Open Veterinary Journal最新文献

Background: Formalin is a widely used chemical with toxic effects on various organs. Its exposure may harm reproductive organs, especially in quails, which are sensitive models for toxicological research.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of 5% formalin gas exposure on quail testicular health, blood parameters, hormone levels, and tumor protein TP53 (TP53) gene expression.

Methods: Twenty male Japanese quails were randomly divided into four groups. The control group received no exposure. The remaining three groups were exposed to 5% formalin gas twice daily for 2 hours over 10, 20, and 30 days. Blood and testicular samples were collected at each time point. Testosterone levels, complete blood count, histopathology, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for TP53 expression were analyzed. Data were evaluated using one-way analysis of variance (p ≤ 0.05).

Results: Exposed quails exhibited anxiety, weight loss, and respiratory distress. Body weight decreased progressively from 200 ± 0.66 g (control) to 130 ± 0.43 g (30-day group). The testicular weight increased from 2.12 ± 0.25 g (control) to 4.45 ± 0.34 g (30-day group), with significant enlargement (p < 0.05). Testosterone dropped from 2.22 ± 0.30 ng/ml (control) to 0.9 ± 0.07 ng/ml (30-day group), showing a time-dependent decline (p < 0.05). wWhite blood cells, red blood cells, and hemoglobin (HGB) levels increased significantly, whereas lymphocytes decreased (p < 0.05). Histology revealed seminiferous tubule damage and necrosis. RT-qPCR revealed upregulated TP53 expression, especially in the 30-day group (p = 0.018).

Conclusion: Formalin gas exposure harms quail testes by reducing hormones, altering blood counts, damaging tissues, and increasing TP53 gene expression. This suggests the potential testicular toxicity and carcinogenic risk of formalin.

Background: Worldwide, zoonotic diseases represent serious risks to public health, underscoring the need for efficient surveillance techniques. The One Health concept has gained popularity as a comprehensive paradigm for tackling zoonotic disease surveillance because it acknowledges the correlation of pathogens, animals, humans, and the surrounding environment. Public health is now concerned about antibiotic-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), which causes severe impurities in animals and humans, leading to morbidity and mortality.

Aim: This study examined the collaborative efforts between human and animal (cattle and horses) health sectors, as well as other pertinent risk factors, in implementing the One Health surveillance strategy against klebsiellosis in one Egyptian district. In addition, this study analyzed some K. pneumoniae antimicrobial resistance genes to improve future medical treatment strategies against zoonotic klebsiellosis.

Methods: Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated from 50 cattle raw milk samples, 50 horse nasal swabs, and 50 human sputum samples using MacConkey's agar and Xylose lysine deoxycholate media with a detailed explanation of the associated risk factors of infection acquisition. Then, antibiotic sensitivity tests for the positive samples were conducted on plates of Mueller-Hinton agar. In addition, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on the positive isolates to detect the pathogen and antibiotic resistance genes.

Results: Klebsiella pneumoniae was effectively isolated from 8% of milk samples, 12% of nasal swabs, and 16% of sputum samples. Upon conducting antibiotic sensitivity tests, the isolated organisms showed resistance to 100% amoxicillin-clavulanic, 93.3% cefotaxime, 86.66% cepaxime, and 66.66% tetracycline. Only 11 of 18 positive K. pneumoniae samples were PCR-positive. Only 10 of 11 positive PCR samples were positive for the TetA(A) gene; however, all 11 samples were positive for the blaTEM gene.

Conclusions: By focusing on various risk factors of disease acquisition, this study sheds light on the zoonotic hazard of K. pneumoniae that has been hitherto underestimated. It also emphasizes the significance of integrating One Health into surveillance for antibiotic-resistant klebsiellosis and the necessity of ongoing innovation and collaboration to improve the efficacy of upcoming surveillance plans in Egypt to control the spread of the disease between animals and humans.

Background: A comprehensive understanding of the distribution of Streptococcus agalactiae, a major pathogen responsible for bovine mastitis, is critical for guiding therapeutic and control strategies.

