Comparing the results of intradermal skin tests for four dust mite allergens in dogs with atopic dermatitis in Thailand

Research (Published online: 09-11-2020)

12. Comparing the results of intradermal skin tests for four dust mite allergens in dogs with atopic dermatitis in Thailand

Suttiwee Chermprapai, Pojnicha Chuayjuljit Anukkul, Teerawat Kritsadasima, Pudcharaporn Kromkhun and Naris Thengchaisri

Veterinary World, 13(11): 2381-2387

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Hypersensitivity to house dust mites is a common cause of atopic dermatitis in dogs. The intradermal test (IDT) identifies allergens to be included in allergen-specific immunotherapy. Common mite allergens used for IDT include single source extracts obtained from Dermatophagoides farinae or Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus or multisource extracts from multimite species (mixed mites), as well as a combination of multimite species and proteins from feces and shed skin (house dust). The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the prevalence of mite sensitivity in dogs diagnosed with atopic dermatitis in different Thailand provinces and to determine if positive test results to mite allergens aligned.

Materials and Methods: Eighty-two dogs (median age [range]: 5 years [11 months-11 years]; 51 males and 31 females) diagnosed with atopic dermatitis underwent IDTs with four different mite-related allergens (D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus, mixed mites, and house dust). The skin reactions were reported on a scale of 0-4 and the reactions 2+ were considered clinically relevant. The relationship between IDT results from different allergens was determined using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). Fisher's exact test was used to compare IDT results for different mite allergens as well as for dogs residing in Bangkok versus other provinces in Thailand.

Results: The prevalence (95% confidence interval [CI]) of positive IDT results for D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus, mixed mites, and house dust in dogs with atopic dermatitis was 64.63% (52.30-74.88), 58.54% (47.12-69.32), 47.56% (36.41-58.89), and 35.37% (25.12-46.70), respectively. A moderate correlation was found in IDT results between D. pteronyssinus and house dust (r=0.514), between D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae (r=0.426), and between D. farinae and mixed mites (r=0.423). The prevalence of dogs with positive IDT results for mite allergens with mono-sensitization, bi-sensitization, tri-sensitization, and quadru-sensitization did not differ significantly between dogs residing in Bangkok (11.63%, 18.60%, 25.58%, and 16.28%) and dogs residing in other provinces (12.82%, 30.77%, 35.90%, and 10.26%). The overall sensitivity (95% CI) and specificity (95% CI) of the mixed mites test associated with atopic dermatitis in dogs were 60.32% (47.20-72.40%) and 94.70% (74.00-99.90%), respectively. The overall sensitivity (95% CI) and specificity (95% CI) of the house dust test associated with atopic dermatitis in dogs were 42.90% (30.50-56.00%) and 89.50% (66.90-98.70%), respectively.

Conclusion: House dust mites are an important source of allergens for dogs with atopic dermatitis. In the present study, no significant difference in the prevalence of atopic dermatitis was found in dogs living in the urban area compared with dogs living in the countryside. Application of multisource extracts from mites for IDT revealed a higher reaction to mixed mites than that of house dust.

Keywords: allergy, atopic dermatitis, dogs, house dust mite, intradermal skin test.

The therapeutic efficacy of Aloe vera gel ointment on staphylococcal pyoderma in dogs

Research (Published online: 09-11-2020)

11. The therapeutic efficacy of Aloe vera gel ointment on staphylococcal pyoderma in dogs

Ahmed Kamr, Ali Arbaga, Amanallah El-Bahrawy, Ahmed Elsify, Hadeer Khaled and Hany Hassan

Veterinary World, 13(11): 2371-2380

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Staphylococcus pyoderma is a common problem in dogs that need a novel treatment rather than antibiotic therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative properties of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) gel ointment on dogs' Staphylococcus pyoderma compared to gentamicin ointment.

Materials and Methods: The inhibition zone of A. vera extract 20% and 40% and gentamicin 1% against Staphylococcus aureus was determined on well diffusion agar. Twenty Baladi local breed dogs were used as control negative group before intradermal inoculation with 105 CFU S. aureus. The animals were classified into four equal groups, control positive group without treatment (n=5), treated groups by 20% A. vera gel ointment (n=5), 40% A. vera gel ointment (n=5), and gentamicin ointment 1% (n=5). Topical application of A. vera and gentamicin ointments was carried out twice daily for 2 weeks until complete healing of dogs' pyoderma. Clinical evaluation was recorded. Inflammatory, oxidant, and antioxidant parameters were measured in serum.

