Genetic characterization and phylogenetic study of Indonesian cuscuses from Maluku and Papua Island based on 16S rRNA gene

Research (Published online: 04-11-2020)

3. Genetic characterization and phylogenetic study of Indonesian cuscuses from Maluku and Papua Island based on 16S rRNA gene

Rini Widayanti, Richo Apriladi Bagas Pradana, Rony Marsyal Kunda and Suhendra Pakpahan

Veterinary World, 13(11): 2319-2325

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Indonesian cuscuses are now becoming scarce because of the reduction of habitat and poaching. Further, molecular characterization of Indonesian cuscuses is still very lacking. This study aimed to determine genetic markers and phylogenetic relationships of Indonesian cuscuses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences.

Materials and Methods: This study used 21 cuscuses caught from two provinces and 16 islands: 13 from Maluku and eight from Papua. Cuscus samples were taken by biopsy following ethics guidelines for animals. The genome isolation was done using gSYNC DNA Mini Kit (Geneaid Biotech Ltd., Taiwan). The 16S rRNA gene was amplified by primers (16SKUSAF and 16SKUSAR), and the polymerase chain reaction product obtained was 1875 base pair (bp). The analysis of genetic characterization and the phylogenetic relationship was performed using MEGA version X software (https://www. megasoftware.net/).

Results: 16S rRNA gene sequencing attained 1598 bp for all samples. Based on the 16S rRNA nucleotide sequences, cuscuses from Papua and Maluku belong to the genus Phalanger and Spilocuscus. Phalanger spp. and Spilocuscus spp. from Papua can be distinguished from Phalanger and Spilocuscus from Maluku, except Spilocuscus from Ternate has a very close relationship with cuscus from Sentani, Papua.

Conclusion: Indonesian cuscuses were derived into two clades based on 16S rRNA gene sequence, one group to genus Phalanger and another group to Spilocuscus.

Keywords: Indonesian cuscuses, Maluku, Papua, Phalanger, phylogeny, Spilocuscus.

Serotypes and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella enterica recovered from clinical swine samples

Research (Published online: 03-11-2020)

2. Serotypes and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella enterica recovered from clinical swine samples

Siriporn Kongsoi, Suksun Chumsing, Darunee Satorn and Panisa Noourai

Veterinary World, 13(11): 2312-2318

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Salmonella enterica is an important foodborne pathogen and is recognized as a major public health issue. The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. enterica represents a major challenge for national public health authorities. We investigated the distribution of serovars and antimicrobial resistance of S. enterica isolates from clinical swine samples stored at the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University from 2016 to 2017.

Materials and Methods: Clinical samples were collected and subjected to standard microbiological techniques outlined in the Manual of Clinical Microbiology to identify Salmonella serovars. Susceptibility to antimicrobials was tested by the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method using a panel of 14 antimicrobials.

Results: A total of 144 Salmonella isolates were identified and the dominant serovar was Salmonella Choleraesuis (66.67%), followed by monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium (18.75%), S. Typhimurium (9.03%), and Rissen (5.56%). The isolates displayed high resistance rates to ampicillin (AMP [100%]), amoxicillin (AX [100%]), tetracycline (TE [100%]), cefotaxime (CTX [89.58%]), ceftriaxone (CRO [87.50%]), chloramphenicol (C [82.64%]), gentamicin (CN [79.17%]), nalidixic acid (NA [72.92%]), and ceftazidime (CAZ [71.53%]). All isolates were MDR, with 29 distinct resistance patterns. The dominant MDR pattern among serovars Choleraesuis and Rissen exhibited resistance to 9 antimicrobials: ( R7-14 AMP-AX-CAZ-CRO-CTX-NA-C-CN-TE). However, all tested isolates were susceptible to AX/ clavulanic acid and fosfomycin.

Conclusion: High resistance levels to the third generation of cephalosporins such as CAZ, CRO, and CTX highlight the need for careful and reasonable usage of antimicrobials in animals and humans, especially for S. Choleraesuis infections.

Keywords: clinical isolates, multidrug resistance, Salmonella Choleraesuis.

Prolactin gene polymorphisms and associations with reproductive traits in Indonesian local ducks

Research (Published online: 03-11-2020)

1. Prolactin gene polymorphisms and associations with reproductive traits in Indonesian local ducks

Dattadewi Purwantini, R. Singgih Sugeng Santosa, Setya Agus Santosa, Agus Susanto, Dewi Puspita Candrasari and Ismoyowati Ismoyowati

Veterinary World, 13(11): 2301-2311

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Reproductive traits play an important role in population increases and the egg production (EP) abilities of Indonesian local ducks (ILD). The prolactin (PRL) gene is a single chain polypeptide hormone belonging to a family of growth hormone genes that are mainly synthesized in the anterior pituitary gland in all vertebrates. It has a significant effect on reproductive traits and EP. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) present in PRL are a useful molecular marker for EP. This study aimed to identify the PRL polymorphisms based on these SNPs and to uncover the associations with reproductive traits in ILD.

