Thursday 14 May 2020

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the growth hormone receptor gene and Alu1 polymorphisms in the diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 gene as related to meat production in sheep

Research (Published online: 14-05-2020)
8. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the growth hormone receptor gene and Alu1 polymorphisms in the diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 gene as related to meat production in sheep
Nada H. Altwaty, Lamiaa M. Salem and Karima F. Mahrous
Veterinary World, 13(5): 884-889
ABSTRACT
Aim: This study aimed to investigate the polymorphisms in genes related to meat production, including growth hormone receptor (GHR) and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) genes, in different breeds of sheep, including Barki, Najdi, and Harri.
Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 75 randomly selected healthy Barki, Najdi, and Harri breeds of sheep, with 25 samples per breed. GHR and DGAT1 genes were identified using a single nucleotide polymorphism assay followed by digestion with the restriction enzyme Alu1.
Results: The analysis of the GHR gene sequence showed nucleotide substitutions at nt 69 in exon 10 (c.69 G > A); this mutation is considered a transition mutation. The sequences of detected SNPs in the GHR gene in the different sheep breeds were submitted to the GenBank database with accession numbers MG906773 to MG906781. The substitutions at exon 10 (c.69 G > A) results in an alteration to the amino acid (p. Lysine > Arginine). At c.69, the A allele frequency was 0.61, 0.59, and 0.54, while the G allele frequency was 0.39, 0.41, and 0.46, for Barki, Najdi, and Harri breeds, respectively. The genotype AG at nt 69 locus had the highest frequency in the Najdi and Harri sheep. The frequency of AG was 0.62, 0.61, and 0.64, while the frequency of AA was 0.30, 0.28, and 0.22, for Barki, Najdi, and Harri sheep, respectively. After digestion with the restriction enzyme AluI, the DGAT1 locus had two genotypes, CC and CT. The highest frequency, 0.88, was found for allele C, which was detected in Barki breed. The lowest frequency, 0.75, for the same allele was found for Harri.
Conclusion: The detected CT genotype may explain the moderate intramuscular fat content and muscle marbling in the Barki sheep breed.
Keywords: genetic polymorphism, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, sequencing, sheep.

Tuesday 12 May 2020

Antimicrobial activity of marigold (Tagetes erecta), mulberry (Morus indica), and red shallot (Allium ascalonicum) extracts against Streptococcus agalactiae

Research (Published online: 12-05-2020)
10. Antimicrobial activity of marigold (Tagetes erecta), mulberry (Morus indica), and red shallot (Allium ascalonicum) extracts against Streptococcus agalactiae
Tanawadee Mekvimol, Gannika Poonthong, Chayanit Chaipunna and Natapol Pumipuntu
International Journal of One Health, 6(1): 56-60
ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: The increasing antimicrobial resistance with reduced susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs is becoming a major concern for both human and animal, which raises health morbidity and mortality rate of cases that cannot be treated by antibiotics. Nowadays, there are many efforts to minimize the misuse of antibiotics. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of the crude ethanolic extracts of three Thai herbs divided in four groups; petals of marigold (Tagetes erecta), mulberry leaves and root barks (Morus indica), and whole onions of red shallot (Allium ascalonicum) against Streptococcus agalactiae.
Materials and Methods: The antimicrobial activity of four groups of the crude extracts using absolute ethanol from three Thai herbs was tested against standard strains of S. agalactiae using the agar well diffusion method. The commercial antibiotics ceftriaxone and erythromycin were used as positive control standards to determine the sensitivity of S. agalactiae.
Results: The result showed that all four groups of Thai herbal extract had inhibitory activity against standard strains of S. agalactiae. The inhibitory concentration test values were obtained using the dilution test at 25, 50, and 75 mg/ml. The maximum antimicrobial activity against S. agalactiae was observed in the ethanolic extracts from red shallot extract, followed by leaves of mulberry, petals of marigold, and root barks of mulberry, respectively.
Conclusion: The results demonstrated that the crude extract of three Thai herbs had antimicrobial activity inhibiting the growth of S. agalactiae and suggesting that they may be useful in the treatment of S. agalactiae infections in humans and animals.
Keywords: antimicrobial activity, ethanol extract, Streptococcus agalactiae, Thai herbal extracts.

