Reduction of the nematode egg reappearance period in horses after anthelmintic therapy

Research (Published online: 24-06-2022)

16. Reduction of the nematode egg reappearance period in horses after anthelmintic therapy

Maria V. Baranova, Olga A. Panova, Daria N. Polukhina and Daria S. Panova

Veterinary World, 15(6): 1530-1534

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Anthelmintics are used to control equine nematodes. However, helminth resistance to regularly used drugs is a well-known challenge. Among tests to assess effective control and monitor resistance, the most common is the fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT). In the absence of reliable FECRT results, the nematode egg reappearance period (ERP) is taken into account. This study aimed to examine horses from farms around the Moscow Region to assess nematode resistance through ERP after therapy.

Materials and Methods: In the first stage, fecal samples from 280 horses were examined by the flotation method with a sodium nitrate solution. The eggs per gram (EPG) in feces were counted using the modified McMaster technique. One hundred and forty out of 280 horses were selected for further work. Five groups were formed: Two groups of horses infected with strongyles (n = 50) and three groups with Parascaris equorum (n = 90). Therapy against strongyles was performed with albendazole and ivermectin. Therapy for parascaridosis was performed with fenbendazole, ivermectin, and aversectin C. Samples from the horses in each group were taken on the 14th day (2 weeks), 28th day (4 weeks), 42nd day (6 weeks), 56th day (8 weeks), and 84th day (12 weeks) after treatment, and the amount of EPG in each sample was determined.

Results: Overall, nematodes were found in 65% of the horses examined. P. equorum was most frequently recorded (42.1%) followed by Strongylidae gen. spp. (27.9%). The strongyles ERP after therapy with albendazole and ivermectin was estimated on 42 days (6 weeks). The growth of P. equorum eggs in the feces was observed from the 56th day (8 weeks) after therapy with fenbendazole, from the 42nd day (6 weeks) after therapy with ivermectin, and was observed from the 84th day (12 weeks) after the use of aversectin.

Conclusion: Our study shows widespread reductions in nematode ERPs across the Moscow Region after ivermectin therapy in horses, suggesting that additional monitoring of these farms is needed for effective control of anthelmintic resistance.

Keywords: anthelmintic resistance, eggs reappearance period, horse parasitic nematodes, Parascaris equorum, strongyles.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Sana'a, Yemen

Research (Published online: 23-06-2022)

7. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Sana'a, Yemen

Redhwan Ahmed Al-Naggar, Hisham Alshaikhli, Reyadh R. Al-Rashidi and Sharon Murtagh

International Journal of One Health, 8(1): 58-69

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The development of a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine is ongoing. This study aimed to prepare for public acceptance of the vaccine. There is a need to identify the current acceptance and potential barriers to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine in Yemen. Understanding the hesitancy and acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine are crucial to develop local evidence-based interventions.

Materials and Methods: Twenty students were interviewed in this study. An interview guide was developed and it addressed the willingness to accept a future COVID-19 vaccine. In-depth interviews were conducted, transcribed, and manually analyzed.

Results: The majority of participants agreed that they would take a COVID-19 vaccine for several reasons, including protection for themselves, their families, and others and to stop the spread of COVID-19, for which the vaccine is important, as in other routine vaccinations. However, some participants shared that they would not take the COVID-19 vaccine due to the following reasons: Concerns regarding the safety of the vaccine; feeling fit and healthy, and thus considering themselves to have strong immunity; feeling that the vaccine was manufactured in a rushed manner and thus it would require approval by the World Health Organization; being previously infected with COVID-19 and considering themselves protected, and placing their trust in God and believing no vaccine was needed.

Conclusion: The willingness to receive a future COVID-19 vaccine was high among medical students. However, some students hesitated to take the vaccine. Therefore, mass media interventions are required to maximize vaccine uptake.

