Comparison of polymerase chain reaction and microscopy for the detection of Fasciola spp. in the fecal matter of domestic bovines in Kalasin Province, Thailand

Research (Published online: 10-11-2021)

6. Comparison of polymerase chain reaction and microscopy for the detection of Fasciola spp. in the fecal matter of domestic bovines in Kalasin Province, Thailand

Sirikanda Thanasuwan and Anupong Tankrathok

Veterinary World, 14(11): 2878-2882

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Fasciola spp. are important foodborne trematodes and waterborne zoonotic parasites that cause health problems and economic losses worldwide, including in Thailand. Fasciola spp. are usually detected by sedimentation or the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT) under microscopy, which is less specific and sensitive. Accurate detection is important to detect real incidence for protection against and elimination of fasciolosis in the area. This study aimed to determine the distribution of Fasciola spp. and compare the specificity and sensitivity of FECT under microscopy to that of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in cattle feces.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in Kalasin Province, Thailand. Feces of 46 cattle were investigated for infection with Fasciola spp. To detect infection, FECT under microscopy and PCR amplification of the 28S rRNA gene of Fasciola spp. were used to identify egg parasites.

Results: Feces of 16 of 46 (34.78%) cattle were positive for Fasciola spp. using FECT under microscopy, whereas PCR showed that 67.39% (31 of 46) were positive for Fasciola spp. False-negative results were as high as 32.61% when diagnosed under microscopy.

Conclusion: This study confirmed the infection of cattle with Fasciola spp. in Kalasin Province, indicating that PCR demonstrated higher sensitivity and specificity when diagnosing infection. FECT under microscopy can still be used as a primary and traditional method for diagnosis. However, relapse cases of Fasciola spp. and Paramphistomum spp. should be diagnosed by microscopy combined with PCR. This is the first report on the molecular distribution of fecal samples in cattle in Kalasin Province.

Keywords: 28s rRNA, bovine, Fasciola gigantica, Kalasin province, Lampao dam, polymerase chain reaction.

Multidrug resistance, biofilm formation, and virulence genes of Escherichia coli from backyard poultry farms

Research (Published online: 10-11-2021)

5. Multidrug resistance, biofilm formation, and virulence genes of Escherichia coli from backyard poultry farms

Theeb Al-Marri, Abdulla Al-Marri, Reham Al-Zanbaqi, Ahmad Al Ajmi and Mahmoud Fayez

Veterinary World, 14(11): 2869-2877

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Backyard chicken flocks have traditionally been regarded as an essential food source in developed countries; however, they may act as reservoirs and spread various zoonotic bacterial pathogens. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence, phenotypic resistance, biofilm formation (BF), and pathotypes of Escherichia coli isolates from backyard poultry farms.

