Veterinary Medicine and Science最新文献

Paramphistomosis, a parasitic disease of ruminants caused by flukes of the family Paramphistomidae (Platyhelminthes: Digenea) and leads to significant economic losses. Primarily, their predilection site is rumen as evident from their common name 'ruminal flukes' and occasionally find in other visceral organs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of paramphistome infection in the rumens and livers of livestock followed by histopathological examination of the affected tissues. A total of 384 animals were screened for paramphistome infection at a local abattoir in the Narowal district. Liver and rumen tissue samples from infected animals were excised, fixed in buffered formalin, and processed using the paraffin-embedding technique. Tissue-paraffin blocks were sectioned with the thickness of 5 µm through microtome and stained using the Harri's haematoxylin and eosin methods. The prevalence of paramphistomosis in ruminants was 49.74% with sex and age of host having a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) with the magnitude of infection; however, species of host and months were not significantly associated (p > 0.05). Of the total cases having rumens positive for paramphistomes, 7.29% were also tested positive for liver infections; however, no adult or immature Fasciola spp. were detected. Infected rumens had significantly (p < 0.05) reduced epithelial thickness (30.50 ± 1.83 µm), accompanied by severe haemorrhages in hepatic tissues and blood congestion in hepatic vessels. Further, the central hepatic vein was found having a significantly larger diameter (39.56 ± 2.72 µm) as compared to that of healthy livers (29.76 ± 3.15 µm). The paper provides a maiden data on the paramphistome infection in livers along with rumens of ruminants in Pakistan. Hence, the findings suggest that paramphistome infection may pose a potential threat to nutrient absorption and overall metabolic health in ruminants.

This cross-sectional study determined the occurrence, distribution, molecular characteristics and antibiograms of Listeria species recovered from beef and beef products retailed in the North-West Province, South Africa. The study also investigated the factors associated with the contamination of these products by Listeria spp. and their characteristics. Conventional methods and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were employed to detect and characterize the isolates of Listeria spp. In contrast, the disc diffusion method was used to determine their susceptibility to 16 antimicrobial agents. Four hundred beef products were randomly collected from 30 retail outlets across the North-West Province. The prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria spp. was 6% (24/400) and 30.5% (122/400), respectively (p < 0.001). Of the five variables (district, size of outlet, type of beef and beef products, product display temperature and types of presentation), only the type of beef and beef products had a statistically significant (p = 0.034) effect on the occurrence of L. monocytogenes. In contrast, none had any significant effect on other Listeria spp. Among the 24 isolates of L. monocytogenes, all five serogroups assayed were detected, with the predominant ones being IIb (45.8%), IVb (20.8%) and IIa (20.8%). All eight virulence genes assayed were detected, with actA (50%), inlB (45.8%) and inlA (41.7%) being the most frequently detected. All isolates of L. monocytogenes (n = 24) and other Listeria spp. (n = 122) were resistant to one or more of the 16 antimicrobial agents tested. For L. monocytogenes isolates, resistance was high to nalidixic acid (100%), enrofloxacin (41.7%) and cefoxitin (37.5%) but low to clindamycin (8.3%) and sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim (8.3%). The frequency of multi-drug resistance (MDR) in the L. monocytogenes isolates was 95.8% (23/24). Our study reveals the risk of human listeriosis in consumers of beef and beef products contaminated by virulent and antimicrobial-resistant serogroups of L. monocytogenes in the North-West Province of South Africa.

The transition period is a crucial time for dairy animals, marked by significant physiological changes. This study investigated the effects of supplementing rumen-protected choline (RPC) on oxidative stress, immune function, liver health and performance in periparturient Saanen goats and their offspring. Forty pregnant goats were used, with the research starting 5 weeks pre-partum and continuing until 5 weeks post-partum. The experimental treatments included the following: (1) control-no RPC supplement; (2) choline-treatment receiving 6 g/day of RPC. Blood samples were collected at parturition to analyse antioxidant status, haematology, liver enzymes, immunoglobulins and other parameters. The growth performance of kids was monitored until 30 days of age. RPC increased antioxidant capacity in dams, indicated by higher superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant status (TAS) compared to control (p < 0.05). RPC also elevated immunoglobulin G and M (IgG and IgM) levels in goats and kids (p < 0.05), though tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) remained unaffected. Haematological parameters, such as red blood cells (RBCs), haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (HCT), were improved with RPC supplementation, whereas liver enzyme levels remained unchanged. RPC-supplemented kids had greater birth weights and body weights at 10, 20 and 30 days compared to control (p < 0.05). Additionally, average milk intake (AMI) remained constant between both groups (p > 0.05). Overall, RPC demonstrated partial yet promising effects on antioxidant status, immunity and performance in periparturient goats and their kids without affecting liver enzymes. Although some parameters within these domains were not significantly improved, the findings suggest that RPC may contribute to mitigating metabolic stress during the transition period. Further research is needed to clarify its long-term effects on lactation performance and reproductive efficiency.