Occurrence of multidrug-resistant Salmonella in cattle carcass and contact surfaces in Kwata slaughterhouse, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

Research (Published online: 12-05-2020)
9. Occurrence of multidrug-resistant Salmonella in cattle carcass and contact surfaces in Kwata slaughterhouse, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
Uju Catherine Okafor, Simeon Chibuko Okafor and Akwoba Joseph Ogugua
International Journal of One Health, 6(1): 49-55
ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: Contamination of meat with Salmonella could result in food-borne disease outbreaks among the consumers. However, there is a dearth of data assessing the presence of Salmonella in beef in Anambra State. Therefore, this study determined the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella in beef and slaughter/processing facilities in Kwata slaughterhouse.
Materials and Methods: Swab samples (200) randomly collected were cultured for the isolation of Salmonella and the isolates subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test. Data obtained were analyzed using t-test and analysis of variance with p< 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: Of the 200 samples cultured, 33.5% (67/200) yielded Salmonella isolates. The mean Salmonella load (colony-forming unit [CFU]/cm2) for different contact surfaces (before and after contact with carcasses) was as follows: Slaughter floor, 1.1×1010±1.1×106a and 1.0×1010±1.1×106b; display table, 1.1×1010±11.1×106a and 1.0×1010±1.1×106b; washing bucket 1.01×1010±1.0×106a and 0.8×1010±0.1×106b; knife, 1.1×1010±1.10×106a and 1×1010±1.0×106b; boot, 1.1×1010±1.0×106a and 1.0×1010±1.10×106b; file, 1.1×1010±1.0×106a and 1.0×1010±0.1×106b; and wheelbarrow, 1.1×1010±1.0×106a and 1.01×1010±0.11×106bSalmonella counts decreased significantly (p<0.05) in the presented order from slaughter floor to wheelbarrow after contact with carcasses. On the other hand, there was a significant (p<0.05) increase in washing water Salmonella counts before and after (0.7×1010±0.10×106a and 1.0×1010±1.0×106b CFU/100 ml) carcasses wash. To each of the antimicrobials tested, the percentage of the 67 isolates found resistant was as follows: ciprofloxacin, 25.4%; ofloxacin, 27%; ceftriaxone, 35.8%; amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, 88.1%; chloramphenicol, 59.7%; gentamicin, 34.3%; streptomycin, 49.3%; nalidixic acid, 49.3%; trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, 76%; nitrofurantoin, 89.6%; and ampicillin, 100%.
Conclusion: Antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella were isolated from beef and slaughter/processing facilities in Anambra State. This underscores the need for a coordinated one health approach for the improvement of hygienic standard during slaughter/processing in the slaughterhouse surveyed, to limit meat contamination and hence safeguard human health.
Keywords: beef, contact surfaces, Kwata slaughterhouse, resistance, Salmonella.

Monday 11 May 2020

Profile of follicle-stimulating hormone and polymorphism of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor in Madrasin cattle with ovarian hypofunction

Research (Published online: 11-05-2020)
7. Profile of follicle-stimulating hormone and polymorphism of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor in Madrasin cattle with ovarian hypofunction
Budi Utomo, Emmanuel Djoko Putranto and Amaq Fadholly
Veterinary World, 13(5): 879-883
ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) gene is an essential regulator of fertility in livestock. This study aims to provide information on the genetic makeup of Madrasin cattle experiencing hypofunction by the FSH profile and FSH receptors (FSHR) polymorphism.
Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from the Bangkalan regency in Indonesia. DNA was isolated and purified following the extraction protocol of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism.
Results: Our results showed that the FSH gene had a band length of 310 bp and produce two alleles (A and B) with restriction enzymes at 250 bp, 230 bp, and 145 bp. Furthermore, the FSHR gene had a band length of 303 bp and produced two homozygous genotypes: GG at bp 239 and CC at bp 188.
Conclusion: Based on these differences, there was no change in allele frequency and genotype between Madura and Madrasin cattle due to crossbreeding with Limousin cattle. Thus, further detailed investigations of Madrasin cattle are required to elucidate the profile of the LH and LHR genes.
Keywords: follicle-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone receptors, hypofunction, Madrasin.

Saturday 9 May 2020

Accuracy of methods for diagnosing heart diseases in cats

Research (Published online: 09-05-2020)
6. Accuracy of methods for diagnosing heart diseases in cats
Tanarut Laudhittirut, Natrada Rujivipat, Kornnicha Saringkarisate, Peeraya Soponpattana, Teerawat Tunwichai and Sirilak Disatian Surachetpong
Veterinary World, 13(5): 872-878
ABSTRACT
Aim: This study aimed to determine the accuracy of the current methods for diagnosing heart diseases in cats.
Materials and Methods: The data of 58 cats were retrospectively retrieved. Cats were classified into two groups: Thirty-eight cats with heart diseases and 20 healthy cats. Echocardiography was the gold standard method for diagnosing heart disease. The results of seven methods were retrieved: (1) Vertebral heart score (VHS) with a cutoff value >8, (2) VHS with a cutoff value >8.5, (3) multiplication of cardiac length (L) and width (W), (4) multiplication of cardiac L and W divided by the L of the fourth sternal thoracic bone, (5) N-terminal Pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) point-of-care test, (6) subjective ultrasonographic assessment of the left atrial size, and (7) subjective radiographic assessment of the left atrial size. Cross-tabulation was used to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for each test. This study found that using the NT-proBNP point-of-care test was optimal in the diagnosis of cats with heart disease.
Results: The subjective ultrasonographic assessment of the left atrial size was good for diagnosing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure.
Conclusion: This study showed that the more tests used, the higher the reliability of the diagnosis.
Keywords: cardiac disease diagnosis, N-terminal Pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, thoracic radiography, ultrasonography.

