Prevalence of enterotoxins and other virulence genes of Staphylococcus aureus caused subclinical mastitis in dairy cows

Research (Published online: 26-06-2020)

25. Prevalence of enterotoxins and other virulence genes of Staphylococcus aureus caused subclinical mastitis in dairy cows

Rania M. Ewida and Amira A. T. Al-Hosary

Veterinary World, 13(6): 1193-1198

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Milk production is one of the main props for the national economy. One of the crucial problems in this industry is subclinical mastitis, which harms this industry that considered the backbone of the economy. It is an infectious and zoonotic disease; the infection can spread between dairy animals through milkers' hands, and milking machines, while the human infection occurs due to the consumption of apparently hygienic milk. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the main causative agents of clinical and subclinical mastitis. It is also considered one of the bacteria incriminated in food intoxication of humans due to its virulence factors as enterotoxins and toxic shock syndrome. The current study was designed to assess the prevalence of S. aureus and its enterotoxins, as well as, its other virulence factors in milk collected from cows that suffer from subclinical mastitis.

Materials and Methods: Sixty cows were collected from different dairy farms located in Assiut Governorate, Egypt. These cows were subjected to the clinical examination of the udder and its lymph nodes before sampling. Milk samples were collected from clinically healthy udders. All the milk samples were examined by California mastitis test (CMT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for confirmation subclinical mastitis, presence of S. aureus and its enterotoxins genes and other virulence factors in the examined milk samples.

Results: The cows included in the current study had healthy udders. The sixty collected milk samples were tested by CMT. 48/60 (80.0%) were positive samples; from the 48 positive samples, 46 (95.83%) samples were confirmed positive by S. aureus 16s rRNA PCR assay. Multiplex PCRs confirmed the presence of staphylococcus enterotoxin gene C (sec) in one sample, staphylococcus enterotoxin gene D (sed) in 23 samples, while ELISA assay confirmed the presence of the same enterotoxin in only two samples. On the other hand, other groups of genes responsible for some other virulence factors of S. aureus like the extracellular thermostable nuclease (nuc) gene were found in 33 samples, while toxic shock syndrome (tsst) gene and methicillin restraint S. aureus (mecA) gene were not detected in this study.

Conclusion: Subclinical mastitis is one of the hidden factors that adversely affect the health of both animals and humans. The milk is usually appeared good and may be consumed by humans especially children; however, it causes severe public health problems. In addition, the infected animals with this form of mastitis can spread the infection to other dairy animals and may be turned to a clinical case of contagious mastitis that may be ended by animal culling or death. S. aureus is one of the main causes of subclinical mastitis in cattle. In addition to extracellular thermostable nuclease (nuc) gene, staphylococcus enterotoxin gene C (sec) and staphylococcus enterotoxin gene D (sed) are the most common virulence genes confirmed in subclinical mastitis milk. These results highlighted the need to apply more hygienic measures in the dairy farms to avoid spreading the infection between animals to ensure the production of safe and healthy food to humans.

Keywords: enterotoxins, mecA, nuc, polymerase chain reaction, Staphylococcus aureus, subclinical mastitis.

Effects of different sterilization methods of herbal formula on phytochemical compounds and antibacterial activity against mastitis-causing bacteria

Research (Published online: 25-06-2020)

24. Effects of different sterilization methods of herbal formula on phytochemical compounds and antibacterial activity against mastitis-causing bacteria

Dian Wahyu Harjanti, Fajar Wahyono and Vincentia Rizke Ciptaningtyas

Veterinary World, 13(6): 1187-1192

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The current phytobiotic industry is struggling to determine a proper sterilization method for an herbal formula that comprises multiple plant extracts. Hence, this study aims to investigate the effects of two sterilization methods of herbal formula on phytochemical compounds and antibacterial activity against mastitis-causing bacterial isolates.

Materials and Methods: The herbal formula comprised the extracts of Piper betle leaves, Curcuma domestica, and Curcuma zanthorriza. We applied two sterilization methods – sterilization using 0.45 μM syringe filter and sterilization using an autoclave at 121°C for 15 min. After sterilization, we measured phytochemical contents (phenol and flavonoid) of the herbal formula. Using the disk diffusion method, the antibacterial susceptibility test of the sterilized herbal formula against mastitis-causing bacterial isolates was conducted. Tetracycline, erythromycin, and penicillin – common antibiotics for mastitis therapy in dairy farms – were used as standard antibiotics.

