Austral Journal of Veterinary Sciences
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Subepiglottic cyst with aspiration pneumonia in a Japanese black calf
Get PDFA four-month-old Japanese Black calf with stridor was diagnosed with a subepiglottic cyst and aspiration pneumonia. Despite treatment, the calf died 17 days after hospital admission. The present case suggests a link between the presence of the subepiglottic cyst and the development of aspiration pneumonia
Physicochemical characteristics and protein profile of oviductal and uterine fluids from domestic sheep
Get PDFOviductal (OF) and uterine (UF) fluids are a complex mixture of ions and macromolecules dissolved in water, derived from the secretions of secretory cells and transudates of the circulatory system. Through proteomics, OF and UF have been analyzed in different domestic species throughout the estrous cycle or during the first days of pregnancy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the volume, osmolarity, concentration and distribution pattern of proteins, as well as the identification of OVGP1, HSP70 and ezrin proteins for their importance in reproductive physiology, in OF and UF from adult criollo type domestic sheep during the early luteal phase of the estrous cycle. An average of 3.2±1.5 uL OF and 17±0.5 uL UF per reproductive system were obtained; osmolarity was 343±20.8 mOsm kg-1 and 280±96.2 mOsm kg-1 and protein concentration was 71.9±23.8 g L-1 and 21.8±1.1 g L-1, respectively. In the protein distribution pattern, 20 bands were observed in the OF and 14 bands in the UF. Of these, 14 and 8 were specific for OF and UF, respectively, and 6 were common for both. The spectra of the protein molecular weights were 24–324 and 29–353 kDa for OF and UF, respectively. The presence of OVPG1, HSP70 and ezrin proteins in both fluids was identified, being in greater quantity in the OF (P < 0.0005). The volume recovered from the UF was five times greater than that of the OF. Both osmolarity and protein concentration were higher in OF than in UF (1.2 and 3 times higher). The pattern of protein distribution between the OF and UF was different, being more complex in the OF. OVGP1, HSP70 and ezrin were identified in the OF and UF, and were found in greater quantities in the OF
Decontamination protocols on bovine fecal and environmental samples for Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis growth in solid media
No full textBacteriological culture of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is considered the gold standard to confirm its presence in several matrices for Johne’s disease diagnosis. Whether it is a liquid or solid culture, a problem with MAP culture is that non-interpretable results arise because of overgrowth by other microorganisms, making MAP growth and identification more difficult or impossible. We systematically reviewed published decontamination protocols and their effects on MAP culture from bovine fecal and environmental samples on solid media. Based on our findings, we suggest a step-by-step decontamination protocol. The OVID®/MEDLINE, PubMed®, SciELO Citation Index®, and Redalyc® platforms as well as the International Colloquium on Paratuberculosis (ICP) proceedings and the reference lists were reviewed to identify relevant studies. The inclusion criteria considered articles published in English, Portuguese, French, German, Spanish, and peer-reviewed journals. The exclusion criteria included unrelated topics, species other than bovines, other than environmental/faecal samples, other than diagnostic techniques of interest, and non-original articles. Definitive studies were obtained through the authors’ consensus regarding their eligibility and quality. In total, 1,004 publications matched the search terms, and 27 articles met the inclusion criteria, of which 45 derived and reported 15 different decontamination protocols. The centrifugation-one-step hexadecylpyridinium chloride protocol, which used over 22,154 fecal samples in three studies, was found to be the most suitable, reporting an average MAP isolation rate of 3.99% (886/22,154) and an average contamination rate of 0.17% (38/22,154). This systematic review highlights the need for further refinement of decontamination protocols to minimize the loss of viable MAP during processing of bovine fecal and environmental samples
The First report of metals and metalloids on bone and claw tissues of Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti)
