Epidemiological and molecular studies on Echinococcus granulosus from free-roaming dogs in Southeast Iran

Research (Published online: 20-04-2020)

18. Epidemiological and molecular studies on Echinococcus granulosus from free-roaming dogs in Southeast Iran

Alireza Keyhani, Iraj Sharifi, Mehdi Bamorovat, Mohammad Ali Mohammadi, Asma Askari, Mohammad Ebrahimipour and Majid Fasihi Harandi

Veterinary World, 13(4): 739-745

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Cystic echinococcosis (CE), as a major zoonotic helminth infection, imposes remarkable socioeconomic burden on many endemic countries across the world, including Iran. Due to the high importance of free-roaming dogs in the transmission of CE, epidemiological and molecular studies in this type of hosts are required in the endemic regions. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and genotyping of Echinococcus granulosus isolated from stray dogs in Kerman, Southeast Iran.

Materials and Methods: Eighty-four samples were isolated from stray dogs in the city and suburbs of Kerman in coordination with the health authorities and the municipality office for rabies control and dog population management. Dog demographic data, including age and sex were collected. The worm was isolated by necropsy and genomic DNA was extracted and partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene was amplified using specific primers. Phylogenetic and Templeton-Crandall-Sing (TCS) network analyses were carried out on the sequence data.

Results: The overall prevalence of CE in the surveyed dogs was 10.7% (9/84 cases). Out of 84 stray dogs, 33 (39.3%) and 51 (60.7%) cases were male and female, respectively. There was not a statistically significant difference between the infection and gender of dogs. However, infection is shown more in dogs under one year of age with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). The results of molecular studies indicated E. granulosus G1 genotype for all isolates. The high presence of free-roaming dogs in urban and peri-urban areas and high frequency of parasite in this animal is a risk factor for humans in the region. Haplotype sequence analysis on the dog isolates revealed a close relationship with other E. granulosus isolates in Kerman.

Conclusion: The findings of this study provide evidence-based data about the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of CE in dog definitive hosts of Southeast Iran. Further studies are required to understand the prevalence and parasite genotypes in dogs in Iran.

Keywords: echinococcosis, free-roaming dogs, genotype, haplotype network, hydatid cyst, Iran.

Left ventricular myocardial remodeling in dogs with mitral valve endocardiosis

Research (Published online: 20-04-2020)

17. Left ventricular myocardial remodeling in dogs with mitral valve endocardiosis

Yury A. Vatnikov, Andrey A. Rudenko, Boris V. Usha, Evgeny V. Kulikov, Elena A. Notina, Irina A. Bykova, Nadiya I. Khairova, Irina V. Bondareva, Victor N. Grishin and Andrey N. Zharov

Veterinary World, 13(4): 731-738

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Left ventricular myocardial remodeling could play an important role in the progression of chronic heart failure (CHF) syndrome in dogs with mitral valve endocardiosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the left ventricular myocardial remodeling in dogs with mitral valve endocardiosis and to study the dependence of the incidence of this pathological phenomenon on the functional class (FC) of progression of the CHF syndrome.

Materials and Methods: A total of 108 afflicted dogs and 36 clinically healthy dogs were examined using transthoracic echocardiography. The following structural and geometric parameters of the left ventricular remodeling were evaluated: Myocardial mass and its index, sphericity index at the end of systole and diastole, end-systolic and end-diastolic relative wall thickness, and integral remodeling index.

Results: In all clinically healthy dogs, a normal type of the left ventricular chamber geometry was revealed, whereas, in dogs with mitral valve endocardiosis, the normal geometry of the left ventricle occurred in 56.4%, eccentric hypertrophy in 24.1%, concentric remodeling in 10.2%, and concentric hypertrophy in 9.3% of the cases. In patients with endocardiosis, there was no dilatation type of cardiac remodeling observed.

Conclusion: When compared to the clinically healthy animals, the dogs with mitral valve endocardiosis presented with indicators of structural and geometric remodeling, such as increased myocardial mass, myocardial mass index, and sphericity index at the end of systole and diastole, as well as relatively reduced integral systolic index of remodeling and systolic relative thickness of the walls of the heart. The parameters of the left ventricular myocardial remodeling correlated significantly with the FC of CHF syndrome.

Keywords: dogs, endocardiosis, heart failure, mitral regurgitation, myocardial remodeling.