Keywords: coronavirus disease 2019, coronavirus, pandemic, vaccine acceptance, vaccine barriers, vaccine hesitancy, vaccine uptake.

The One Health concept for the threat of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 to marine ecosystems

Review (Published online: 23-06-2022)

6. The One Health concept for the threat of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 to marine ecosystems

Khawla K. Bukha, Ehab A. Sharif and Ibrahim M. Eldaghayes

International Journal of One Health, 8(1): 48-57

ABSTRACT

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a global health threat. This virus is the causative agent for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Pandemic prevention is best addressed through an integrated One Health (OH) approach. Understanding zoonotic pathogen fatality and spillover from wildlife to humans are effective for controlling and preventing zoonotic outbreaks. The OH concept depends on the interface of humans, animals, and their environment. Collaboration among veterinary medicine, public health workers and clinicians, and veterinary public health is necessary for rapid response to emerging zoonotic pathogens. SARS-CoV-2 affects aquatic environments, primarily through untreated sewage. Patients with COVID-19 discharge the virus in urine and feces into residential wastewater. Thus, marine organisms may be infected with SARS-CoV-2 by the subsequent discharge of partially treated or untreated wastewater to marine waters. Viral loads can be monitored in sewage and surface waters. Furthermore, shellfish are vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Filter-feeding organisms might be monitored to protect consumers. Finally, the stability of SARS-CoV-2 to various environmental factors aids in viral studies. This article highlights the presence and survival of SARS-CoV-2 in the marine environment and its potential to enter marine ecosystems through wastewater. Furthermore, the OH approach is discussed for improving readiness for successive outbreaks. This review analyzes information from public health and epidemiological monitoring tools to control COVID-19 transmission.

Keywords: coronavirus disease 2019, marine environment, One Health, sewage, shellfish, zoonosis.

Effects of common litter types and their physicochemical properties on the welfare of broilers

Research (Published online: 20-06-2022)

15. Effects of common litter types and their physicochemical properties on the welfare of broilers

Tarek Boussaada, Kaouthar Lakhdari, Salha Amira Benatallah and Samira Meradi

Veterinary World, 15(6): 1523-1529

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: In broiler production, the poor quality litter not only may lead to a deterioration of the welfare status but also negatively affect carcass quality, overall health and growth performance, which may result in economic losses. The effects of litter types on the welfare of broilers are known but the effects of their characteristics have been little studied. This study aimed to evaluate correlations between welfare parameters of broilers and physicochemical characteristics of five common litter types.

Materials and Methods: Over 42 days, 600 (Cobb 700) male broiler chicks were placed within 30 pens (each 2 m2) at a density of 10 birds/m2. The experiment included five treatments with six replicates per treatment. The following litter (or bedding) materials were examined: Standard quality straw, low-quality straw, wood shavings (WS), sawdust, and crop residues. Footpad condition, hock burns, and plumage cleanliness, as well as litter condition, were scored according to previously developed point scale systems. Litter quality was evaluated according to pH level, moisture, water-holding capacity, and ammonia content.

Results: No significant differences were found among litter types in terms of pH, moisture content, or ammonia levels. WS had a significant positive effect on footpad health and plumage cleanliness. However, hock burn was not affected by different bedding types. The severity of pododermatitis was negatively correlated with litter type (r = –0.78; p < 0.001) and positively correlated with the litter scores (r = 0.67; p < 0.001). However, contact dermatitis observed (pododermatitis and hock burn) was not correlated with any of the physicochemical parameters we studied. Meanwhile, we observed a correlation between footpad lesions and hock burn (r = 0.45; p < 0.05), and between footpad lesions and plumage cleanliness (r = 0.59; p < 0.01).

Conclusion: For all litter types examined, contact dermatitis was not correlated with any of the physicochemical components we studied. There were, however, significant correlations between litter type and footpad lesions, as well as between footpad dermatitis and hock burns.

Keywords: broiler, litter quality, litter types, physicochemical characteristics of litter, welfare indicators.

