Statistical distribution of novel coronavirus in Iran

Research (Published online: 17-09-2020)

8. Statistical distribution of novel coronavirus in Iran

Elham Gholami, Kamyar Mansori and Mojtaba Soltani-Kermanshahi

International Journal of One Health, 6(2): 143-146

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic – novel coronavirus (nCoV) spread worldwide in 2019, and by March 27, 2020, 199 countries, including Iran, were affected. Prevention and control of the infection is the most important public health priority today. The behavior prediction of COVID-19 is a significant problem. Therefore, in the present research, we compared the different distribution of COVID-19 cases based on the daily reported data in Iran.

Materials and Methods: In this research, we compared the different distribution of COVID-19 cases based on the daily reported data in Iran. We focused on 36 initial data on deaths and new cases with confirmed 2019-nCoV infection in Iran based on official reports from governmental institutes. We used the three types of continuous distribution known as Normal, Lognormal, and Weibull.

Results: Our study showed that the Weibull distribution was the best fit to the data. However, the parameters of distribution were different between data on new cases and daily deaths.

Conclusion: According to the mean and median of the best-fitted distribution, we can expect to pass the peak of the disease. In other words, the death rate is decreasing. Similar behaviors of COVID-19 in both Iran and China, in the long run, can be seen.

Keywords: coronavirus disease-2019, distribution, infection, Weibull.

Prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Campylobacter coli isolated from broiler farms in the Marrakesh Safi region, Morocco

Research (Published online: 16-09-2020)

20. Prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Campylobacter coli isolated from broiler farms in the Marrakesh Safi region, Morocco

Raja Asmai, Bouchra Karraouan, Khadija Es-Soucratti, Houda En-Nassiri, Brahim Bouchrif, Hakim Karib and Réda Triqui

Veterinary World, 13(9): 1892-1897

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Campylobacteriosis is a common foodborne disease epidemiologically linked to the consumption of poultry products. However, other sources, such as raw or contaminated milk, contaminated water or ice, contact with infected livestock, and pets, are reported. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and resistance to microbial resistance of Campylobacter coliM in broiler farms in the region of Marrakesh Safi, Morocco.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted between May and December 2017 and involved 35 broiler farms. One hundred and five cloacal swabs were collected from the eight provinces in the region of Marrakesh Safi, Morocco. Bacteriology method NM ISO/TS 10272-3: 2013 was used to isolate and identify Campylobacter spp. Molecular identification (polymerase chain reaction) was used for confirmation. A disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar was used for susceptibility testing. Five antibiotic agents, including first-line drugs, were evaluated.

Results: Among 105 samples, 71.4% (75/105) were positive for Campylobacter spp. test and 56% (42/75) of isolates belonged to the species coli. Susceptibility profiles showed that 95.2% of C. coli strains were resistant to ampicillin, 92.8% to erythromycin and tetracycline, 85.7% to ciprofloxacin, and 7.1% to gentamicin.

Conclusion: This study underlines the need to strengthen implementation of specific control procedures to decrease contamination of poultry meat with Campylobacter spp. and to reduce the use of antibiotics in the poultry sector.

Keywords: Campylobacter coli, microbial resistance, Morocco poultry, prevalence

Molecular diagnosis and biochemical studies of tick-borne diseases (anaplasmosis and babesiosis) in Aberdeen Angus Cattle in New Valley, Egypt

Research (Published online: 16-09-2020)

19. Molecular diagnosis and biochemical studies of tick-borne diseases (anaplasmosis and babesiosis) in Aberdeen Angus Cattle in New Valley, Egypt

Nani Nasreldin, Rania M. Ewida, Hatem Hamdon and Yasser F. Elnaker

Veterinary World, 13(9): 1884-1891

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Anaplasmosis and babesiosis are tick-borne diseases that threaten livestock production with subsequent considerable economic losses. This study was conducted to diagnose Anaplasma and Babesia infection using molecular techniques in imported Aberdeen Angus cattle imported from Uruguay to El-Kharga Oasis in New Valley, Egypt, and to investigate the effects of disease on some serum biochemical and oxidative stress parameters.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 31 cattle, 21 diseased and ten apparently normal, of varying ages and sex. The blood was used for the preparation of blood smears, polymerase chain reaction assay, and separation of serum for biochemical investigation. The experimental production farm at the Faculty of Agriculture, New Valley University, was infested with ticks and variable clinical manifestations during the period from December 2017 to March 2018. One calf died of a suspected blood parasite infection.

