Gastrointestinal parasite infections in fighting bulls in South Thailand

Research (Published online: 10-08-2020)

8. Gastrointestinal parasite infections in fighting bulls in South Thailand

Domechai Kaewnoi, Ratchakul Wiriyaprom, Saowakon Indoung and Ruttayaporn Ngasaman

Veterinary World, 13(8): 1544-1548

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Bullfighting is booming in South Thailand, attracting tourists, and stimulating local economies. The bulls are well raised and practiced, but in many cases, the owners lack knowledge and understanding of the prevention of animal diseases, including parasitic infections. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasite infection in fighting bulls.

Materials and Methods: A total of 1501 fecal samples were collected from bulls aged 2-5 years visiting the animal hospital of Prince of Songkla University during 2016-2019. The formalin ethylether concentration method was used to detect GI parasites in feces.

Results: The overall rate of GI parasite infection was 94.27%. Rumen fluke eggs were detected in 97.17% of all infected animals, followed in prevalence by strongyles (26.29%), Eurytrema spp. (2.83%), Fasciola spp. (2.47%), Trichuris spp. (0.35%), and Moniezia spp. (0.14%). Two protozoan genera were identified, Balantidium coli (6.64%) and Eimeria spp. (3.53%). Coinfection was observed in 33.99%. The five most common coinfections were rumen fluke with strongyles (20.85%), B. coli (4.66%), Eimeria spp. (1.55%), rumen fluke (1.34%), and Fasciola spp. (1.06%).

Conclusion: In addition to high GI parasite infection rates, zoonotic parasites were observed. Therefore, it is recommended that farmers should follow good sanitation and prevention practices to control parasitic infections in bulls, and proper hygienic precautions should be taken by the owners. Implementation of deworming programs using appropriate anthelmintic drugs as well as rotation of anthelmintic drug that have different chemical agent to prevent further drug resistance should be considered. The promotion of bull health management is highly recommended to protect humans from zoonotic diseases.

Keywords: fighting bulls, gastrointestinal parasite, southern, Thailand.

Effects of bone types, particle sizes, and gamma irradiation doses in feline demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft

Research (Published online: 10-08-2020)

7. Effects of bone types, particle sizes, and gamma irradiation doses in feline demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft

Frizky Amelia, Basril Abbas, Darmawan Darwis, Sri Estuningsih and Deni Noviana

Veterinary World, 13(8): 1536-1543

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Fracture cases significantly increase recently, demanding high quality of bone graft materials. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of bone types, particle sizes, and gamma irradiation doses on morphological performance and cell viability of feline demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) through an in vitro study.

Materials and Methods: Feline DFDBA derived from feline cortical and cancellous long bones was processed into four different sizes: Group A (larger than 1000 μm), B (841-1000 μm), C (420-840 μm), and D (250-419 μm) for each type of bones. The materials were then irradiated with two doses of gamma rays, 15 and 25 kGy, resulting in 16 variants of feline DFDBA. The surfaces of each material were then observed with the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The in vitro evaluation of feline DFDBA was then performed using 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay with calf pulmonary artery endothelial cells.

Results: The MTT assay results showed that the lowest inhibition rate (14.67±9.17 %) achieved by feline DFDBA in Group A derived from cortical bones irradiated with 15 kGy. Group D generally showed high inhibition rate in both cancellous and cortical bones, irradiated with either 15 or 25 kGy. The SEM results showed that cancellous and cortical bones have numerous macropores and micropores structure in 170× and 3000×, respectively.

Conclusion: The material derived from cortical bones in Group A (larger than 1000 μm in particle size) irradiated with 15 kGy is the best candidate for further development due to its abundance of micropores structure and ability in preserving the living cells.

Keywords: bone type, feline bone allograft, gamma irradiation, in vitro study, particle size.

Methanol leaf extract of Momordica charantia protects alloxan-induced hepatopathy through modulation of caspase-9 and interleukin-1β signaling pathways in rats

Research (Published online: 08-08-2020)

6. Methanol leaf extract of Momordica charantia protects alloxan-induced hepatopathy through modulation of caspase-9 and interleukin-1β signaling pathways in rats

Sunday Oluwaseun Ofuegbe, Ademola Adetokunbo Oyagbemi, Temidayo Olutayo Omobowale, Aduragbenro Deborah Adedapo, Abiodun Emmanuel Ayodele, Momoh Audu Yakubu, Oluwafemi O. Oguntibeju and Adeolu Alex Adedapo

Veterinary World, 13(8): 1528-1535

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Momordica charantia is a highly valued plant, widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions. The plant is reported to have a wide range of medicinal uses. This study was designed to explore the ameliorative potential of M. charantia methanol leaf extract in alloxan-induced diabetic animal model with a particular focus on the liver.

