Performance and microbiota of the digestive tract of Nellore calves supplemented with fungi isolated from bovine rumen

Research (Published online: 21-10-2021)

15. Performance and microbiota of the digestive tract of Nellore calves supplemented with fungi isolated from bovine rumen

Thiago Alves Xavier dos Santos, Luís Miguel Gonçalves Fernandes, Pedro Paulo Xavier Carvalho, Valdo Soares Martins Júnior, Suze Adriane Fonseca, Amalia Saturnino Chaves and Eduardo Robson Duarte

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2686-2693

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: In tropical semiarid regions, supplementation with fungi could contribute to rumen modulation, promoting greater production of fibrolytic enzymes and degradation of forage. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of supplementation with fungi, isolated from the bovine rumen, on the performance and microbiota of the digestive tract of Nellore calves.

Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted in randomized blocks evaluating eight Nellore calves that were daily supplemented with isolates of Aspergillus terreus and Trichoderma longibrachiatum, along with eight calves that were not supplemented. After 55 days, the animals were weighed, and samples of rumen fluid and feces were collected for analysis. The characteristics that showed normal distribution were subjected to analysis of variance and compared using Tukey's test. Whereas, the variables that did not show normal distribution were subjected to the Kruskal–Wallis test, and the frequencies of the bacterial and fungal genera were compared using the Chi-square test.

Results: Supplementation with fungi promoted the reduction in ruminal pH (p<0.05). However, the final live weight; average daily weight gain; total weight gain; rumen protozoa; and the count of Enterobacteriaceae, mycelial fungi, and yeasts of ruminal fluid and feces were not influenced by supplementation (p>0.05). Moreover, the protozoa Eodinium spp. was identified only in supplemented calves (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Supplementation with the fungi presented the potential for use as possible additives because it did not alter the physiological parameters of the facultative anaerobic microbiota composition in the rumen and feces. In addition, it favored the presence of the ciliate genus Eodinium. However, further studies should be performed to better define suitable dosages for supplementation.

Keywords: Enterobacteriaceae, ruminal microbiota, rumen protozoa, semiarid region, weaning.

Immunometabolic response in Egyptian water buffalo cows during the transition period

Research (Published online: 21-10-2021)

14. Immunometabolic response in Egyptian water buffalo cows during the transition period

Naglaa A. Gomaa, Samy A. Darwish and Mahmoud A. Aly

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2678-2685

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The transition period is extremely critical for pregnant producing animals. However, there is very limited research on the metabolic and immunological changes in Egyptian water buffalo cows during the transition period. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the immunometabolic changes occurring during the transition period in Egyptian water buffalo cows.

Materials and Methods: A total of 50 multiparous pregnant Egyptian water buffalo cows were subjected to weekly blood sampling 3 weeks before calving and 3 weeks after calving and on the day of parturition to determine the complete blood count, including red blood cell count, total leukocyte count (TLC), differential leukocyte count, hemoglobin level, and packed cell volume (PCV). Some selected serum biochemical and immunological parameters were analyzed, including serum glucose, beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acids, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very LDL (VLDL), cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, Haptoglobin, and C-reactive protein and the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin β1, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. All data were statistically analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences statistics software.

Results: The neutrophil count showed a statistically significant increase at 2 weeks preparturition. There was also a significant increase in PCV, TLC, neutrophil count, and IL-6 and TNF-α level at the time of parturition and even at 2 weeks post parturition, except PCV that returned to normal levels in the 1st week post parturition. BHBA and BUN levels were increased significantly in the 2nd and 3rd weeks postcalving. Serum creatinine and VLDL levels were decreased significantly at the time of parturition, and VLDL levels showed a significant decrease even till the 3rd week postcalving, whereas creatinine levels gradually returned to the pre-calving levels in the 3rd week postcalving. Other parameters showed no significant changes.

Conclusion: The most important immunometabolic changes occur in the first 2 weeks post parturition in Egyptian water buffalo cows, which exhibit a potent, remarkable physiological adaptation achieved by their functional liver, which can help the animal overcome the stressful conditions during the transition period.

Keywords: Egyptian water buffalo, immunometabolic changes, transition period.

Comparison of fine-needle cytologic diagnosis between the left and right liver lobes of dogs and cats with diffuse liver disease

Research (Published online: 21-10-2021)

13. Comparison of fine-needle cytologic diagnosis between the left and right liver lobes of dogs and cats with diffuse liver disease

Nardtiwa Chaivoravitsakul, Katriya Chankow, Kongthit Horoongruang, Luksamee Limpongsai, Artima Tantarawanich, Latticha Pluemhathaikij, Kasem Rattanapinyopituk and Kris Angkanaporn

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2670-2677

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Ultrasound-guided fine-needle sample collection for cytology with manual restraint is frequently used for the primary assessment of diffuse liver disease in veterinary patients in Thailand. For better diagnosis, repeated collection of samples ensures the collection of adequate, representative samples, which increase diagnostic accuracy. However, in those that are unable to receive general anesthesia, it is difficult to collect the samples from several liver locations in manually restrained dogs and cats. The study aimed to compare the cytologic diagnosis of the ultrasound-guided fine-needle non-aspiration technique between the left and right liver lobes in dogs and cats with neoplastic and non-neoplastic diffuse liver disease.

Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 25 client-owned dogs and cats with diffuse liver diseases. Two liver samples were randomly collected from the left and right liver lobes under ultrasound guidance for cytologic examination. All slides were subsequently examined blindly by experienced pathologists for cytologic analysis with cytologic agreement scores (CASs).

Results: Among all 50 samples obtained from ultrasound-guided fine-needle sample collection of the left and right liver, 78% were diagnostic and 22% were non-diagnostic. In the diagnostic group, 73.3% of fine-needle samples had concordant results between the left and right liver, which exhibited 100% cytologic agreement in lymphoma and 63.6% in non-neoplastic groups. Samples collected from the left liver had slightly higher CAS and higher cytologic quality than had those from the right liver lobe (p=0.053).

Conclusion: The location and number of sample collections did not have a significant difference in the cytologic diagnosis of diffuse liver disease, especially in patients with lymphoma. For manually restrained patients, one time ultrasound-guided non-aspiration cytology procedure from the left liver lobe not only decreased restraint duration and minimized tissue trauma but also allowed for an adequate cytologic diagnosis in diffuse liver disease compared to multiple collections.

Keywords: aspiration, cytology, diffuse, hepatic, liver, ultrasound.

Antimicrobial resistance and mcr-1 gene in Escherichia coli isolated from poultry samples submitted to a bacteriology laboratory in South Africa

Research (Published online: 20-10-2021)

12. Antimicrobial resistance and mcr-1 gene in Escherichia coli isolated from poultry samples submitted to a bacteriology laboratory in South Africa

Ibrahim Z. Hassan, Buks Wandrag, Johan J. Gouws, Daniel N. Qekwana and Vinny Naidoo

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2662-2669

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and recently mobilized colistin resistance (mcr-1) associated colistin resistance among Escherichia coli isolates have been attributed to the overuse of antimicrobials in livestock production. E. coli remains an important pathogen, often associated with mortality and low carcass weight in poultry medicine; therefore, the need to use antimicrobials is common. The study aimed to determine the AMR profile and presence of mcr-1 and mcr-2 genes in avian pathogenic E. coli from poultry samples tested at a bacteriology laboratory for routine diagnosis. This is a first step in understanding the effectiveness of mitigation strategies.

Materials and Methods: Fifty E. coli strains were assessed for resistance against ten antimicrobial drugs using broth microdilution. All isolates with a colistin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2 μg/mL were analyzed for the presence of mcr-1 and mcr-2 genes by employing the polymerase chain reaction. For each isolate, the following farm information was obtained: farm location, type of farm, and on-farm use of colistin.

Results: Sixty-eight percent of the strains were resistant to at least one antimicrobial; 44% were multiple drug-resistant (MDR). Most E. coli isolates were resistant to doxycycline (44%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (38%), ampicillin (32%), and enrofloxacin (32%). None of the E. coli strains was resistant to colistin sulfate (MIC90 of 2 μg/mL). Only one E. coli isolate held the mcr-1 gene; none carried the mcr-2 gene.

Conclusion: Resistance among E. coli isolates in this study was fairly high. Resistance to commonly used antimicrobials was observed, such as doxycycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and enrofloxacin. Only a single E. coli strain carried the mcr-1 gene, suggesting that mcr-1 and mcr-2 genes are common among isolates in this study. The prevalence of AMR, however, suggests that farmers must implement standard biosecurity measures to reduce E. coli burden, and antimicrobial use to prolong the efficacy life span of some of these drugs.

Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, colistin, Escherichia coli, mobilized colistin resistance-1, poultry.

Parasitological and molecular characterization of the avian schistosomatid cercariae infecting lymnaeidae snails in Phayao, Northern Thailand

Research (Published online: 20-10-2021)

11. Parasitological and molecular characterization of the avian schistosomatid cercariae infecting lymnaeidae snails in Phayao, Northern Thailand

Ornampai Japa, Chittakun Suwancharoen, Thanakon Bunsong and Chorpaka Phuangsri

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2655-2661

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Cercarial dermatitis or swimmer's itch is an allergic skin reaction caused by penetrating cercaria of animal blood flukes. It is considered as a zoonotic water-borne skin condition that is found globally. Among the schistosomatid trematodes, avian schistosomes are the most responsible for cercarial dermatitis. Very little is known regarding the occurrence of dermatitis-causing cercariae in Thailand. Therefore, the objective of this study was to preliminarily investigate the presence of larval blood fluke infection among local lymnaeidae snails in Phayao by the incorporation of morphological and molecular methods.

Materials and Methods: Overall 500 Radix (Lymnaea) rubiginosa (Michelin, 1831) were collected from freshwater reservoirs near Phayao Lake in San Kwan village in Phayao, Thailand, from October to December 2020. The snails were examined for avian blood fluke infection by the cercarial shedding technique followed by morphological and molecular characterization.

