Evaluating Flinders Technology Associates card for transporting bacterial isolates and retrieval of bacterial DNA after various storage conditions

Research (Published online: 28-10-2020)

29. Evaluating Flinders Technology Associates card for transporting bacterial isolates and retrieval of bacterial DNA after various storage conditions

Azhar G. Shalaby, Neveen R. Bakry, Abeer A. E. Mohamed and Ashraf A. Khalil

Veterinary World, 13(10): 2243-2251

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Flinders Technology Associates (FTA) cards simplify sample storage, transport, and extraction by reducing cost and time for diagnosis. This study evaluated the FTA suitability for safe transport and storage of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cells of animal origin on its liquid culture form and from organ impression smears (tissues) under the same routine condition of microbiological laboratory along with detecting their nucleic acid over different storage conditions.

Materials and Methods: Increase in bacterial count from 104 to 107 (colony-forming units/mL) of 78 isolates representing seven bacterial species was applied onto cards. FTA cards were grouped and inoculated by these bacteria and then stored at different conditions of 24-27°C, 4°C, and –20°C for 24 h, for 2 weeks, for 1 and 3 month storage, respectively. Bacteriological examination was done, after which bacterial DNA was identified using specific primers for each bacterial type and detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: The total percentage of recovered bacteria from FTA cards was 66.7% at 24-27–C for 24 h, the detection limit was 100% in Gram-positive species, while it was 57.4% in Gram-negative ones. Regarding viable cell detection from organ impression smears, it was successful under the previous conditions. No live bacterial cells were observed by bacteriological isolation rather than only at 24-27°C for 24 h storage. All bacterial DNA were sufficiently confirmed by the PCR technique at different conditions.

Conclusion: Overall, the FTA card method was observed to be a valid tool for nucleic acid purification for bacteria of animal origin in the form of culture or organ smears regardless of its Gram type and is used for a short time only 24 h for storage and transport of live bacteria specifically Gram-positive type. Moreover, the bacterial nucleic acid was intact after storage in –20°C for 3 months and was PCR amplifiable.

Keywords: bacteria, colony-forming units, Flinders Technology Associates, nucleic acid, polymerase chain reaction.

Seroprevalence of Brucella abortus in cattle in Southern Lebanon using different diagnostic tests

Research (Published online: 28-10-2020)

28. Seroprevalence of Brucella abortus in cattle in Southern Lebanon using different diagnostic tests

Hussein Hassan, Ali Salami, Ghassan Ghssein, Jeanne El-Hage, Nada Nehme and Rana Awada

Veterinary World, 13(10): 2234-2242

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Brucellosis is endemic zoonotic and highly contagious bacterial disease. Recently, several brucellosis cases were reported in Lebanon, causing significant economic losses; however, no study was done so far on farms located in the southern part of the country. Thus, the aim of our study was to estimate the prevalence of Brucella abortus in South Lebanon using three different serological tests in the diagnosis of brucellosis in cattle.

Materials and Methods: Seventeen farms from 14 locations in Southern Lebanon were selected. Two hundred and three bovine blood samples of different ages, and 121 milk samples collected from older than 2 years cattle were tested using different serological tests: Rose Bengal test (RBT), milk ring test (MRT), indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA), and confirmed with competitive ELISA (C-ELISA).

Results: Results revealed that approximately 15.3% (confidence interval [CI] 95 10.3-20.2%) and 15.7% (CI 95 9.2-22.2%) of samples were positive using RBT and MRT, respectively. This percentage was significantly higher when using I-ELISA (18.3%) (CI 95 12.9-23.5%) and C-ELISA (18.7%) (CI 95 9.8-27.5%). Among used diagnostic tests, our results showed that ELISA was more accurate for the detection of brucellosis, especially since it detects the late stages of the infection, which is characterized by the presence of immunoglobulin G. The seroprevalence of brucellosis was higher among females. All positive tests were of cattle Holstein breed older than 2 years. Tyre and Jezzine cities had a higher significance in bovine brucellosis than Saida. A positive correlation between human and cattle brucellosis was found.

Conclusion: Our results showed that bovine brucellosis is prevalent in southern Lebanon. Lack of research, in addition to little feedback of occurring illness or symptoms, creates a gap in helping to control the spread of the disease.

Keywords: Brucellosis, Brucella abortus, diagnostic tests, prevalence, Southern Lebanon.

