Ecology and epidemiology of Salmonella spp. isolated from the environment and the roles played by wild animals in their maintenance

Review (Published online: 22-02-2023)

1. Ecology and epidemiology of Salmonella spp. isolated from the environment and the roles played by wild animals in their maintenance

Oladapo Oyedeji Oludairo, Jacob K. P. Kwaga, Junaid Kabir, Paul A. Abdu, Arya Gitanjali, Ann Perrets, Veronica Cibin, Antonia Anna Lettini, and Julius O. Aiyedun

International Journal of One Health, 9(1): 1-9

ABSTRACT

Salmonella is a ubiquitous organism of public health importance that causes diarrhea and other systemic disease syndromes. The ecology and epidemiology of the organism in addition to the roles played by wild animals are important in understanding its disease. Relevant published peer-reviewed literature was obtained after imputing the study's keywords into the Google search engine. The publications were thereafter saved for the study. The study revealed the ecology of Salmonella is directly related to its epidemiology. These were found to be either positively or negatively influenced by the living and non-living parts of the environment. Free-ranging and captive wild animals can serve as asymptomatic carriers of Salmonella, therefore, help to maintain the cycle of the disease since wildlife serves as reservoir hosts to over 70% of emerging zoonotic diseases. Cockroaches transmit Salmonella through their feces, and body parts and when ingested by birds and animals. The statistically significant over 83% of Salmonella isolation in lizards suggests the reptile could be a source of Salmonella distribution. Snakes, foxes, badgers, rodents, and raccoons have been reported to have Salmonella as a natural component of their gut with the ability to shed the organism often. The high occurrence (>45%) of diverse Salmonella serovars coupled with the fact that some of these animals were handled, kept as pets and consumed by man portends these animals as potential sources of transmission of the organism and the disease. The etiology and epidemiology of Salmonella are overtly affected by several environmental factors which also determine their survival and maintenance. The roles played by wild animals in the relationship, transmission, growth or interaction within and between Salmonella spp., the occurrence, prevalence, and distribution of the organism help maintain the organism in the environment. An understanding of the roles played by the different parts of the environment and wild animals in the ecology and epidemiology of Salmonella can help make informed decisions on the prevention and control of the diseases it causes. This review aimed to investigate the relationship between ecology, epidemiology, and environment, including the roles played by wild animals in the maintenance of the organism and its disease.

Keywords: ecology, environment, epidemiology, reservoir-hosts, Salmonella, transmission.

A review on the evolution of methods for intestinal in vitro organ culture and its application in veterinary science

Review (Published online: 21-02-2023)

14. A review on the evolution of methods for intestinal in vitro organ culture and its application in veterinary science

Barbara Ribeiro de Souza Cortez and Roberto Maurício Carvalho Guedes

Veterinary World, 16(2): 347-356

ABSTRACT

Different techniques have been reported in studies of intestinal in vitro organ culture (IVOC). A robust compilation of all available methods is lacking in the literature, making it difficult to choose a method that corresponds to the study's demands. In this review, readers can assess the most available methods, allowing them to evaluate which is more suitable for their purposes and requirements. A simplified view of culturing intestinal explants is presented, highlighting the approachability of IVOC. Relevant findings from diverse veterinarian studies, where explants played a major role, as well as the technique used in each, are described to illustrate its applications. Finally, the strengths and limitations of the innovative intestinal IVOC methods are discussed. This review provides a collection of methods for intestinal explant culture and their possible applications in veterinary research. In this way, it aims to broaden access to IVOC techniques and aid decision-making regarding the best suited for a study's purposes.

Keywords: enteropathogens, explants culture, intestinal pathogens, swine colon, ussing chamber.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 detection in domestic animals as a reservoir for the virus transmission to humans in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 19-02-2023)

13. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 detection in domestic animals as a reservoir for the virus transmission to humans in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Yuli Purwandari Kristianingrum, Tri Untari, and Asmarani Kusumawati

Veterinary World, 16(2): 341-346

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) that attacks the respiratory and digestive tract. The SARS-CoV-2 showed systemic characteristics with various clinical symptoms from subclinical to fatal (causing death). Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been reported to occur from humans to pets (cats, dogs, tigers, ferrets, and poultry). Knowledge about the role of domestic animals in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to humans, and as reservoirs of this virus needs to be investigated further. This study aimed to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in domestic animals such as dogs, cats, pigs, cows, birds, and bats that are often in contact with humans.

