Veterinary Research Communications最新文献

The superorder Xenarthra comprises anteaters, sloths and armadillos, all endemic of the Americas. Despite their distinctive evolutionary history, information regarding viruses affecting this group remains scarce. Herein, we report a gammaherpesvirus infection in a two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus) under human care that presented recurrent oral vesicular lesions and oral candidiasis. The gammaherpesvirus identified in oral swab sample likely represents a novel species, due to the large genetic divergence when compared to the closest sequences available on public databases, and its identification in a novel host species. This finding broadens the herpesvirus host range in Xenarthra, representing the third description in this taxonomic group. Future studies should elucidate the pathogenicity of this novel herpesvirus.

Objective: This study compared the outcomes of laparoscopic ovariectomy (LOVE) and open ovariectomy (OVE) in dogs, assessing pain, quality of recovery, and systemic inflammatory biomarkers.

Study design: A prospective clinical study.

Animals: Twenty anestrous female dogs, ten for each group.

Methods: The parameters compared between the two groups were: incision length, surgical time, pain, along with concentrations of serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and substance P (SP), measuring one hour before surgery (T0), two hours (T1), 24 h (T2), and seven days post-surgery (T3); quality of recovery (QoR-15) at T0, T2 and T3.

Results: LOVE results in a longer surgery time, while a shorter incision length. CRP was higher (P < 0.05) at T1 but lower (P < 0.001) at T2 and T3 in LOVE than in OVE group. At T1 and T2 lower SAA concentrations were found in OVE groups compared to LOVE group (P < 0.001); and at T3, SP was higher (P < 0.05) in the OVE group compared to the LOVE group. Pain at T1 and T2, and QoR-15 at T2 and T3, showed better scores (P < 0.01) in LOVE compared to OVE group.

Conclusion: This study showed that laparoscopic ovariectomy resulted in moderate surgical trauma and postoperative pain, reducing the time for recovery compared to a laparotomic procedure. Serum concentrations of CRP and SP, predictive biomarkers of postoperative systemic inflammation, confirm a greater inflammatory response in the LOVE group, which may explain the prolonged recovery times observed in these group. Our results indicate that SAA is not a reliable marker of mild surgical stress, whereas CRP remains a valid indicator of postoperative inflammation in canine ovariectomy. SP showed promising consistency with the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale, supporting its potential as a biomarker for perioperative pain. Preliminary findings also suggest the feasibility of using the adapted QoR-15 scale in dogs. Overall, laparoscopic ovariectomy confirmed clear advantages over open laparotomy, including reduced inflammation, lower pain levels, and faster recovery. Further studies with larger cohorts and long-term follow-up are needed to validate these tools and assess the broader welfare implications of different surgical approaches.

Clinical significance: This study supports the advantages of laparoscopic techniques for ovariectomy, particularly in terms of the patient's recovery quality.

This study evaluates the potential of dietary supplementation with Bouea macrophylla Griffith leaf ethanolic extract (TD1 extract) as an antibiotic alternative for koi carp (Cyprinus carpio) within the One Health framework. Fish were fed diets supplemented with 0.5-1.5% TD1 extract and compared with doxycycline-treated and control groups. Disease resistance was tested by challenging fish with haemolytic Enterococcus faecalis, and protection against acute ammonia toxicity was also assessed. Fish receiving 0.5% TD1 extract or doxycycline supplementation showed approximately 60% survival after bacterial challenge, while 1% TD1 supplementation resulted in complete survival. In prevention tests, fish fed doxycycline or 1.5% TD1 extract-supplemented feed had reduced natural Vibrio infections, with survival rates of 65 and 60%, respectively, compared to 30% in controls after 10 days. Against acute ammonia exposure, fish receiving 1% TD1 extract showed no mortality, while doxycycline and control groups exhibited moderate (43%) and high (90%) mortalities, respectively. Serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) levels remained stable in the group of fish fed TD1 extract-supplemented feed but increased marginally in fish doxycycline-supplemented feed after ammonia exposure. These findings suggest that B. macrophylla TD1 extract is a promising and eco-friendly alternative to antibiotics. However, further long-term and large-scale studies are essential to validate safety and efficacy across diverse aquaculture species. Additionally, exploring potential synergistic effects with probiotics or immunostimulants will be important for optimizing its application in commercial aquaculture systems.

