Diversity and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites with zoonotic potential of Green Monkeys in Bandia Reserve in Senegal

Research (Published online: 06-03-2021)

8. Diversity and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites with zoonotic potential of Green Monkeys in Bandia Reserve in Senegal

Kacou Martial N'da, Laibané Dieudonné Dahourou, Oubri Bassa Gbati and Rianatou Bada Alambedji

International Journal of One Health, 7(1): 65-69

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Parasitic and infectious diseases are ubiquitous threats to primate and human populations. This study was carried out to study the diversity and frequency of gastrointestinal parasites with zoonotic potential in green monkeys in the Bandia Reserve located in Senegal.

Materials and Methods: For this study, 164 stool samples of Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus (green monkey) were collected from October to November 2018 from Bandia Reserve. Stool samples were processed using the merthiolate-iodine-formalin staining technique and the modified Ritchie method. The slides were examined under a microscope and the identification of parasites was based on the morphology of protozoan cysts and helminth eggs. The analysis of data was conducted using R version 3.4.3 with p=0.05.

Results: A total of six species of parasites were found, including five protozoa (Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica/ dispar, Entamoeba hartmanni, Endolimax nana, and Iodamoeba butschlii) and one nematode (Strongyloides spp.). The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite was 76.2% (95% CI: 69.7%-82.7%). Two parasites with zoonotic potential, mainly E. histolytica/dispar with a prevalence of 13.4% (95% CI: 8.2%-18.6%) and Strongyloides spp. with a prevalence of 6.7% (95% CI: 2.9%-10.5%), were found.

Conclusion: This study indicated that the monkeys of the Bandia Reserve are infested by zoonotic parasites and can, therefore, ensure transmission to visitors to the Reserve. The parasitological data that we report are the first available for these species of monkeys in the Bandia Reserve.

Keywords: Bandia, Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus, gastrointestinal parasites, Senegal, zoonotic parasites.

Wildlife-pet markets in a one-health context

Research (Published online: 06-03-2021)

7. Wildlife-pet markets in a one-health context

Clifford Warwick and Catrina Steedman

International Journal of One Health, 7(1): 42-64

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Wildlife markets are centers of trade involving live animals and their derivatives from wild-caught and captive-bred non-domesticated animals, including for the culinary, fashion, traditional medicine, curio, and pet sectors. These markets occur in Southeast Asia, India, North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, and elsewhere. This study aims to address a diversity of related issues that have a one-health bearing while focusing on wildlife markets in relation to the pet trade. Across relevant regions and countries, all major animal classes are traded at wildlife-pet markets. Wildlife markets, in general, are considered distinct from so-called "wet markets" at which domesticated animals, fish, and other "seafood" are offered only for consumption. Several aspects of wildlife markets have attracted scientific and popular scrutiny, including animal welfare concerns, species conservation threats, legality, ecological alteration, introduction of invasive alien species, presence of undescribed species, and public and agricultural animal health issues.

Materials and Methods: Onsite inspections were conducted for markets in the United States, Spain, Germany, The Netherlands, and the UK, as well as observational research of visual imagery of market conditions, and we compared these conditions with evidence-based standards for animal welfare and public health management.

Results: Wildlife markets globally shared common similar structures and practices including the presence of sick, injured, or stressed animals; mixing of animals of uncertain origin and health state; and no specific or any hygiene protocols, with issues of animal welfare, public health and safety, agricultural animal health, and other one-health concerns being inherently involved.

Conclusion: We conclude that wildlife markets are incompatible with responsible standards and practices, and we recommend that such events are banned globally to ameliorate inherent major problems.

Keywords: animal welfare, disease, exotic pet, one-health, pathogen, public health, wildlife market, zoonoses.

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.