Veterinary Quarterly最新文献

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a significant bacterial pathogen that frequently colonizes different body sites and mucous membranes of pets. The objectives of the cross-sectional study were to estimate the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance pattern, and detection of diverse resistance as well as virulence genes of S. pseudintermedius in cats. A standard bacteriological method, species-specific gene and different antimicrobial resistance as well as virulence genes were confirmed by PCR assay. A total of 233 swab samples were collected from different body sites of 102 cats, among them 146 swabs from 73 healthy cats, and 87 from 29 diseased cats. Overall, prevalence of S. pseudintermedius in cats was 12.01%, while dermatitis and otitis affected cats were 26.08% and 33.33%, respectively. The highest antimicrobial resistance was observed against penicillin (96.42%) followed by streptomycin (85.71%) and erythromycin (78.57%). Moreover, 89.28% of S. pseudintermedius isolates exhibit multi-drug resistance (MDR) (≥ 3 classes' antimicrobial resistant). In addition, 17.86% isolates harbored the mecA gene; thus, were classified as methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP). Furthermore, the erythromycin resistance genes ermA and ermB were harbored by 25% and 10.71% of isolates, while 42.86% and 17.86% of isolates carried tetK and tetL (tetracycline resistance) genes, respectively. In virulence profiling, 32.14% (sea) and 10.71% (seb) of isolates were found positive for enterotoxin genes, whereas, the toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (tst-1) gene and the Panton-Valentine leukocidin gene (pvl) were detected in 25% and 14.29% of isolates, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report of cats in Bangladesh for MDR S. pseudintermedius, MRSP, and their virulence profiling.

Despite the great interest in the development of a vaccine against African swine fever (ASF) in wild boar, the immunological mechanisms that induce animal protection are still unknown. For this purpose, tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs) of wild boar were characterised and compared with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues (MALTs) by histopathology, histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry (CD3, CD79, PAX5, LYVE1, fibronectin). In addition, real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (p72) were used to evaluate the presence of ASF virus (ASFV) in blood and tissues samples, respectively. TLOs were observed in animals infected with a low-virulent ASFV isolate (LVI), animals co-infected with low and high-virulent ASFV isolates (LVI-HVI) and animals infected only with the high virulence isolate (HVI). TLOs in LVI and LVI-HVI groups were located adjacent to the mucosa and presented a similar structure to MALT. Immunoexpresion of p72 observed in the inflammatory cells adjacent to TLOs/MALTs confirmed its development and reactivity generated by ASF attenuated isolates. Immunohistochemical evaluation, based on cellular composition (T and B lymphocytes), and histomorphometrical study revealed a more pronounced maturation of TLOs/MALTs in the LVI-HVI group. It is currently unclear whether these formations play a protective role by contributing to local immunity in chronic inflammatory diseases. However, the structural similarities between TLOs and MALTs and the location of TLOs close to the mucosa suggest that they may perform a similar function, facilitating a local protective response. Nevertheless, further investigations are warranted to assess the cellular and humoral dynamics of these lymphoid organs induced by attenuated isolates.

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterised by neuronal loss and abnormal deposition of pathological proteins in the nervous system. Among the most common neurodegenerative diseases are Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease and transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances are one of the most common symptoms in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, one of the main objectives in the study of TSEs is to try to establish an early diagnosis, as clinical signs do not appear until the damage to the central nervous system is very advanced, which prevents any therapeutic approach. In this paper, we provide the first description of sleep disturbance caused by classical scrapie in clinical and preclinical sheep using polysomnography compared to healthy controls. Fifteen sheep classified into three groups, clinical, preclinical and negative control, were analysed. The results show a decrease in total sleep time as the disease progresses, with significant changes between control, clinical and pre-clinical animals. The results also show an increase in sleep fragmentation in clinical animals compared to preclinical and control animals. In addition, sheep with clinical scrapie show a total loss of Rapid Eye Movement sleep (REM) and alterations in Non Rapid Eyes Movement sleep (NREM) compared to control sheep, demonstrating more shallow sleep. Although further research is needed, these results suggest that prion diseases also produce sleep disturbances in animals and that polysomnography could be a diagnostic tool of interest in clinical and preclinical cases of prion diseases.