Friday 8 May 2020

Celery (Apium graveolens) as a potential antibacterial agent and its effect on cytokeratin-17 and other healing promoters in skin wounds infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Research (Published online: 09-05-2020)
5. Celery (Apium graveolens) as a potential antibacterial agent and its effect on cytokeratin-17 and other healing promoters in skin wounds infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Yos Adi Prakoso, Chylen Setiyo Rini, Asih Rahayu, Miarsono Sigit and Dyah Widhowati
Veterinary World, 13(5): 865-871
ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem caused by extensive utilization of antibiotics that promote gene resistant among bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus. This study aimed to analyze the potential effects of celery (Apium graveolens) extract as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), in vitro and in vivo.
Materials and Methods: Celery was extracted and tested against a MRSA isolate in vitro. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against MRSA for the celery extract (CE) was determined to be 0.1% and it was formulated into a cream. A total of 30 female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups: Group 1, negative control; Group 2, positive control; Group 3, treated with 0.05% CE cream; Group 4, 0.1% CE cream; and Group 5, 0.2% CE cream. All animals in the groups were exposed to a full-thickness skin biopsy on the dorsal portion, and they were infected with 30 μL of 105 colony-forming units of the MRSA isolate. The treatment was administered twice a day for 7 days. The skin samples were collected on days 3 and 7 after the treatment. The skin tissue was examined histologically using hematoxylin and eosin, Gram staining, and immunohistochemistry against cytokeratin (CK)-17.
Results: Results showed that 0.2% of CE cream was the best treatment for wounds infected with MRSA. CE (0.2%) cream increased skin reepithelialization, fibroblast proliferation, and CK-17 expression; it also decreased the percentage of wound area, inflammatory cell infiltration, and bacterial colonization in skin wound tissue compared to the other treatments (p≤0.05).
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that celery could be utilized as an alternative herbal therapy against MRSA-associated skin infections.
Keywords: antimicrobial, celery, cytokeratin-17, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, wound healing.

Ophthalmic findings in sheep treated with closantel in Curitiba, Brazil

Research (Published online: 08-05-2020)
4. Ophthalmic findings in sheep treated with closantel in Curitiba, Brazil
Marianna Bacellar-Galdino, Fabiano Montiani-Ferreira, Andre Tavares Somma, Ricardo Guilherme D'Otaviano de Castro Vilani and Ivan Roque de Barros Filho
Veterinary World, 13(5): 860-864
Background and Aim: Closantel is a widely used anti-parasitic drug that is known to cause ophthalmic problems that lead to blindness. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible electroretinographic changes in sheep that received closantel.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-four 30-day-old Suffolk sheep were split into control group (12 animals) and closantel group (12 animals). The latter group received 15 mg/kg of closantel subcutaneously immediately after the first electroretinography (ERG). The ISCEV protocol was used to perform the ERGs pre-dose (0), 7, and 30 days after treatment. Statistical analyses to compare ERG responses using t-test and analysis of variance were performed (p<0.05). Three months later, the animals were euthanized and the eyes and a part of optic nerve were collected for histopathology. Photography of the retina and optic nerve was taken, and measures of the retinal layers were made and analyzed by paired t-test.
Results: Closantel group showed a significant increase of the mean scotopic a-wave amplitude from 0 to 7 days after closantel administration, using a stimulus of 10,000 mcd.s/m2 and a decrease of the mean scotopic and photopic a-wave amplitude (from 7 to 30 days) using the same flash intensity, as well as a decrease in mean photopic b-wave amplitude (from 7 to 30 days) within the group. Control group showed a significant increase of the mean scotopic b-wave implicit time from pre to 30 days after treatment and an increase of the mean scotopic a-wave implicit time from pre to 7 days after treatment, with the stimulus of 10,000 mcd.s/m2. This group also showed a decrease in mean photopic b-wave implicit time (from pre to 30 days after treatment), using a stimulus of 10,000 mcd.s/m2 and a decrease in mean photopic a-wave implicit time from pre to 30 days after treatment, using a stimulus of 3000 mcd.s/m2. The no difference was found in images neither in the measurements of the retina layers.
Conclusion: As observed by ERG responses and the histopathology, a dose of 15 mg/kg of closantel does not significantly affect retinal and optic nerve structures in sheep but the electroretinographic results, however, showed alterations on the phototransduction.
Keywords: closantel electroretinography, histopathology, sheep.