In vitro assessment of time-dependent changes in red cell cytoplasmic antioxidants of donkey blood preserved in citrate phosphate dextrose adenine 1 anticoagulant

Research (Published online: 19-04-2020)

16. In vitro assessment of time-dependent changes in red cell cytoplasmic antioxidants of donkey blood preserved in citrate phosphate dextrose adenine 1 anticoagulant

Okereke Henry Nnamdi, Udegbunam Rita Ijeoma, Nwobi Lotanna Gilbert, Ezeobialu Henry Toochukwu and Udegbunam Sunday Ositadinma

Veterinary World, 13(4): 726-730

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Stored blood is continuously exposed to oxidative stress, which affects its antioxidant protective system. Erythrocytes are naturally armed with antioxidant protective capacity. Blood antioxidant system functions to protect the blood cells against oxidative damage by free radicals. However, during storage, blood is continuously exposed to oxidative stress, which affects its antioxidant system. The aim of this work was to investigate alteration in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, reduced glutathione (glutathione reductase [GSH-Rd]), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in stored donkey blood.

Materials and Methods: Blood (250 ml) was drawn from four clinically healthy donkeys into citrate phosphate dextrose adenine 1 blood bags and preserved at 4°C. MDA, GSH-Rd, CAT, and SOD activities were assayed by colorimetric methods, over a period of 42 days.

Results: The result showed that SOD enzyme activities significantly (p<0.05) increased by day 7 post-storage (PS) while MDA levels significantly (p<0.05) increased by day 21 PS. However, activities of GSH-Rd and CAT enzymes decreased (p<0.05) by day 21 PS. Pearson's product-moment correlation showed a negative correlation between the levels of MDA and enzymatic antioxidant markers (CAT and GSH-Rd).

Conclusion: The findings revealed that GSH-Rd and CAT are the primary antioxidant defense markers in donkey red blood cells. The observed alterations in these principal antioxidants suggest a 14 days optimum keeping time of donkey blood for blood banking purposes.

Keywords: blood, citrate phosphate dextrose adenine 1, donkey, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase.

Opportunistic parasitic infections in patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: A review

Review (Published online: 17-04-2020)

15. Opportunistic parasitic infections in patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: A review

D. A. Laksemi, L. T. Suwanti, M. Mufasirin, K. Suastika and M. Sudarmaja

Veterinary World, 13(4): 716-725

ABSTRACT

The number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases increases annually, and Indonesia has become the country with the fastest HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic spread among the five Southeast Asian countries. Indonesia entered the critical phase of HIV/AIDS infections after 5 out of the 33 provinces, namely, Papua, Jakarta, Bali, West Java, and East Java, reported HIV/AIDS epidemic since 2004. In AIDS pathophysiology and immune-suppression are severe, thus, opportunistic intestinal parasitic infections that cause diarrhea in HIV infection may be fatal. Several studies have suggested that Cryptosporidium parvum, Isospora belli, and Blastocystis hominis are the most common intestinal protozoan parasites categorized as AIDS associated illness. Diarrhea caused by parasites is considerably suspected in the cases of chronic and persistent diarrhea in adults, in an era of increasing HIV/AIDS cases nowadays. The present review highlights the current advances in etiologic agents of HIV/AIDS opportunistic infections among countries, epidemiology and prevalence, lifecycle, risk factors, examination methods, and treatment.

Keywords: epidemic, immune suppression, opportunistic infection, protozoa.

Carcass and meat characteristics of male Kacang goat fattened by complete silage

Research (Published online: 17-04-2020)

14. Carcass and meat characteristics of male Kacang goat fattened by complete silage

Paulus Klau Tahuk and Gerson F. Bira

Veterinary World, 13(4): 706-715

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the carcass and meat characteristics of male Kacang goat fattened by complete silage made from natural grass, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench and Pennisetum purpuphoides.

Materials and Methods: This study examined 12 young male Kacang goats aged 10-12 months with an initial body weight of 10-12 kg. The livestock was divided into three groups randomly to receive feed treatments. The three treatments of this study included T1: Complete silage made from natural grass; T2: Complete silage made from S. bicolor (L.) Moench, and T3: Complete silage made from P. purpuphoides. Data were analyzed according to the analysis of variance procedure.

Results: The carcass percentage of livestock T2 and T3 treatment was relatively similar but higher (p<0.05) than the T1 group. The non-carcass percentage of T2 and T3 was relatively the same but lower than T1. The water content of T1 treatment was higher (p<0.05) than T3, but relatively the same as T2 treatment. The collagen content of T2 and T3 was relatively the same but lower (p<0.05) than T1; likewise, the cholesterol of T2 and T3 treatments was relatively similar but higher than T1 treatment. The variables of slaughter and carcass weight, and non-carcass weight, meat protein content, acidity, cooking losses, water holding capacity, and tenderness were not significantly different between groups of animals.