Duck plague (DP) is an acute, contagious and fatal disease, caused by duck enteritis virus (DEV), with worldwide distribution causing several outbreaks and posing severe economic losses. The present study was carried out with a goal of development of a live attenuated cell culture based DP vaccine using an Indian strain of DEV and evaluation of its safety, efficacy along with complete genome analysis. The live attenuated DP vaccine (DPvac/IVRI-19) was developed by serial propagation of a virulent isolate of DEV (DEV/India/IVRI-2016) in the chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) primary cell culture. Adaptation of DEV in CEF cell culture was indicated by more rapid appearance of cytopathic effects (CPE) and gradual increase of virus titre, which reached up to 10^7.5 TCID₅₀/mL after 41 passages. The safety, immunogenicity and efficacy of the vaccine were determined by immunization trials in ducklings. The DPvac/IVRI-19 was found to be avirulent and completely safe in the ducklings. Further, the vaccine induced both humoral and cell mediated immune responses and afforded 100% protection against the virulent DEV challenge. A comparison of the whole genome of DPvac/IVRI-19 (MZ911871) and DEV/India/IVRI-2016 (MZ824102) revealed significant number of mutations, which might be associated with viral attenuation. Phylogenetic tree of DEV/India/IVRI-2016 revealed its evolutionary relationship with other DEV isolates, but it formed a separate cluster with certain unique mutations. Thus, with the proven safety and 100% efficacy, the DPvac/IVRI-19 is suitable for large scale production with precisely pure form of vaccine and has potential utility at national and global levels.

Foot-and-mouth disease Virus (FMDV) serotype Asia1 is prevalent in the Indian subcontinent, with only G-III and G-VIII reported in India until 2020. However, in 2019, a novel genetic group within serotype Asia1, designated as G-IX, emerged in Bangladesh, followed by its detection in India in 2020. This report presents analyses of the complete coding region sequences of the G-IX lineage isolates. The length of the open reading frame (ORF) of the two G-IX isolates was 6990 nucleotides without any deletion or insertion. The G-IX isolates showed the highest sequence similarity with an isolate of G-III at the ORF, L, P2, and P3 regions, and with an isolate of G-VIII at the P1 region. Phylogenetic analysis based on the capsid region (P1) supports the hypothesis that G-VIII and G-IX originated from a common ancestor, as speculated earlier. Further, VP1 region-based phylogenetic analyses revealed the re-emergence of G-VIII after a gap of 3 years. One isolate of G-VIII collected during 2023 revealed a codon insertion in the G-H loop of VP1. The vaccine matching studies support the suitability of the currently used Indian vaccine strain IND63/1972 to contain outbreaks due to viruses belonging to G-IX.

Background: Mistletoe is an herb that grows on duku plants (Lancium demosticum) and is known as benalu duku (BD) in Indonesia. It is predicted to have benefits such as anticancer or antiviral properties, and it is also thought to have anti-diabetic pharmacological activity. Quercetin-like compounds (QLCs) are secondary metabolites with antidiabetic activity that are expected to lower blood sugar levels in animals after oral administration.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the ability of QLCs to reduce random blood sugar levels using experimental animals as clinical models.

Material and methods: The research method used was exploratory, which used a before-after test model, and observations were made on the random blood sugar levels after treatment. Secondary metabolites were extracted from BD leaves, which were then screened. Diabetes was induced in 30 rats (Rattus norvegicus) by the administration of streptozotocin at 0.045 mg/g body weight daily for 2 days. The antidiabetic effects of the secondary metabolite at doses of 0.5 mg/kg body weight (twice a day) when administered orally for up to 5 days were tested in diabetic rats. The random sugar levels (mg/dL) were measured using a One Touch Ultra Plus medical device for observation of randomized blood sugar levels. Results and novelty: The results revealed that the secondary metabolite, as an analyte from the BD leaf extract, can significantly reduce random blood sugar levels.

Conclusion: The secondary metabolite extracted from BD, could be used to treat diabetes in rats.