Materials and Methods: A total of 157 samples, which included nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs, along with sera samples from domestic animals such as cats, pigs, cows, birds, and bats, were taken from Veterinary Hospitals, Veterinary Clinics, and farms around the Yogyakarta region. Detection of the virus was done using rapid detection of viral antigens, antibodies, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique.

Results: The results showed that 5/157 (3.1%) samples found positive against the COVID-19 virus using a rapid antibody test; however, the results were negative on the rapid antigen and RT-PCR tests. Antibody-positive samples came from animals that had a history of household COVID-19 human infection.

Conclusion: Thus, findings of the present study conclude that there is a potential for transmission of the COVID-19 virus between animals and humans.

Keywords: antibody, reservoir, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2.

Goloba kusi (Hornstedtia scottiana [F. Muell.] K. Schum.) fruit as a feed additive to improve the histological structures and growth performance of broiler

Research (Published online: 17-02-2023)

12. Goloba kusi (Hornstedtia scottiana [F. Muell.] K. Schum.) fruit as a feed additive to improve the histological structures and growth performance of broiler

D. Blatama, N. Salsabila, and H. T. Saragih

Veterinary World, 16(2): 329-340

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The broiler farming industry in Indonesia has enormous potential, with chicken meat that can be optimized by providing adequate and high-quality feed. However, the main raw material for the feed still relies on imported products, which makes it necessary to produce alternative materials from native plants. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of giving Goloba kusi fruit (GF) (Hornstedtia scottiana [F. Muell.] K. Schum.) on the growth of the small intestine, pectoralis major, and gastrocnemius muscle, as well as the development of broiler chickens.

Materials and Methods: This study used a completely randomized design, in which 300 day-old Chicks were divided into five groups, consisting of 12 chickens in each group with five replications. The GF treatments, namely, 0% (control [CON]), 0.625% (GF1), 1.25% (GF2), 2.5% (GF3), and 5% (GF4) were administered through per kg basal feed. Subsequently, three chickens from each replication were taken, decapitated on the neck, subjected to surgery for histological preparations, and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin and Periodic acid-Schiff-alcian blue. The variables observed included small intestine morphology, muscle morphology, and chicken growth performance.

Results: The results showed that the small intestine morphology, muscle morphology, and chicken growth performance of the GF4 (5%) group increased significantly compared to the CON group.

Conclusion: The administration of GF with an optimum concentration of 5% through basal feed improves small intestine morphology, muscle morphology, and chicken growth performance.

Keywords: feed additive, Goloba kusi fruit, growth performance, muscle morphology, small intestine.

Prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in broilers in North Lebanon

Research (Published online: 17-02-2023)

11. Prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in broilers in North Lebanon

Rana Awada, Ghassan Ghssein, Ali El Roz, Mona Farhat, Nada Nehme, and Hussein F. Hassan

Veterinary World, 16(2): 322-328

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Great attention has been given recently to the prevalence of different Campylobacter spp. in poultry since the latter are considered the major contributing reservoir of human campylobacteriosis. In Lebanon, the occurrence of campylobacteriosis in humans is high. The aim of our first-of-its-kind study in the country was to estimate the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in broilers from a convenient sample of farms in North Lebanon.

Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty-five fecal samples were collected from 25 broiler farms, which were selected, examined, and classified according to their biosecurity level and rearing system. All samples were subjected to qualitative microbiological culture testing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to detect Campylobacter spp.

Results: Despite the reported use of antibiotics, cell culture and PCR were positive for 44% and 88%, respectively. This implies that this bacterium is resistant to antibiotics used on the farms. Furthermore, Campylobacter infection rate was higher in open (92%) than in closed (85%) system farms. All farms with poor biosecurity measures, and 82% of farms with good biosecurity measures had Campylobacter infections, and the difference was significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Our results show that campylobacteriosis was found prevalent among broilers in North Lebanon, making them potential carriers of Campylobacter spp. Future studies should include antibiotic susceptibility testing to check the susceptibility pattern of isolates.

Keywords: broilers, Campylobacter, campylobacteriosis, faeco-prevalence, Lebanon.

