Open Veterinary Journal最新文献

Background: The gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors are considered the main inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors in the mammalian brain and they have been proven to be existing in non-neuronal cells.

Aim: Lorazepam which is one of the benzodiazepines, drugs known for their effect of GABA receptors, has been used in this study as an enhancer to determine the impact of GABA activity enhancement on renal and liver functions, molecular and histological characteristics in male albino mice.

Methods: Male albino mice were divided into 3 groups (each has 7 animals) each group was treated with a different dose of lorazepam and 9 animals served as a control group. The molecular parameters included the usage of raped-polymerase chain reaction to detect any universal variations. The histological changes were detected using hematoxylin and eosin histopathological examination. Liver and kidney function tests were utilized to detect any functional changes.

Results: The results of the functional parameters [serum urea, creatinine, glutamate-oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamate-pyruvic transaminase, gamma glutamyl enzyme (GGT)] and histopathological examination demonstrated that there was a significant change in treated groups compared to the control group. As for the molecular study, 7 primers out of 10 gave single and polymorphic bands using the random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. The results revealed great changes in RAPD profiles of treated groups as normal bands lost and new bands appeared in comparison with the control group. The RAPD profiles of the treated and control samples gave 432 bands, 109 as control bands, 167 (loss of normal bands and appearance of new bands) as polymorphic bands, and 156 as homomorphic bands.

Conclusion: The marked changes in various biochemical, histopathological, and random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction profiles indicate that lorazepam-mediated GABA modulation brings about widespread alterations in peripheral organ systems. Taken together, these data suggest caution in the use of lorazepam clinically and potentially represent an unmet need for safer therapeutic alternatives or strategies to limit benzodiazepine-induced organ toxicity.

Background: Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) hormone administration can improve semen quality through increased contractility of smooth muscle cells in testicular tissue and increased testosterone hormone. Immunohistochemically, the increase in contractility of smooth muscle cells and testosterone hormone can be measured by an increase in the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and androgen receptor (AR).

Aim: This study aims to determine the distribution and increased α-SMA expression and AR in the testis of Wistar rats after administration of PGF2α which was detected using the immunohistochemistry (IHC) method.

Methods: A total of 15 male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) with body weight 200-250 g and 8-10 weeks old were used in this study. All rats were acclimated for 2 weeks. The rats were divided into five treatment groups (n = 3). The rat in the control group (P0), testicular collection was carried out 30 minutes after injection of 0.5 ml NaCl. In groups P1, P2, P3, and P4, the rats were intraperitoneal injected with 2.5 mg/kg BW of PGF2α (Lutalyze, Zoetis, USA), and the testis collection was performed 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after PGF2α injection, respectively, were processed into histology preparations and stained with IHC staining using avidin-biotin complex peroxidase method. The distribution of α-SMA and AR was analyzed descriptively, while the score difference of α-SMA and AR expression was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney U Test.

Results: The results showed that α-SMA was positively detected in peritubular myoid (PTM) cells on the basal membrane of seminiferous tubules, blood vessel (BV) walls, and connective tissue. Statistical analysis showed that α-SMA expression in PTM cells and testicular connective tissue in P2 (60-minute interval) was significantly different than other treatment groups (P0, P1, P3, and P4) (p < 0.05), while no significant difference was found in the BV walls in all treatment groups (p > 0.05). AR was positively detected in connective tissue, PTM cells, Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and BVs. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in AR expression in PTM cells and Sertoli cells (p < 0.05) between P0 and P2, P1 and P2, and P2 and P3 or P4.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that the administration of PGF2α increases the expression of α-SMA and AR, with the optimal administration interval is 60 minutes for PTM cells and Sertoli cells in Wistar rats testis.

Background: Intentional poisoning represents a serious health risk for domestic and wild animals, this phenomenon has been widespread in Italy for several years.

Aim: Our study aims to examine data on animal poisonings that occurred in the province of Viterbo, Lazio region located in central Italy, from 2003 to 2017. The aim of this study is to provide data on the poisoning of animals in the province of Viterbo.

Methods: A total of 1,078 cases of suspected poisoning were analysed during the period under review. Of these, 761 (70.6%) were carcasses, 189 (17.6%) were baits, 107 (9.9%) were gastric contents, and 21 (1.9%) were samples of various origins.

Results: A total of 631 cases (58.5%) were confirmed as involving toxic substances. Zinc phosphide (34.7%) was the most prevalent cause of poisoning, followed by metaldehyde (18.7%), a coumarin rodenticide (12.7%), other molecules were also identified with lower percentages. The animal species most frequently involved in poisoning are dogs (66.2%), followed by cats (25.5%), birds (4.9%), while wild animals, ruminants, and fish represent a small percentage of animals involved.

Conclusion: This phenomenon represents a significant threat to animals, humans, and the environment. Therefore, it is essential to implement effective measures to combat this issue.

Background: Climate change has a significant impact on livestock farming around the globe. Farmers have adopted different strategies to mitigate the adverse impact of climate change. Females in developing countries are more vulnerable to climate change impacts and have lower adaptive capacity and they bear additional roles and responsibilities in livestock rearing compared to their male counterparts.

