Detecting common allergens in dogs with atopic dermatitis in South Korean Provinces using a serological immunoglobulin E-specific allergen test

Research (Published online: 20-08-2022)

12. Detecting common allergens in dogs with atopic dermatitis in South Korean Provinces using a serological immunoglobulin E-specific allergen test

Gareeballah Osman Adam, Yang-Gyu Park, Jeong-Hwi Cho, Jinyoung Choi, and Hong-Geun Oh

Veterinary World, 15(8): 1996-2003

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a hereditary susceptibility to the development of allergic symptoms in response to repeated exposure to generally innocuous substances known as "allergens." Allergens can be plants, animals, mold, mites, or milk. At present, serological enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) kits are used for immunoglobulin E (IgE)-specific allergen detection due to their simplicity and accuracy. This study aimed to detect allergens in dogs with CAD and determine how they differ according to season, breed, age, and sex using a serological test in six provinces in South Korea for 12 months. This will allow practitioners to easily understand the risk factors related to CAD.

Materials and Methods: In this study, IgE allergen-specific ELISA kits were used. The allergens were detected in serum samples collected from different regions considering season, sex, breed, and age. Allergens were divided into the following Ten categories: 1. Dairy, yeast, and egg, 2. grains, 3. vegetables, 4. meat, 5. seafood, 6. animals, 7. mold, 8. insects, 9. mites, and 10. trees.

Results: The percentage of allergens detected in males (54.8%) was higher than that of females (45.2%); 54.2% of allergens occurred in 3-year-old dogs or older. Moreover, regarding frequency, 65.6% of overall allergens occur during autumn; Chungcheongnam-do and Jeollabuk-do showed 20.7% and 20.9%, respectively. Additionally, among allergens categories, notable allergen occurrence was as follows: 38.3% corn; 28.7% potatoes; 22.7% duck; 24.4%,codfish; 31.2% animal wool; 95.6% Aspergillus fumigatus; 31.9% flea; 41.8% oak; and 25.0% sheep's sorrel grass.

Conclusion: This study showcases the frequency of 60 allergens in six provinces detected in dogs with CAD; most likely from food or the environment using serological ELISA kits. Environmental sensitizer results can be considered for humans suffering from allergies to avoid a similar environment. A large-scale study can be performed to evaluate the allergens in the state. However, neither a skin test nor feed analysis was conducted, which is a limitation of this study.

Keywords: canine atopic dermatitis, dairy, immunoglobulin E, mite, mold, serum test.

No evidence of Rift Valley fever antibodies in veterinarians and sheep in Northern Palestine

Research (Published online: 20-08-2022)

11. No evidence of Rift Valley fever antibodies in veterinarians and sheep in Northern Palestine

Ibrahim Alzuheir, Belal Abu Helal, Mohammad Abu Helal, Adnan Fayyad, and Nasr Jalboush

Veterinary World, 15(8): 1990-1995

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a vector-borne virus that causes RVF in humans and ruminants. The clinical symptoms in humans and animals are non-specific and often misdiagnosed, but abortions in ruminants and high mortality in young animals are characteristic. Since the initial outbreak in the Rift Valley area in Kenya, the disease has spread to most African countries and the Middle East. The presence and epidemiological status of RVFV in humans and animals in Palestine are unknown. This study aimed to investigate the presence and risk factors for RVF seroprevalence in veterinarians, as occupational hazard professionals, and sheep, as highly susceptible animals, in Northern Palestine.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data and blood samples of 280 Assaf sheep and 100 veterinarians in close occupational contact with sheep were collected between August and September 2020 using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: No evidence of RVF antibodies was found in any human or animal sample.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that RVFV has not circulated in livestock in Northern Palestine, yet. Surveillance and response capabilities and cooperation with the nearby endemic regions are recommended. The distribution of competent vectors in Palestine, associated with global climate change and the role of wild animals, might be a possible route for RVF spreading to Palestine from neighboring countries.

Keywords: Palestine, Rift Valley fever, seroprevalence, sheep, veterinarian.

Models of spatial analysis for vector-borne diseases studies: A systematic review

Research (Published online: 19-08-2022)

10. Models of spatial analysis for vector-borne diseases studies: A systematic review

Licet Paola Molina-Guzmán, Lina A. Gutiérrez-Builes, and Leonardo A. Ríos-Osorio

Veterinary World, 15(8): 1975-1989

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) constitute a global problem for humans and animals. Knowledge related to the spatial distribution of various species of vectors and their relationship with the environment where they develop is essential to understand the current risk of VBDs and for planning surveillance and control strategies in the face of future threats. This study aimed to identify models, variables, and factors that may influence the emergence and resurgence of VBDs and how these factors can affect spatial local and global distribution patterns.

Materials and Methods: A systematic review was designed based on identification, screening, selection, and inclusion described in the research protocols according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guide. A literature search was performed in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and SciELO using the following search strategy: Article type: Original research, Language: English, Publishing period: 2010–2020, Search terms: Spatial analysis, spatial models, VBDs, climate, ecologic, life cycle, climate variability, vector-borne, vector, zoonoses, species distribution model, and niche model used in different combinations with "AND" and "OR."