Aim: Thus, the objective of this meta-analysis is to investigate the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of S. agalactiae associated with bovine mastitis in China between 2004 and 2024."

Methods: The relevant literature was retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database. Following the PRISMA guidelines, 33 studies were included in the final analysis, of which 14 reported AMR data. All analyses were performed using the STATA software.

Results: The pooled S. agalactiae prevalence was 24%. Subgroup analyses revealed a higher prevalence in Central China, an upward trend over time (2019-2024 vs. before 2019), and a higher prevalence in clinical cases than in subclinical mastitis. The pooled AMR data indicated that sulfonamides had the highest resistance rates, followed by aminoglycosides, β-lactams, lincosamides, macrolides, tetracyclines, quinolones, and chloramphenicol.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for continued surveillance and refinement of therapeutic protocols to effectively manage S. agalactiae-induced mastitis in Chinese dairy herds.

Background: The largest portion of the dromedary camel's stomach, known as Compartment 1, plays a vital role in the microbial fermentation of ingested food.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the prenatal development of Compartment 1 in camel fetuses during the three gestational trimesters.

Methods: Stomach samples were collected from 21 healthy camel fetuses of both sexes at various gestational ages (79-390 days). The samples were fixed in 10% buffered formalin and histologically examined.

Results: The primitive stomach wall consisted of three layers in the early first trimester (79 days): epithelial, pluripotent blastemic tissue, and myoblastic. By 87-115 days, the wall displayed smooth to undulating surface regions and comprised four layers: epithelium, lamina propria-submucosa, tunica muscularis, and serosa. At 120-128 days, the smooth surface region of Compartment 1 was lined with stratified epithelium comprising a basal layer of cuboidal cells and 2-3 layers of lightly stained polyhedral cells. In contrast, the undulating surface was lined with pseudostratified columnar epithelium. During the second trimester (163-234 days), the smooth surface region differentiated into a non-glandular zone composed of three layers: stratum basale, spinosum, and granulosum. The folded surface developed into a glandular region characterized by multiple folds and deep pits forming chamber-like structures. These folds exhibited distinct epithelial linings: stratified epithelium at the apices, pseudostratified epithelium on the lateral sides, and simple columnar epithelium in the chambers. In the third trimester (270-390 days), a superficial layer of squamous cells forming the stratum corneum appeared above the three epithelial strata in the non-glandular region. Additionally, the glandular region's lamina propria contained simple tubular glands lined by simple columnar epithelium.

Conclusion: Compartment 1 of the dromedary camel undergoes marked histological differentiation throughout gestation, evolving from a simple three-layered wall to a highly specialized organ. Notably, the apical folds develop lateral vertical projections in the glandular region where the stratified epithelium transitions into the pseudostratified epithelium, demonstrating regional specialization and functional differentiation.

Background: Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) and canine granulocytic anaplasmosis (CGA), caused by Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, are tick-borne diseases prevalent in dogs. Both trigger systemic inflammation, with C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) as potential severity biomarkers.

Aim: This study aimed to compare serum CRP and TNF-α in CME, CGA, and co-infected dogs and assess their relationships with hematological, biochemical, and liver enzyme changes.

Methods: In 134 dogs showing clinical signs of CME/CGA, infections were confirmed using SNAP^® 4Dx^® Plus, indirect immunofluorescence assay, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). CRP and TNF-α were quantified using canine-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.

Results: Of the dogs tested, 112 (83.6%) were seropositive and 77 (68.8%) were PCR-positive (E. canis: 27; A. phagocytophilum: 29; co-infection: 21). The co-infected group had the highest levels of CRP (135.2-154.8 mg/l) and TNF-α (161.5-174.0 pg/ml), significantly exceeding those of CME (104.6-120.9; 148.7-162.2 pg/ml), CGA (88.5-104.4; 140.1-156.5 pg/ml), PCR-negative (33.1-45.8; 12.3-18.9 pg/ml), and control groups (0.9-4.0; 0.2-2.3 pg/ml) with p < 0.001. Thrombocytopenia was common in all infected groups, with the lowest platelet counts in co-infected dogs (median 106.0 × 10⁹/L, p < 0.001). Aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were significantly elevated only in co-infected dogs (ALT: 89.25 U/l; AST: 69.38 U/l; p < 0.001). CRP correlated moderately with ALT/AST; TNF-α showed weaker positive associations.

