Phenotypic detection and genotyping of Clostridium perfringens associated with enterotoxemia in sheep in the Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia

Research (Published online: 06-03-2021)

4. Phenotypic detection and genotyping of Clostridium perfringens associated with enterotoxemia in sheep in the Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia

Fehaid Alsaab, Ali Wahdan and Elhassan M. A. Saeed

Veterinary World, 14(3): 578-584

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Enterotoxemia caused by Clostridium perfringens toxinotypes is an often fatal disease of sheep of all ages, with a substantial economic loss to the sheep industry. This study was conducted to isolate C. perfringens from suspected cases of enterotoxemia in sheep in the central part of the Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia, and to determine the prevalent toxinotype by detecting alpha (cpA), beta (cpB), and epsilon (etX) toxin genes, which might help control this disease locally.

Materials and Methods: A total of 93 rectal swabs and intestinal content samples were collected from diseased and animals suspected of having died of enterotoxemia in early 2020. Samples were subjected to bacteriological examination, biochemical analysis of isolates by VITEK 2, and molecular toxinotyping of isolates by LightCycler® real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results: Our results revealed that only 14 isolates were confirmed by VITEK 2 as being C. perfringens, with excellent identification (probability of 95% and 97%). According to the toxinotyping of isolates by RT-PCR, all 14 isolates possessed both the cpA and etX toxin genes, while the cpB toxin gene was not detected in any of the isolates.

Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that C. perfringens type D was the only toxinotype found in the central part of the Qassim Region in 2020; moreover, according to the culture method, only 15% (14/93) of the suspected cases of enterotoxemia were confirmed to be caused by C. perfringens infection, which highlighted the importance of clinical and laboratory differential diagnosis of enterotoxemia in sheep.

Keywords: Clostridium perfringens toxinotypes, enterotoxaemia, Qassim Region, real-time polymerase chain reaction, sheep, VITEK 2.

Histopathological evaluation of Senecio rhizomatus Rusby in 7,12-dimethylbenz(α) anthracene-induced breast cancer in female rats

Research (Published online: 06-03-2021)

3. Histopathological evaluation of Senecio rhizomatus Rusby in 7,12-dimethylbenz(α) anthracene-induced breast cancer in female rats

Jorge Luis Arroyo-Acevedo, Oscar Herrera-Calderon, Juan Pedro Rojas-Armas, Roberto Chávez-Asmat, James Calva and Tapan Behl

Veterinary World, 14(3): 569-577

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Senecio rhizomatus Rusby (SrR) is a medicinal plant of the Asteraceae family and traditionally consumed as infusion in the Andean region from Peru for inflammatory disorders. This study aimed to determine the histopathological changes afforded by SrR in 7, 12-dimethylbenz[α]anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer (BC) in rats.

Materials and Methods: An ethanolic extract of SrR aerial parts was prepared by maceration with 96% ethanol, and the chemical components were identified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry; the antioxidant activity was determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picril-hidrazil (DPPH) assay; and the acute toxicity was assessed according to the OCED 423 guidelines. In a pharmacological study, 30 female Holztman rats were distributed randomly into five groups, as follows. Group I: Negative control (physiological serum, 2 mL/kg); Group II. DMBA (80 mg/Kg body weight); and Groups III, IV, and V: DMBA + ethanol extract of SrR at doses of 10, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively.

Results: The antioxidant activity of the SrR extract against DPPH was 92.50% at 200 μg/mL. The oral administration of SrR at doses of 50, 300, 2000, and 5000 mg/kg did not show any clinical evidence of toxicity or occurrence of death. The groups that received SrR presented a lower frequency of tumors and a cumulative tumor volume compared with the DMBA group (p<0.05); the DMBA group exhibited a higher incidence of necrosis and moderate mitosis, up to 66.67% and 100.00%, respectively. Finally, infiltrating carcinoma with extensive tumor necrosis was evidenced.

Conclusion: In experimental conditions, the ethanolic extract of SrR had a protective effect in DMBA-induced BC in female rats. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of its main phytochemicals could be responsible for the effect observed, and SrR seems to be a safe extract in the preclinical phase.

Keywords: breast cancer, carcinogenic, experimental pharmacology, phytotherapy, Senecio rhizomatus.

Peri-parturient hypocalcemia in goats: Clinical, hematobiochemical profiles and ultrasonographic measurements of postpartum uterine involution

Research (Published online: 02-03-2021)

2. Peri-parturient hypocalcemia in goats: Clinical, hematobiochemical profiles and ultrasonographic measurements of postpartum uterine involution

Yasmin H. Bayoumi, Amany Behairy, Asmaa A. Abdallah and Noura E. Attia

Veterinary World, 14(3): 558-568

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Hypocalcemia in goats occurs around the time of parturition and is caused by decreasing level of calcium less than 10 mg/dL. This investigation characterized the hematological and biochemical profiles of peri-parturient hypocalcemia in goats and study the effects of hypocalcemia on uterine involution during the postpartum period on day 0 and then weekly postpartum (day +7, +14, +21, +28, +35, till +42).

