nut was prepared using 96% ethanol and subsequently screened for phytochemical content using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The immunomodulatory activity of the extract was tested in 35 Sprague-Dawley rats, divided into four groups: One control group and three experimental groups in which the rats received 500, 1000, or 1500 mg/kg of oral areca nut extract biweekly (BW). The extract was orally administered 14 days before the intraperitoneal challenge with Staphylococcus aureus (1×108 CFU/mL). On the 14th day of the experiment, rats in all the four groups were sacrificed. Measurement of the levels of red blood cells, hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cells (WBCs), lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, basophils, eosinophil, and macrophages were recorded. The activities of serum glutamate oxalate transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, urea, and creatinine were also determined.

Results: Areca nut was found to contain an alkaloid, tannin, and flavonoid compounds. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of catechin as the major compound along with quercetin. Administration of areca nut extract in rats infected with S. aureus produced a significant increase in the concentration of WBC but did not affect Hct, Hb, and other cell types. Among the different doses tested, 1000 mg/kg BW was found to be most effective in cellular immunity models. No harmful effects on the liver and kidney functions were observed.

Conclusion: The antioxidant activity of areca nut might be attributed to the presence of catechin and quercetin. Administration of areca nut extract increased the number of WBCs and improved the activity and capacity of macrophages significantly in rats infected with S. aureus.

Keywords: areca nut extract, catechin, immunomodulatory activity, phytochemical content.

Effect of insulin-like growth factor 1 gene on growth traits of Kejobong goat and its growth analysis

Research (Published online: 18-01-2020)

19. Effect of insulin-like growth factor 1 gene on growth traits of Kejobong goat and its growth analysis

Dela Ayu Lestari, Takuro Oikawa, Sutopo Sutopo, Endang Purbowati, Asep Setiaji and Edy Kurnianto

Veterinary World, 13(1): 127-133

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to identify the effect of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) gene on growth, to uncover the genetic marker at the IGF1 gene, and to predict growth performance by analyzing growth models of Kejobong goats based on their genotype.

Materials and Methods: DNA and records of body weight (BW) and body measurements (BM) of Kejobong goats were collected, the IGF1 gene was amplified from the DNA template by polymerase chain reaction (PCR); the PCR products were then sequenced to determine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). Linear mixed model (LMM) was used to analyze the association between SNP and growth traits. Four non-linear growth models were analyzed using non-LMM to describe the growth model and to compare the growth within genotypes.

Results: An SNP at intron 4 (g5752G→C) genotyped into GG and CC was significantly associated with BW and BM. Goats of genotype GG had a significantly higher BW and BM (p<0.05) than those of genotype CC. Growth analysis showed that the von Bertalanffy model was the most fit for describing BW, the Brody model for chest width and hip height, the Gompertz and Logistic models for heart girth, and the von Bertalanffy and Gompertz models for hip width.

Conclusion: An SNP at intron 4 of the IGF1 gene was associated with the growth trait and was usable as a genetic marker candidate for improvement of growth traits of Kejobong goats while von Bertalanffy model provides proper and accurate estimates of parameters to describe the growth performance of Kejobong goats.

Keywords: genetic markers, goat, growth analysis, growth traits, insulin-like growth factor 1.

Nano zinc oxide – An alternate zinc supplement for livestock

Research (Published online: 16-01-2020)

18. Nano zinc oxide – An alternate zinc supplement for livestock

K. Geetha, M. Chellapandian, N. Arulnathan and A. Ramanathan

Veterinary World, 13(1): 121-126

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study was aimed to investigate antimicrobial and cytotoxicity effect of nano ZnO in in vitro for the application of livestock feed supplement.

Materials and Methods: Nano ZnO was synthesized by wet chemical precipitation method using zinc acetate as a precursor and sodium hydroxide was used for reducing the precursor salt. The properties of synthesized powder were characterized using ultraviolet (UV)–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. In vitro antimicrobial activities were analyzed against the pathogenic bacteria in poultry Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Streptococcus aeruginosa. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was conducted to analyze the cytotoxicity effect of nano ZnO.

Results: SEM showed a spherical ZnO particle in the range of 70-100 nm. The size of the particle and purity of the sample were confirmed by XRD. The nano-sized ZnO particles exhibited the UV absorption peak at 335 nm. In FTIR spectroscopy, pure ZnO nanoparticles showed stretching vibrations at 4000-5000 cm-1. ZnO nanoparticles exhibited remarkable antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, and S. aeruginosa bacterial strains. Cell viability was significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner in the cytotoxicity study.