Materials and Methods: Cloacal swabs (n=150) and internal organs (n=150) were collected from 30 backyard chicken flocks; 20 of them were experiencing systemic infection, and the other ten were apparently healthy. Samples were bacteriologically examined for E. coli isolation. Isolates were identified biochemically by the VITEK® 2 COMPACT system (BioMérieux, France). For molecular identification, 16S rRNA was amplified and sequenced. Ten antimicrobials were selected for E. coli antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The minimum inhibitory concentration for each antimicrobial was determined. The extended-spectrum β-lactamase activity in isolates was investigated using cephalosporin/clavulanate combination disks. The ability of isolates for BF was determined by the microtiter plate method. Thirteen virulence genes linked to different E. coli pathotypes and two serotype-related genes were investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Eighty-six E. coli strains were isolated from 30 backyard chicken flocks. The isolates were biochemically identified to the species level. Genetically, sequences of the 16S rRNA gene showed >98% identity with E. coli in the National Center for Biological Information database. The frequency of isolation from diseased flocks was significantly higher (p<0.05) than apparently healthy flocks; 63.9% of the isolates were recovered from cloacal swabs and 36.04% were recovered from internal organs. E. coli isolates showed high resistance to ampicillin (AMP; 75.6%), gentamicin (39.5%), and tetracycline (29.1%). However, none of the isolates were resistant to imipenem. A variable drug resistance profile for E. coli isolates was reported. Twenty-one (24.4%) isolates were sensitive to all ten antimicrobials. Seven (8.1%) isolates were resistant only to AMP, and 28 (32.6%) were resistant to two antimicrobials, whereas the remaining 30 (34.9%) isolates showed multidrug resistance (MDR). Of the 86 isolates, 8 (9.3%) were confirmed as extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli by the combination disk diffusion method. All ESBL isolates were MDR with an MDR index of 0.5-0.6. Fifty-seven (66.3%) isolates were capable of forming biofilms; 22 (25.6%) of them were strong biofilm producers, 24 (27.9%) moderate producers, and 11 (12.8%) weak producers. A statistically significant pairwise correlation was obtained for MDR versus BF (r=0.512) and MDR index versus BF (r=0.556). Based on virulence gene profiles, five pathotypes were identified, including enteropathogenic E. coli (39.5%), avian pathogenic E. coli (32.53%), enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC; 9.3%), enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC; 5.8%), and enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC; 1.2%). The lower frequency of EAEC and ETEC was statistically significant than other pathotypes. Three isolates were identified as O157 based on the detection of the rbfO157 gene.

Conclusion: This study reported a high prevalence of MDR, suggesting the misuse of antimicrobials in backyard chicken farms. The emergence of ESBL and EHEC isolates in backyard chickens is a public health concern. Furthermore, the backyard flocks environment may harbor different pathogenic bacteria that may enhance the persistence of infection and the transmission to in-contact humans. Regular monitoring for the occurrence of MDR and the zoonotic pathotypes among E. coli in backyard chicken flocks is recommended, as these bacteria can transmit to humans through food products or contaminated environments.

Keywords: backyard broilers, Escherichia coli, multidrug resistance, virulence genes.

Comparative study utilizing different post-breeding treatment regimens in cyclic Arabian mares

Research (Published online: 10-11-2021)

4. Comparative study utilizing different post-breeding treatment regimens in cyclic Arabian mares

Khalid Mohammed Karam, Ahmed Saed Alebady, Haitham O. Alhilfi and Dhia Hussain Al-Delemi

Veterinary World, 14(11): 2863-2868

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Post-breeding treatment is the most common practice in the reproductive management of mares. Oxytocin, uterine lavage, and intrauterine (I/U) antibiotic are usually used as prophylactic therapy. This study aimed to determine the most efficient prophylactic treatment regimen among six treatment protocols applied during natural breeding of cyclic Arabian mares.

Materials and Methods: The current study was conducted on cyclic Arabian mares that were subdivided into three age categories (n=968): Category I (5-10 years, n=380), Category II (11-15 years, n=361), and Category III (≥16 years, n=227). Six prophylactic treatments were applied after 4 h of breeding. According to the treatment regimen, treated mares (n=483) were divided into six treatment groups: A (n=80), treated with I/U antibiotic (1 g gentamicin); B (n=81), I/U lavage (normal saline 500 mL); C (n=83), intramuscular (I/M) oxytocin (10 IU); D (n=82), I/U antibiotic and I/M oxytocin; E (n=78), I/U lavage and I/M oxytocin; and F (n=79), I/U lavage with I/U antibiotic and I/M oxytocin. Non-treated mares were classified as controls (n=485). Ultrasonography was performed to monitor pregnant mares 30 and 60 days after mating, and mares were followed until foaling.

Results: Pregnancy and foaling results reveals that in age Category I, treatment with oxytocin alone or oxytocin with I/U lavage showed the highest pregnancy and foaling rates (p<0.01). In age Category II, the highest pregnancy and foaling rates were observed in lavage treatment (p<0.01), whereas, in age Category III, the good pregnancy and foaling rates were monitored in treatment with oxytocin and I/U lavage (p<0.01).