Results: The complexity of the interactions between climate, biotic/abiotic variables, and non-climate factors vary considerably depending on the type of disease and the particular location. VBDs are among the most studied types of illnesses related to climate and environmental aspects due to their high disease burden, extended presence in tropical and subtropical areas, and high susceptibility to climate and environment variations.

Conclusion: It is difficult to generalize our knowledge of VBDs from a geospatial point of view, mainly because every case is inherently independent in variable selection, geographic coverage, and temporal extension. It can be inferred from predictions that as global temperatures increase, so will the potential trend toward extreme events. Consequently, it will become a public health priority to determine the role of climate and environmental variations in the incidence of infectious diseases. Our analysis of the information, as conducted in this work, extends the review beyond individual cases to generate a series of relevant observations applicable to different models.

Keywords: disease vectors, geographic information systems, medical, spatial analysis, topography.

Changes in rumen fermentation and bacterial profiles after administering Lactiplantibacillus plantarum as a probiotic

Research (Published online: 19-08-2022)

9. Changes in rumen fermentation and bacterial profiles after administering Lactiplantibacillus plantarum as a probiotic

Wulansih Dwi Astuti, Roni Ridwan, Rusli Fidriyanto, Rohmatussolihat Rohmatussolihat, Nurul Fitri Sari, Ki Ageng Sarwono, Ainissya Fitri, and Yantyati Widyastuti

Veterinary World, 15(8): 1969-1974

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is one of the lactic acid bacteria that is often used as probiotics. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TSD10 as a probiotic on rumen fermentation and microbial population in Ongole breed cattle.

Materials and Methods: This study adopted an experimental crossover design, using three-fistulated Ongole breed cattle. Treatments were as follows: T0, control without probiotic; T1, 10 mL probiotic/day; T2, 20 mL probiotic/day; and T3, 30 mL probiotic/day. The basal diet of the cattle comprised 70% concentrate: 30% elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum). The concentration of probiotic used was 1.8 × 1010 colony-forming unit (CFU)/mL.

Results: We observed significantly lower acetate production compared with control (64.12%), the lowest values being in the T3 group (55.53%). Contrarily, propionate production significantly increased from 18.67% (control) to 23.32% (T2). All treatments yielded significantly lower acetate–propionate ratios than control (3.44), with the lowest ratio in the T3 group (2.41). The protozoal number decreased on probiotic supplementation, with the lowest population recorded in the T2 group (5.65 log cells/mL). The population of specific rumen bacteria was estimated using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We found that the population of L. plantarum, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, and Treponema bryantii, did not change significantly on probiotic supplementation, While that of Ruminococcus albus increased significantly from 9.88 log CFU/mL in controls to 12.62 log CFU/mL in the T2 group.

Conclusion: This study showed that the optimum dosage of L. plantarum TSD10 as a probiotic was 20 mL/day. The effect of L. plantarum as a probiotic on feed degradation in rumen was not evaluated in this experiment. Therefore, the effect of L. plantarum as a probiotic on feed degradation should be performed in further studies.

Keywords: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, microbes, probiotic, rumen.

Diversity of mosquito species and potential arbovirus transmission in long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) breeding facilities

Research (Published online: 18-08-2022)

8. Diversity of mosquito species and potential arbovirus transmission in long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) breeding facilities

Dimas Novianto, Upik Kesumawati Hadi, Susi Soviana, Supriyono Supriyono, Lis Rosmanah, and Huda Shalahudin Darusman

Veterinary World, 15(8): 1961-1968

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Mosquito-borne viral infections are diseases that reduce human and animal health levels. Their transmission involves wildlife animals as reservoirs and amplifying hosts, including long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), and potentially transmits to humans and vice versa. This study aimed to determine the species diversity, richness, and biting activity of mosquitoes in a long-tailed macaque breeding area facility and discover the presence of Flavivirus and Alphavirus as the two main arboviruses reported to infect macaques.

Materials and Methods: Human landing catch, light trap, and sweep net methods were used for mosquito collection around long-tailed macaques cages at parallel times for 12 h (18:00–06:00) for 12 nights. Mosquito species were identified to the species level based on the morphological identification key for Indonesian mosquitoes. Mosquito diversity was analyzed by several diversity indices. Mosquitoes caught using the human landing catch method were pooled based on mosquito species for viral ribonucleic acid extraction. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) detected the non-structural protein 5 of the Flavivirus region and the non-structural protein 4 of the Alphavirus region. This study used the man-hour density and man-biting rate formulas for mosquito density.

Results: Ten mosquito species were collected, namely, Aedes albopictus, Anopheles aconitus, Anopheles minimus, Anopheles vagus, Armigeres foliatus, Armigeres subalbatus, Culex gelidus, Culex hutchinsoni, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, and Culex quinquefasciatus. The number of mosquitoes caught using the light trap method had the highest abundance. In contrast, the number of mosquito species caught using the sweep net method had lower diversity than the other two methods. Seven mosquito species were obtained using the human landing catch method. The mosquito species with the highest density was Cx. quinquefasciatus within the observed densest period from 20:00 to 21:00. Negative results were obtained from RT-PCR testing on five species detected using universal Flavivirus and Alphavirus primers.