Conclusion: The use of S. bicolor (L.) Moench and P. purpuphoides as a basic forage in making complete silage has been shown to increase carcass percentage, the content (%) of fat, collagen, and cholesterol. Otherwise, the treatments have no effect on the content of pH, tenderness (kg/cm2), cooking loss (%), and water holding capacity (%) of male Kacang goat fattened. Therefore, S. bicolor (L.) Moench and P. purpuphoides plants have great potential to be developed by farmers/ ranchers as feed for goats.

Keywords: carcass characteristics, chemical and physical quality of meat, complete silage, fattening, male Kacang goat.

Effect of cocoa powder on hypertension and antioxidant status in uninephrectomized hypertensive rats

Research (Published online: 16-04-2020)

13. Effect of cocoa powder on hypertension and antioxidant status in uninephrectomized hypertensive rats

Olayinka Christianah Jayeola, Ademola Adetokunbo Oyagbemi, Omolara Ibiwunmi Okunlola, Olayiwola Olubamiwa, Temidayo Olutayo Omobowale, Temitayo Olabisi Ajibade, Foluso Bolawaye Bolaji-Alabi, Blessing Seun Ogunpolu, Olufunke Olubunmi Falayi, Adebowale Benard Saba, Adeolu Alex Adedapo, Momoh Audu Yakubu, Afolabi Oluwadun and Oluwafemi Omoniyi Oguntibeju

Veterinary World, 13(4): 695-705

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: High salt diet and uninephrectomy are associated with high blood pressure with attendant cardiovascular disease conditions such as hypertension, renal damage, myocardial infarction, and stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of consumption of cocoa and cocoa-containing products in the management of high blood pressure in uninephrectomized hypertensive rats.

Materials and Methods: The effect of cocoa powder on blood pressure, markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and histopathology were investigated in uninephrectomized animals fed with cocoa feed alone or in combination with a high salt diet. Male rats were randomly divided into five groups: Group A was the control group and fed with normal feed alone, Group B was fed with cocoa feed alone, Group C was fed with high salt diet (8% salt), Group D was fed with cocoa-feed compounded with 8% salt for 4 weeks after uninephrectomy, and Group E was uninephrectomized rats on a normal diet. The left kidneys of animals in Groups C, D, and E were removed by surgery. After 4 weeks of treatment, the systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure was measured. The serum markers of renal damage and oxidative stress were determined. Histological examination was also performed on renal and cardiac tissues.

Results: Results showed significant increases in biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and renal damage with a concomitant decrease in antioxidant status in hypertensive uninephrectomized rats. Cocoa feed, however, significantly improved blood pressure and nitric oxide bioavailability, antioxidant status and reduced markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Conclusion: These findings show that cocoa powder could be used to maintain blood pressure levels in hypertensive rats through its antioxidant capacity.

Keywords: antioxidant therapy, cocoa powder, high salt diet, hypertension, oxidative stress.

Prevalence and risk factors of trematode infection in swamp buffaloes reared under different agro-climatic conditions in Java Island of Indonesia

Research (Published online: 15-04-2020)

12. Prevalence and risk factors of trematode infection in swamp buffaloes reared under different agro-climatic conditions in Java Island of Indonesia

Nanis Nurhidayah, Fadjar Satrija, Elok Budi Retnani, Dewi Apri Astuti and Sri Murtini

Veterinary World, 13(4): 687-694

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and intensity and to identify the associated risk factors and impact of trematode infection in swamp buffaloes reared under different agro-climatic conditions in Java, Indonesia.

Materials and Methods: A total of 580 fecal samples were collected from swamp buffaloes in five different agro-climatic areas in Banten and Central Java Provinces, Indonesia. The fecal samples were examined using the Danish Bilharziasis Laboratory Technique to determine the prevalence and intensity of trematode infection. The risk factors for infection were determined from an in-depth interview of owners/keepers, and the results were analyzed using Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression. The infection was also correlated with swamp buffalo production parameters (body weight and body condition score [BCS]).

Results: From all fecal samples, the overall prevalence of trematode infection was 64.83%, which comprised Fasciola spp. (16.03%; mean eggs per gram [EPG]±SD: 1.02±0.43) and Paramphistomatidae (62.93%; mean EPG±SD: 1.01±0.66). The main risk factor for trematode infection was feeding animals with rice straw (odds ratio [OR]: 40.124); the risk of trematode infection was 40.142 times higher in buffaloes that consumed rice straw. Other risk factors included the frequency of anthelmintic treatment (OR: 4.666), age (OR: 0.449), and drinking water source (OR: 0.358). Trematode infection did not significantly affect the body weight or BCS of swamp buffaloes.

Conclusion: Although the prevalence of trematode infection was high in swamp buffaloes, the intensity of infection was low, and the infection did not affect the animals' physical parameters.

Keywords: epidemiology, Indonesia, swamp buffalo, trematodes.