Conclusion: Treatment with systemic I/M oxytocin is ideal in early age group mares (5-10 years of age). However, irrespective of the age categories, all mares exhibited high pregnancy and foaling rates after treatment with systemic I/M oxytocin and I/U lavage with normal saline (0.9%) 4 h post-breeding.

Keywords: endometritis, lavage, mare, oxytocin, persistent breeding-induced endometritis, post-breeding.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in small ruminant flocks in Karnataka in the Southern Province of India

Research (Published online: 09-11-2021)

3. Seroprevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in small ruminant flocks in Karnataka in the Southern Province of India

Krithiga Natesan, Triveni Kalleshamurthy, Mangadevi Nookala, Chaitra Yadav, Nagalingam Mohandoss, Somy Skariah, Swati Sahay, Bibek Ranjan Shome, Obli Rajendran Vinodh Kumar, Habibur Rahman and Rajeswari Shome

Veterinary World, 14(11): 2855-2862

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease of high economic and public health importance in large and small ruminant populations worldwide. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis in small ruminants in organized farms in the southern region of India.

Materials and Methods: Farms exclusively rearing sheep and goats were selected based on the number of animals (small, medium, or large) and the location of the farm (urban, periurban, or rural). A total of 1499 serum samples; 1001 from sheeps and 498 from goats were sourced from six sheep and four goat farms and tested using Rose Bengal Plate and indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay tests.

Results: The apparent prevalence of brucellosis was higher in sheep (8.29%, 95% CI 6.7-10.1) than goats (5.82%, 95% CI 4.0-8.2). The true adjusted population level seroprevalence was also higher in sheep, at 7.7% (95% CI 6.0-9.6) than in goats, at 5.1% (95% CI 3.2-7.6). According to bivariate categorical analysis, six highly significant (p<0.001) animal- and farm-level risk factors for sheep were age, breed, number of lambings, history of abortion, rural farms, and presence of dogs on the farm. In goats, five significant risk factors were found: History of abortion, separate sheds, dogs on the farm, weekly veterinary consultation, and lack of brucellosis awareness. In a logistic regression model, abortion (OR adjusted 10.8, 95% CI 1.2-96.12), rural farms (OR adjusted 8.5, 95% CI 3.6-20.0), and absence of separate sheds on the farms (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1- 3.5) were found to be significant risk factors for ovine brucellosis.

Conclusion: The use of complementary measures to tackle the multiple animal- and farm-level risk factors may help to reduce the disease burden in the absence of a vaccination policy for small ruminants in India.

Keywords: brucellosis, goats, India, risk factors, sheep, seroprevalence.

Emergence of Dirofilaria repens (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) in dogs in Eastern Thailand

Research (Published online: 06-11-2021)

2. Emergence of Dirofilaria repens (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) in dogs in Eastern Thailand

Wanarit Jitsamai, Patchana Kamkong, Sariya Asawakarn and Piyanan Taweethavonsawat

Veterinary World, 14(11): 2851-2854

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Dirofilaria repens is a zoonotic vector-borne parasite of dogs and cats. It is not commonly found in every part of Thailand, except the southern part. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of this parasite in Eastern Thailand in 2019.

Materials and Methods: A total of 8003 blood samples were collected from private veterinary clinics and animal hospitals in Eastern Thailand. Blood parasites were examined using buffy coat thin blood smears with Wright-Giemsa staining. D. repens was morphologically identified and confirmed using the acid phosphatase activity technique.

Results: The first case of D. repens was found in March 2019. The prevalence of D. repens from January to December 2019 was 0.44% (35/8003) (95% confidence interval 0.30-0.61).

Conclusion: The prevalence data of D. repens in Eastern Thailand indicate that this parasitic infection should be considered as a zoonotic vector-borne disease. A strategic plan to control zoonotic transmission alongside a preventive program should be emphasized and encouraged among pet owners and veterinarians.

Keywords: Dirofilaria repens, dog, emerging, prevalence, Thailand, zoonosis.