Conclusion: CRP and TNF-α are valuable indicators of systemic inflammation in CME and CGA, with maximal increases and stronger links to liver injury in co-infections, supporting their use in diagnosis and prognosis.

Background: Chronic intestinal inflammation in dogs is common worldwide; however, it can be very difficult to manage and predict clinical response to different treatment protocols.

Aim: This retrospective analysis included 148 dogs with chronic intestinal inflammation with the aim of describing different treatment protocols and their impact on clinical response and identifying potential predictors of treatment failure.

Methods: Of the 148 dogs, 53 were classified as having presumptive inflammatory protein-losing enteropathy (IRE-PLE). The factors associated with treatment failure were also analyzed. Clinical severity (CCECAI), serum albumin concentration, type of immunosuppressive therapy (prednisolone vs prednisolone in combination with cyclosporine or chlorambucil), type of diet (hydrolyzed protein, restricted antigen, highly digestible, restricted fat), and cobalamin supplementation were evaluated at diagnosis (T0) and after 1 (T1) and 6 (T6) months. CCECAI at T1 and T6 were used to evaluate the short- and medium-term response, respectively.

Results: A total of 113 dogs (33.6% IRE-PLE) received prednisolone. Twenty-one dogs (28.6% IRE-PLE) received prednisolone and cyclosporine, whereas 14 dogs (64.3% IRE-PLE) received prednisolone and chlorambucil. Ninety-five (41% IRE-PLE) received cobalamin supplementation. Hydrolyzed protein and restricted antigen diets were most commonly prescribed. At T1 and T6, 79% and 59.5% of dogs were responders (24.8% and 15.9% IRE-PLE), and 21% and 27% (79.3% and 72.5% IRE-PLE) were nonresponders, respectively. The median CCECAI scores were 2 (IQR 4) and 0 (IQR 2) at T1 and T6, respectively.

Conclusion: Most dogs showed favorable clinical outcomes, although a subset did not respond to treatment at short- and medium-term follow-up. Most deaths or euthanasia occurred within 1 month of diagnosis. The therapeutic response was not influenced by the type of immunosuppressive protocol, but rather by the presence of hypoalbuminemia, hypocobalaminemia, and the need for a home-cooked restricted-fat diet.

Background: Seawater quality is critical to maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the safety of fish consumed by people. However, untreated wastewater discharge along the Tripoli coast threatens marine animals and public health, especially in fishing areas.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate seawater quality by analyzing microbial, physical, and chemical parameters across three selected locations along the Tripoli coastline characterized by intensive fishing activities, in order to assess the potential impacts of water quality on the health of marine animals and the safety of consumers.

Methods: Seawater samples were collected from three various fishing locations along the Tripoli coastline. Using a composite sampling method, the collected seawater samples were subjected to laboratory analysis to assess both physical and chemical properties, including pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, nitrate and phosphate (PO₄) were measured following standard protocols (e.g., APHA). Microbiological analyses focused on total aerobic microbial count (TAMC), total coliform bacteria, and fecal coliform Escherichia coli (E. coli) using standard laboratory methods. The findings were compared with national and international permissible limits to assess seawater quality.

Results: The results of physico-chemical analysis of seawater from all selected locations met permissible limits, except for the PO₄ concentration, which exceeded the acceptable values in some regions. Microbiological analysis showed the E. coli and total coliform were within permissible limits, whereas TAMC values exceeded standard thresholds in certain regions, indicating microbial contamination.

Conclusion: The present study reveals that the quality of seawater in regions with high fishing activity along the Tripoli coastline shows signs of chemical and microbial contamination, which may impact marine animals' health and pose threats to consumers. These results highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and effective wastewater management to ensure safe fishing practices and protection of consumers' health.