Characterization of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica isolated from broiler chickens

Research (Published online: 18-06-2022)

14. Characterization of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica isolated from broiler chickens

Esraa Razzaq Hassan, Abdullah O. Alhatami, Husam Muhsen Abdulwahab and Bradly S. Schneider

Veterinary World, 15(6): 1515-1522

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella is a public health concern. Fluoroquinolones and extended-spectrum beta-lactams are widely used for the treatment of Salmonella infections. This study focused on the detection of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) genes among multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella enterica isolated from broilers.

Materials and Methods: A total of 40 non-typhoidal S. enterica isolates were collected from 28 broiler chicken farms in four Iraqi Governorates. These isolates were examined for their susceptibility to 10 antimicrobial agents by disk-diffusion method followed by polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of PMQR determinants and ESBLs genes.

Results: Salmonella strains revealed high levels of resistance to the following antibiotics: Nalidixic acid 100%, levofloxacin (LEV) 97.5%, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 95.0%, tetracycline 92.5%, and nitrofurantoin 80.0%. Otherwise, all isolates were susceptible to cefotaxime and ceftriaxone. All isolates were MDR, with 15 different profiles observed. Among 38 amoxicillin/clavulanic acid-resistant Salmonella isolates, 20 (52.6%) had the blaTEM gene, while blaSHV, blaCTX-M, and blaOXA genes were not detected. Only 5 (12.8%) out of 39 LEV-resistant isolates were positive for qnrB, three of which had blaTEM. No qnrC or qnrD, qnrS, aac(6')-Ib-cr, qunA, and oqxAB genes were found in any of the tested isolates.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that broiler chickens may be considered a potential source for spreading MDR non-typhoidal Salmonella and ESBL traits in poultry production. Therefore, it is important to continuously monitor ESBL and PMQR genes to avoid the spread of resistant strains in the food chain and impact public health.

Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, extended-spectrum β-lactamases, food-borne pathogen, multidrug-resistant, poultry, qnr, Salmonella.

Effect of red ginger powder (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum) as a feed additive for starter and finisher broiler chicken to increase immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin Y expression and to prevent intestinal injury due to Salmonella enteritidis infection

Research (Published online: 18-06-2022)

13. Effect of red ginger powder (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum) as a feed additive for starter and finisher broiler chicken to increase immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin Y expression and to prevent intestinal injury due to Salmonella enteritidis infection

Herawati Herawati, Agri Kaltaria Anisa, Kurnianto Dwi Widiatmoko, Setiawan Surya Paku Alam, Islah Asyraf Diari, Zhella Happy Naprila, Rr. Lintan Ayu Kisya, Analita Puspabela and Fajar Shodiq Permata

Veterinary World, 15(6): 1506-1514

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Salmonellosis is an infectious disease that often occurs in chickens and is caused by Salmonella enteritidis. The use of antibiotics to prevent this disease can result in the development of resistance in pathogenic bacteria, in addition to the presence of antibiotic residues in consumed carcasses. Red ginger (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum) has active compounds that potentially act as immunomodulators which increase specific and non-specific immune responses through the induction of cytokine production. This study was conducted to determine the effects of red ginger powder mixed in feed for starter and finisher broiler chickens, based on the evaluation of the expression of immunoglobulin A (IgA), histopathologic description of the ileum and cecum, IgA, and immunoglobulin Y (IgY) expression in the spleen, and the isolation count of S. enteritidis in fresh fecal samples.