Results: Compared with autoclave sterilization, syringe filter sterilization resulted in less (p<0.05) phenolic and flavonoid contents. Against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, the filter sterilized herbal formula (E. coli: 65.9%-73%; S. aureus: 6.2%-18.1%) markedly reduced the antibacterial activity than the autoclave-sterilized herbal formula (E. coli: 2.1%- 3%; S. aureus: 4.5%-10.7%).

Conclusion: This study establishes that autoclave sterilization of the herbal formula is the best sterilization method that exerts minimal adverse effects on the phytochemical compounds and could sustain the antibacterial efficacy against mastitis-causing bacteria. Hence, the herbal formula could be used as an alternative treatment for bovine mastitis.

Keywords: herbal extract, mastitis, phytobiotic, phytochemical compound, sterilization method.

Evaluation of lower urinary tract disease in the Yogyakarta cat population, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 25-06-2020)

23. Evaluation of lower urinary tract disease in the Yogyakarta cat population, Indonesia

Alfarisa Nururrozi, Yanuartono Yanuartono, Prisyarlinie Sivananthan, Soedarmanto Indarjulianto

Veterinary World, 13(6): 1182-1186

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: This paper reports a retrospective study performed in 185 cats diagnosed with feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). The analyzed population involved feline patients at the Veterinary Clinic of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical indications and causes of FLUTD in the Yogyakarta cat population.

Materials and Methods: The medical data of all feline patients were obtained to conduct this study. FLUTD diagnoses were based on physical examinations, urinalyses, ultrasound examinations, and bacterial cultures. Only cats with a complete examination were used in the study. The clinical signs were evaluated and accompanied by the results of laboratory tests in cats that showed symptoms of FLUTD. The medical history of all feline patients was analyzed thoroughly. Most of the feline's urine samples were collected by catheterization.

Results: The most commonly diagnosed of FLUTD in the Yogyakarta cat population were: feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) (56%), urinary tract infection (UTI; 25%), urolithiasis (13%), urethral plugs (UP) (4.9%), and neoplasia (0.4%), respectively. The prevalence of UTI is higher than that reported in Europe or the US. Older cats more often show symptoms of UTI and neoplasia, whereas young cats more often show symptoms of FIC and UP. The prevalence of male cats experiencing FLUTD in Yogyakarta is much higher than female cats.

Conclusion: The incidence rate of FLUTD cases in Yogyakarta is related to age and sex. The results of this study are similar to those of the previous research studies conducted in other countries.

Keywords: cats, feline lower urinary tract disease, Yogyakarta.

Profile of antibiotic-resistant and presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from nasal swab of dogs from several animal clinics in Surabaya, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 24-06-2020)

15. Profile of antibiotic-resistant and presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from nasal swab of dogs from several animal clinics in Surabaya, Indonesia

Vega Decline, Mustofa Helmi Effendi, Reina Puspita Rahmaniar, Sheila Marty Yanestria and Nenny Harijani

International Journal of One Health, 6(1): 90-94

ABSTRACT

Aim: The research was to investigate the antibiotic resistance profile and to screen for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from nasal mucosa swab of dogs.

Materials and Methods: The samples were collected from three pet clinics, three K9 units, one veterinary teaching hospital, and one kennel in Surabaya. Of the 50 total samples, 24 confirmed S. aureus strains, which were used for antibiotic sensitivity tests using a disk diffusion method and screening of MRSA used oxacillin resistance screening for base (ORSAB).

Results: This study showed that there were differences in antibiotic resistance patterns among different locations. Fourteen isolates were screened for MRSA by culture on ORSAB.

Conclusion: MRSA carriage was found on nasal swab of dogs, and dogs can act as reservoir of MRSA for spreading to human health.

Keywords: antibiotic-resistant, dogs, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus aureus.

