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.

Prevalence of Newcastle disease virus in feces of free-range turkeys in Enugu, Nigeria

Research (Published online: 08-07-2020)

6. Prevalence of Newcastle disease virus in feces of free-range turkeys in Enugu, Nigeria

Obianuju Nkiruka Okoroafor, Paul Chukwuemeka Animoke, Edmund Chidiebere Mbegbu, Chinwe Justina Aronu, John Anelom Nwanta, Boniface Anene and John Ositadimma Okoye

Veterinary World, 13(7): 1288-1293

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Newcastle disease (ND) virus of free-range turkeys may be linked to outbreaks of ND in backyard chickens seen during Harmattan in Enugu State in Southeast Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ND virus and (NDV) detect NDV in the feces of free-range, domestic turkeys in Enugu, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: A total of 569 serum and 569 cloacal swab samples were collected from adult turkeys in selected households that keep turkeys and chickens together in the study area. The serum samples were assayed for antibodies against NDV using the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test, whereas the cloacal samples were subjected to virus detection using a hemagglutination (HA) test.

Results: A total of 186 serum samples (32.7%) were positive for NDV and 383 (67.3%) were negative. Of the 186 NDV-positive serum samples, 138 (74.2%) had HI titers ≥ 8. The remaining 48 (25.8%) serum samples had HI titers <8. NDV was detected from the cloacal swabs of turkeys with NDV -positive serum samples.

Conclusion: The turkeys in this study were not previously vaccinated with the NDV vaccine; thus, those with NDV -positive serum samples and virus shedding in their feces may be potential risks to chickens reared in the same households as well as on commercial farms in the area. Those turkeys with sera negative for NDV are regarded to be at risk if they encounter a virulent strain of NDV. Regular vaccination of turkeys against the NDV is advised, especially in backyard farms, where turkeys are reared together with chickens and other species of poultry.

Keywords: Newcastle disease, prevalence, turkeys, virus shedding.

A topical ointment formulation containing leaves' powder of Lawsonia inermis accelerate excision wound healing in Wistar rats

Research (Published online: 07-07-2020)

5. A topical ointment formulation containing leaves' powder of Lawsonia inermis accelerate excision wound healing in Wistar rats

Kalbaza Ahmed Yassine, Hemida Houari, Benchohra Mokhtar, Amara Karim, Salem Hadjer and Bediaf Imane

Veterinary World, 13(7): 1280-1287

ABSTRACT

Aim: Lawsonia inermis (LI), a naturally grown or cultivated shrub in Northeast of Africa and India, has been traditionally used as a strong remedy for several injuries. However, few studies have reported its use as a cicatrizing agent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of daily application of an ointment prepared with LI leaves' powder on wound healing in Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: Twenty female Wistar rats were used in this study. Excisional wound model was realized by removing skin from the dorsal part of the neck of each animal. Wounds have been then treated by a daily application of LI ointment prepared by mixing leaves' powder to petroleum jelly in test group and by simple application of petroleum jelly in control group. Evaluation of wound healing activity was then based on calculating the percentage of wound contraction, period of epithelialization, and wound index every 3 days for a period of 24 days, then, a histological study of the healed excised wound was performed.

Results: Treatment with LI has shown excellent wound healing activity, since it has increased percent of wound contraction, and reduced period of epithelialization and wound index as compared to control (p<0.05). These results have been supported by the histological findings that revealed better epithelialization, dermal differentiation, collagen fiber orientation, and angiogenesis in LI treated rats compared to control (p<0.05).

Conclusion: We can conclude that LI leaves' can be used as a potential wound healing agent.

Keywords: excision, Lawsonia inermis, petroleum jelly, Wistar rats, wound healing.

A descriptive study of ciguatera fish poisoning in Cook Islands dogs and cats: Treatment and outcome

Research (Published online: 06-07-2020)

4. A descriptive study of ciguatera fish poisoning in Cook Islands dogs and cats: Treatment and outcome

Michelle J. Gray and M. Carolyn Gates

Veterinary World, 13(7): 1269-1279

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is an illness caused by the ingestion of fish containing ciguatoxins. Dogs and cats are susceptible to CFP, but there is little published and much unknown about the condition in these species. This study aimed to document the treatment and outcome of canine and feline cases of CFP, and to look for prognostic indicators.

Materials and Methods: Six years of medical records from the Esther Honey Foundation Animal Clinic (the only veterinary clinic in the Cook Islands during the study period) were reviewed to identify cases of CFP. Data relating to treatment and outcome were collected.

Results: Two hundred and forty-six cases of CFP were identified, comprising 165 dogs and 81 cats. The treatments most commonly administered to cases were fluid therapy and muscle relaxants. Mannitol was only given to five animals. The survival rate was >90% and almost all mortalities occurred in the first week of hospitalization. Recovery was slow, with hospitalization averaging 12.9 days. There was no significant difference in recovery times between dogs and cats. Prolonged periods of anorexia and recumbency were common in both species. Factors associated with prolonged recovery times included case severity, anorexia, and age (in dogs).

Conclusion: This article documented the treatment and outcome of animals afflicted by CFP in the Cook Islands. Therapy for CFP was primarily symptomatic and supportive. The survival rate was high, but recovery was often prolonged. The findings will assist veterinarians in giving prognoses and managing owner expectations.