Materials and Methods: A total of 280 ILDs consisting of Tegal and Magelang (F0) ducks and their reciprocal crosses, namely, Gallang (F1) and Maggal (F1), were maintained and specific variables were recorded, that is, age at first egg, body weight at first egg, first egg weight, and EP, for 90 days. Allele and genotype frequencies were used to determine the Hardy- Weinberg (H-W) equilibrium. The association between the SNP genotypes of PRL and reproductive traits was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, following the GLM procedure of SAS. The genotypic effects on the reproductive traits were determined using regression analysis.

Results: This study successfully amplified a polymerase chain reaction product of 190 bp, which was used to identify the SNP. Results indicated that PRL in ILDs is polymorphic. A SNP was found at position 164 nt (c.164G >A), consisting of three different genotypes, namely, GG, GA, and AA. The genotypes of Tegal and Magelang (F0), and Gallang (F1) populations were not in H-W equilibrium. The Maggal population (F1) was in H-W equilibrium. Significant associations were detected between the genotypes and EP in all ILDs (p<0.01), following a regression line of y=2.337x+64.605, with a determination coefficient of 0.0188 (r=0.14).

Conclusion: PRL can be recommended as a candidate gene for reproductive traits in ILD, especially EP.

Keywords: egg production, Magelang, Prolactin gene, reciprocal mating, single nucleotide polymorphisms, Tegal.

Molecular detection and prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 during the early outbreak in Southern Bangladesh

Research (Published online: 03-11-2020)

10. Molecular detection and prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 during the early outbreak in Southern Bangladesh

Eaftekhar Ahmed Rana, Nahida Sarwer Chowdhury, Md. Sirazul Islam, Jahan Ara, Syeda Shamima Nasrin, Pronesh Dutta, Sabiha Zarin Tasnim Bristi, Tanvir Ahmad Nizami, Prashanta Chakraborty and Amam Zonaed Siddiki

International Journal of One Health, 6(2): 153-159

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been announced as a life-threatening, highly transmissible infectious novel emerging disease worldwide. Rapid detection and epidemiological information are desperately needed to overcome the existing pandemic situation and alleviate national and international crises. Still, to date, there is no significant epidemiological study of COVID-19 available in Bangladesh, especially in the Chattogram division. However, the current study focuses on molecular detection, prevalence, and risk factors associated with COVID-19 in Southern Bangladesh.

Materials and Methods: Standard diagnostic protocols through real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were performed for molecular confirmation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Different patient demographics were analyzed for exploring the relationship of four factors – region, sex, age, and symptoms with the accumulated number of COVID-19 cases in the Southern Bangladesh during the period of May 13, 2020, to June 12, 2020.

Results: A total of 2954 samples were tested where the cumulative prevalence of circulating SARS-CoV-2 was 29.76% (n=879; 95% CI: 28.11-31.44) in the selected study region. Among the risk factors, the present study revealed that flatland people (35.62%, 95% CI 33.61-37.67, OR=3.13) were more vulnerable to getting infected by SARS-CoV-2 than the people living in hill tracts (13.04%, 95% CI 10.73-15.63). People older than 50 years (34.68%, 95% CI 30.38-39.18) were designated the highest risk than other different age groups. A higher number of COVID-19 cases were confirmed in patients (36.0%, 95% CI 33.77-38.29, OR=1.76) with typical symptoms, but interestingly a significant number of asymptomatic carriers (20.39%, 95% CI 18.13-22.80) also positive for SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first epidemiological report in the Southern Bangladesh for COVID- 19. The study's findings will contribute to health professionals and the policy-makers to take preventive measures against the next outbreak emergency for Bangladesh.

Keywords: asymptomatic carrier, coronavirus disease 2019, prevalence, risk factors, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Evaluation of the hematological and clinical biochemical markers of stress in broiler chickens

Research (Published online: 31-10-2020)

35. Evaluation of the hematological and clinical biochemical markers of stress in broiler chickens

Chioma U. Nwaigwe, John I. Ihedioha, Shodeinde V. Shoyinka and Chukwuemeka O. Nwaigwe

Veterinary World, 13(10): 2294-2300

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Stress significantly affects health and productivity of animals. There is need for affordable and easy-to-assay markers of physiological stress in broilers. This study evaluated hematological and serum biochemical markers of physiologic stress in broiler chickens.