Aim: The main aim of this study is to examine the gender perspective on climate change adoption strategies in livestock farming in Gandaki province, Nepal.

Methods: A multistage random sampling technique was employed to select 1,158 households from five districts in Gandaki province, western Nepal. A household head or household member who was 45 years or older resided in that area for at least 15 years and owned at least one primary livestock at the time of the survey was selected as the ultimate respondent from each selected household. Both structured and unstructured questionnaires were prepared. A structured questionnaire was used for the household survey, while a checklist (guideline) was prepared for focus group discussions. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, and both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.

Results: The results revealed that buffalo was the primary livestock among farmers. More than half of farmers, both men and women were aware of the impact of climate change on livestock. While this study did not find significant gender-based differences in adaptation strategies, the odds of adoption are higher among males than females. Jobs other than agriculture and livestock, as well as access to credit, emerged as key determining factors associated with adaptation strategies among farmers in Gandaki province.

Conclusion: There is no significant gender-based difference in adaptation strategies; however, employment outside agriculture and livestock, along with access to credit, are the key determining factors associated with adaptation strategies.

Background: Wild Birds have hazards of carrying parasites that are possibly transmitted to man.

Aim: The aim of this work is to recover parasites from the possibly infected wild birds.

Methods: Three wild birds of each type of quail, dove, and pigeon were caught in the Al-Jouf region. They were sacrificed and the contents of their gut were studied using microscopy.

Results: Two different species of Cestodes (tapeworms) of order Cyclophyllidea were recovered from wild quail and dove. Only one Mesocestoides sp. worm has been recovered from one wild quail. Mesocestoididae is a family of Cestoda in the order Cyclophyllidea. Members of this family are gut parasites of small mammals and occasionally birds. Cestodes in the genus Mesocestoides are common in carnivores but only very rarely infect humans. Ten Raillietina sp. worms have been recovered from a wild dove. The majority of Raillietina spp. infect avian definitive hosts. It may cause rare accidental innocuous infections in humans.

Conclusion: There is much to be learned about the possible transmission of these cestodes from birds to humans, and further research in this area could have important implications for both human and animal health. Projects must be adopted for making a survey of what Parasites may wild animals carry to raise the level of health, environmental, and economic awareness of the community.

Background: The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance in poultry pathogens necessitates the development of sustainable alternatives to antibiotics. Probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus spp., have shown promise in combating bacterial infections in poultry. Purple onion extract (OE) possesses antibacterial properties and can potentially enhance the probiotic efficacy of Lactobacillus strains.

Aim: This study aimed to develop a biological product based on Lactobacillus-fermented OE (LFOE) as a sustainable alternative to antibiotics for the control of Salmonella-induced diarrhea in poultry.

Methods: Lactobacillus strains were isolated from native free-range chicken feces and screened for their antibacterial activity against Salmonella pullorum NCTC10705 and Salmonella typhimurium FC13827, as well as their survival rate in OE. Six promising strains were selected and further characterized for their ability to ferment OE and their co-aggregation ability against the pathogenic bacteria using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed for bacterial identification. The selected strain was used for fermentation in OE, and the resulting product was freeze-dried into a biological preparation. In vivo studies in chicks were conducted to assess the safety and intestinal persistence of LFOE.

Results: From an initial pool of 68 Lactobacillus strains, six promising candidates (L. plantarum 1582, L. plantarum WCFS1, L. plantarum JDM1, L. acidophilus NCFM, L. agilis DSM 20509, and L. agilis La3) were selected based on their antibacterial activity and high survival rate in OE. SEM confirmed the ability of these strains to ferment OE and co-aggregate with pathogenic bacteria. 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed their taxonomic identity as Lactobacillus. L. plantarum 1582, selected for its superior probiotic properties, was used to ferment LFOE, which proved safe for chicks and demonstrated the strain's ability to survive temporarily in the intestine.

Conclusion: This study successfully developed a biopreparation based on LFOE as a potential alternative to antibiotics for the control of Salmonella-induced diarrhea in poultry. However, regular re-supplementation is required to maintain probiotic efficacy due to the transient nature of intestinal colonization.

Background: Macrocyclic lactones (MLs) are pharmaceutical compounds extensively utilized in the management of Rhipicephalus microplus tick infestations in bovine populations. It is of paramount importance to prevent or delay the development of drug resistance to ML. In vitro techniques are validated by FAO and can serve as an orientative diagnosis of the resistance developed in field conditions. Diluent selection must be considered when sensitivity on field strains is being studied. The syringe immersion test (SIT) is a modification of the larval immersion test where syringes are used seeking to reduce the workload.

Aim: Study the interchangeability of two diluents in the diagnosis of sensitivity to MLs on R. microplus larvae using the SIT technique.

Methods: Dose-response curves were adjusted using SIT with MLs, on different diluents [acetone (ACT) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)] on Mozo strain (standard susceptible strain). Slope, potency, and discriminating concentration were estimated for each drug on both diluents. A four-parameter log-logistic model was applied for model fitting. The ratio between estimated parameters was used to compare results. Field strains were tested on both diluents for each drug, using the discriminating concentration estimated for Mozo strain.