Conclusion: From the broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and the lower cytotoxicity observed at the prescribed dose, it is concluded that nano ZnO powder is a potential alternate zinc supplement for livestock.

Keywords: antimicrobial, cytotoxicity, nano zinc oxide, precipitation method, zinc supplementation.

Prevalence, distribution on host's body, and chemical control of camel ticks Hyalomma dromedarii in the United Arab Emirates

Research (Published online: 16-01-2020)

17. Prevalence, distribution on host's body, and chemical control of camel ticks Hyalomma dromedarii in the United Arab Emirates

Mohammad Ali Al-Deeb and Sabir Bin Muzaffar

Veterinary World, 13(1): 114-120

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Camel farming remains a part of the culture of the Arabian Peninsula although modern methods have greatly increased camel densities in the entire region. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), camel production is threatened by tick parasitism. However, no study has considered assessing the magnitude of the problem in the UAE. We conducted a study evaluating tick richness, abundance, and spatial distribution of ticks on camels in farms near Al Ain, UAE. In addition, we conducted a survey of farm owners to determine the control methods used to eliminate camel ticks.

Materials and Methods: Tick counts were made on 502 camels (Camelus dromedarius). For each examined animal, visual counts of ticks were made on the entire body segregating the counts by head, neck, forelegs, hump, abdomen, back legs, and tail area. In addition, a total of 70 camel owners from the study area were randomly selected and surveyed about the tick control methods.

Results: Hyalomma dromedarii was the only species found during the study. The prevalence of ticks was 98% among the sampled animals. The mean intensity (tick load) was 25.8±2.4 ticks/host and the maximum number of ticks per animal was 102. Ticks were found in five vicinities that are on the border with Oman. The highest number of ticks on the body of the camel occurred on the tail area followed by the abdomen. Cypermethrin was the most commonly used acaricide (46.9%).

Conclusion: The high abundance of ticks reported in this study calls for the establishment of a good management strategy. In addition, finding ticks in vicinities in the UAE that are on the border with Oman suggests a cross-border movement between the two countries. Therefore, studying this movement is important to understand its role in the global circulation of some H. dromedarii tick-borne diseases and the movement of acaricide resistance alleles among tick populations.

Keywords: acaricide, Hyalomma dromedarii, prevalence, tick load, tick-borne disease, United Arab Emirates.

Evaluation of adenosine deaminase activity in serum of cattle and buffaloes in the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis

Research (Published online: 13-01-2020)

16. Evaluation of adenosine deaminase activity in serum of cattle and buffaloes in the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis

Navdeep Kaur Dhaliwal, Deepti Narang, Mudit Chandra, Gursimran Filia and Sikh Tejinder Singh

Veterinary World, 13(1): 110-113

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a chronic bacterial disease of cattle caused by Mycobacterium bovis. bTB causes severe economic losses resulting from livestock deaths, chronic disease, and trade restrictions. Determination of serum levels of adenosine deaminase (ADA), an enzyme produced by monocytes/macrophages and lymphocytes, has been used in the diagnosis of human TB. This study aimed to evaluate the role of ADA enzyme activity in the diagnosis of bTB.

Materials and Methods: In this study, a total of 100 animals (cattle and buffaloes) were screened for bTB by comparative intradermal tuberculin test (CITT) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) test and in serum samples obtained from 100 screened animals, ADA seric activity was evaluated using ADA-MTB kit procured from Tulip Diagnostics.

Results: A total of 18 animals were positive TB reactors by CITT, 8 were positive by IFN-γ, and 4 animals were positive by both CITT and IFN-γ. The average ADA value of bTB-positive animals either by CITT, IFN-γ, or both CITT and IFN-γ was 12.55 U/L, 14.8 U/L, and 18.36 U/L, respectively, in CID negative, it was 10.57 U/L and in IFN-γ negative, it was 10.59 U/L.

Conclusion: The average ADA value of bTB-positive animals positive either by CITT, IFN-γ, or both CITT and IFN-γ was more than the average ADA value in animals negative for bTB by either of the tests.

Keywords: adenosine deaminase, comparative intradermal tuberculin test, interferon-γ, Mycobacterium bovis.