Veterinary Research Forum最新文献

Antioxidant potential of different milk types and thermal-treated milks may be of interest to milk processors, consumers, and nutritionists. The objectives of this study were comparison of the antioxidant potential of milk, defatted milk, whey, and deproteinized whey from cow, sheep, and goat, and also evaluation of the effect of thermal treatments (pasteurization and sterilization) on the antioxidant activity of the milk. The antioxidant potential of different milk samples and their fractions was examined using reducing power, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, and 2,2-azinobis-3-ethylenzothiazoline-6-sulphonicacid methods. The results showed that the antioxidant potential of sheep raw milk was significantly higher than that of cow milk and goat milk. The results also indicated that thermal processing increased the reducing power and antioxidant potential of milk, and increasing heating temperature significantly increased reducing power and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity of milk, especially sheep milk and goat milk. Removing of whey proteins from whey of all animal species, particularly sheep, caused a significant decrease in the antioxidant potential of whey. The results of this study showed that sheep milk and its fractions are a good source of natural antioxidants, which may have higher health promotion effects on consumers from nutritional point of view.

Rhodococcus equi is an important bacterial pathogen and causes severe chronic granulomatous pneumonia in foals below 6 months of age. It has also become an opportunistic and emerging pathogen in immunocompromised humans. Vaccination is the most cost-effective strategy for controlling and preventing this infection. Although several potential virulence genes and candidate immunogens have been identified over the years, no effective vaccine is currently available to prevent R. equi disease in horses. Recently, bacterial vector vaccines have been shown to be promising for R. equi. In this study, the virulence-associated protein A (VapA) gene of R. equi was cloned into Protein Expression System small ubiquitin-related modifier (pET-SUMO) expression vectors and transferred into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Also, adjuvant significantly affects the efficacy of recombinant vaccines. Therefore, native VapA and recombinant VapA were formulated with Immunostimuling Microparticle System (IMS 3012) or PetGel A (recommended for horses) and subcutaneously administered to mice. The immunization effect of four different vaccines was determined by assaying antibody titers and survival rates. The antibody response was slightly higher in the PetGel A formulations than IMS 3012. Survival rates were lower in the PetGel A formulations than IMS 3012. Given these results, recombinant VapA adjuvanted with PetGel A represents a promising formulation for developing new-generation R. equi vaccines.

This study focuses on understanding how the sensitivity patterns of common probiotic Lactobacillus species differ between healthy and colibacillosis-diseased broiler chickens and explores any correlation between these patterns and avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). Ileum samples were collected from the healthy (n = 10) and colibacillosis-diseased (n = 10) broiler poultry farms. Lactobacillus and E. coli were identified and incidence rate of six probiotic Lactobacillus species (L. acidophilus, L. brevis, L. casei, L. plantrum, L. delbrueckii, and L. fermenti) was determined, and their susceptibility to different antibiotics (ampicillin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, kanamycin, tetracycline, and vancomycin) was tested. A total of 120 Lactobacilli were examined. Certain Lactobacillus spp. from healthy birds (L. brevis) and those affected by colibacillosis (L. acidophilus) showed better sensitivity and lower multiple antibiotic resistance to chloramphenicol, erythromycin, and kanamycin. Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between ampicillin and chloramphenicol, ampicillin and erythromycin, ampicillin and tetracycline, and ampicillin and vancomycin resistance. Also, a significant correlation was observed between erythromycin and tetracycline, and kanamycin and vancomycin. All APEC strains showed multiple antibiotic resistance. A strong positive correlation was found between resistant Lactobacillus spp. and APEC isolates from diseased birds, indicating co-occurrence of antibiotic resistance. The study suggests that antibiotic resistance in APEC and Lactobacillus species may spread through horizontal transfer, highlighting the need for improved anti-microbial management in poultry systems.

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is a highly transmissible pathogen causing severe economic losses in the global livestock sector. Frequent outbreaks of FMDV type-O in Pakistan highlight the need for continuous genomic and antigenic surveillance to track its evolution. This study aimed to isolate and molecularly characterize FMDV type-O from an outbreak in the Punjab province of Pakistan using in vitro cell culture techniques. Samples were processed for viral isolation on a susceptible cell line, followed by RNA extraction. The VP1 gene, pivotal for antigenicity and immunogenicity, was amplified using a one-step polymerase chain reaction protocol. Purified amplicons underwent sequencing, and the nucleotide sequences were translated into amino acid sequences for further analysis. Protein three-dimensional modeling and in silico comparison were performed against the vaccinal seed strain PanAsia-2. The VP1 sequence analysis revealed notable genetic variability among the isolates, indicating adaptive evolution. Structural and antigenic modeling uncovered key differences between the field isolates and vaccinal strain, suggesting potential antigenic drift, which could undermine vaccine performance. The study underscores the dynamic evolution of FMDV type-O in Pakistan and the critical importance of ongoing genomic monitoring to refine vaccine strategies and enhance outbreak control.

Cathelicidin-1, an antimicrobial peptide, has garnered attention for its potential role as a biomarker in detecting anestrus in cows, providing insights into bovine reproductive health. This study aimed to analyse cathelicidin-1 within the urinary proteome and evaluate its effectiveness as a diagnostic tool for anestrus in cows. The study employed tricine-sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry techniques to identify and characterize cathelicidin-1 in the context of anestrus in cows. The analysis confirmed the presence and distinct profile of cathelicidin-1, highlighting its significance in reflecting the physiological and pathophysiological states associated with anestrus. Cathelicidin-1 as a promising diagnostic biomarker for anestrus in cows could revolutionize bovine reproductive management by offering more precise and advanced detection methods compared to the traditional, time-consuming, and sometimes inaccurate approaches, like behavioral observation or hormonal assays. If cathelicidin-1 can be detected non-invasively, it would not only enhance early detection and timely intervention but also reduce the need for invasive procedures, thereby improving animal welfare.

