Parasitological and molecular characterization of the avian schistosomatid cercariae infecting lymnaeidae snails in Phayao, Northern Thailand

Research (Published online: 20-10-2021)

11. Parasitological and molecular characterization of the avian schistosomatid cercariae infecting lymnaeidae snails in Phayao, Northern Thailand

Ornampai Japa, Chittakun Suwancharoen, Thanakon Bunsong and Chorpaka Phuangsri

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2655-2661

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Cercarial dermatitis or swimmer's itch is an allergic skin reaction caused by penetrating cercaria of animal blood flukes. It is considered as a zoonotic water-borne skin condition that is found globally. Among the schistosomatid trematodes, avian schistosomes are the most responsible for cercarial dermatitis. Very little is known regarding the occurrence of dermatitis-causing cercariae in Thailand. Therefore, the objective of this study was to preliminarily investigate the presence of larval blood fluke infection among local lymnaeidae snails in Phayao by the incorporation of morphological and molecular methods.

Materials and Methods: Overall 500 Radix (Lymnaea) rubiginosa (Michelin, 1831) were collected from freshwater reservoirs near Phayao Lake in San Kwan village in Phayao, Thailand, from October to December 2020. The snails were examined for avian blood fluke infection by the cercarial shedding technique followed by morphological and molecular characterization.

Results: Only one type of furcocercous cercaria was observed to emerge from six infected snails (1.2%). Our molecular analyses demonstrated that the emerging cercariae showed most similarity to either the 28S ribosomal RNA gene (28S rDNA) or cytochrome oxidase C subunit 1 gene (cox1 or COI) sequences to those of Trichobilharzia species. In addition, phylogenetic tree analyses of both loci revealed similar results; the emerging cercariae were consistently clustered together with Trichobilharzia regenti.

Conclusion: Our results clearly confirmed that the detected furcocercous cercariae belonged to the genus Trichobilharzia and displayed the highest homology to T. regenti. This study provides important data on the occurrence of dermatitis causing cercariae infection among local lymnaeidae snails, encouraging effective management, and control measures for this zoonotic infectious disease.

Keywords: avian schistosome, cercarial dermatitis, furcocercous cercaria, swimmer's itch, Radix (Lymnaea) rubiginosa, Trichobilharzia regenti.

Immunohistochemical and molecular profiling of CD 117, Oct-4, and Sox-2 in canine cutaneous mast cell tumor of the crossbred dogs in Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

Research (Published online: 15-10-2021)

10. Immunohistochemical and molecular profiling of CD 117, Oct-4, and Sox-2 in canine cutaneous mast cell tumor of the crossbred dogs in Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

Sirilak Meesuwan, Dettachai Ketpun, Prapruddee Piyaviriyakul, Kasem Rattanapinyopituk, Pattharakrit Theewasutrakul and Achariya Sailasuta

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2646-2654

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: CD 117 (c-KIT) internal tandem duplication (ITD), octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct-4), and sex-determining region Y-box 2 (Sox-2) may govern the oncogenicity and aggressiveness of canine cutaneous mast cell tumor (MCT) in the crossbred dogs. Thus, a comprehension of this matter may help us establishing a novel platform to treat the disease in those dogs. However, evidence has lacked so far. Thus, this study aimed to survey CD 117 ITD, Oct-4, and Sox-2 expressions and their relations to the 2-tier grading in a group of Thai crossbreed dogs. The study was done using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), and immunohistochemistry.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-three MCT specimens graded by the 2-tier histopathology grading were collected from the crossbred and purebred dogs. CD 117 ITD was detected by conventional PCR and immunohistochemistry. While, Oct-4 and Sox-2 expression levels were determined at the protein and mRNA levels by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR, respectively. The expression magnitude of each parameter was then related to the grades and breeds.

Results: About 60.61% of specimens were low grade, while 39.39% were high grade. CD 117 ITD was not detected in all specimens. A significant increase of Oct-4 expression was found in the high-grade, crossbred dogs. Meanwhile, Sox-2 expressions were increased both in the purebred and crossbred dogs with high-grade MCT.

Conclusion: The study finding has indicated that the level of Sox-2 expression may be a useful tumorigenic and prognostic biomarker because it correlates to the 2-tier grades but not dog breeds.

Keywords: canine, CD 117, crossbred, mast cell tumor, octamer-binding transcription factor 4, sex-determining region Y-box 2.

Isolation and identification of avirulent strains of Bacillus anthracis from environmental samples in Central Java, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 13-10-2021)

8. Isolation and identification of avirulent strains of Bacillus anthracis from environmental samples in Central Java, Indonesia

Ully Apriliana, Hendra Wibawa, Endang Ruhiat, Tri Untari and Soedarmanto Indarjulianto

International Journal of One Health, 7(2): 204-211

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Anthrax is a non-contagious infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis. The bacteria form spores that are resistant to extreme conditions and can contaminate the environment for decades. This study aimed to detect and characterize B. anthracis found in endemic areas of anthrax in Yogyakarta and Central Java province, Indonesia.