Materials and Methods: Hepatoprotective effect of methanol leaf extract of M. charantia was assessed in alloxan-induced toxicity in 50 rats divided into five groups (A-E) (n=10). Group A normal control, Group B was toxicant group, and Group C animals received glibenclamide treatment while Groups D and E received extracts at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses, respectively. The experiment lasted for 28 days. Histopathological changes, blood glucose level, and serum enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase, oxidative status and caspase-9, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were evaluated.

Results: Extract-treatment caused a decreased blood glucose level, markers of oxidative stress such as malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Treatment of rats with leaf extract of M. charantia resulted in increased levels and activities of protein thiols, non-protein thiols, glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and superoxide dismutase indicating its antioxidant potential. The liver section revealed mild distortion of the hepatic architecture compared to the toxicant group, while decreased expressions of caspase-9 and IL-1β in extract-treated groups was observed.

Conclusion: The plant extract exhibited antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects, thus showing its hepatoprotective property.

Keywords: antioxidant, caspase-9, hepatotoxicity, histopathology, interleukin-1β, Momordica charantia.

Clinical signs, prevalence, and hematobiochemical profile associated with Anaplasma infections in sheep of North Iraq

Research (Published online: 08-08-2020)

5. Clinical signs, prevalence, and hematobiochemical profile associated with Anaplasma infections in sheep of North Iraq

Donea Abdulrazak Abdullah, Fawwaz Fadhil Ali, Afrah Younis Jasim, Shola David Ola-Fadunsin, Fufa Ido Gimba and Moeena Sadeq Ali

Veterinary World, 13(8): 1524-1527

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Anaplasma infection is a worldwide prevalent condition that causes significant economic losses in affected flocks. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and clinical signs associated with ovine anaplasmosis as well as the hematological and biochemical changes associated with the disease in natural infection in North Iraq.

Materials and Methods: A total of 420 sheep were appropriately examined, and the clinical signs were documented accordingly. Blood samples were collected and subjected to parasitological, hematological, and biochemical analyses.

Results: Anaplasma-infected sheep displayed the following clinical signs: Paleness of the mucous membrane, bloody diarrhea, emaciation, pyrexia, jaundice, nasal discharge, coughing, loss of wool, nervous signs, hemoglobinuria, and lacrimation. The prevalence of Anaplasma infection was 66.19%, and female sheep were significantly (p<0.05) more infected than male sheep. The hematological and biochemical parameters were significantly different between Anaplasma-positive and Anaplasma-negative sheep.

Conclusion: Anaplasma infection among sheep is a significant concern in North Iraq considering its prevalence, clinical signs, and hematological and biochemical findings, which entirely causes significant debilitating effects on sheep productivity. It is important to pay more attention toward managing tick infestation among sheep to reduce the occurrence of this rickettsial disease for a more robust livestock sector of the Iraqi economy.

Keywords: Anaplasma species, biochemical, hematological, prevalence, sheep.

Production, immunogenicity, stability, and safety of a vaccine against Clostridium perfringens beta toxins

Research (Published online: 07-08-2020)

4. Production, immunogenicity, stability, and safety of a vaccine against Clostridium perfringens beta toxins

Mohamed J. Saadh, Issam J. Sa'adeh, Moeen F. Dababneh, Ammar M. Almaaytah and Mohammad F. Bayan

Veterinary World, 13(8): 1517-1523

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The beta toxin is causing the most severe Clostridium perfringens-related diseases. This work was dedicated to developing a vaccine against beta toxin using C. perfringens type C (NCTC 3180).

Materials and Methods: The crude toxoid harvest contained 710 limits of flocculation (Lf)/mL. The vaccine was formulated. Each 1 mL of the final vaccine product contained at least 50 Lf/mL of beta toxoids, 0.2 mL 3% aluminum hydroxide gel (equivalent to 5.18 mg of aluminum), <0.001% W/V thiomersal, formaldehyde <0.05% W/V, and ∼0.7 mL phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.2). The efficacy of the vaccine was evaluated by potency, stability, and safety tests.

Results: The vaccine demonstrated 24.36 IU/mL (standard deviation, ±0.56) and 14.74 IU/mL (±0.36) of neutralizing antibodies in rabbits and cattle, respectively. Indeed, these levels were above the minimum recommended by international protocols since the obtained antibody levels had 2.43- and 1.47-fold increase in both rabbits and cattle, respectively, over the minimum antitoxin level suggested by the United States Department of Agriculture. Interestingly, our formulation was capable of inducing 1.65-fold higher immune responses in rabbits than that stimulated in cattle (65% increase) with a significant difference (p<0.0001). The vaccine was stable up to 30 months. The vaccinated rabbits were suffered from a temporarily slight increase in temperatures in the first 10 h without any significant difference (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The research showed a procedure for the manufacturing process of the vaccine against C. perfringens beta toxins with a feasible quantity and the vaccine described here showed to be effective in eliciting levels of neutralizing antibodies higher than required by international standards. In addition, The vaccine was stable up to 30 months. Thus, it may represent an effective and safe for preventing C. perfringens-related diseases in rabbits and cattle, although further studies to prove its efficacy in the field on other farm animals are still needed.