Materials and Methods: Forty-five polyparous native breed does age 3-5 years and weighing 40–60 kg were assigned to control and hypocalcemia groups based on their health history, clinical and biochemical findings. The control group included 10 clinically healthy pregnant does, and the hypocalcemia group included 35 late pregnant does that suffered from anorexia, weakness, muscle tremors of the hind limbs, and an inability to stand. Clinical examination and blood sampling in both groups were performed approximately 14 days before the expected time of kidding (day–14), at kidding day (day 0), on day +21, and +42 postpartum. Sonographic measurements were used to monitor uterine involution on day 0 and then weekly once the animal was postpartum (day +7, +14, +21, +28, +35, till +42) in both groups.

Results: Results of sonographic measurement revealed that the hypocalcemia group had a greater (p<0.05) size of the uterus as assessed transrectally and retarded uterine involution when compared with the control group. Laboratory findings revealed that does in both groups showed lower red blood cells, packed cell volume%, and hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations on day –14 before kidding and day 0 when compared with postpartum measurements. A significant increase (p<0.05) in total leukocyte counts, neutrophil, serum glucose, and cortisol levels with a significant decrease (p<0.05) in lymphocytes. Significant decreases (p<0.05) in serum calcium, phosphorous, vitamin D, and total antioxidant capacity levels with significant (p<0.05) increases in serum malondialdehyde were recorded on day 0 and day –14 in the hypocalcemia group when compared with the control group.

Conclusion: This investigation provides evidence that hypocalcemia in does causes both metabolic and oxidative stress during peri-parturient periods while also retarding uterine involution during postpartum periods.

Keywords: does, hypocalcemia, postpartum, ultrasonography, uterine involution.

The vulnerary potential of botanical medicines in the treatment of bacterial pathologies in fish

Research (Published online: 02-03-2021)

1. The vulnerary potential of botanical medicines in the treatment of bacterial pathologies in fish

Farida Nurzhanova, Gaisa Absatirov, Bekzhasar Sidikhov, Alexander Sidorchuk, Nurbek Ginayatov and Kenzhebek Murzabaev

Veterinary World, 14(3): 551-557

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The use of plant-based medicine in treating and preventing fish disease has become increasingly popular due to the resistance of bacterial pathogens to chemicals widely used in aquaculture. This study explored the vulnerary effect of botanical medicines made from local raw materials (greater celandine [Chelidonium majus L.], St. John's wort [Hypericum perforatum L.], and bur beggar-ticks [Bidens tripartita L.]) in the treatment of sturgeon bacterial pathologies in a controlled environment.

Materials and Methods: The vulnerary activity of herbal infusions was studied on spontaneously infected fish by assessing the degree of wound healing at regular intervals: The state of the wound, reduction of the wound surface area, the formation of granulation tissue, epithelization, and wound contraction.

Results: A positive vulnerary effect of C. majus, H. perforatum, and B. tripartita was observed, consistent with the use of these plants in folk and traditional medicine. The plant materials eliminated infection, had anti-inflammatory and vulnerary effects, stimulated granulation tissue development, and enhanced regeneration. Compared with widely accepted methods (antibiotics and other chemotherapeutic agents), botanical medicine facilitated more effective treatment over the same period without side effects.

Conclusion: Practical use and the results of this study show the potential of using herbal infusions for therapeutic purposes in aquaculture.

Keywords: fish, plant raw material, vulnerary effect, wound.

The occurrence of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus infection in wild and captive Asian elephants in Thailand: Investigation based on viral DNA and host antibody

Research (Published online: 27-02-2021)

28. The occurrence of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus infection in wild and captive Asian elephants in Thailand: Investigation based on viral DNA and host antibody

Phirom Prompiram, Witthawat Wiriyarat, Benjaporn Bhusri, Weena Paungpin, Waleemas Jairak, Supaphen Sripiboon and Tuempong Wongtawan

Veterinary World, 14(2): 545-550

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) is a serious disease, threatening the life of young elephants. Many elephants have been infected with no clinical signs and may serve as carriers spreading this disease. It is important to monitor the disease through clinical signs and molecular diagnosis. In this study we investigated the occurrence of EEHV and the efficiency of different techniques used to monitor EEHV infection in various samples and populations of Asian elephants.