Bursa of Fabricius (BF) is a primary lymphoid organ in birds, crucial for lymphocyte development and immune function. This study investigates age-related alterations in the histomorphology and ultrastructure of the bursal tissue in green-winged teal (Anas crecca) at 8^th and 24^th weeks of age. Twenty ducks were examined, and the sample tissues were collected post-euthanasia for histological and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. At the 8^th week, the histological sections exhibited normal lymphocyte distribution and structural organization, characterized by a well-developed muscular layer and plicae. In contrast, by the 24^th week, significant involution was observed, marked by reduced bursal weight, diminished muscular layer and increased fibrosis. Histological changes included necrosis and depletion of lymphocytes, alongside alterations in the follicular-associated epithelium. SEM revealed collagen fibre spreading and loss of microvilli, indicating advanced involution. This study highlights the developmental and involutionary stages of the organ in A. crecca, providing essential insights into the age-dependent changes in this critical immune organ. This is the first report detailing these histomorphometric and ultrastructural alterations in A. crecca, highlighting the age-dependent nature of these changes, besides contributing to our understanding of avian immunology.

The potential role of stray dogs as reservoirs and disseminators of zoonotic antimicrobial-resistant pathogens to humans has long been underestimated. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus spp. strains in the ear and nasal swabs collected from stray dogs housed at the Veterinary Hospital of Local Health Authority ASL Napoli 1 Centro. Out of 306 skin samples analysed, 256 bacterial strains were isolated using selective and differential media and identified through MALDI-TOF MS technology. The antimicrobial resistance profiles of the isolated strains were determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar, testing susceptibility to 19 antimicrobials across 10 classes. Staphylococcus spp. was isolated in 46% of cases (119/256), with Staphylococcus pseudintermedius being the most prevalent species (50%; 59/119), followed by Staphylococcus simulans (17%; 20/119) and Staphylococcus aureus (14%; 17/119). The evaluation of the antimicrobial resistance profiles revealed a great circulation of methicillin-resistant strains in the stray dog population, as highlighted by the high levels of resistance recorded for penicillin (83.2%; 99/119), cefoxitin (72.3%; 86/119) and oxacillin (62.2%; 74/119). Notably, 85% (101/119) of the isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant, being resistant to three or more antimicrobial classes. These findings suggest that stray dogs may serve as important reservoirs of multidrug-resistant staphylococci, highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance and monitoring of antimicrobial resistance in these animals, especially in the context of the One Health approach that links human, animal and environmental health.

Background: Ziziphus vulgaris L. and Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze are medicinal plants widely used in various ethnomedical systems, particularly in Iranian Traditional Medicine, for the treatment of various diseases.

Objectives: While their biological activities are well-documented, their effectiveness against Varroa destructor, a significant ectoparasite of Apis mellifera (honeybees), remains unknown. As V. destructor poses a serious threat to honeybee populations globally, it is crucial for researchers to explore novel control methods.

Methods: In this study, we evaluated the anti-Varroa activity of Z. vulgaris and C. sinensis at different concentrations (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 µL/L air) and exposure times (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 h).

Results: The results showed that mite mortality increased in parallel with the increase in extract concentration and exposure time. Importantly, the plant extracts did not cause significant mortality in A. mellifera compared to the control group.

Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings suggest that these plant extracts could be effective agents for managing V. destructor.

Background: Chronic gingivostomatitis has been associated with increases in α1-acid glycoprotein and serum haptoglobin (Hp) in cats. However, serum amyloid A (SAA) and Hp have not been previously evaluated in cats with uncomplicated gingivitis.

Objectives: To compare SAA and Hp between cats with gingivitis and healthy cats, and to investigate the correlation between these two proteins and the severity of gingivitis.

Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study. Adult, FIV- and FeLV-seronegative cats were included. The cats were allocated into two age- and sex-matched groups. The case group included cats with gingivitis, and the control group included clinically and clinicopathologically healthy cats. The severity of gingivitis was assessed by the Total Mouth Periodontal Score (TMPS)-G index. Serum samples were used to measure SAA and Hp using a previously validated turbidimetric immunoassay and haemoglobin-binding method, respectively. The R statistical language was used for the statistical analysis.

Results: A total of 22 cats were included, 11 in each study group. The median (range) age of cats was 5.0 (3.0-11.0) years. The median Hp concentration was significantly higher (p = 0.001) in the case group (2.40 [0.72-4.44] g/L) compared with the control group (1.06 [0.50-1.42] g/L). A significant correlation was found between Hp and TMPS-G (rho = 0.636, p = 0.040). The SAA was below the detection limit (0.4 mg/L) in all samples of the control group and in 10/11 samples of the case group.