Materials and Methods: Soil samples were collected from Gunungkidul regency, Yogyakarta province (n=315) and Boyolali regency, Central Java province (n=100). Additional soil samples (n=10) and straw samples (n=5) were obtained from Pati regency, Central Java province. The isolation and identification of B. anthracis were performed using conventional methods: Morphology of bacteria colony in solid media, Gram staining, capsule staining, spores staining, and motility test. Isolates were further identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) against Ba813, lef (pXO1), and capC (pXO2) gene. An avirulent vaccine strain of B. anthracis (strain 34F2) was used as a control.

Results: Only four samples grew on blood agar with a ground-glass appearance, white-gray colony (Gunungkidul and avirulent strain) or yellowish (Boyolali and Pati). All were Gram-positive, presented chains, square-ended rods, spores, and were then identified as B. anthracis. Boyolali, Pati, and avirulent strain isolates had slightly different characteristics, including the growth of non-mucoid in the bicarbonate agar medium, and their uncapsulated form. The PCR showed two Gunungkidul isolates which amplified three genes, including Ba813, lef, and capC. Contrarily, the other isolates did not amplify the capC gene.

Conclusion: Gunungkidul isolates were identified as virulent strains of B. anthracis while Boyolali and Pati isolates were proposed as avirulent strains. This is the first report of isolation and identification of avirulent strains of B. anthracis in Central Java, Indonesia.

Keywords: avirulent Bacillus anthracis, Boyolali, identification, pati, polymerase chain reaction multiplex.

Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of genes of virulent strain isolate of Toxoplasma gondii using enzyme DdeI

Research (Published online: 13-10-2021)

7. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of genes of virulent strain isolate of Toxoplasma gondii using enzyme DdeI

Fitrine Ekawasti, Umi Cahyaningsih, N. L. P. Indi Dharmayanti, Siti Sa'diah, Didik Tulus Subekti, Zul Azmi and Muhammad Ibrahim Desem

International Journal of One Health, 7(2): 196-203

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Toxoplasma gondii is a unicellular coccidian parasite distributed globally and is an important zoonotic pathogen. Approximately 30% of the human population worldwide is chronically infected with T. gondii. The pathogenicity of this species depends on the type originating from the clonal population. Techniques for more accurately determining the type of T. gondii have recently been developed using genetic markers. Specifically, T. gondii has been typed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). This study aimed to identify sets of PCR-RFLP markers that have high power to discriminate genotyping of T. gondii and are easy to use and are easy to use. The objective of this study was to characterize virulent strain isolates of T. gondii by PCR-RFLP using 10 markers with DdeI.

Materials and Methods: T. gondii tachyzoites (RH virulent strain) were derived from culture cells at the Indonesian Research Center for Veterinary Sciences. Genotyping was performed on T. gondii DNA extracted from cell cultured tachyzoites using 10 genetic markers of PCR-RFLP, namely, B1#1, B1#2, B1#3, SAG1#1, SAG1#2, P30, BAG1, ROP1, GRA1, and GRA7, with digestion using the restriction enzyme DdeI.

Results: The 10 genes were amplified by PCR. Among them, three genetic markers, B1#3, ROP1, and GRA1, were genotyped by the PCR-RFLP using restriction enzyme DdeI. Overall, the findings showed that the specific RFLP profile of digestion of gene regions by DdeI could be used as a specific marker for the virulent biotype causative of toxoplasmosis. In addition, virulent strains of T. gondii can be easily detected by these markers.

Conclusion: Three pairs of primers (B1#3, ROP1, and GRA1) with DdeI have proven useful for the diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis (virulent strain biotype I). This proposed method is relatively simple, rapid, cheap, and can be performed in most laboratories, providing a practical approach for the routine analysis of T. gondii strains.

Keywords: DdeI, genotype, restriction enzyme, Toxoplasma gondii.

Animal rabies epidemiology in Nepal from 2005 to 2017

Research (Published online: 13-10-2021)

6. Animal rabies epidemiology in Nepal from 2005 to 2017

Pushkar Pal, Adisorn Yawongsa, Rajesh Bhatta, Hiroshi Shimoda and Theera Rukkwamsuk

International Journal of One Health, 7(2): 190-195

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Animal rabies is endemic in Nepal, and it occurs in two forms. Although governmental and non-governmental agencies are working toward the control of rabies by mass dog vaccination and stray dog population management, there is still massive number of rabies incidence reported to the reference veterinary laboratory, Nepal. Therefore, this study aimed to assess animal species, temporal, regional, and agro-ecological distribution patterns of animal rabies in Nepal from 2005 to 2017.

Materials and Methods: The epidemiological data on animal rabies from the period of 2005 to 2017 were obtained from the Central Veterinary Laboratory, Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal. The laboratory-confirmed rabies cases were analyzed according to animal species, temporal, regional (developmental zones), and agro-ecological distributions. In addition, descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the distribution patterns of rabies.