Keywords: cats, ciguatera, Cook Islands, dogs, outcome, treatment.

Molecular characterization of the 2018 outbreak of lumpy skin disease in cattle in Upper Egypt

Research (Published online: 04-07-2020)

3. Molecular characterization of the 2018 outbreak of lumpy skin disease in cattle in Upper Egypt

Ahmad M. Allam, Mohamed Karam Elbayoumy, Eman H. Abdel-Rahman, Ahmed G. Hegazi and Tarek Korany Farag

Veterinary World, 13(7): 1262-1268

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Lumpy skin disease (LSD), an infectious disease of cattle, is characterized by raised nodules on the skin. Although the morbidity rate of LSD is low, it has a considerable fatality rate. Despite the annual mass vaccination of livestock with sheep pox vaccine (Veterinary Serum and Vaccine Research Institute, Egypt) enforced by Egyptian authorities, the LSD virus (LSDV) continues to circulate almost every summer. The present study aimed to discover the cause of cows naturally infected with LSDV circulating in Upper Egypt during the summer of 2018 using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and to analyze their phylogenetics against reference genome sequences.

Materials and Methods: We cultured LSDV in specific pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs (SPF-ECE) and used conventional PCR to identify fusion and P32 genes, previously deposited in GenBank (MN694826, MN694827, and MN954664). Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were performed on these two highly conserved viral genes.

Results: LSDV infection of SPF-ECE resulted in characteristic white pock lesions. PCR products were identified on 1.5% agarose gel after electrophoresis at the expected positions for the fusion and P32 genes at 472 and 587 bp, respectively.

Conclusion: The present study revealed that the two viral genes were identified from the Beni Suef and Sohag Governorates in all clinical cases and confirmed the circulation of LSDV in this outbreak. After sequencing, these genes were identical to those of the LSDV that had been identified and recorded in GenBank for the past 3 years.

Keywords: fusion gene, lumpy skin disease, P32 gene, phylogeny, Upper Egypt.

Chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and diuretic effect of Moroccan fresh bee pollen in rats

Research (Published online: 03-07-2020)

2. Chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and diuretic effect of Moroccan fresh bee pollen in rats

Asmae El Ghouizi, Nawal El Menyiy, Soraia I. Falcão, Miguel Vilas-Boas and Badiaa Lyoussi

Veterinary World, 13(7): 1251-1261

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study investigated the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and diuretic effect of Moroccan aqueous extract of fresh bee pollen (AEFBP) in normal rats.

Materials and Methods: The chemical composition of the extracted bioactive compounds was assessed using liquid chromatography with diode array detection coupled to electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry (LC/DAD/ ESI-MSn). 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and the reducing power were used to assess the antioxidant properties of the extract, together with the determination of total phenols and flavonoids. To assess the diuretic effect, 20 normal rats were divided into five groups: The first was a control group administered by distilled water (10 mL/kg body weight), the second group received furosemide (10 mg/kg body weight), the third group received 100 mg/kg body weight of AEFBP, the fourth group received 250 mg/kg body weight of AEFBP, and the fifth group received 500 mg/kg body weight of AEFBP for 30 days. Toward the end of this experiment, urine output was measured, and plasma and urine were sampled to analyze creatinine, potassium, chloride, and sodium levels.

Results: N1,N5,N10-tri-p-coumaroylspermidine is a spermidine derivative and was the main compound in this sample, in a total of 19 compounds identified, including flavonoids, glucoside flavonoids, and methylated derivatives. Force feeding with the AEFBP induced a significant increase in urine output and urinary electrolyte levels with a dependent dose-effect without changes in plasma electrolytes, whereas furosemide decreased plasma potassium.

Conclusion: Moroccan fresh bee pollen extract contains flavonols and spermidines that induce a potential antioxidant activity related to significant diuretic effect without changes in plasma composition.

Keywords: antioxidant activity, diuresis, fresh bee pollen, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, phenolamides.

Effect of soybean expeller supplementation during the final phase of sow gestation on litter birth weight

Research (Published online: 02-07-2020)

1. Effect of soybean expeller supplementation during the final phase of sow gestation on litter birth weight

Santiago Masi Mignaco, Ana Alba-Casals, Alicia Carranza and Julián Parada

Veterinary World, 13(7): 1245-1250

ABSTRACT

Aim: Nutrition plays a key role in the production of pigs, especially in pregnant sows, where modifications in nutritional requirements can affect their productive performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate nutritional supplementation with soybean expeller in sows during the last third of the gestation period and its effect on litter birth weight.

Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on a farrow-to-finish farm, where 192 sows were equally assigned to treatment and control groups. Several variables were recorded at both the sow and piglet level. The treatment group consisted of piglets from 95 sows supplemented with soybean expeller during the final phase of gestation (20 days), and the comparison group consisted of piglets from 97 sows fed only with a commercial balanced ration (control group).

Results: Soybean expeller supplementation increased individual piglet weight by 190-270 g, and the increased number of live piglets could decrease the weight of each piglet. Moreover, the number of piglets weighing <900 g decreased by 10% as compared to the control group, indicating that supplementation could improve pre-weaning mortality.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that soybean expeller supplementation in sows during the last third of the gestation period could improve production performance, especially on organic farms.

Keywords: organic farms, piglet weight, production performance, sow nutrition.