Results: The blood film examination revealed infection by blood parasites in 21 samples. Anaplasma marginale and Babesia bovis were identified in 12 and 14 samples, respectively. A total of 14 samples were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to make these identifications. Biochemical parameters showed significantly elevated serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin (T. Bil), and urea in blood from parasite-infected female cattle and male calves compared with controls. Increased serum total protein, globulin, and creatinine were recorded only in infected female cattle. The blood glucose level was significantly decreased in infected female cattle and male calves compared with controls. Furthermore, albumin and albumin/globulin ratio was significantly reduced in the infected female cattle. Oxidative stress profiles of infected animals showed a significant increase in serum nitric oxide and malondialdehyde, and both total antioxidant capacity and reduced glutathione (GSH) were significantly reduced in comparison with control animals.

Conclusion: The incidence of A. marginale and B. bovis infection is high in imported Aberdeen Angus cattle in New Valley Province. PCR methods provide a short-term assessment of disease. An extensive epidemiological survey, employing serology together with molecular genetic methods, monitoring of abundance and distribution of tick vectors, availability of vaccination programs, and tracking of animal transport is also needed for control of blood parasites.

Keywords: Aberdeen Angus cattle, Anaplasma marginal, Babesia bovis, oxidative stress.

Coresistance to quaternary ammonium compounds in extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli

Research (Published online: 15-09-2020)

7. Coresistance to quaternary ammonium compounds in extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli

Susanne Sütterlin, Anna Heydecke and Eva Tano

International Journal of One Health, 6(2): 134-142

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) in Escherichia coli constitutes one of the major threats to modern medicine, and the increasing pollution with quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) has been suspected to contribute to the spread of ESBL-producing bacteria. The aim of the study was to investigate ESBLA and ESBLM-C-producing E. coli isolates for their coresistance to QACs and their phylogeny isolated from a Swedish University Hospital.

Materials and Methods: Coresistance in E. coli with production of ESBL enzymes of the type blaCTX-M (n=23) was compared to E. coli producing AmpC type ESBL enzymes blaCMY and blaDHA (n=27). All isolates were tested for susceptibility to antibiotics and QACs, and high-quality whole-genome sequences were analyzed for resistance determinants.

Results: The plasmid-borne small multidrug resistance (SMR) efflux pump sugE(p) was solely present in blaCMY-producing E. coli (n=9), within the same genetic environment blaCMY–blc–sugE(p). Other small multidrug efflux pumps were found without association for ESBL-types: emrE (n=5) and the truncated qacEΔ1 (n=18).

Conclusion: Coresistance of ESBL enzymes and SMR efflux pumps in E. coli was common and might indicate that other substances than antibiotics contribute to the spread and emergence of antibiotic resistance.

Keywords: biocides, Escherichia coli, extended-spectrum β-lactamases, quaternary ammonium compounds.

Identification and differentiation of Campylobacter isolated from chicken meat using real-time polymerase chain reaction and high resolution melting analysis of hipO and glyA genes

Research (Published online: 15-09-2020)

18. Identification and differentiation of Campylobacter isolated from chicken meat using real-time polymerase chain reaction and high resolution melting analysis of hipO and glyA genes

Ika Kartika Syarifah, Hadri Latif, Chaerul Basri and Puji Rahayu

Veterinary World, 13(9): 1875-1883

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Campylobacter species have been recognized as the most frequently identified bacterial cause of human gastroenteritis. The aims of this study were to identify Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli species isolated from chicken meat and to analyze the differences in the melting curve patterns of both species.

Materials and Methods: A total of 105 chicken meat samples collected from slaughterhouses and retailers in six provinces in Indonesia were examined for the isolation and identification of Campylobacter spp. A total of 56 positive isolates of Campylobacter spp. were analyzed using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and high resolution melting method.

Results: The prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in chicken meat was found to be 61.9%. Regarding the identification, 23 isolates (41.07%) were C. jejuni, 22 (39.29%) were C. coli, six (10.71%) were a mix between C. jejuni and C. coli, and five isolates (8.93%) were Campylobacter spp. All the C. jejuni and C. coli isolates produced varied melting curve patterns.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of C. jejuni and C. coli in chicken meat in Indonesia indicates a high risk of the incidence of campylobacteriosis in humans.