Canine hemoprotozoan diseases viz. ehrlichiosis and babesiosis are mostly associated with critical anemia and thrombocytopenia with pancytopenic changes, leading to multi-organ failure. For faster recovery of patients with complicated hemoprotozoan diseases, whole blood transfusion or bone marrow stimulating agents to produce more red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets might be helpful. Unfortunately, canine specific transfusion procedures are expensive and even not available in many developing countries. Development of alternate therapeutic modality by bone marrow stimulation to augment the production of RBCs and platelets and thus, to treat the critical pancytopenic patients is and an urgent necessity. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), acts as a precursor of reduced glutathione and increases the production of bone marrow B cells. It also improves viability and self-renewal capacity of stem cells and thus, boosts hematopoietic differentiation by protecting induced pluripotent stem cells. This study envisaged to develop alternate therapeutic approach to combat pancytopenia secondary to canine hemoprotozoan diseases. Bone marrow mediated aplastic pancytopenia was induced experimentally by administration of cyclophosphamide in rats. Bone marrow stimulating property of NAC was compared with desmopressin, another bone marrow stimulator, which revealed better in terms of hematobiochemical and histopathological changes. Results of rat model study were extrapolated in clinical canine hemoprotozoan cases having pancytopenia. Dogs treated with hemoprotozoan disease specific therapy along with NAC rendered favorable changes by haltering the progression of critical anemia and thrombocytopenia. Study revealed that supplementation of NAC along with canine hemoprotozoan specific therapy is beneficial to alleviate pancytopenia.

Sudden death has been thoroughly well defined and investigated in human medicine and its definition is not as rigorously established in veterinary medicine. In this case a 7-year-old German Shepherd was brought to the Small Animals Clinic of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Belgrade in very poor state. Despite treatment, the dog died 15 min after being admitted to the clinic. Since poisoning was suspected, the owners requested an autopsy. The dog was taken to the Department of Forensic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade for necropsy. Pathomorphological examinations revealed rupture of the mesentery with mesenteric volvulus. In addition, a large number of adult forms of Dirofilaria immitis were found in the right atrium, ventricle and in truncus pulmonalis. Further examinations of the respiratory system revealed clusters with partially degraded adult parasites in the lobes. The dog died due to mesenteric volvulus which was a rare finding, with an even rarer finding that was lung nodules with adult D. immitis parasites.

Infecting to Melissococcus plutonius, the primary cause of the European foulbrood (EFB) disease, can be followed by infecting to the secondary bacteria, such as Enterococcus faecalis and Brevibacillus laterosporus. The aim of this research was to diagnose EFB disease by tracking the causes of the disease in apiaries all over Iran. From 260 apiaries, honey bee samples were randomly collected. After samples preparation, the genomic DNA was extracted and specific primers were selected for interested bacteria. Using the conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for E. faecalis and B. laterosporus and nested-PCR method for M. plutonius, the target fragments were amplified. Desired standard bacteria and distilled water were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Results showed that out of 260 samples from apiaries, 74 and three samples were positive for E. faecalis and B. laterosporus bacteria, respectively. Also, the results of nested-PCR showed that 58 samples were positive, of which only 12 samples were positive in the evaluation of E. faecalis. Results demonstrated that the highest and the least levels of the infection for M. plutonius and E. faecalis were in the south and east of the country, respectively. Results indicated that sometimes due to the excessive growth of secondary bacteria, the main bacteria can be removed from the environment. Also, findings proposed that those provinces with higher number of populations, followed by higher amount of air pollution, had more infected samples than others.

Echocardiography is a noninvasive, highly sensitive method for evaluating heart disease in veterinary medicine, crucial for measuring cardiac structures and functions. Despite its importance, limited data exist on sheep, particularly the Ghezel breed, a significant breed in Iran. This study aimed to establish normal echocardiographic values for Ghezel sheep, providing reference data for both clinical and research applications. We evaluated 15 healthy Ghezel sheep with a mean age of 16.50 ± 1.80 months and a mean weight of 42.69 ± 4.73 kg. Comprehensive clinical exams, biochemical and hematological tests and color Doppler echocardiography were performed. Descriptive results from standard right and left parasternal views in both longitudinal and transverse planes were obtained and compared to existing studies. The study successfully established pulse wave Doppler reference values for the Ghezel breed. These findings could be used in diagnosing heart disease in Ghezel sheep and would be beneficial in future research particularly in sheep used as an animal model for translation in human cardiac studies.

Bone structure has been widely studied in mammals, however, osteon structure in sheep has received relatively little attention, especially in terms of its location on the forelimbs and hindlimbs. The aim of this study was to investigate the histometric characteristics and mineral composition of the metacarpus and metatarsus of adult Sanjabi sheep. Metacarpal and metatarsal bones were collected from five adult Sanjabi sheep (n = 10). Morphometric measurements were performed on computed tomographic scan images. Histometric parameters were measured on histological sections. The mineral composition of the bone samples was detected using the X-ray fluorescence method. The diameter of the Haversian canal in the right metatarsus was significantly greater than that in the other bones. The smallest diameter of the Haversian canal was observed for the right metacarpus. The diameter and area of the osteons in the right metacarpal were significantly greater than those in the other bones. The amount of essential mineral elements was not significantly different among bones. Aluminum and lead were significantly greater in the left metatarsus. The highest amount of copper was observed in the left metacarpus. These results indicated that there was a greater load on the right limb. This compensatory mechanism might be used to put more weight on the right forelimb and reduce the pressure caused by the weight of the rumen on the left forelimb. However, to prove this hypothesis, more detailed and extensive studies are needed in the future.