Materials and Methods: Thirty day-old broiler chickens were assigned to three groups of ten broilers each during the 56-day study. Group 1 broilers served as the control and were not exposed to any stressors; Group 2 broilers were stocked at the stress density of 50 kg BW m–2 from day 49 to 56 while Group 3 broilers had their feed withdrawn 36 h before blood collection on day 56. Blood samples were collected on day 49 (pre-stress sample) and day 56 (post-stress sample) from all the birds and subjected to hematological and serum biochemical analysis.

Results: The parameters did not vary significantly (p>0.05) pre-stress. Post-stress, there were significant variations in the heterophil, lymphocyte, and eosinophil counts and in the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio across the three groups. The concentrations of the plasma fibrinogen and serum albumins, sodium, and sodium to potassium ratio of the broilers varied significantly across the groups.

Conclusion: Heterophil, eosinophil, and lymphocyte counts, the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, plasma fibrinogen, serum albumin, sodium, and sodium to potassium ratio are significant markers of physiological stress in broilers.

Keywords: broiler chickens, hematology, physiological stress, serum biochemistry.

The combined effect of magnetic and electric fields using on/off infrared light on the blood sugar level and the diameter of Langerhans islets of diabetic mice

Research (Published online: 31-10-2020)

34. The combined effect of magnetic and electric fields using on/off infrared light on the blood sugar level and the diameter of Langerhans islets of diabetic mice

S. Suhariningsih, Suryani Dyah Astuti, Saikhu Akhmad Husen, Dwi Winarni, Dian Astri Rahmawati, Akhmad Taufiq Mukti, Alfian Pramudita Putra and Muhammad Miftahussurur

Veterinary World, 13(10): 2286-2293

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: At present, diabetes is treated with oral antidiabetic medicines, such as sulfonylureas and thiazolidine, as well as insulin injection. However, these methods have several shortcomings. Therefore, alternatives for treating diabetes mellitus (DM) are needed. This study aims to determine the combined effect of magnetic and electric fields on blood sugar levels and the diameter of Langerhans islets of diabetic mice.

Materials and Methods: Induction of DM in mice was carried out by administering lard for 2 weeks and continued with an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin, dissolved in a 4.5 pH citrate buffer, and administered in a dose of 30 mg/kg bodyweight for 5 days. Treatments were used in combination with magnetic and electric fields using on/off infrared light. Blood samples were pipetted through the tip of mice's tails to establish the blood sugar level for each individual mouse. Histology preparation of the pancreas organ was affected using the histology standard as well as hematoxylin and eosin staining methods. Langerhans islet diameter data were analyzed using analysis of variance followed by Duncan's multiple range test. Data analysis was performed at α=0.05.

Results: The results showed that the combined treatment of permanent magnetic and unidirectional electric fields (PS) caused changes in blood sugar levels that were not significantly different from the normal control group. The PS treatment improved the diameter of the Langerhans islets but not to a significant degree compared to other treatments.

Conclusion: The use of PS treatment is effective for reducing the blood sugar levels of diabetic mice and improving the diameter of their Langerhans islets.

Keywords: blood sugar level, diabetic mice, electric field, infrared light, Langerhans islets diameter, magnetic field.

African swine fever: A permanent threat to Indian pigs

Review (Published online: 29-10-2020)

33. African swine fever: A permanent threat to Indian pigs

Sharanagouda S. Patil, Kuralayanapalya Puttahonnappa Suresh, Vikram Vashist, Awadhesh Prajapati, Bramhadev Pattnaik and Parimal Roy

Veterinary World, 13(10): 2275-2285

ABSTRACT

India has 9 million pigs, of which 45% are in the North eastern (NE) states of India. Viral diseases affecting pigs are a major concern of mortality causing huge loss to the pig farmers. One such disease is African swine fever (ASF) that has already knocked the porous borders of NE states of India. ASF is a highly contagious devastating disease of pigs and wild boars causing 100% mortality. The causative agent African swine fever virus (ASFV) belongs to the genus Asfivirus, family Asfarviridae. Pig is the only species affected by this virus. Soft ticks (Ornithodoros genus) are shown to be reservoir and transmission vectors of ASFV. Transmission is very rapid and quickly engulfs the entire pig population. It is very difficult to differentiate classical swine fever from ASF since clinical symptoms overlap. Infected and in contact pigs should be culled immediately and buried deep, and sheds and premises be disinfected to control the disease. There is no vaccine available commercially. Since its first report in Kenya in 1921, the disease has been reported from the countries in Europe, Russian federation, China, and Myanmar. The disease is a threat to Indian pigs. OIE published the first report of ASF in India on May 21, 2020, wherein, a total of 3701 pigs died from 11 outbreaks (Morbidity - 38.45% and mortality - 33.89%) in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh states of India. ASF is non-zoonotic.

Keywords: African swine fever, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, first outbreak, India, North eastern states, pigs, social and economic factors.