Conclusions: Feline gingivitis is associated with increased Hp, suggesting the presence of an acute-phase reaction. Haptoglobin appears to be correlated with the severity of the disease.

Doxorubicin is an antitumor antibiotic. It is often used in veterinary medicine to treat and extend the lives of dogs with cancer. A cardiotoxic side effect can lead to heart failure and treatment discontinuation. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the drug's cardiotoxic effects on the ejection fraction (EF) of dogs in doxorubicin protocols. The search was done in eight databases, with a total of 3587 articles screened, resulting in fifteen eligible articles included. A report on the included studies' methods and results was done. It also assessed the risk of bias. Thirteen articles demonstrated cardiac changes in echocardiography with different routes of administration (intravenous and intracoronary). The intracoronary route was more toxic, and in all six studies performed, there was heart failure. The intravenous route caused heart failure in six of the nine studies. A meta-analysis showed this drug worsened heart disease. It included four studies where it significantly lowered the EF. Overall, the intervention produced a mean reduction of 21.24% in EF. This review shows doxorubicin's impact on cardiac function. It reveals the need for careful monitoring of each patient.

Introduction: Scrub typhus, also known as Tsutsugamushi disease (TD), is an acute febrile illness that poses a significant public health threat to nearly one billion people in the Asia-Pacific region. The disease is caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi (OT) and is primarily transmitted through the bite of chigger mite larvae. Due to its nonspecific clinical manifestations, early diagnosis is challenging, often leading to misdiagnosis or untreated cases. Yunnan Province, located on China's border, reports the highest annual incidence of scrub typhus, highlighting the need to better understand OT infection in both human patients and small mammals in this region.

Methods: In this study, clinical data on scrub typhus cases in Xiangyun County People's Hospital were retrospectively collected. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and semi-nested PCR were used to amplify the 56-kDa type-specific antigen (TSA) from samples collected from 64 patients and 93 small mammals, representing six genera and nine species, in Xiangyun County, Yunnan Province, China. Complete sequences of the 56-kDa TSA for each genotype were obtained through primer-walking and subjected to evolutionary and recombination analyses.

Results: A total of 377 scrub typhus cases were enrolled at Xiangyun County Hospital from July 2015 to November 2020. The detection rates of OT in patients and small mammals were 28.13% (18/64) and 13.98% (13/93), respectively. Nine full-length 56-kDa TSA genes were identified, comprising four distinct genotypes: Karp-like (n = 3), Kato-like (n = 3), Gilliam (n = 2), and TA763 (n = 1). Patients infected with the Karp-like exhibited significantly more severe clinical symptoms, and the Karp-like genotype of patients was relatively common in Xiangyun County of Yunnan Province. The Gilliam-like and Karp-like genotypes were detected in the infected small mammals, and Apodemus chevrieri is a dominant species in cultivated fields. Recombination analysis revealed genetic overlap among strains of similar or different genotypes, suggesting that genetic diversity may contribute to the increased incidence of scrub typhus.

Conclusion: At least four genotypes of OT were present among patients, and it was infected by OT that at least four species of  infected small mammals in cultivated areas and at least three species of infected small mammals in residential areas from Xiangyun County, Yunnan Province. The diversity of OT genotypes and infected small mammals, which causes frequent genetic recombination, is the main reason for the adaptive selection due to the genetic evolution of OT.

Background: Cryptococcosis is the most common systemic fungal infection in cats, typically presenting with respiratory or neurological signs. However, cases without these hallmark symptoms are rare and often misdiagnosed. This case is noteworthy for its atypical presentation, where a cat developed systemic cryptococcosis without the typical respiratory or neurological involvement, making it particularly challenging to diagnose. In addition, the overlap of clinical signs with other diseases like lymphoma underscores the importance of considering cryptococcosis in differential diagnoses.

Case presentation: A 7-year-old castrated male Persian cat was referred due to generalized cutaneous nodules, including a prominent 4-5 cm nodule on the neck, and generalized lymphadenopathy. Neurological examination revealed an absent menace response in the left eye, raising suspicion of vision loss. Blood tests indicated hyperglobulinemia and the presence of medium-to-large lymphoid cells in the peripheral blood. Diagnostic imaging showed systemic lymphadenopathy, retinal detachment and minimal ascites. Fine needle aspiration of the lymph nodes revealed yeast-like organisms, and culture confirmed Cryptococcus neoformans. Initially treated with itraconazole, the therapy was switched to fluconazole due to better CNS penetration. The lymph node enlargement improved within one week, but further follow-up was limited due to owner constraints.

Conclusions: This case emphasizes the diagnostic challenges posed by atypical presentations of feline cryptococcosis, particularly in the absence of respiratory and neurological symptoms. It highlights the importance of considering systemic fungal infections in the differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy. The overlap with diseases like lymphoma further underscores the need for comprehensive diagnostic workups, including cytology and culture, to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.