Results: The inhibition zone of A. vera extracts 20% and 40% was 19 mm and 23 mm, respectively, while gentamicin 1% was 18 mm. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (of A. vera 20% and 40% were 13.70 with R2=0.98. Dogs' pyoderma treated with A. vera gel ointment 20% and 40% were more likely to have low haptoglobin and tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations than gentamicin 1% ([odds ratio [OR]=4.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.31-17.40; p<0.05]; [OR=5.2; 95% CI=1.04-22.30; p<0.05]), respectively.

Conclusion: It seems evident that A. vera has therapeutic effect, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects against dogs' staphylococcal pyoderma than gentamicin that would support its further use rather than antibiotics in one health arena.

Keywords: catalase, dogs, interleukins, malondialdehyde, pyoderma, serum amyloid A.

Readily usable strategies to control mastitis for production augmentation in dairy cattle: A review

Review (Published online: 09-11-2020)

10. Readily usable strategies to control mastitis for production augmentation in dairy cattle: A review

Champak Bhakat, A. Mohammad, D. K. Mandal, A. Mandal, S. Rai, A. Chatterjee, M. K. Ghosh and T. K. Dutta

Veterinary World, 13(11): 2364-2370

ABSTRACT

Mastitis in dairy cattle is the most common management disorder that causes higher economic losses by lowering production and quality of milk leads to substantial economical loss. The aim of this article was to review worldwide important advances in strategies to control mastitis for production augmentation in dairy cattle. Many scientists worked to identify effective strategies to control mastitis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, and others. It is necessary to identify mechanisms of infection, define clinical and subclinical states of disease, determine exposure time, and identify pathogen-specific characteristics. Evolvement of management strategies that incorporated hygienic procedures (animal, floor, and milkman), post milking standing period of animal and strategic use of antibiotic or herbal therapy at dry-off, nutritional supplementation, fly control, body condition score optimization, etc., resulted in widespread control of mastitis. The udder, teat of animal, scientific management of milking, automatic milking procedure, genetic selection are considered as important factors to control mastitis. As farm management changed, scientists were directed to redefine control of mastitis caused by opportunistic pathogens of environmental sources and have sought to explore management strategies which will maintain animal well-being in a judicial way. Although significant advances in mastitis management have been made changing herd structure, changing climatic scenario and more rigorous milk processing standards ensure that mastitis will remain important issue for future research.

Keywords: dairy cattle, hygiene, mastitis, milk production, pathogen, strategies.

Comparison of colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification kit and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of peste des petits ruminants in sheep and goats in Southeast Nigeria

Research (Published online: 07-11-2020)

9. Comparison of colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification kit and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of peste des petits ruminants in sheep and goats in Southeast Nigeria

Ijeoma Chekwube Chukwudi, Kenneth Ikejiofor Ogbu, Pam Dachung Luka, Refiloe Petunia Malesa, Livio Edward Heath, Emmanuel Ikenna Ugochukwu and Kennedy Foinkfu Chah

Veterinary World, 13(11): 2358-2363

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an acute, extremely contagious transboundary viral disease of small ruminants with severe economic consequences, caused by PPR virus. Cost-effective and rapid diagnosis of the disease is essential for prompt management and control. This study aimed to compare the application of a commercial colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (cLAMP) kit and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the diagnosis of PPR in sheep and goats in Southeast Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: Nasal swab samples were collected from West African Dwarf sheep and goats showing clinical signs suggestive of PPR (n=80) and those without any clinical signs (n=140) of the disease. The diagnosis was achieved through detection of PPR viral genome in the samples using a cLAMP kit and RT-PCR. cLAMP assay was done directly on nasal swab samples without ribosomal nucleic acid extraction. A set of six primers targeting the matrix gene protein was used for the cLAMP assay.

Results: PPR viral genome was detected by both cLAMP and RT-PCR in 51 (63.8%) of the 80 samples from sheep and goats with signs suggestive of PPR while 14 (10%) of those without signs tested positive for PPR by both assay methods. There was a 100% agreement in the cLAMP and RT-PCR results. However, cLAMP was a faster, easier, and less expensive method compared to RT-PCR.

Conclusion: The cLAMP assay demonstrates the potential for a point of care diagnosis in the field and a valuable diagnostic tool in areas with poor electricity supply as well as in a less equipped diagnostic laboratory. Since the reagents are affordable, cLAMP can be a diagnostic tool of choice in the detection and surveillance of PPR virus in countries with limited resources.

Keywords: colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification, peste des petits ruminants virus, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, small ruminant diagnostic tool.

Why there were few cases of coronavirus disease 2019 in Libya during the first two months of the pandemic?