Materials and Methods: A total of 100 starter and 100 finisher Cobb broiler chickens were divided into four groups, designated as T0, T1, T2, and T3, respectively: Group T0 was fed commercial feed with no added 2% red ginger powder or S. enteritidis induction, and served as a negative control; Group T1 was inoculated with a 0.25 mL S. enteritidis oral induction (1 × 107 colony-forming unit [CFU] [0.5 McFarland standard]), and served as a positive control; Group T2 was fed with feed containing 2% red ginger powder; while Group T3 was fed with feed containing 2% red ginger powder and was orally inoculated with S. enteritidis with a dose similar to T1. The normal feed was given on the 1st–7th days. The mixture of 2% red ginger powder was given on the 7th–15th days. The S. enteritidis was induced on the 15th day (1 × 107 CFU). Necropsy was performed on the 16th day and tissues were fixed in 10% formalin and routinely processed for histopathologic and immunohistochemical analyses. The data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance test, Tukey's analysis, and the Mann–Whitney U non-parametric statistical analysis test.

Results: The 2% red ginger powder was found to significantly (p < 0.05) increase IgA expression and additionally decrease tissue damage in the cecum and ileum. It also increased IgA and IgY expression in the spleen. In addition, a decrease was observed in the S. enteritidis number isolated from finisher fresh feces, but none was found in the isolated starter fresh feces.

Conclusion: These findings indicate that the addition of red ginger powder to chicken feed is a potential natural immunomodulator against S. enteritidis infection.

Keywords: bacterial isolation, fresh feces, natural immunomodulator, red ginger powder, Salmonella enteritidis.

Isolation, identification, and antibiogram studies of Escherichia coli from ready-to-eat foods in Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Research (Published online: 15-06-2022)

12. Isolation, identification, and antibiogram studies of Escherichia coli from ready-to-eat foods in Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Fateha Akther Ema, Rifat Noor Shanta, Md. Zaminur Rahman, Md. Ariful Islam and Mst. Minara Khatun

Veterinary World, 15(6): 1497-1505

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Ready-to-eat (RTE) foods are widely used at home, restaurants, and during festivals in Bangladesh. So it is very important to investigate possible microbial contamination in RTE foods. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the total coliform count (TCC), isolate, identify, and characterize the Escherichia coli in RTE foods. The antimicrobial sensitivity of E. coli obtained from RTE foods was also performed using 12 commonly used antibiotics.

Materials and Methods: A total of 100 RTE food samples were collected aseptically and comprised of ten samples each: Burger, pizza, sandwich, chicken roll, chicken meat loaf, chicken fry, salad vegetable, ice-cream, yogurt, and milkshake sold in Mymensingh city. Samples were inoculated onto Eosin methylene blue agar and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. Isolation and identification of bacteria were performed based on cultural, staining, and biochemical properties, followed by a polymerase chain reaction.

Results: The TCC in Chicken meat loaf, burger, pizza, sandwich, salad vegetable ice-cream, and yogurt samples were 3.57 ± 0.96, 3.69 ± 0.08, 3.50 ± 0.60, 2.60 ± 0.20, 4.09 ± 0.29, 4.44 ± 0.25, and 3.14 ± 0.30 mean log colony-forming units ± standard deviation/mL, respectively. The study found a higher prevalence of E. coli in RTE salad vegetable products than in RTE meat and milk products. Forty percent of the mixed vegetable salad samples showed positive results for E. coli. Whereas E. coli prevalence in RTE meat and milk products was 20% and 16.7%, respectively. All the 21 isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility test against 12 different antibiotics. It was observed that 46.1% were susceptible, 16.6% were intermediate, 46.1% were resistant, and 47.6% were multidrug-resistant (MDR) among seven different antibiotic classes. E. coli isolates were resistant to cephalexin, ceftazidime, oxytetracycline, and ampicillin and sensitive to gentamycin, followed by kanamycin, ceftriaxone, colistin, and enrofloxacin..

Conclusion: The study revealed that RTE foods are a serious issue from a public health point of view. To achieve a safer level of E. coli in RTE foods sold for human consumption, public food outlets must improve hygienic and good production procedures. Moreover, MDR E. coli in these foods pose serious public health threats.

Keywords: antibiogram profile, Escherichia coli, prevalence, ready-to-eat foods.