Keywords: beta toxin, cattle, Clostridium perfringens type C, potency, safety, stability, toxoid.

Tempe extract reduces cell damage in the liver and kidneys after intensive physical exercise in rats

Research (Published online: 07-08-2020)

3. Tempe extract reduces cell damage in the liver and kidneys after intensive physical exercise in rats

I. Nyoman Suarsana, Iwan Harjono Utama and I. Made Kardena

Veterinary World, 13(8): 1510-1516

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Cells of the liver and kidneys are perpetually exposed to free radicals from endogenous and exogenous sources. High-intensity physical exercise can induce oxidative stress. This study aimed to determine the effects of tempe extract on cell damage in the liver and kidneys of rats after intensive physical exercise.

Materials and Methods: This study used five experimental groups: T0 (non-exercised control rats), T1 (rats made to exercise by swimming), and T2-T4 (rats made to exercise by swimming treated with 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight tempe extract). The biochemical parameters that were analyzed included blood glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine levels. The morphology of liver and kidney tissues was histopathologically and immunohistochemically analyzed.

Results: Tempe extract treatment reduced cell damage in the liver and kidney tissues of rats, characterized by decreased expression of caspase-3. In addition, the ALT, AST, ALP, creatinine, and BUN levels of rats were significantly lower in tempe extract-treated rats than in rats after swimming exercise alone.

Conclusion: Tempe extract is capable of reducing cell damage and apoptosis in the liver and kidney cells of rats after intensive physical exercise and maintaining biochemical properties similar to the normal physiological state.

Keywords: apoptosis, caspase-3, kidney, liver, physical exercise, tempe.

Seroprevalence of brucellosis in sheep and goats in the Arabian Gulf region

Research (Published online: 06-08-2020)

2. Seroprevalence of brucellosis in sheep and goats in the Arabian Gulf region

M. Ebid, A. El Mola and F. Salib

Veterinary World, 13(8): 1495-1509

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Brucellosis is a zoonosis that occurs worldwide. There were more efforts to control brucellosis in all countries. This study was performed to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis in sheep and goats in some areas in the Arabian Gulf.

Materials and Methods: The study analyzed 8500 sera from non-vaccinated sheep and goats. Animals included 6441 sheep (3420 from farms and 3021 from quarantine) and 2059 goats (1580 from farms and 479 from quarantine). Sera were tested using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and confirmed with an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA) test. Final confirmation analyzed blood samples from confirmed infected animals (n=30, 23 sheep and seven goats) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and culture.

Results: The serological examination showed that 62/8500 of animals (0.729%, confidence interval [CI] 95% 0.57-0.94) were seropositive for brucellosis. Thirteen of 5000 (0.26%, CI 95% 0.15-0.45) and 49/3500 (1.4%, CI 95% 1.1-1.8) of animals from farms and quarantine were seropositive, respectively. Out of the 6441, 46 (0.71%) sheep and 16/2059 (0.78%) goats were seropositive. i-ELISA confirmed 41/62 RBPT-positive animals – 41/8500 (0.482%, CI 95% 0.36-0.65). Eight of 5000 of these animals (0.16%, CI 95% 0.08-0.32) and 33/3500 (0.94%, CI 95% 0.67-1.3) were confirmed positive in farms and quarantine, respectively. Thirty of 6441 (0.466%) and 11/2059 (0.534%) cases were positive in sheep and goats, respectively. PCR confirmed 18 of 41 positive animals (0.212% of all sera, CI 95% 0.13-0.34) identified by both RBPT and i-ELISA. Three of 5000 (0.06%, CI 95% 0.019-0.19) and 15/3500 (0.429%, CI 95% 0.26-0.71) from farms and quarantine were confirmed positive. Tissue samples (uterine, supra-mammary, testicular, and accessory glands lymph node) were collected from positive animals, as detected by RBPT and i-ELISA, at culling or slaughtering. Using in vitro culture, 14/30 were confirmed positive – 3/7 from farms (two sheep and one goat) and 11/23 from quarantine (nine sheep and two goats). Biovar 1 was dominant. PCR confirmed 23/30 tissue samples, 4/7 from farms (three sheep and one goat), and 19/23 from quarantine (15 sheep and four goats).

Conclusion: The overall brucellosis rate in sheep and goats is 0.48%, with fewer animals from farms testing positive (0.16%) in this area of the Arabian Gulf. The infection appears to be well controlled, and continuous effort is still needed to maintain control and completely eradicate brucellosis. Additional support is needed for testing and slaughterhouse monitoring. In quarantine (imported animals), brucellosis infection in the slaughterhouse (0.94%) could pose a risk for transmission and spread of infection. The effort is needed to monitor this threat, and PCR is a sensitive and time-saving test for brucellosis diagnosis. All 14 confirmed positive samples were Biovar 1 dominant.

Keywords: Arabian gulf, Brucellosis, goats, indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, polymerase chain reaction, Rose Bengal, seroprevalence, sheep.