Keywords: Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni, chicken meat, glyA, hipO, melting curves.

Chronic unpredictable stress-induced inflammation and quantitative analysis of neurons of distinct brain regions in Wistar rat model of comorbid depression

Research (Published online: 15-09-2020)

17. Chronic unpredictable stress-induced inflammation and quantitative analysis of neurons of distinct brain regions in Wistar rat model of comorbid depression

Vandana Blossom, Megha Gokul, Nayanatara Arun Kumar, Rekha D. Kini, Shyamala Nayak and K. Bhagyalakshmi

Veterinary World, 13(9): 1870-1874

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Depression and anxiety are the most prominent neuropsychiatric disease and have been considered as the most burdensome diseases of society. The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex have a prominent role in stress-induced neurological disorders. Chronic unpredictable stress exposed rats are a perfect model in understanding comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. The inflammatory response occurring in the body has been linked to C-reactive protein (CRP) in many diseased conditions. The present research primarily focus on the possible correlation of Cortisol, CRP level and neuronal assay in different regions of hippocampus, dentate gyrus (DG), and prefrontal cortex.

Materials and Methods: The control group of rats (n=6) was not exposed to any stress. Whereas, the experimental stress group (n=6) of rats was exposed to various stressors for 15 days. After the experimentation procedures, the blood samples were collected and brain dissection was done. The neurons in the prefrontal cortex, the DG along with various hippocampal regions was counted. Statistical analysis was performed using student's t-test and p<0.05 was expressed as statistically significant.

Results: Animals exposed to chronic unpredictable stressors showed a significant (p<0.0001) decrease in the neuronal count in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. A significant rise in the serum cortisol (p<0.0001) and CRP (p<0.001) was witnessed in the stressed group.

Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that chronic unpredictable stress exposure has affected neurogenesis in prefrontal cortex and hippocampal regions. Decreased neurogenesis was well in coordinance with the increase in cortisol and CRP. The chronic unpredictable stress-induced inflammatory response correlated to various brain regions might provoke insights into a variety of new drugs targeting neurogenesis.

Keywords: anxiety, C reactive protein, cortisol, depression, neuronal count, rat model, stress.

Effects of Sauropus androgynus extract and its combination with ampicillin against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: An in vitro study

Research (Published online: 14-09-2020)

6. Effects of Sauropus androgynus extract and its combination with ampicillin against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: An in vitro study

Asih Rahayu, Chylen Setiyo Rini, Yos Adi Prakoso, Bagus Uda Palgunadi and Muhammad Aris Munandar

International Journal of One Health, 6(2): 128-133

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The massive utilization of antibiotics has increased resistant genes produced by bacteria. Many bacteria, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), have become resistant against ampicillin (AMP). The combination of an herbal extract with AMP is expected to generate synergistic effects and may restore the susceptibility of MRSA against AMP. This study aimed to analyze the potency of Sauropus androgynous extract (SAE) as a single extract and combination with AMP against MRSA.

Materials and Methods: Sauropus androgynous was extracted using 60% ethanol. SAE biochemical compounds were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. SAE, AMP, and SAE+AMP were tested against MRSA isolates to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration and fractional inhibitory concentration. The inhibition of penicillin-binding proteins 2a (PBP2a) was analyzed using a latex agglutination test. Further, the disruptive membrane effects of SAE, AMP, and SAE+AMP were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. The analysis of data was conducted using SPSS version 16 with p=0.01.

Results: SAE contained bioactive compounds such as phenolics and flavonoids. Further, 2 mg/mL of SAE could be used as the potential concentration against MRSA isolates in vitro. In addition, the utilization of SAE+AMP generated synergistic effects, restored the susceptibility of isolates against AMP, decreased the synthesis of PBP2a by the MRSA, and induced ultrastructural changes in the bacterial membrane.

Conclusion: This study indicated that the utilization of SAE potentially inhibits the growth of MRSA through decreasing of PBP2a expression, disruption of the MRSA membrane, while the combination of SAE+AMP showed synergistic effects against MRSA.

Keywords: ampicillin, herbal extract, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Sauropus androgynus, ultrastructure.