Iranian journal of veterinary research最新文献

Background: Schistosomiasis, a zoonotic parasitic infection, poses significant challenges to the animal husbandry industry, leading to substantial economic losses. Despite its impact, there is limited data on the genotypes of Schistosoma (=Orientobilharzia) turkestanicum in Iran.

Aims: The present study aimed to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships of Schistosoma turkestanicum isolated from goats by analyzing the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (Cox1) gene sequence in Lorestan province, located in Western Iran.

Methods: DNA extraction was performed on 20 male parasitic worms, and the mitochondrial Cox1 gene was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process, and sent for sequencing after purification by ethanol alcohol. The sequences were trimmed using CLC Main Workbench software. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using the Neighbor-Joining method with 1000 bootstrap replicates in MEGA6 software to assess evolutionary relationships between the Cox1 gene sequence obtained in this study (GenBank accession No. PP627151) and various S. turkestanicum sequences obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Additionally, this software was also used to plot the genetic distance matrix (nucleotide differences and similarities).

Results: Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the parasite isolated in this study was S. turkestanicum.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that the S. turkestanicum lineage identified in this study is closely related to those found in Mazandaran province, Iran, as well as to African Schistosoma species.

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa plays a major influence on poultry outbreaks. Several factors may contribute to its pathogenicity.

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of P. aeruginosa infection among layer chickens with phenotypic and genotypic characterization of the isolates.

Methods: Samples (n=160) were collected from respiratory distressed layer chickens according to the lesion and bacteriologically examined for isolation of P. aeruginosa from Sharkia province, Egypt. The antimicrobial sensitivity was performed against 18 antimicrobial agents. A qualitative assessment of biofilm production was performed using the Tube method. The isolates were genetically examined for confirmation, detection of quorum sensing genes, virulence genes, and biofilm production genes by conventional PCR.

Results: P. aeruginosa was isolated from 25% of the samples. Moreover, 95% of the isolates were extensively drug-resistant (XDR) with multiple antibiotic resistance indices (MARI) of 0.67 to 0.83. A total of 38 isolates were able to produce biofilm with different degrees. PCR of 16S rRNA (P. aeruginosa) and oprL genes confirmed the existence of P. aeruginosa isolates. For quorum sensing genes, lasI and lasR were successfully amplified at 100% and 89.5%, respectively. For virulence genes, toxA and exoU were amplified by a percentage of 78.9%, while the higBA gene was in 100% of the isolates. pprA and pprB genes were amplified at 100% and 89.5%, respectively. For biofilm genes, pslA, fliC, and pelA were amplified in 100%, 84.2%, and 10.5%, respectively.

Conclusion: A strong correlation between quorum sensing genes, biofilm genes, and virulence genes was detected. Further, biofilm production increases the resistance of the isolates to antimicrobial agents.

Background: Incorporation of bentonite into the diets of ruminants can be helpful to maximize their performance. Modifying the structure of bentonite to nano and nanocomposite has improved their chemical stability and physicochemical properties, enhancing adsorption, absorption, and cation exchange capacity. Aims: This study aimed to assess the effect of magnetic bentonite nanocomposite (MBNC) on in vivo and in vitro fermentation process patterns, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of Baluchi male lambs.

Methods: Effects of control (basal diet), natural bentonite (NB) (10 g/kg dry matter (DM)), processed bentonite (PB) (5 and 10 g/kg DM basal diet), and MBNC (5 and 10 g/kg DM basal diet) on gas production (GP), and the fermentation process were determined using in vitro GP technique. For the in vivo experiment, 20 Baluchi male lambs were used with 4 experimental treatments: control, NB (5 g/kg DM), PB (5 g/kg DM), and MBNC (5 g/kg DM) and 5 replications in a completely randomized design for 60 consecutive days.

Results: The potential for GP and its fractional rates were significantly decreased and increased in MBNC, respectively (P<0.01). The lowest cumulative GP, and CH₄ yield were observed in MBNC (P<0.05). In vitro, DM and organic matter (OM) digestibility and all fermentation parameters increased with the addition of two levels of MBNC to the culture medium (P<0.01). Except for feed conversion ratio (FCR), other growth performance parameters increased with the addition of MBNC to the diet (P<0.01). The ruminal pH, total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), acetate, and propionate significantly increased when MBNC incorporated to the diet (P<0.01). The NH₃-N (P<0.001) was significantly decreased in MBNC. The bentonite supplementation decreased acetate to propionate (P=0.001) compared to the control.

Conclusion: Adding MBNC at the 5 g/kg diet DM level can be used as a useful supplement to optimize rumen fermentation pattern, reduce methane production, and increase lamb performance.