Monitoring the health of cattle herds is essential for establishing prophylactic measures and reducing their impact on the production chain, especially in regions where beef cattle form the economic base. This study aimed to determine the serological profile of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis, and neosporosis in beef cattle slaughtered in a federally inspected slaughterhouse in the state of Tocantins, northern Brazil. A total of 614 serum samples from 70 herds were evaluated for the presence of antibodies to Bovine alphaherpesvirus-1 and Bovine viral diarrhea virus by virus neutralization test, 12 serovars of Leptospira spp. by microscopic agglutination test, and to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum by indirect immunofluorescence reaction. The rates of seropositive animals for IBR, BVD, leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis, and neosporosis were 90.4, 50.8, 63.2, 6.2, and 7.3%, respectively. For herds, 100% had at least one animal serum positive for IBR and leptospirosis. Considering the seropositive rates for the five infectious diseases observed in slaughtered cattle, the number of beef cattle in Tocantins, and the intrinsic conditions of the etiological agents being by regional seasonality, it is essential to implement or improve animal health surveillance, prevention, and biosecurity programs to ensure better productivity and economic sustainability of beef cattle herds in the state.

Herein, we describe ocular abnormalities in an adult male Crested Capuchin (Sapajus robustus) with partial unilateral loss of vision. On necropsy, there was a white, firm, and homogeneous plaque expanding the ciliary body of the left eyeball. White, irregular and firm nodules were observed in skeletal muscles, lymph nodes, lungs, heart, spleen, ileum, cecum, pancreas, and testes. Microscopically, diffuse severe pyogranulomatous endophthalmitis in the left eyeball and mild granulomatous posterior uveitis in the right eyeball, both with intralesional yeasts, were noted. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong labeling with anti-Paracoccidiodes spp. Fungal culture and molecular examination were performed, and confirmed P. brasiliensis infection. Based on the marked differences in lesion severity between the two eyes, we suggest that choroidal vessels may play a crucial role in the ocular dissemination of P. brasiliensis.