Results: From 2005 to 2017, a total of 2771 suspected rabies cases in animals were reported to The Central Veterinary Hospital, Kathmandu. Of which, 1302 were found laboratory-confirmed cases. The rabies cases were most commonly reported and confirmed in dogs followed by other domestic animals. The high occurrences were recorded between 2005 and 2007. However, the incidence was increased during 2016 and 2017. The highest number of rabies cases was recorded in the eastern development zone, and the least number in the central zone at regional level. Likewise, it was highest in the Terai (plain) region and lowest in mountainous areas at agro-ecological zones. The findings also revealed that the occurrences of rabies significantly differed among seasons.

Conclusion: Rabies is present in Nepal throughout the year and all seasons with seasonal variation. Among the animal species, dogs are the primary animals affected with rabies followed by cattle and other domestic animals. At the regional level, eastern development zone had the highest incidence and Central development zone recorded the least. Similarly, the Terai region had the highest incidence rates, and the least overall prevalence rate was observed in mountainous regions among agro-ecological zones. Therefore, the government should implement the strict enforcement of mass dog vaccination and dog population management through one health approach to control rabies incidence in the country.

Keywords: agro-ecological zones, animals, epidemiology, Nepal, rabies.

Adoption of the One Health approach to improve zoonosis control in low-income countries: Insights from the case of rabies management in Burkina Faso

Research (Published online: 12-10-2021)

5. Adoption of the One Health approach to improve zoonosis control in low-income countries: Insights from the case of rabies management in Burkina Faso

Madi Savadogo, Hamidou Zangré, Sougrenoma Désiré Nana, Abdoul Kader Ilboudo, Laibané Dieudonné Dahourou, Sidwatta Guy Ilboudo, Virginie Simonis, Kongnimissom Apoline Sondo, Ayayi Justin Akakpo, Zékiba Tarnagda and Rianatou Bada Alambedji

International Journal of One Health, 7(2): 182-189

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Rabies is a neglected zoonotic disease transmissible to humans and domestic and wild animals through biting, scratching, or licking. This study aimed to analyze the adoption of the One Health approach by the stakeholders involved in rabies control in Burkina Faso.

Materials and Methods: The stakeholders involved in rabies control were from the Ministry of Livestock, Ministry of Health, Ministry of the Territory Administration, Ministry of Environment and Wildlife, and Ministry of Higher Education and Research. A structured questionnaire was used in face-to-face interviews to collect data from the stakeholders. The collected data included stakeholders' knowledge of rabies and the One Health approach and their levels of involvement in the multisectoral collaboration.

Results: Most participants could not describe rabies correctly (80%), and only 52.9% had heard of the One Health approach. In addition, there was no significant association between knowledge of rabies and participants' characteristics, and the knowledge of the One Health approach was significantly influenced by a participant's affiliation (place of work).

Conclusion: The results call for an increase in One Health education for its effective adoption by all the rabies control stakeholders. Additional efforts should focus on continual training of the One Health workforce, from policy-makers to frontline personnel.

Keywords: Burkina Faso, zoonosis, One Health, rabies control system, stakeholders, multisectoral collaboration, public health.

In ovo inhibition of avian pox virus replication by mangosteen rind and red ginger ethanolic extracts

Research (Published online: 11-10-2021)

9. In ovo inhibition of avian pox virus replication by mangosteen rind and red ginger ethanolic extracts

Annisaa' Lu'lu Nur'aini, Sri Hartati and Tri Untari

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2640-2645

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Avian pox is a contagious disease caused by the avian pox virus (APV). Mangostin and γ-mangostin in mangosteen rind (MR) and gingerol in red ginger (RG) exhibit antiviral activity. In this study, we evaluated the effect of MR and RG ethanolic extracts on APV based on pock lesions on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of specific pathogen-free (SPF) embryonated chicken eggs (ECEs).

Materials and Methods: Three APVs from chicken isolates (C1, C2, and C3), one APV from a pigeon isolate (P), 1.5% and 3% MR ethanolic extract, 5% and 10% RG ethanolic extract, and a combination of 1.5% MR and 5% RG at 0.1 mL/ egg were inoculated in ovo (7th day incubation, chorioallantoic route) in SPF ECEs. A control group inoculated in ovo with APV alone was also established. Each treatment consisted of three replicates. Parameters including embryo survival, CAM lesions, and average number of pock lesions were determined.

Results: In ovo inoculation of MR and RG ethanolic extracts was not harmful to the ECEs and did not induce CAM lesions. The average number of pock lesions in the control group (C1, C2, C3, and P) was 35, 14, 10, and 17, respectively, whereas in all treatment groups, the number was 0, except in the 5% RG group of C1, which had a value of 10.

Conclusion: In ovo inoculation of 1.5% and 3% MR, 5% and 10% RG, and the combination of 1.5% MR plus 5% RG ethanolic extract s at 0.1 mL/egg inhibit APV by reducing the number of pock lesions on the CAM of the ECE.

Keywords: avian pox virus, in ovo, mangosteen rind, pock lesions, red ginger.