Seroepidemiological study of the exposure to Toxoplasma gondii among horses in Algeria and analysis of risk factors

Research (Published online: 20-12-2019)

18. Seroepidemiological study of the exposure to Toxoplasma gondii among horses in Algeria and analysis of risk factors

Sabrine Fazia Ouslimani, Safia Tennah, Naouelle Azzag, Salima Yamina Derdour, Bernard China and Farida Ghalmi

Veterinary World, 12(12): 2007-2016

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of the Toxoplasma gondii in horses in different parts of Algeria and to determine risk factors for the infection.

Materials and Methods: A total of 736 blood samples were collected from horses of various breeds, gender, coat colors, and ages. All horses came from various farms, racecourses, and equestrian centers. The seroprevalence was investigated by three different methods: Indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) as reference method, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and latex agglutination test (LAT).

Results: Out of the 736 sera, 178 (24.18%) were positive for IFAT, 133 (18.07%) for LAT, and 317 (43.07%) for ELISA. It was found that IFAT and LAT were in high agreement (Kappa 0.79), indicating that LAT and IFAT had similar capabilities in the detection of anti-T. gondii antibodies from horse sera. Risk factors analysis based on IFAT results indicated that the habit of the animals was significant risk factors (p≤0.05) for Toxoplasma infection. The seroprevalence was significantly higher in horses living on farms. Moreover, a higher seroprevalence was found in older animals compared to younger ones. Furthermore, the seroprevalence in females was significantly higher than that in males and gelding. Breed, coat color, and water sources are also important factors to influence the seroprevalence of T. gondii.

Conclusion: The results indicated that T. gondii is present in horses throughout Algeria and thus represents a risk for both human and animal health. These results underline the need to increase the vigilance and the preventive measures against this disease not only to protect the horses but also to limit the spread of the parasite.

Keywords: Algeria, horse, seroprevalence, Toxoplasma gondii.

Epidemiology of thermotolerant Campylobacter infection in poultry in Nsukka agricultural zone, Nigeria

Research (Published online: 19-12-2019)

14. Epidemiology of thermotolerant Campylobacter infection in poultry in Nsukka agricultural zone, Nigeria

Emmanuel Okechukwu Njoga, Innocent Okwundu Nwankwo and Joel Chukwudi Ugwunwarua

International Journal of One Health, 5: 92-98

ABSTRACT

Backgrond and Aim: Thermotolerant Campylobacter organisms (TCOs) are primary causes of bacterial foodborne gastroenteritis worldwide. Although all warm-blooded animals are susceptible to colonization by TCOs, food-producing animals, especially poultry, are major reservoirs of the infection for transmission to humans. This epidemiological study for thermotolerant Campylobacter infection (TCI) in poultry was, therefore, conducted to determine the prevalence and to identify the risk factors of TCI in 60 randomly selected poultry farms in Nsukka agricultural zone.

Materials and Methods: A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information on the farmers' involvement in practices that may aggravate TCI in poultry farms. Isolation of TCOs for the determination of prevalence of the infection was done following standard microbiological protocol.

Results: The majority (93.3%) of the farms practiced intensive management system. Farm and individual prevalence of TCI were 78.3% and 19.4%, respectively. The prevalence of 15.7% and 23.6% was recorded for birds reared in urban and rural areas, respectively. Similarly, prevalence rates of 17.2%, 25%, 14.7%, and 24.5% were documented for broiler, layer, male, and female birds, respectively. Major risk factors of TCI found were non-sanitization of drinking water, rearing birds of different ages together, thinning, raising other animals alongside poultry, and overstocking.

Conclusion: Overall prevalence of 19.4% is high from public health and food safety points of view. Farmers' participation in the risk factors for TCI is massive. Significant improvement in biosecurity practices in poultry farms in the study area is therefore imperative; to limit TCI in poultry and hence the risk of human infection through the food chain or at the poultry-human interface.

Keywords: biosecurity, Nigeria, poultry, public health, risk factors, thermotolerant Campylobacter infection.

Effectiveness of six molecular typing methods as epidemiological tools for the study of Salmonella isolates in two Colombian regions

Research (Published online: 19-12-2019)

17. Effectiveness of six molecular typing methods as epidemiological tools for the study of Salmonella isolates in two Colombian regions

Kelly Lozano-Villegas, Roy Rodríguez-Hernández and Iang Rondón-Barragán

Veterinary World, 12(12): 1998-2006

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of this study was the genotypic characterization of the strains of Salmonella spp. isolated from broiler chickens and humans with gastroenteritis from two regions of Colombia, by BOXA1R-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR methods.