Background: The photoperiod and other seasonal variations are the key factors that affect reproduction and production of the animals. The pineal gland secretes melatonin hormone that affects several physiological functions of the body during different seasons.

Aims: The present study was conducted to study the histoarchitectural and micrometrical changes in the pineal gland of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) during different seasons of the year.

Methods: Pineal glands of 30 adult female Jaffarabadi buffaloes were collected from the slaughterhouse during the winter, summer, and rainy seasons. Samples were processed by standard histological procedures and stained with various stains for histological and micrometrical observations.

Results: The pinealocytes constituted a major cellular portion of pineal parenchyma. The pinealocyte nuclei were lightly stained and more euchromatic during the winter season whereas darkly stained and slightly heterochromatic during summer. The calcium deposits occupied a larger area of pineal parenchyma during the summer as compared to the winter season. The pinealocyte density, the nuclear diameter of pinealocytes, and the number of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNOR) were highest during the winter season as compared to the summer and rainy seasons.

Conclusion: The present study shows the influence of season on the histoarchitecture and histometry of the pineal gland of buffalo and indicated higher pineal activity during the winter season in this species.

Background: Maedi-visna (MV) is a small ruminant lentiviral (SRLV) disease affecting sheep and goats, and causes pathological alterations in various organs including lungs, pulmonary lymph nodes, mammary glands, joints, and CNS. Aims: Present study was focused to detect the MV virus (MVV) nucleic acid and MVV p28 antigen in different organs of the spontaneously MVV affected sheep and goats.

Methods: Total of 657 samples were collected from sheep and goats (169 blood, 136 lungs, 96 pulmonary lymph nodes, 74 brain, 54 mammary gland, 78 joints, and 50 spleen) and screened for MVV nucleic acid using nested PCR assay. Serum samples were screened for SRLV antibodies by cELISA. Immunolocalization of MVV was demonstrated by using the polyclonal antibody against p28 antigen by immunohistochemistry in lungs, lymph nodes, mammary glands, and joint tissues.

Results: Out of 657 samples, 10.7% (70) were found positive for MVV. Among different organs, lungs showed highest positivity (25.7%) followed by mammary glands (14.8%), blood (9.5%), joint tissues (7.7%), brain (5.4%), and pulmonary lymph node (1.0%). SRLV antibodies were detected in 29.2% of the serum samples of both sheep and goats by cELISA. MVV p28 antigen immunostaining was observed in lungs, lymph nodes, mammary glands, and joint tissues. However, the presence of MVV p28 antigen could not be demonstrated in the brain tissues.

Conclusion: The highest positivity of MVV in lung tissues indicated higher predilection of the virus in the pulmonary tissue.

Background: Given the abuse of broad-spectrum agents in the treatment of clinical bovine mastitis, coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS) have emerged to be of clinical and epidemiological significance.

Aims: The study aimed to identify CNS and Staphylococcus aureus in incurable clinical mastitis in 50 cattle and 90 buffaloes, determine antibiotic resistance profile, and biofilm-forming ability of CNS and S. aureus isolates.

Methods: 140 milk samples were collected from four villages in Sharkia, Egypt, for bacteriological isolation and molecular investigations.

Results: Forty-nine Staphylococcus isolates were identified, including 11 CNS and 38 coagulase-positive S. aureus. The most recorded CNS strains were S. epidemidis (3), S. simulans (2), S. hominis (2), S. chromogen (2), S. xylosus (1), and S. warneri (1). A 63.2% of S. aureus and 27.3% of CNS isolates showed the ability to form biofilm, which was confirmed by ica PCR. S. epidemidis and S. chromogen were extensively drug-resistant, and most S. aureus isolates showed multidrug resistance (MDR). The proportion of methicillin-resistant was lower among S. aureus (84.2%), compared with CNS (90.9%).

Conclusion: CNS present a challenge due to their uprising resistance compared with S. aureus. The appearance of CNS-MDR strains carrying ica gene leads to treatment protocol failure on bovine farms and improper control of bovine mastitis.

Background: Canine parvovirus type-2 (CPV-2) is a highly contagious enteric pathogen of puppies with worldwide distribution.

Aims: Molecular epidemiology, genetic characterization, phylogenetic analysis, and isolation of the CPV-2 virus from clinically affected dogs in Mizoram, India over eight years.

Methods: A total of 202 samples (199 fecal samples, 2 vomita, and 1 tissue sample) were screened by PCR assay.