No full textSamples of bones (humerus) and claws of adult Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) were opportunistically obtained from twenty-seven carcasses at two important nesting sites in northern Chile: Chañaral Island (CHI) and Pan de Azúcar Island (PAI). The concentrations of trace elements (Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, Fe, Se, As, Br, Mn and Cr) were determined by X-ray fluorescence. The highest levels (mean ± standard deviation, micrograms/g dry weight) of Cu (26.57 ± 4.08), Zn (163.9 ± 42.7), Pb (1.86 ± 1.53), Ni (0.31 ± 0.03), Se (7.70 ± 4.87) and Cr (0.25 ± 0.24) were detected in bones, whereas the highest levels of Fe (3,162 ± 1,579), As (6.75 ± 4.21), Br (0.12 ± 0.06) and Mn (76.7 ± 47.9) were found in claws. In bones, Se and Ni levels were higher (P < 0.05) in CHI than in PAI. In claws, the contents of Pb, Fe, and Mn were higher at CHI than those at PAI, whereas only As exhibited higher contents at PAI than those found at CHI. The trace element content in the claws and bones found herein may be the result of either acute or chronic exposure to penguins, respectively. These findings may serve as a baseline for further studies to design adequate and opportune plans to protect this vulnerable species
Carvacrol-loaded invasomes efficacy against multidrug resistant isolates of Enterobacteriaceae and housefly
No full textThe current study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of carvacrol-loaded invasomes (CLI) against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterobacteriaceae and its mechanical vector, the housefly. CLI were prepared and characterized in the laboratory. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium, and Klebsiella oxytoca were among the MDR enterobacteriaceae stains investigated. These strains were first isolated and identified from naturally infected chickens. The antibacterial activity of CLI against the MDR isolates was evaluated using the diffusion method. In addition, the insecticidal activity of CLI against housefly larvae and pupae was tested. The MDR index of all evaluated isolates was greater than 20%, indicating that they were all multidrug-resistant. CLI decreased the growth of all isolates except S. Typhimurium and P. aeruginosa at a dose of 0.0125%; however, pure carvacrol inhibited the growth of only Klebsiella oxytoca. Furthermore, both CLI and pure carvacrol inhibited Klebsiella oxytoca growth at different concentrations. CLI inhibited E. coli and S. enteritidis at lower concentrations than pure carvacrol, even at a doubled concentration. Carvacrol and CLI caused significant larval mortality even at low concentrations, with LC50 reached at concentartions of 2.54 and 2.19 µl/ml, respectively. Furthermore, at a low concentration of 3.125 µl/ml, both elicited a high percentage inhibition rate (PIR) in pupae. In conclusion, CLI demonstrated substantial antibacterial action, particularly against MDR isolates, as well as pesticide activity against houseflies.
Replication kinetics of novel swine influenza A viruses: an approach to vaccine production
Get PDFNovel swine Influenza A viruses (IAVs) have been described in South America. The objective of this study was to evaluate the replication kinetics of novel swine IAVs as a first step for vaccine production. Different swine IAV lineages (H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2), infection doses (MOI: 1, 0.1, 0.01, 0.001, 0.0001, and 0.00001), harvest times (every 12 h), and substrates (MDCK and Vero cells) were used. For all IAV strains, MDCK cells were the most efficient substrate, generating titers greater than or equal to 128 HAU/50 µL with an MOI of 0.00001 at 60 h post-infection. These data could be useful for vaccine-producing laboratories
The 2022 Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever outbreak in Iraq
Get PDFCrimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an endemic, zoonotic, viral, and tick-borne disease that causes hemorrhagic symptoms. The disease has been reported in Iraq since 1979 comprising six cases between 1989 and 2009. Subsequently, 11, 3, and 33 cases were reported in 2010, 2018, and 2021, respectively. This study describes the 2022 Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) outbreak in different Iraqi governorates. In the 2022 outbreak, 212 cases of human CCHFV were reported between January 1 and May 22. These included 97 (46%) cases confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and 115 (54%) suspected cases. Most human cases have been reported for livestock breeders and butchers. Approximately half of the confirmed cases (48%) were reported in the Dhi Qar governorate, whereas the others were reported in Missan, Muthanna, Wasit, Diwaniya, Karkh/Baghdad, Rusafa/Baghdad, Kirkuk, Basra, Najaf, Nineveh, Babylon, and Karbala. Patients with CCHFV showed symptoms of the pre-hemorrhagic phase, including sudden fever, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, nose bleeding, and abdominal and joint pain. Later, hemorrhagic symptoms started with unexplained bleeding lesions, ranging from small petechiae to large hematomas. The factors responsible for the re-emergence of CCHFV included a shortage of veterinary services during the COVID-19 pandemic and illegal slaughtering of animals outside the abattoirs. This led to massive tick infestations that acted as viral vectors.