Background: Malassezia yeasts are part of the resident microbiota of canine skin and ear canal. The compromised immunity of animals, changes in environmental factors, and antibacterial treatment often result in their proliferation and subsequent complications.

Aim: This single-center retrospective study was designed to investigate the prevalence of Malassezia spp. yeasts as agents of mono- and co-infections in dogs with clinical signs of inflammation referred to the University Veterinary Hospital, Stara Zagora, in 2019-2023.

Methods: Swab samples of ear, nasal, conjunctival, throat discharges, wound, abscess, and fistula discharges, and skin lesion fluid were collected from dogs with clinical inflammation using sterile cotton applicators, immediately transferred to Stuart transport medium, and inoculated on different culture media within 24 hours. The presence of microorganisms was reported based on isolation in pure culture or as the predominant isolate in a mixed culture. The yeasts were identified by the specific growth morphology of colonies and cell morphology. Data analysis included the year of isolation, sampling site, and microbial pathogen genus. The differences in the prevalence of yeasts according to the sampling site were assessed using the chi-square test and test of independent proportions.

Results: During 2019-2023, the microbiological examination of 896 swab samples from dogs with clinical signs of inflammation referred to the University Veterinary Hospital, Stara Zagora, resulted in 201 unique Malassezia pachydermatis identifications, including 189 from otitis and 12 from skin lesions. The 5-year prevalence of yeasts in dogs with ear infections was 60.19% (95% confidence interval 51.92%-69.41%) and in dogs with skin infections was 4.11% (95% confidence interval 2.12%-7.18%). Malassezia pachydermatis was the only infectious agent in 32.3% of dogs with otitis. In 39.8% of cases, it was associated only with staphylococci, whereas polymicrobial infections were less frequently registered. In dogs with skin lesions, M. pachydermatis was always isolated together with a bacterial pathogen, most often staphylococci.

Conclusion: The relatively constant presence of M. pachydermatis in canine clinical samples from otitis and skin infections implies that targeted testing for yeasts should not be omitted with regard to more accurate diagnosis of the etiological agents and successful treatment outcome.

Background: Ganglion cysts (GCs) are rare conditions in both dogs and humans; thus, descriptions that aid in diagnosis are scarce; however, some differences exist that help us distinguish between them.

Case description: This case report presents a young female Dalmatian who developed a subcutaneous 6-cm nodule near the right ischial tuberosity, with irregular borders, slight mobility, and no pain. Fine needle aspiration cytology revealed a viscous, mucinous aspirate with sparse cellular content consistent with a GC. In this report, we discuss the most relevant findings observed under optical microscopy, present clinical data specific to this patient, and highlight the differences between ganglion and synovial cysts.

Conclusion: This case highlights the diagnostic value of fine-needle aspiration cytology, especially in settings with limited access to advanced diagnostic techniques.

Background: Creole goat husbandry for milk and meat improves food security in rural areas in Perú. Body weight (BW) is a key trait for selecting breeding stock, and it is estimated to be using algorithms. Likewise, BW is common in livestock farming.

Aim: This study aimed to compare BW prediction models using a data mining algorithm in Creole goats, considering their biometric measurements.

Methods: Data from 1,075 females aged between 1 and 4 years were used. Measurements of chest width, thoracic perimeter, wither height, sacrum height, rump width and length, body length, cannon bone perimeter, age, and region of the herd were recorded. The regression trees (classification and regression tree), support vector regression (SVR), and random forest regression (RFR) algorithms were used.

Results: The SVR was better at predicting BWs in Creole goat herds. Similarly, the results were stable during training (R ² = 0.765) and testing (R ² = 0.707). However, it should be noted that RFR performed better with training data (R ² = 0.942).

Conclusion: The proposed predictive models have demonstrated significant potential for accurately predicting BW based on biometric data. Finally, it contributes to better selection, feeding, and sanitary management of Creole goats.