Gastrointestinal parasite infection intensity and hematological parameters in South African communal indigenous goats in relation to anemia

Research (Published online: 27-10-2020)

27. Gastrointestinal parasite infection intensity and hematological parameters in South African communal indigenous goats in relation to anemia

Takalani Judas Mpofu, Khathutshelo Agree Nephawe and Bohani Mtileni

Veterinary World, 13(10): 2226-2233

ABSTRACT

Aim: The study was conducted to determine the intensity of gastrointestinal parasite (GIP) infections and hematological parameters in South African communal indigenous goats in relation to anemia.

Materials and Methods: A total of 288 goats were randomly sampled in areas representing four agro-ecological zones. Fecal and blood samples were collected from the rectum and jugular vein, respectively, of each animal. The number of eggs per gram (EPG) and oocysts per gram (OPG) of feces and the hematological parameters were determined using the modified McMaster technique and a BC-2800Vet® automatic hematology analyzer, respectively. Data were analyzed using the repeated measures techniques of Minitab 17, modeling the covariance structure of the observed data.

Results: Based on EPG and OPG, goats in humid zone were significantly infected (p<0.05) with strongyles, Eimeria, Moniezia, and Trichuris spp. Hematological parameters of goats in arid and humid zone were lower (p<0.05) than those in semi-arid and dry sub-humid zone. GIP infection intensities were higher (p<0.05) in young animals than in adult and suckling goats. GIP infection intensity was similar between goat sexes, while hematological parameters were higher (p<0.05) in females. Higher (p<0.05) infection intensities for strongyles (302.90 EPG) and Eimeria (216.09 EPG) were observed in winter compared to summer (strongyles: 302.90, Eimeria: 216.09 EPG). Higher (p<0.05) values for the hematological parameters were observed during summer compared to that in winter.

Conclusion: GIP infection intensity in the winter could be associated with hypochromic and normocytic anemia which likely to affects suckling goats while in the summer could be associated with normochromic and normocytic anemia which likely to affect young goats.

Keywords: hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, packed cell volume, strongyles.

Effectivity of zinc oxide-turmeric extract dressing in stimulating the reepithelization phase of wound healing

Research (Published online: 27-10-2020)

26. Effectivity of zinc oxide-turmeric extract dressing in stimulating the reepithelization phase of wound healing

Asti Meizarini, Aryati Aryati, Devi Rianti, Wibi Riawan and Astari Puteri

Veterinary World, 13(10): 2221-2225

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Reepithelialization can be described as the resurfacing of a wound with new epithelium in the process of healing, with the overlapping step from keratinocyte migration and proliferation to the tissue contraction. Zinc oxide-turmeric extract dressing has been proven to have anti-inflammatory properties, but its effectivity in the reepithelialization process is still unknown. This study aimed to determine the effect of a wound dressing consisting of zinc oxide and turmeric extract on wound reepithelialization by assessing the expression of cytokeratin 14 (CK14), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin).

Materials and Methods: A total of 40 Wistar rats were randomized into four control and four treatment groups (n=5 per group). On day 1, a square-shaped full-thickness skin excision measuring 6×6 mm in size was created in the dorsal thoracic area of the rats, and the wounds were either dressed with a combination of zinc oxide and turmeric extract in the treatment groups or left undressed in the control groups. Then, the rats were sequentially sacrificed on days 3, 5, 7, and 14 to obtain subepithelial excision samples, which were subsequently subjected to immunohistochemistry analysis for the expression of CK14, EGFR, and E-cadherin to ascertain wound reepithelization. The data were tabulated and analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance and least significant difference test.

Results: The highest expression levels of CK14, EGFR, and E-cadherin were observed on days 7 and 14 in the treatment and control groups, respectively. While the expression levels of these markers on day 7 were found to be significantly higher in the treatment than the control groups, no significant difference in the expression levels on day 14 was detected between the control and treatment groups (p<0.05).

Conclusion: A wound dressing consisting of zinc oxide and turmeric extract can help accelerate reepithelization in the wound healing process.

Keywords: cytokeratin 14, epithelial cadherin, epidermal growth factor receptor, turmeric extract, wound dressing.

A study on the electrocardiography in dogs: Reference values and their comparison among breeds, sex, and age groups

Research (Published online: 23-10-2020)

25. A study on the electrocardiography in dogs: Reference values and their comparison among breeds, sex, and age groups

Joydip Mukherjee, Smruti Smita Mohapatra, Sonali Jana, Pradip Kumar Das, Prabal Ranjan Ghosh, Kinsuk Das and Dipak Banerjee

Veterinary World, 13(10): 2216-2220

ABSTRACT

Aim: The present investigation was intended to generate some basic data on electrocardiography (ECG) parameters in different breeds and their alterations in respect to sex and age.