Materials and Methods: Blood and trunk swabs were collected from live elephants, while visceral organs (lung, digestive tract, spleen, lymph nodes, and kidney) were collected from dead elephants. EEHV was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in whole blood, trunk swabs, and visceral organs as samples, while elephant anti-EEHV immunoglobulin G (IgG) in serum was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 162 samples were analyzed in this study: 129 from healthy, 26 from dead, and 7 from sick elephants.

Results: The present study showed that the overall incidence of EEHV was 40.1% (n=65/162). Approximately 46.2% (n=12/26) and 85.7% (n=6/7) of dead and sick elephants were positive for EEHV by PCR, respectively. All sick elephants that were young and affected by EEHV clinical disease tested negative for the IgG antibody ELISA, suggesting primary EEHV infection in this group. In addition, 2.3% (n=3/129) of subclinical infections were detected using PCR, and trunk swab samples showed slightly higher sensitivity (5.3%, n=2/38) to detect EEHV than whole blood (1.2%, n=1/84). As many as, 48.4% (n=44/91) of healthy elephants were EEHV seropositive (ELISA-positive), suggesting that many elephants in Thailand had previously been infected. Overall, 30% of dead wild elephants had been infected with EEHV (n=3/10). Moreover, statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in the EEHV detection rate between different age groups or sexes (p>0.05).

Conclusion: PCR is better than ELISA to detect EEHV active infection in dead/sick elephants and to monitor EEHV in young elephants. ELISA is suitable for detecting previous EEHV infection and carriers, particularly adults. Theoretically, we could use both PCR and ELISA to increase the sensitivity of testing, along with observing abnormal behavior to efficiently monitor this disease. Identification of EEHV carriers within elephant populations is important to prevent transmission to healthy individuals, especially young elephants with high mortality from EEHV. This is the first report from Thailand regarding EEHV infection in wild elephants, showing the importance of preventing disease transmission between captive and wild elephants.

Keywords: Carrier, elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus, elephant, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, polymerase chain reaction.

A study of the aphrodisiac properties of Cordyceps militaris in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats

Research (Published online: 27-02-2021)

27. A study of the aphrodisiac properties of Cordyceps militaris in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats

Toan Van Nguyen, Pramote Chumnanpuen, Kongphop Parunyakul, Krittika Srisuksai and Wirasak Fungfuang

Veterinary World, 14(2): 537-544

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Cordyceps militaris (CM) is a fungus that has been used to enhance aphrodisiac activity in men, but to date, no studies have focused on its antidiabetic properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CM on reproductive performance of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male rats.

Materials and Methods: Six-week-old Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control Group 1 consisting of healthy rats; Group 2, healthy rats treated with CM (100 mg/kg); Group 3, diabetic untreated rats; and Group 4, diabetic rats treated with CM (100 mg/kg). Rats were orally administered with vehicle or CM for 21 days. The body weight, blood glucose level, food intake, epididymal sperm parameter, sexual behavior, serum testosterone level, and antioxidant parameters were determined.

Results: The results indicated that CM treatment in STZ-induced diabetic rats significantly improved the epididymal sperm parameter and serum testosterone level and, in turn, their copulatory behavior. CM treatment in diabetic rats significantly ameliorated malondialdehyde level and significantly improved the glutathione and catalase levels.

Conclusion: These results provide new information on the pharmacological properties of CM in ameliorating testicular damage due to oxidative stress and improving sexual performance in diabetic male rats.

Keywords: Cordyceps militaris, diabetes mellitus, sexual behavior, sperm, streptozotocin.

Estimation of Brucella and Mycobacterium bovis contamination in bovine milk in Africa

Research (Published online: 26-02-2021)

6. Estimation of Brucella and Mycobacterium bovis contamination in bovine milk in Africa

Nozyechi Ngulube Chidumayo

International Journal of One Health, 7(1): 37-41

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis are zoonotic bacterial diseases transmitted through the consumption of raw milk and dairy products. Many developed countries have eliminated bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis in their cattle herds, however, the diseases are still endemic in Africa. Despite the public health risk of these pathogens, the sale and consumption of unpasteurized milk are still common in some African countries. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Brucella and Mycobacterium bovis in bovine milk.

Materials and Methods: A conceptual model for milk contamination was constructed and 1 million simulations were performed using data from published articles.

Results: Brucella milk contamination was estimated at a median of 8.68% (interquartile range [IQR]: 5.95-11.97%; range: 2.41-25.16%). The median prevalence of M. bovis was estimated at 6.86% (IQR: 4.25-9.40%; range: 0.01-15.16%).

Conclusion: These results indicate that there is a risk of Brucella and M. bovis transmission through the consumption of unpasteurized milk. The findings of this study highlight the need to improve the safety and quality of informally marketed milk in the region.

Keywords: Africa, Brucella, cattle, milk, Mycobacterium bovis, zoonoses.