Review (Published online: 06-11-2020)

11. Why there were few cases of coronavirus disease 2019 in Libya during the first two months of the pandemic?

Abdunnabi A. Rayes, Badereddin B. Annajar, Abdunaser S. Dayhum and Ibrahim M. Eldaghayes

International Journal of One Health, 6(2): 160-164

ABSTRACT

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic that affected almost all countries worldwide with more than 29,439,120 confirmed cases and 932,486 deaths recorded till on September 14, 2020. However, on May 25, 2020, after 2 months from the first reported case of COVID-19 in Libya, the country was among very few countries in the world that had very few cases of COVID-19 with a total of 75 confirmed cases and three deaths during the first 2 months since the detection of the first case on March 24, 2020. Based on the global epidemiological pattern of the disease, the magnitude of COVID-19 in Libya could have been much worse. However, the reality is eccentrically different and the epidemiology exhibited different scenario with very few cases being recorded during the first 2 months of pandemic in Libya. In this article, a review of COVID-19 situation in Libya is presented with thoughts about the potential reasons that could explain the very few cases of COVID-19 in the country in context with the global figures of the pandemic.

Keywords: coronavirus disease 2019, epidemiology, incidence, Libya, pandemic.

Systemic levels of iron, phosphorus, and total protein in normocyclic versus repeat breeder Holstein Friesian crossbred cows of Kesharbag, Chitwan, Nepal

Research (Published online: 06-11-2020)

8. Systemic levels of iron, phosphorus, and total protein in normocyclic versus repeat breeder Holstein Friesian crossbred cows of Kesharbag, Chitwan, Nepal

Girija Regmi and Ishwari Prasad Dhakal

Veterinary World, 13(11): 2353-2357

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: In repeat breeding, a sexually mature cow fails to conceive even after three or more consecutive inseminations despite being without any clinically detectable reproductive anomalies. This is a major cause of economic loss in livestock farms, particularly in developing countries, where humans and livestock directly compete for food, and the mineral content of animal feed is rarely checked. This study investigated the association between systemic iron, phosphorus, and total protein and estrous cyclicity in crossbred Holstein Friesian cows.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 10 normal cyclic and 10 repeat breeder cows 12 h after the onset of estrus. Serum was separated, and iron, phosphorus, and total protein were quantified with spectrophotometry, using standard controls for all three measurement parameters (iron, phosphorus, and total protein).

Results: Iron and phosphorus levels were significantly (p<0.05) lower in the repeat breeders group than in the normocyclic group, but no significant differences were found in total protein levels.

Conclusion: Repeat breeding is associated with systemic iron and phosphorus levels but is independent of total protein level.

Keywords: crossbred cows, estrous cyclicity, normocyclic, repeat breeder/breeding.

Analysis of the benefits and production challenges of working donkeys in smallholder farming systems in Kenya

Research (Published online: 06-11-2020)

7. Analysis of the benefits and production challenges of working donkeys in smallholder farming systems in Kenya

Mary Gichure, Joshua Onono, Raphael Wahome and Peter Gathura

Veterinary World, 13(11): 2346-2352

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the benefits of keeping donkeys and associated production challenges under a smallholder farming system in Kenya.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted with smallholder farmers keeping donkeys in 13 administrative locations in Kirinyaga County. Data were collected using a questionnaire guide in 13 focus group discussions (FGDs) using participatory epidemiological methods. The FGDs comprised 8-12 participants who were donkey owners. Data were collected through listing, pair-wise ranking, and probing on the benefits of keeping donkeys, challenges faced by working donkeys and the common diseases that affect donkeys in these farms. Data analysis was performed using Kruskal–Wallis non-parametric method to test whether median ranks were significantly different. Other farm level data were also collected using the structured questionnaire and these were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods.

Results: The identified benefits included income obtained from the use of donkeys in transportation (Z=5.80) and manure production (Z=3.47), which enabled the farmers to participate in trade activities and improve crop farming. The identified challenges included theft for slaughter (Z=5.99), disease incidence (Z=3.03), road accidents (Z=2.83), and malicious cutting (Z=2.32). Some of the diseases identified were tetanus (Z=5.35), hoof problems (Z=4.55), helminthiases (Z=3.10), and mange (Z=2.24). Participants ranked diseases based on their effects on work output for the donkeys, reducing productivity and often causing death. Addressing these production challenges would optimize donkey use among smallholder farmers.

Conclusion: The results presented can be important for policymakers and extension agents regarding the health and welfare of donkeys kept under similar settings.

Keywords: benefits and challenges, income, livelihoods, working donkeys.