Results: Only one type of furcocercous cercaria was observed to emerge from six infected snails (1.2%). Our molecular analyses demonstrated that the emerging cercariae showed most similarity to either the 28S ribosomal RNA gene (28S rDNA) or cytochrome oxidase C subunit 1 gene (cox1 or COI) sequences to those of Trichobilharzia species. In addition, phylogenetic tree analyses of both loci revealed similar results; the emerging cercariae were consistently clustered together with Trichobilharzia regenti.

Conclusion: Our results clearly confirmed that the detected furcocercous cercariae belonged to the genus Trichobilharzia and displayed the highest homology to T. regenti. This study provides important data on the occurrence of dermatitis causing cercariae infection among local lymnaeidae snails, encouraging effective management, and control measures for this zoonotic infectious disease.

Keywords: avian schistosome, cercarial dermatitis, furcocercous cercaria, swimmer's itch, Radix (Lymnaea) rubiginosa, Trichobilharzia regenti.

Immunohistochemical and molecular profiling of CD 117, Oct-4, and Sox-2 in canine cutaneous mast cell tumor of the crossbred dogs in Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

Research (Published online: 15-10-2021)

10. Immunohistochemical and molecular profiling of CD 117, Oct-4, and Sox-2 in canine cutaneous mast cell tumor of the crossbred dogs in Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

Sirilak Meesuwan, Dettachai Ketpun, Prapruddee Piyaviriyakul, Kasem Rattanapinyopituk, Pattharakrit Theewasutrakul and Achariya Sailasuta

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2646-2654

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: CD 117 (c-KIT) internal tandem duplication (ITD), octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct-4), and sex-determining region Y-box 2 (Sox-2) may govern the oncogenicity and aggressiveness of canine cutaneous mast cell tumor (MCT) in the crossbred dogs. Thus, a comprehension of this matter may help us establishing a novel platform to treat the disease in those dogs. However, evidence has lacked so far. Thus, this study aimed to survey CD 117 ITD, Oct-4, and Sox-2 expressions and their relations to the 2-tier grading in a group of Thai crossbreed dogs. The study was done using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), and immunohistochemistry.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-three MCT specimens graded by the 2-tier histopathology grading were collected from the crossbred and purebred dogs. CD 117 ITD was detected by conventional PCR and immunohistochemistry. While, Oct-4 and Sox-2 expression levels were determined at the protein and mRNA levels by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR, respectively. The expression magnitude of each parameter was then related to the grades and breeds.

Results: About 60.61% of specimens were low grade, while 39.39% were high grade. CD 117 ITD was not detected in all specimens. A significant increase of Oct-4 expression was found in the high-grade, crossbred dogs. Meanwhile, Sox-2 expressions were increased both in the purebred and crossbred dogs with high-grade MCT.

Conclusion: The study finding has indicated that the level of Sox-2 expression may be a useful tumorigenic and prognostic biomarker because it correlates to the 2-tier grades but not dog breeds.

Keywords: canine, CD 117, crossbred, mast cell tumor, octamer-binding transcription factor 4, sex-determining region Y-box 2.

Isolation and identification of avirulent strains of Bacillus anthracis from environmental samples in Central Java, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 13-10-2021)

8. Isolation and identification of avirulent strains of Bacillus anthracis from environmental samples in Central Java, Indonesia

Ully Apriliana, Hendra Wibawa, Endang Ruhiat, Tri Untari and Soedarmanto Indarjulianto

International Journal of One Health, 7(2): 204-211

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Anthrax is a non-contagious infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis. The bacteria form spores that are resistant to extreme conditions and can contaminate the environment for decades. This study aimed to detect and characterize B. anthracis found in endemic areas of anthrax in Yogyakarta and Central Java province, Indonesia.

Materials and Methods: Soil samples were collected from Gunungkidul regency, Yogyakarta province (n=315) and Boyolali regency, Central Java province (n=100). Additional soil samples (n=10) and straw samples (n=5) were obtained from Pati regency, Central Java province. The isolation and identification of B. anthracis were performed using conventional methods: Morphology of bacteria colony in solid media, Gram staining, capsule staining, spores staining, and motility test. Isolates were further identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) against Ba813, lef (pXO1), and capC (pXO2) gene. An avirulent vaccine strain of B. anthracis (strain 34F2) was used as a control.

Results: Only four samples grew on blood agar with a ground-glass appearance, white-gray colony (Gunungkidul and avirulent strain) or yellowish (Boyolali and Pati). All were Gram-positive, presented chains, square-ended rods, spores, and were then identified as B. anthracis. Boyolali, Pati, and avirulent strain isolates had slightly different characteristics, including the growth of non-mucoid in the bicarbonate agar medium, and their uncapsulated form. The PCR showed two Gunungkidul isolates which amplified three genes, including Ba813, lef, and capC. Contrarily, the other isolates did not amplify the capC gene.

Conclusion: Gunungkidul isolates were identified as virulent strains of B. anthracis while Boyolali and Pati isolates were proposed as avirulent strains. This is the first report of isolation and identification of avirulent strains of B. anthracis in Central Java, Indonesia.

Keywords: avirulent Bacillus anthracis, Boyolali, identification, pati, polymerase chain reaction multiplex.