A review of the One Health concept and its application as a tool for policy-makers

Review (Published online: 24-06-2020)

14. A review of the One Health concept and its application as a tool for policy-makers

Rodrigo de Macedo Couto and Danie Friguglietti Brandespim

International Journal of One Health, 6(1): 83-89

ABSTRACT

The One Health concept represents the inseparability of human, animal, and environmental health through a unified view of health care. This article addressed the topic of public health policies from the One Health perspective, demonstrating its inclusion in various health agendas such as emerging and reemerging infectious diseases, basic sanitation, mental health, chronic non-communicable diseases, interpersonal violence, and food safety. The results showed that the application of the One Health concept to the development and implementation of policies is associated with a growing need to involve transdisciplinary teams for solving complex problems to improve communication and to ensure the relevance and acceptability of public policies, thus guaranteeing governance. According to the principle of efficiency, the government must be aware of the evolution of technical knowledge and should use the One Health approach to improve the efficacy of already existing systems. We, therefore, conducted this review to contextualize current knowledge in this topic which is becoming an essential tool for public health policy-makers and practitioners around the world promoting a reflection on the importance of multiprofessional articulation in the implementation of intersectoral public health policies.

Keywords: One Health, public administration, public health, public health policies, sustainability.

Dermatophytosis in companion animals: A review

Review (Published online: 22-06-2020)

22. Dermatophytosis in companion animals: A review

Alsi Dara Paryuni, Soedarmanto Indarjulianto and Sitarina Widyarini

Veterinary World, 13(6): 1174-1181

ABSTRACT

Dermatophytosis, a zoonotic disease, is caused by fungi of three main genera, namely, Micropsorum, Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton. Specific lesions of dermatophyte infections are localized in the face, legs, and/or tail. Skin lesions in infected animals demonstrate localized alopecia, erythema, and crust, which are more commonly known as ringworm. Factors that affect dermatophytosis include the dermatophyte species; virulence factors of the agent; and the immune status, age, and sex of the host. High levels of cortisol and pro-inflammatory cytokines have also been reported to play an important role in dermatophyte infection. This review aims to explore and understand factors that affect dermatophyte infection with an emphasis on the prevalence, clinical signs, pathogenesis, immune response, and the roles of cortisol and cytokines in companion animals infected by a dermatophyte.

Keywords: clinical signs, cortisol, cytokine, dermatophytosis, immune response, pathogenesis.

Higher omega-3 index after dietary inclusion of omega-3 phospholipids versus omega-3 triglycerides in Alaskan Huskies

Research (Published online: 22-06-2020)

21. Higher omega-3 index after dietary inclusion of omega-3 phospholipids versus omega-3 triglycerides in Alaskan Huskies

Lena Burri, Knut Heggen and Andreas Berg Storsve

Veterinary World, 13(6): 1167-1173

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Numerous studies have found benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), namely, for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in dogs. The objective of the present study was to assess the efficacy of dietary inclusion of equal amounts of omega-3 FAs in phospholipid (PL) from krill meal to triglyceride structure from fish oil to increase the omega-3 FA profile in red blood cells (RBCs) in dogs.

Materials and Methods: Ten adult Alaskan Huskies of both genders were supplemented with daily 1.7 g EPA and DHA from krill meal for 6 weeks, while another ten dogs received 1.7 g EPA and DHA from fish oil. FA and omega-3 index measurements of the two groups were taken after 0, 3, and 6 weeks for comparison.

Results: It was mainly the EPA levels that increased in the krill meal group (from 1.84% to 4.42%) compared to the fish oil group (from 1.90% to 2.46%) (p<0.001), which drove the group differences in the omega-3 index. This resulted in the krill meal group having a mean omega-3 index increase from 3.9 at baseline to 6.3%, which was significantly greater than the increase from 3.9% to 4.7% observed in the fish oil group (p<0.001). Concomitantly, omega-6 PUFAs, such as arachidonic acid and linoleic acid, were reduced in RBC membranes and the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio was significantly more reduced in the krill meal compared to the fish oil group.

Conclusion: The results showed that krill meal supplementation was associated with a reduction of omega-6 PUFAs, which compensated for the increased omega-3 index, suggesting that PLs are efficient delivery molecules of omega-3 PUFAs.

Keywords: dog, fish oil, krill meal, omega-3 index, phospholipids, triglycerides.