This study aimed for the first time to demonstrate the effects of combination of L-citrulline and sildenafil (L-Cit + S) on penile and testicular vascular perfusions in dogs regarding the semen quality and hormonal profile. Normospermic German Shepherd dogs were subdivided into three groups (n = 6/each); control group that injected 1 ml saline, second group subjected to L-Citrulline intravenous injection (L-Cit), and third one administrated oral dose of sildenafil with injected L-Cit (L-Cit + S). Dogs were examined at time points of assessment by hours. Semen collection, blood sampling, hormonal assaying, Doppler evaluation and testicular echo-texture analysis were performed. Testicular colored area (TCA) elevated significantly (P = 0.03) in L-Cit group at 8-120 h compared to other groups. While volume, echogenicity, and heterogeneity were not changed (P ≥ 0.05) among groups. Testicular and penile arteries Doppler indices were decreased (P = 0.01) in L-Cit group from 1 to 48 h with a sharp decrease (P = 0.01) was observed in L-Cit + S group within 1-8 h with a significant (P = 0.01) elevation of peak velocity and blood flow rate within the same hours in the same group. Motility % and sperm concentrations were increased (P = 0.02) at 4 h in third group. Circulating L-Cit levels were increased in second and third groups from 4 to 24 h, while S levels were (P = 0.01) increased from 1 to 4 h only in third group. An elevation of nitric oxide and estradiol levels was observed (P = 0.01) form 1 h in L-Cit + S group compared to other groups, while testosterone levels were increased (P = 0.01) from 1 h but rapidly declined till reach a lowest value at 48 h compared to other groups. Addition of L-citrulline to sildenafil demonstrated a more efficiency in improvement of blood flow, hormonal profile, and semen quality than using sildenafil alone due to the action of L-Cit on nitric oxide.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence, serovars, virulence gene profiles, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) genes in Salmonella isolated from broiler chickens in Egypt. In this study, 200 samples were obtained from broiler chickens. Samples were processed using standard bacteriological techniques, and suspected isolates were biochemically identified and molecularly confirmed by PCR targeting the invA gene. Serotyping was performed according to the Kauffmann-White scheme. Virulence genes (hilA, stn, spvC, and spiC) and ESBL genes (bla_TEM, bla_SHV, and bla_CTX-M) were detected by PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out following CLSI guidelines. Nineteen isolates (9.5%) were confirmed as Salmonella. Serotyping revealed four serovars: S. Kentucky (52.63%), S. Typhimurium (21.05%), S. Salamae (15.79%), and S. Infantis (10.53%). All isolates carried invA and hilA, while stn and spiC were present in 84.21% and 73.68% of isolates, respectively, spvC was detected in only one isolate (5.26%). All isolates were resistant to ceftazidime, cefepime, and erythromycin. High resistance rates were also observed against amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ciprofloxacin, and doxycycline. Detection of ESBL genes revealed that bla_TEM was present in 16 isolates (84.2%), bla_CTX-M in 6 isolates (31.6%), and bla_SHV in 2 isolates (10.5%). Statistical analyses (Chi-square and Spearman's correlation tests) further confirmed significant associations between ESBL genes and both phenotypic resistance and virulence determinants, strengthening the validity of our findings. The high prevalence of virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance traits, particularly extensively drug-resistant (XDR) phenotypes and ESBL-encoding genes among Salmonella isolates from poultry, represents a critical public health concern. These findings emphasize the need for continuous molecular surveillance, improved antimicrobial stewardship, and enhanced biosecurity strategies in poultry production in Egypt.

Feline leishmaniasis has been increasingly reported in countries endemic for zoonotic leishmaniasis, including Brazil, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Israel, raising questions about the role of cats in disease transmission. Although dogs are the primary reservoirs, cats may contribute to the maintenance and spread of Leishmania spp. This study investigated genital lesions associated with feline leishmaniasis and explored the potential for vertical transmission. ELISA results showed seropositivity in 33.7% of females and 43.8% of males, while PCR on genital secretions was positive in 31.5% and 18.8%, respectively. Concordance between ELISA and PCR occurred in 33.3% of females and 7.1% of males. The most frequent genital lesions were endometritis in females and epididymitis or testicular degeneration in males. Epididymitis was significantly more frequent (p < 0.01) and more severe (p < 0.01) in seropositive males, while other lesions showed no significant association with infection. Among the four pregnant cats analyzed, one was seropositive and two were PCR-positive. Importantly, all carried at least one PCR-positive fetus (8/13; 61.5%), supporting the occurrence of vertical transmission. In conclusion, feline leishmaniasis is associated with genital lesions, particularly epididymitis in males, and may involve transplacental transmission. These findings strengthen the evidence that cats could play an epidemiological role in leishmaniasis and highlight the need for further investigation.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane-bound particles released by numerous cell types and are gaining popularity in veterinary medicine due to their extensive biological activities and therapeutic potential. This review summarizes the classification, biogenesis, and molecular cargo of various types of EVs, such as exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies, as well as their emerging roles in cellular communication, diagnostics, and therapeutics across a wide range of veterinary applications. Beyond mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived EVs, EVs from immune cells, pathogens, and body fluids show great promise for tissue healing, immunological regulation, infectious disease management, drug delivery systems, vaccine development, and reproductive health. We critically evaluate recent advancements, limitations, and future possibilities in using EVs to improve diagnosis and treatment results in veterinary species. The review's goal is to provide a comprehensive picture of the rapidly increasing EV landscape and to make it easier to incorporate EV-based technology into clinical veterinary practice.