Results: For the Mozo strain, dose-response models were adjusted for each drug on both diluents using SIT. Ivermectin (IVM) and doramectin (DRM) showed no significant difference in slope when comparing diluents (p > 0.05); moxidectin (MOX) presents a higher sensitivity for DMSO versus IVM (p < 0.05). Significant differences occur when comparing DRM with MOX in both diluents. Potency does not differ for avermectins using ACT 1%, and MOX has a higher potency than avermectins (p < 0.05). On field populations, we found an increase in larval mortality when using DMSO as opposed to ACT (p < 0.05) for IVM, DRM, and MOX, a differential sensitivity to detect larvae with survival capacity at equal levels of lethal concentration in both diluents for the same drug on Mozo strain.

Conclusion: We conclude that the SIT technique is a tool capable of detecting susceptibility/resistance in R. microplus populations regardless of the diluent used.

Background: Listeria monocytogenes (LM) is a life-threatening bacterium affecting many individuals worldwide, including elderly people, pregnant women, and immune-deficient patients.

Aim: Whole-cell killed formalin of LM antigens (WKLMAgs) and Listeria culture filtrated proteins (LCFPs) against challenge-attenuated LM after two booster doses (0 and 14 days) of immunization act as an antigen activating a high level of IgG3, IgM, CXCL2, and IL-1 beta.

Methods: Forty male rats were randomly assigned to four groups. The first group served as a control negative, while the second positive (+) control was inoculation orally 1 ml with virulent (1 × 10⁷ colony forming unit CFU/ml) of LM on day 28, whereas the other two groups were injected with 1-ml WKLMAgs and 1-ml LCFPs in two subcutaneously doses with day 14 intervals, with at day 28 a challenged effective dose (1 × 10⁷ CFU/ml) of virulent LM. Serum blood parameters were measured. During the 35 days, the euthanized animal histopathology studies were performed on the spleen, liver, small intestine, and brain.

Results: The current study indicated a significant difference between WKLMAgs and LCFPs for serological tests Immunoglobulin (Ig) M, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 2, Ig G3, and interleukin-1 beta compared to both negative and positive controls at P < 0.001. Additionally, the WKLMAgs and LCFPs led to a decrease in the histopathological changes of organs such as (brain, spleen, liver, and intestine) compared to the positive control, which affected the organs with microgranuloma, with a pathological difference between the WKLMAgs and LCFPs compared to the negative control group.

Conclusion: Both WKLMAgs and LCFPs are capable to be as a vaccine candidate antigen for the induction of protective immunity against L. monocytogenes.

Background: Ocular disease in sheep is a severe concern for the health and welfare of livestock animals, as well as losses of productivity and value to the livestock industry.

Aim: This study aimed to isolate and characterize bacteria in sheep with eye disease on the molecular level.

Methods: One hundred fifty sheep with eye infections were treated, and tissue samples were taken for microbiological studies. We isolated bacteria from traditional cultures and discovered molecules by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of single bacterial genes.

Results: A total of 150 ocular samples were collected from sheep, with bacterial growth observed in 120 samples, resulting in an isolation rate of 80%. Staphylococcus aureus was the most bacteria isolated in this study, which PCR also confirmed. We found antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as S. aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pasteurella multocida. These results reveal that preventing sheep ocular infections requires the effective use of antibiotics.

Conclusion: This study suggests the prevalence of bacterial infection in sheep eyes and argues the utility of molecular methods in veterinary diagnosis. Record levels of antibiotic resistance must be maintained in animal husbandry and the use of antibiotic stewardship programs.

Background: The Canine parvovirus type 2 is an acute viral disease in puppies and is considered a worldwide disease.

Aim: This study was performed to identify the Canine parvovirus (CPV) throughout 2022 and 2023 in Iraq. The novelty of this study was to isolate this virus in two types of cell cultures (diploid and fibroblast cell cultures) and confirm the isolated virus via PCR technique.

Methods: Sixty fecal samples were taken from suspected infected dogs in the Baghdad Governorates who were clinically sick and thought to have CPV. The first performed qualitative antigen detection on the samples with a rapid test, then the positive samples were propagated on the feline kidney (FK) and embryonated chicken fibroblast cells and finally identified the isolated virus on six randomly selected samples by amplifying the VP2 gene with a conventional polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Rapid tests found 50% of fecal swabs as positive results. Additionally, the results of the cytopathic effect (CPE) at the second and third passages on chicken embryo and FK cell cultures revealed rounder and more detached cells. Furthermore, the isolated virus was confirmed through amplified the Vp2 gene of the virus by polymerase chain reaction.

Conclusion: The focus of this study was to isolate of parvovirus that causes diarrhea in puppies, which is quite frequent in Iraq. The virus was isolated using both primary and secondary cell cultures. The solitary virus causes cells to become more differentiated and rounded due to CPEs. The virus was confirmed to be real using a polymerase chain reaction experiment. This study also suggests doing more epidemiological research and sequencing analysis to determine the prevalence of CPV serotypes in Iraq and the efficacy of trade in and locally made vaccinations in preventing against viral infection.