Results: 103 out of 202 samples (50.99%) tested positive. Of the 103 positive samples, 83 samples were cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis showed CPV-2c as the predominant variant (63.85%) followed by the 2a variant (26.5%), 2b (8.43%), and FPV (1.2%). Phylogenetic analyses of the CPV-2c sequences formed separate clusters and were ancestrally related to Japanese, Chinese, and Italian 2c sequences. Similarly, 2a isolates formed separate clusters under different clades and were ancestrally related to Indian, Singaporean, Japanese, Uruguayan, and Chinese 2a isolates. 2b isolates formed a single cluster with the Chinese 2b isolate. FPV isolate clustered with North American FPV. Both synonymous and non-synonymous mutations (unique to this study) were evident in all the types of CPV-2s indicative of active evolution with regional variation. In the cell culture medium, CPV-2 showed cytopathogenic effects at the third passage level.

Conclusion: The study, the first in-depth report on CPV-2, showed a shift towards CPV-2c as the predominant variant in Mizoram. This variant clustered separately from current vaccine strains, highlighting the need for extensive epidemiological surveillance to better understand viral phylogenomics and evaluate current vaccine efficacy.

Background: Penile tumors are rare in dogs and only single case reports or small case series have been reported.

Case description: An 11-year-old, cross-breed dog was presented for a two-week history of stranguria. At physical examination, a subcutaneous swelling of the penis was detected. Abdominal radiographs, ultrasonography, and CT showed a subcutaneous penile mass involving the penile urethra and bulbus glandis associated with marked lysis of the os penis. Histological features along with the neoplastic cell positivity to CD31 and FVIII immunohistochemical markers warranted a final diagnosis of penile hemangiosarcoma.

Findings/treatment and outcome: The dog was treated with amputation of the penis, scrotal urethrostomy, and five adjuvant doses of doxorubicin along with thalidomide. Cutaneous and omental metastases were found 235 days after surgery. The dog was euthanized at 296 days due to bone and pulmonary metastasis.

Conclusion: Penile hemangiosarcoma seems to share the same aggressive behavior with other hemangiosarcomas seen in other anatomical locations. Therefore, surgery and chemotherapy may improve survival time in dogs with penile hemangiosarcoma as well.

Background: It is desirable in estrus synchronization in sheep to avoid intravaginal devices and to shorten the program from 14 to 6 days. Moreover, replacement of eCG with safe, cheap, and efficient gonadotropin is in worldwide demand.

Aims: This study investigates the possibility of replacing eCG with human recombinant FSH (hrFSH) and CIDR with progesterone injections for estrous synchronization in ewes.

Methods: Assaf and Lacaune ewes (n=170) were divided into two groups and synchronized with either progesterone injections for 6 days or CIDR for 14 days. Ewes assigned in the injection group, received progesterone (37.5 mg; SC) and GnRH analogue (7.5 µg Alarelin acetate; IM) on day 0 of the experiment. On days 3 and 6, ewes received 25 and 12.5 mg progesterone (SC), respectively. On day 6, ewes in both groups received prostaglandin F₂α (250 µg Cloprostenol; IM), and were divided into two subgroups to receive either hrFSH (75 IU Follitropin alfa; SC) or eCG (400 IU; IM). On day 7, fertile rams were introduced to ewes for 21 days. Data were analyzed using GLM and Glimmix.

Results: There was no difference in the respective lambing rates, prolificacy, and fecundity between CIDR (71.1, 1.63, and 1.16%) and injections (66.7, 1.55, and 1.03%); between eCG (71.4, 1.60, and 1.14%), and hrFSH (66.3, 1.58, and 1.05%, P>0.05).

Conclusion: In conclusion, 6-day progesterone injection-based protocol produced similar results to 14-day CIDR program and hrFSH could be an effective alternative for eCG during estrus synchronization in ewes.

Background: Follicular fluid (FF) is a biological fluid that contains many compounds such as proteins, hormones, metabolites, antioxidants, etc.

Aims: The purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of adding cattle and human follicular fluid on bulls' semen quality during the freezing process.

Methods: Semen sampling from 12 Simmental bulls was performed in a period of 3 months (36 ejaculations with three ejaculates per bull). Each ejaculate was divided into four equal portions. Three portions were used for control (C) (semen without follicular fluid), semen containing human follicular fluid (HFF), semen containing cow follicular fluid (CFF). Another part of semen was also used to prepare seminal plasma. Sperm quality assessment was performed on fresh and thawed frozen (immediately after thawing, 1 and 2 h after thawing) semen.

Results: Adding human follicular fluid to the bulls' semen can slow down the process of reducing sperm motility and can delay the increase in the percentage of dead sperm in frozen-thawed semen.

Conclusion: The human follicular fluid maintains the viability and motility of bull sperms better than the control and bovine follicular fluid. The possible effect of human follicular fluid on the metabolism of sperms during the process of freezing and thawing needs to be clarified in future studies.