Advances in nanotechnology and the benefits of using cellulose nanofibers in animal nutrition

Review (Published online: 03-11-2021)

1. Advances in nanotechnology and the benefits of using cellulose nanofibers in animal nutrition

Geovane Rosa de Oliveira, Carla de Andrade, Cristina Santos Sotomaior and Leandro Batista Costa

Veterinary World, 14(11): 2843-2850

ABSTRACT

The production of cellulose nanofibers promotes the utilization of plant residues that are generated in agro-industries during food processing. The utilization of these plant by-products reduces environmental contamination. Cellulose nanofibers are used in several sectors, including the drug, food, and animal nutrition industries. Many sources of nanofibers used in animal diets can be used as potential fiber substitutes after being processed to improve efficiency. For instance, including nanometric particles of plant fibers (<100 nm) in animal feed may provide excellent physical properties such as high reactivity, a large surface area, and improved nutrient absorption from the diet. Nanotechnology improves the characteristics of fibers that are important for gastrointestinal transit and their utilization as energy sources and substrates for microbial fermentation in the digestive tract of animals. Nanofibers can improve the synthesis of volatile fatty acids and the blood lipid profile, with positive effects on the intestinal health of animals. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated promising effects in reducing blood glucose levels without toxic effects on the body. Supplying nanofibers in the diet improve animal performance, increase productivity, and work toward a more sustainable economic development of agribusinesses. The quality of animal products such as meat, milk, and eggs is also reported to be improved with the inclusion of nanominerals in the feed. Overall, the application of nanotechnology to harness the by-products of agro-industries can increase economic viability and sustainability in animal production systems. Therefore, this review presents a current survey on the main research and advances in the utilization of nanotechnology, focusing on cellulose nanofibers in animal feed to improve animal performance.

Keywords: animal performance, animal production, coproduct, fibers, nanocellulose.

First report of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 detection in two asymptomatic cats in the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil

Research (Published online: 31-10-2021)

36. First report of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 detection in two asymptomatic cats in the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil

Ivyson da Silva Epifanio, Davi dos Santos Rodrigues, Leonardo Borges de Lima, Maria Aurea de Azevedo Nogueira, Laelia Reginae do Monte Pessoa Felix, Barbara Ferreira de Almeida, Claudia Kathariny da Silva Farias, Otavio Valerio de Carvalho, Rita de Cassia Carvalho Maia, Luiz Eduardo Ristow, David Soeiro Barbosa, Juliana Arena Galhardo, Christina Pettan-Brewer, Louise Bach Kmetiuk, Rafael Garabet Agopian, Valeria Dutra, Helio Autran de Morais, Andrea Pires dos Santos, Alexander Welker Biondo and Daniel Friguglietti Brandespim

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2839-2842

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Despite worldwide case reports, including Brazilian cases, no frequency study on infection of pets by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been conducted to date in Brazil. Accordingly, the present study was aimed to assess dogs and cats belonging to positive owners in Recife, Northeastern Brazil.

Materials and Methods: This was a longitudinal prospective study on dogs and cats in the city of Recife whose owners were in isolation at home due to a confirmed laboratory diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 through reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Oral and rectal swabs from the pets were tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific RNA by means of RT-qPCR.

Results: Among the pets tested, 0/16 dogs and 2/15 cats were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Interestingly, the two positive cats were owned by two unrelated asymptomatic veterinary students, which, therefore, post a warning to veterinarians worldwide.

Conclusion: The findings herein indicate that cats may act as sentinels for human cases, particularly sharing households with asymptomatic human cases. Although with small sampling and convenient recruiting, the presence of infected cats by SARS-CoV-2 was most likely due to close cat-human contact with positive owners, posting a human-animal health threat when pets share the same bed and interact with owners without protection, particularly during owner self-isolation. Thus, infected owners should follow the same human preventive guidelines with their pets to avoid spreading infection.

Keywords: Brazil, coronavirus, domestic animals, pandemic.