Materials and Methods: The present investigation was carried out on 239 owned dogs of 11 different breeds presented to the Institute Veterinary Clinic during 2018-2019. The animals, irrespective of breed and sex were grouped on the basis of their age groups. Recordings of ECG were performed by a single-channel ECG machine (CardiartR, BPL, India) at 25 mm/s paper speed and 10 mm=1 mV calibration keeping the animals on the right lateral recumbence without any anesthesia. Heart rate, along with the amplitude and duration of different waves and complexes was measured.

Results: Heart rate did not vary significantly among breeds, sex, and different age groups. The highest heart rate has been reported in Doberman and the lowest in Beagle. The heart rate was lowest at the age group of 6 months-2.5 years and highest around 10.5-12.5 years irrespective of breed and sex. The incidence of sinus arrhythmia was mostly seen in older dogs. All the waves and complexes did not vary significantly between breeds, age, and sex except P duration which was significantly (p<0.05) higher in Golden retriever and Doberman breeds.

Conclusion: The present investigation generated some reference values of ECG in dogs which will help the clinicians to diagnose different cardiac abnormalities through ECG.

Keywords: dogs, electrocardiogram, heart rate, rhythm.

The effect of Aspergillus niger as a dietary supplement on blood parameters, intestinal morphology, and gut microflora in Haidong chicks reared in a high altitude environment

Research (Published online: 23-10-2020)

24. The effect of Aspergillus niger as a dietary supplement on blood parameters, intestinal morphology, and gut microflora in Haidong chicks reared in a high altitude environment

Hao Lin, Baoan Ding, Lingyun Chen, Zhenming Zhang, Hailian He, Jingge Wang, Xiezhong Wang, Licheng Zhang, Xiaoming Ni and Baldassare Fronte

Veterinary World, 13(10): 2209-2215

ABSTRACT

Aim: The effects of the inclusion of Aspergillus niger in the diet of Haidong chicks reared in the Qing-Zang high altitude area (China) under hypoxic conditions.

Materials and Methods: A total of 720 Haidong chicks were randomly divided into six groups and fed diets supplemented with 0%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.25%, and 1.5% of A. niger to determine blood parameters, intestinal morphology, and gut microflora in Haidong chicks reared in a high altitude environment.

Results: Packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell count, and hemoglobin concentration increased in the groups fed diets containing A. niger. The administration of A. niger in 1.0% and 1.25% significantly decreased the concentration of Escherichia coli in the cecum, while the concentration of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in the cecum and ileum was increased in the treated groups. When compared to the control groups, villi height, crypt depth, and goblet cell density in the intestine was raised, in general, in the groups treated with A. niger.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that 1.25% A. niger as dietary supplement may improve the resistance to ascites among birds reared under hypoxic conditions.

Keywords: Aspergillus niger, gut microflora, Haidong chicks, intestinal morphology, probiotic.

Pathological effect of infectious bronchitis disease virus on broiler chicken trachea and kidney tissues

Research (Published online: 21-10-2020)

23. Pathological effect of infectious bronchitis disease virus on broiler chicken trachea and kidney tissues

Ismael I. Hasan, Saad T. Rasheed, Nawar A. Jasim and Mohammed K. Shakor

Veterinary World, 13(10): 2203-2208

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the pathological effects of the infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) on chicken trachea and kidney tissues and also desired to diagnose the virus genome using a molecular tool.

Materials and Methods: Twenty trachea and kidney samples collected from one broiler farm contain 10,000 chickens at Tikrit city. The chickens showed signs of gasping and mortality (20%) at early ages (20 days old), the presence of IBV investigated using conventional reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction technique with routine histopathological study to tracheal and renal tissue.

Results: Postmortem lesion showed severe respiratory inflammation with abscesses at tracheal bifurcation lead to airway blog. Molecular results showed two genotypes of IBV, one of them not included in primer designer research. The histological study showed different stages of inflammation, degeneration, and necrosis to the renal and tracheal tissues.

Conclusion: The respiratory and renal pathological effect of the virus responsible for the symptoms appeared on the affected chicks that caused mortality, with a high probability of presence of a new viral genotype added to the untranslated region.

Keywords: infections bronchitis virus, kidney, serotypes, trachea.