Fibrinogen-fibrin degradation products (DR-70) are derived from tumor cells or metastases. Our previous study reported the diagnostic values in dogs with tumors, but no research has yet to be conducted to establish DR-70 as a prognostic marker. Herein, we investigated changes in DR-70 concentrations and disease courses in dogs with tumors. Overall survival time (OST) analysis was performed in 195 dogs with tumors, stratified with a recommended cut-off (1.514 µg/mL). Continual DR-70 measurements were performed during the medical interventions of 27 dogs with neoplasms. Clinical conditions and medical records were retrospectively reviewed. According to a cut-off value, dogs with plasma DR-70 concentrations above 1.514 µg/mL had shorter survival rates than those with concentrations below this threshold. In cases with complete or partial remission in response to treatment, the DR-70 concentration was decreased compared with that at the first visit, whereas it was increased in patients with disease progression. Our study suggested that changes in DR-70 concentration can be used as a prognostic biomarker for canine neoplasms. Furthermore, increased plasma DR-70 levels might be associated with shorter survival, and DR-70 concentrations may reflect responses to medical intervention.

Background: Knowledge of reference intervals for blood analytes, including serum protein fractions, is of great importance for the identification of infectious and inflammatory diseases and is often lacking in wild animal species.

Material and methods: Serum samples were obtained from European minks enrolled in the breeding program (n = 55). Agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) and capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) were used to separate and identify protein fractions. Albumin, α1, α2, β, and γ-globulins fractions were identified in all mink sera by both electrophoresis methods. Reference intervals (90% CI) were determined following the 2008 guidelines of the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute. The methods were compared using Passing-Bablok regression, Bland-Altman analysis, and Lin's concordance correlation.

Results: A significant bias was found between methods for α1, α2, and γ-globulin. Lin's concordance correlation was considered unacceptable for α1, α2, and β-globulins. Differences for gender between methods were found for albumin and α2-globuins, which were higher for males than females. γ-globulins were higher for adults than young minks using both methods; however, α1 and α2-globulins were lower.

Conclusion: Both methods are adequate for identifying serum protein disorders, but the AGE and CZE methods are not equivalent. Therefore, reference intervals for each technique are required.

Splenic nodular lesions in dogs can be either benign or malignant. They might be discovered incidentally or, in case of rupture, they may lead to hemoabdomen. Nevertheless, splenectomy followed by histopathology is essential for diagnosis and to prevent rupture. Yet, this invasive procedure might be postponed for dogs with benign splenic nodular lesions. Conversely, owners may opt for euthanasia over surgery for malignancies with poor prognosis like hemangiosarcoma. Thus, anticipating diagnosis with non-invasive biomarkers is crucial for proper patient management. In this prospective study, plasma samples were collected from 66 dogs with histologically confirmed splenic nodular lesions. A canine-specific ELISA kit was applied to assess nucleosome concentration, with histopathology of the spleen serving as the gold standard. Nucleosome concentration was found to be significantly higher in dogs with malignant splenic nodular lesions, particularly in those with hemangiosarcoma and other malignancies. The presence of hemoabdomen, more prevalent in dogs with splenic malignancy, also resulted in increased plasmatic nucleosome concentrations. Plasma nucleosomes could serve as a biomarker for detecting malignant splenic nodular lesions in dogs. More research is needed to understand how nucleosome concentration relate to disease stage and prognosis in dogs with hemangiosarcoma.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes severe enteric disease and high mortality in neonatal piglets, leading to significant economic losses in the swine industry. Considering that passive lactogenic immunity is crucial for preventing infection in piglets, necessitating a rapid and accurate tool to measure immunity levels. This study aims to develop a lateral flow immunochromatographic strip (LFICS) to assess IgA and IgG antibodies in colostrum and milk, using PEDV S protein. The performance of LFICS was compared to viral neutralization (VN) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as reference methods, with a visual scoring system applied for field monitoring. Colostrum (n = 82) and milk (n = 106) samples were analyzed, showing strong correlation with reference methods and no cross-reactivity with other pig pathogens. The LFICS exhibited high relative sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp), with colostrum showing 98.73% Se and 66.67% Sp for IgA, and 96.15% Se and 75.00% Sp for IgG. Milk demonstrated 95.60% Se and 80.00% Sp for IgA, and 84.88% Se and 85.00% Sp for IgG. These findings indicate that the LFICS is a reliable, simple, and rapid method for measuring PEDV-specific IgA and IgG levels, offering valuable support for monitoring herd immunity and evaluating vaccination programs.