Conclusion: The occurrence of mosquitoes in long-tailed macaque breeding facilities can be a source of transmission of zoonotic vector-borne diseases between animals and humans and vice versa.

Keywords: arbovirus, diversity, ecology, health, primates.

Factors associated with total coliform and total viable bacterial count in camel milk from Isiolo County, Kenya

Research (Published online: 18-08-2022)

7. Factors associated with total coliform and total viable bacterial count in camel milk from Isiolo County, Kenya

George Karuoya Gitau, Peter Kimeli, Davis Ikiror, Willy Mwangi, Douglas Machuchu, Moses Irungu Gakuru, and Genevieve Owuor

Veterinary World, 15(8): 1954-1960

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Camels have adaptive features to harsh climatic conditions, which make them a valued stable source of livelihood in arid lands. This study estimated the total bacterial and coliform counts (CCs), their associated factors in raw camel milk from the pastoral camel keepers, and the entire milk value chain in Isiolo County and Nairobi, Kenya. This study elucidates the bacterial load in camel milk and its potential risk. Moreover, this study provides recommendations on how to avert a human health hazard.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study targeted the camel pastoralists in Isiolo County, in the northern central part of Kenya. The study was conducted in July and August 2021. In addition, camel milk samples were collected along the value chain key points, including the producers, transporters, one bulker, and small traders in Isiolo town, and other retailers in Nairobi City. Eight camel herds were purposively selected and visited for a sample collection from pooled milking containers (10 mL each). In addition, milk was collected from pooled milk through the transporters, two milk bulkers, and several milk retailers in Isiolo town. Milk was further collected from retailers in Eastleigh town, Nairobi City. At each sampling point, 20 mL of milk sample was collected aseptically. The milk samples were assessed for total viable bacterial counts (TVBC) and CCs using the plate count and digital colony count, respectively.

Results: A total of 76 respondents were selected and 213 milk samples were collected in this study. The respondents included the 1 (1.3%) bulker, 32 (42.1%) producers, 26 (34.2%) traders, and 17 (22.4%) transporters. Most respondents were male (62%), with most being over 40 years old. Overall, the TVBC had a mean of 2436835 ± 9276636 and a median of 3600. Furthermore, the multivariable multilevel mixed-effects linear regression model indicated that gender and practice of smoking milk-handling containers were positively and negatively associated with high counts of the natural logarithm of total viable bacteria, respectively. Of the milk samples evaluated for the CC, 10.3% (22/213) had counts greater than or equal to (≥) 100,000, where some also indicated extreme outliers of about 9.3 million.

Conclusion: This study reports a low proportion of camel milk samples with high total viable bacterial and CCs. The material of the milk container and level of education interactively affected the total viable bacteria.

Keywords: camels, coliform counts, milk, pastoralists, total bacterial count.

Prevalence and tick loads in Nguni cattle reared in different environmental conditions across four provinces of South Africa

Research (Published online: 17-08-2022)

6. Prevalence and tick loads in Nguni cattle reared in different environmental conditions across four provinces of South Africa

Ntanganedzeni O. Mapholi, C. Banga, K. Dzama, O. Matika, V. Riggio, N. Nyangiwe, and A. Maiwashe

Veterinary World, 15(8): 1943-1953

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: In tropical and subtropical countries, ixodid ticks are among livestock's most economically important ectoparasites. Although Nguni cattle from South Africa have adapted to harsh environments, it is unknown whether they will be resistant to ticks, and the diseases carried by ticks under various climatic conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to compare tick load and estimate the prevalence of different tick species among Nguni cattle under different environmental conditions.

Materials and Methods: Tick counts were conducted monthly under natural challenges over 2 years on 586 Nguni cattle located at ARC-Roodeplaat and Loskop farms (warmer climate), Mukhuthali Nguni Community and the University of Fort Hare farms (cooler climate). The generalized linear model procedure of the Statistical Analysis System was used to analyze the data. It fitted the location (farm), sex, year, month or season, and animal age as covariates.

Results: The tick species (relative prevalence) observed were as follows: Amblyomma hebraeum (42%), Rhipicephalus evertsi (22%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) spp. (16%), Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (11%), Hyalomma marginatum (5%), and Rhipicephalus simus (4%). Tick infestation was significantly affected by location, season, year, month of the tick counting and age of the animal. Loskop farm had the highest tick count (μ = 30.69) and showed the largest variation in tick count. Compared to the other seasons, higher tick counts were seen during the hot-dry (September–November) and hot-wet (December–February) seasons. A. hebraeum was the dominant tick species across all four farms, followed by R. evertsi. The perianal region (under the tail head), the perineum and the belly body locations were the most preferred tick attachment sites.

Conclusion: These results provide useful information for developing appropriate control strategies for ticks and tick-borne diseases in these provinces of South Africa. Further work must investigate the feasibility of genetic improvement for tick resistance.

Keywords: Amblyomma hebraeum, Nguni cattle, South Africa, tick count, tick prevalences, warmer climate.