First report of acanthocephalan parasite in wild-caught Asian vine snake (Ahaetulla prasina) in Indonesia

Research (Published online: 17-02-2023)

10. First report of acanthocephalan parasite in wild-caught Asian vine snake (Ahaetulla prasina) in Indonesia

Aditya Yudhana, Ratih Novita Praja, and Ryanka Edila

Veterinary World, 16(2): 317-321

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Exotic pet snakes are more susceptible to infection, especially parasitic helminths than wild-caught. There is no comprehensive report on the prevalence of acanthocephalan parasite infection in Indonesian snakes. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence rate and to identify the acanthocephalan infection in wild-caught Asian vine snake (Ahaetulla prasina) from the Mojokerto District, East Java, Indonesia.

Materials and Methods: A total of 60 snakes were collected from the local sellers in the Mojokerto District, East Java, Indonesia. Then, snakes were euthanized and necropsied to observe various predilections of acanthocephalan larval stage (cystacanth). Morphological identification of the cystacanth was conducted using the carmine staining method and microscopic examination.

Results: Acanthocephalan infection was recorded with a high prevalence rate of 80.06%. A total of 696 cystacanths were examined from the muscle, subcutaneous tissues, and visceral with 32.90, 16.37, and 50.71% intensity rates, respectively.

Conclusion: Acanthocephalan prevalence rate was recorded at 80.06% in this study. Constant disease monitoring is necessary, considering wild-caught Asian vine snakes were susceptible host and lack of data regarding parasitological surveys. Therefore, further studies are needed in new areas and various species of wild-caught snakes in Indonesia, because of the potential of parasitic helminth transmission between snake and other reptiles.

Keywords: Acanthocephalan, Ahaetulla prasina, infectious disease, neglected disease.

The relationship between ovarian hormones and mast cell distribution in the ovaries of dromedary camel (Camelus dromedaries) during the follicular wave

Research (Published online: 17-02-2023)

9. The relationship between ovarian hormones and mast cell distribution in the ovaries of dromedary camel (Camelus dromedaries) during the follicular wave

Ragab H. Mohamed, Nasra A. Yousef, Mahmoud Awad, Rasha S. Mohamed, Fatma Ali, Hassan A. Hussein, and Axel Wehrend

Veterinary World, 16(2): 309-316

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Mast cells (MCs) play an essential role in regulating tissue homeostasis through various non-allergic immune reactions. This study aimed to describe the salient features of MCs during different phases of the estrous cycle and evaluate the relationship between ovarian hormones and the presence of MCs in camel ovaries.

Materials and Methods: Genital tracts (n = 28) of healthy, non-pregnant camels were collected from a local slaughterhouse. The follicular wave stage was determined according to structures on the ovaries using an ultrasound device. Stages were classified as "growing" (n = 12, FØ = 0.3–0.8 cm), "mature" (n = 9, FØ = 0.9–2.2 cm), or "regression" phase (n = 7, FØ >2.5). Blood samples were collected at slaughter to determine serum estradiol-17β and progesterone levels using an immunoassay. Safranin-O, periodic acid/Schiff, alcian blue, or methylene blue stains were used to detect MCs.

Results: Follicular numbers at the growing, mature, and regression phases were determined to be 36, 14, and 7 follicles, respectively. Mast cells were widely but sparsely distributed within the ovarian tissue (9.3 MCs in the growing phase, 10.7 in the mature phase, and 7.0 in the regression phase). Typical histological features of MCs were observed in ovarian stromal tissue. Some MCs were found in the interstitial tissue, either near the follicular wall or the interstitial gland. Mast cells were present at a higher density during the mature phase than in the growing and regression phases in the ovarian matrix. A significantly reduced presence of MCs was found in the regression phase than in both the growing and mature phases (p < 0.05). A very strong positive correlation was observed between serum estradiol-17β concentrations and MC density in the ovaries (r = 0.9; p < 0.001). In addition, a strong negative correlation (r = –0.65; p = 0.03) was observed between the presence of MCs and serum progesterone concentrations.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the follicular wave phase and the associated hormonal concentration induce changes in the number of MCs in the camel ovary.

Keywords: camel, follicular wave, immunohistochemistry, mast cell, ovarian hormones.