Materials and Methods: Forty-nine strains of Salmonella were assessed, 15 from poultry farms in Santander region, and 34 from Tolima region isolated from poultry farms (n=24) and the stool samples of people with gastroenteritis (n=10). BOXA1R primers were selected for repetitive element-based PCR (REP-PCR) and five arbitrary primers, namely, GTG 5, OPB 15, OPP 16, OPS 11, and P 1254 were used for RAPD-PCR to generate DNA fingerprints from the isolates. Fingerprint data from each typing method were under composite analysis and the diversity of the data was analyzed by grouping (clustering). The dendrogram was generated by the unweighted group method with analysis of the arithmetic mean based on the Dice similarity coefficient. In addition, Simpson's index was evaluated to discriminate the power of the methods.

Results: OPP 16 primer and composite analysis proved to be superior compared to other REP-PCR typing methods. The best discriminatory index was observed when GTG 5 (0.92) and OPP 16 (0.85) primers were used alone or combined with RAPD-PCR and BOX-PCR (0.99).

Conclusion: This study indicated that OPP 16 and GTG 5 primers provide suitable molecular typing results for the discrimination of the genetic relationship among Salmonella spp. isolates and may be useful for epidemiological studies.

Keywords: dendrogram, serotyping, typing methods.

Sulfamethazine contamination level and exposure assessment in domestic and imported poultry meats in Jordan

Research (Published online: 18-12-2019)

16. Sulfamethazine contamination level and exposure assessment in domestic and imported poultry meats in Jordan

Saddam S. Awaisheh, Mohammad S. Khalifeh, Razan J. Rahahleh, Ja'far M. Al-Khaza'leh and Rania M. Algroom

Veterinary World, 12(12): 1992-1997

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Sulfamethazine (SMZ) is an important and widely used antibiotic in poultry industry due to its high efficacy in fighting diseases and promoting growth. In addition, SMZ is a possible human carcinogen and has been found in many food types including poultry meat. Accordingly, this study aimed to survey the contamination level and estimated daily intake (EDI) of SMZ in domestic and imported poultry meat samples in Jordan.

Materials and Methods: A total of 120 samples; 60, 30, and 30 of fresh and frozen domestic and frozen imported poultry samples, respectively, were collected from different cities in Jordan. Poultry samples were analyzed for SMZ incidence rate and contamination level using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. EDI values were calculated from the SMZ concentration, average poultry daily consumption rate, and adult body weight (b.w.).

Results: Of the 120 surveyed samples, 20 samples (16.7%) were SMZ violative positive and exceeded the European Union maximum limit (100 μg/kg) and accordingly were unfit for human consumption. Whereas, 51 samples (42.5%) were with SMZ concentrations of 10-100 μg/kg. The average SMZ concentration was 235.58 μg/kg, with a range of 11.47-800 μg/kg poultry meat. It is also noteworthy the high EDI of SMZ by Jordanian adults, 0.286 μg SMZ/kg b.w./day. Moreover, results prevailed that the highest SMZ incidence rate and contamination level were for imported poultry samples followed by domestic poultry samples, which may indicate that SMZ contamination in poultry meat is an international issue.

Conclusion: The current study prevailed high SMZ incidence rate, contamination level, and EDI values, which is likely due to indiscriminate use of SMZ in poultry production. Results also prevailed the high risk that consumers in Jordan may expose due to SMZ residues. Therefore, more strict program and good agricultural practices should be applied to monitor antibiotic withdrawal periods in animals used for human consumption to ensure the legal residue requirements of these antibiotics.

Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, estimated daily intake, Jordan, poultry meat, sulfamethazine.

Hepatoprotective effect of crude polysaccharides extracted from Ganoderma lucidum against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in mice

Research (Published online: 17-12-2019)

15. Hepatoprotective effect of crude polysaccharides extracted from Ganoderma lucidum against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in mice

Raden Joko Kuncoroningrat Susilo, Dwi Winarni, Saikhu Akhmad Husen, Suhailah Hayaza, Hunsa Punnapayak, Sri Puji Astuti Wahyuningsih, Elma Sakinatus Sajidah and Win Darmanto

Veterinary World, 12(12): 1987-1991

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Natural products are currently widely used as alternative treatments for liver disease. The study aimed to determine the hepatoprotective effect of crude polysaccharides extracted from Ganoderma lucidum against liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).

Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male BALB/C mice were randomly divided into six groups. Serum and liver samples were taken on day 10 after G. lucidum administration. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and the histology of the liver was evaluated using light microscopy.

Results: G. lucidum extract significantly decreased the levels of ALT, AST, and MDA and significantly increased the levels of SOD and CAT. In the histological evaluation, the liver tissue of CCl4-treated mice exhibited hydropic degeneration, necrosis, and sinusoidal dilatation. G. lucidum extract administration improved this liver tissue histopathology.

Conclusion: Crude polysaccharides extracted from G. lucidum showed a hepatoprotective effect, regenerating damaged liver tissue.

Keywords: carbon tetrachloride, crude polysaccharide extract, Ganoderma lucidum, hepatotoxicity.

Molecular survey and interaction of common respiratory pathogens in chicken flocks (field perspective)

Research (Published online: 16-12-2019)

14. Molecular survey and interaction of common respiratory pathogens in chicken flocks (field perspective)

Adel M. Abdelaziz, Mahmoud H. A. Mohamed, Mahmoud M. Fayez, Theeb Al-Marri, Ibrahim Qasim and Abdul Aziz Al-Amer

Veterinary World, 12(12): 1975-1986

ABSTRACT

Aim: The present study was designed for the detection of the most prevalent respiratory infections in chicken flocks and clarifying their interaction and impact on flock health.

Materials and Methods: A total of 359 serum samples were collected from 55 backyard chickens and tested using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits to determine the seroprevalence of Newcastle disease virus (NDV), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), influenza type A, Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS). Molecular prevalence of NDV, IBV, low pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIV) H9N2, MG, and MS was carried out on swab, and tissue samples collected from 55 backyard flocks and 11 commercial broiler flocks suffered from respiratory infections using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription-PCR.

Results: Seroprevalence of NDV, IBV, Influenza type A virus, MG, and MS in chicken backyard flocks was 56.4%, 50.9%, 12.7%, 14.5%, and 3.6%, respectively. Specific antibodies against one or more respiratory viruses and mycoplasma were detected in 36.4% of backyard flocks, indicating concurrent viral infections. The molecular survey showed that 90.9% of chicken backyard flocks were infected with common respiratory viruses (NDV, IBV, and LPAIV H9N2) while 81.8% of commercial broiler flocks were infected. The molecular prevalence rate of NDV, IBV, and LPAIV H9N2 was 46.97%, 56.1%, and 19.7% in backyard flocks, respectively. Combined viral and bacterial infection represented 40% and 63.6% of the respiratory infections, resulting in enhanced pathogenicity and increased mortalities of up to 87.5% and 27.8% in backyard and commercial flocks, respectively. Mixed infection of IBV, LPAIV H9N2, and/or Escherichia coli is the most prevalent mixed infection in broiler flocks, inducing severe clinical outcomes. Avian pathogenic E. coli was, respectively, isolated from 40% of backyard flocks and 81.82% of broiler flocks. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from three backyard chicken flocks mixed with other respiratory pathogens with elevated mortality. Mixed infection of E. coli and MG reported in 9.1% of broiler flock. MG was detected in 14.5% of backyard flocks and 9.1% of broiler flocks while MS was detected only in 3.6% of backyard chickens mixed with E. coli, and other viruses.

Conclusion: Our results confirm that mixed infections are more commonly prevalent and associated with dramatic exacerbation in clinical outcomes than a single infection. Bidirectional synergistic interaction between these concurrently interacted respiratory pathogens explains the severe clinical impact and high mortality rate. The high prevalence of IBV (either as a single or combined infection) with LPAIV H9N2 and/or E. coli, in spite of intensive use of commercial vaccines, increases the need for revising vaccination programs and the application of standard biosecurity measures. Backyard chickens impose a great risk and threaten commercial flocks due to the high prevalence of viral respiratory pathogens.

Keywords: bidirectional interaction, chickens, molecular detection, respiratory pathogens.

Survey on the presence of antibiotic residues in raw milk samples from six sites of the dairy pool of Niamey, Niger

Research (Published online: 14-12-2019)

13. Survey on the presence of antibiotic residues in raw milk samples from six sites of the dairy pool of Niamey, Niger

Amadou Morou Madougou, Caroline Douny, Nassim Moula, Marie-Louise Scippo, Véronique Delcenserie, Georges Daube, Marichatou Hamani and Nicolas Korsak

Veterinary World, 12(12): 1970-1974

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Antibiotics are widely used in animal production for treating the diseases and for preventing or increasing animal growth. The presence of antibiotic residues in milk is a public health problem. The aim of this study was to assess the use of antibiotic residues in raw milk from the dairy pool of Niamey in three farms (Toukounous, Kirkissoye, and Niamey) and three collection centers (Hamdallaye, Kollo, and Say).

Materials and Methods: A direct interview (questionnaire) was used to collect data regarding the mode of use of antibiotics, the level of knowledge of farmers according to the withdrawal period, and a cross-sectional study was conducted on 192 samples of raw milk. The Delvotest® T was used to monitor antibiotic residues in milk. The data were analyzed using SAS and R software.

Results: The most commonly used antibiotics were those from the family of tetracycline (86.7%) and from the family of beta-lactams (13.3%). Regarding the statements of farmers, the reasons why the farmers use antibiotics were the following: About 47% in case of prevention and treatment, 29% for treatment, 12% for prevention, and 12% for increase dairy production. Moreover, the farmers lacked the necessary information about withdrawal period. Screening of antibiotic residues was performed using a standardized biological test kit, the Delvotest®. In total, from 192 samples of raw milk, 19 (9.9%) were positive including ten from collection centers and nine from farms. This could lead to a risk of exposure when a consumer drinks locally produced raw milk.

Conclusion: Raw milk supplied from the area of the study has a level of antibiotic residues, and the breeders have a low level of knowledge about the withdrawal period.

Keywords: antibiotic residues, cow, Delvotest, Niger, raw milk.