In conclusion, this is the first report documenting the 2022 CCHFV outbreak in Iraq, with a total of 212 patients and 27 overall deaths, including 13 laboratory-confirmed cases. The authors recommend improving veterinary services provided to farmers. Additionally, future studies need to be done including the sero-epidemiology and molecular studies on local livestock and ticks to understand their roles in circulating the virus to humans
Serological evidence of Coxiella burnetii in sheep herds from Lonquimay valley in the Chilean Andes
Get PDFCoxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q Fever, a worldwide zoonotic disease that causes acute flu-like illness and chronic manifestations in humans in the form of endocarditis, hepatitis, and other symptoms. Domestic ruminants are the most important reservoirs of the bacteria, transmitting infections to humans during the calving/lambing season through direct contact with contaminated fetal tissues or inhalation of dust particles. The aim of this study was to provide serological evidence and estimate the individual true seroprevalence of C. burnetii exposure in sheep herds in Lonquimay, and to characterize farmers’ knowledge of coxiellosis. A disease freedom survey was conducted in 30 sheep herds selected from the Indigenous Territorial Development Program database (PDTI). A total of 260 blood samples were tested using ELISA for C. burnetii antibody detection. Disease freedom and true animal-level prevalence were estimated, and a questionnaire was administered during farm visits to characterize farmers’ zoonotic knowledge. A positive result was found in 3% (1) of the sampled herds, and the true animal prevalence (mTALP) was higher than previous unpublished estimations (mTALP 4.2%, 95% PPI 1.6%–9%). The estimated probability of the study sheep population not being free of C. burnetii was 34%. A lack of knowledge regarding C. burnetii or the consequences of Q Fever was detected, along with risky behaviors that could facilitate pathogen transmission. This study revealed evidence of exposure to C. burnetii, with low individual and herd-level prevalence. Initiatives to improve zoonotic knowledge among farmers need to be implemented in the short term
Selenium affects genes associated with immunity and apoptosis in in vitro follicles of ewes
No full textSelenium plays an important role in bodily functions. It activates immune cells such as neutrophils and immunity through T cells. However, its role in ovarian follicular gene expression has not been reported. The effects of selenomethionine (SeMet) on gene expression in in vitro ewe follicles and their relationship with immunity and apoptosis were studied. Preovulatory follicles were randomly cultured, and SeMet was added to the culture, followed by incubation for 24 h. Total RNA was extracted from follicles and placed on a microarray chip. Gene expression was analyzed using GenArise and classified using the DAVID v6.8 bioinformatics program based on the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia for Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Gene pathways were designed using Cytoscape v3.7.2. There were 2,538 differentially expressed genes (DEGs): 1,228 upregulated and 1,310 downregulated. The upregulated genes were classified into 32, 18, and 12 nodes related to biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions, respectively. KEGG assigned these genes to 41 metabolic and signaling pathways. 94 genes were involved in eight pathways associated with immune processes. The expression levels of CD8, NFAT2, and CD48 were quantified using RT-qPCR. Selenium activated gene expression in the in vitro preovulatory follicles of ewes, some of which were related to the immune system. The relationship among CD8, NFAT2, and CD48 genes suggests a possible immune pathway related to follicular apoptosis regulation
Relationship between chronic diseases, hair cortisol concentration and welfare of housed dairy goats
Get PDFThe aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between seroprevalence of chronic diseases, hair cortisol concentration (HCC), and welfare of dairy goats housed throughout a productive cycle. Sixty multiparous dairy goats, over four years old, were selected. An animal welfare assessment was conducted using health indicators for goats, according to the AWIN protocol. Blood samples were also collected for haematology and determination of seroprevalence of chronic diseases, hair samples for determination of HCC, milk samples for chemical composition and somatic cell counts, and faecal samples for parasite load. Small Ruminant Lentivirus (SRLv) had a prevalence of 71.66%, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) of 5%, Leptospira interrogans of 40% and Ovine Gammaherpesvirus type 2 (OvHV-2) of 50%. The percentages of goats that tested positive for one, two or three diseases were 31.67%, 50% and 11.66% respectively. Haematological alterations included hyperproteinaemia (84.94±1.58 g/L) and hyperfibrinogenaemia (6.11±0.65 g/L) for those with one or two diseases, with significant differences being found (P < 0.05). The welfare indicators related to health and the number of diseases were poor body condition, poor coat, poor udder conformation, and mucosal lesions (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed between HCC and the number of chronic diseases in dairy goats (P > 0.05). Higher concentrations of cortisol in hair were found at 150 days of lactation (16.65±1.39 pg/mg) compared to the mating season (9.55±0.04 pg/mg) (P < 0.05). No associations were found (P > 0.05) between the production, composition, and somatic cell counts in milk and cortisol concentrations and diseases. It was concluded that the presence of chronic diseases in goats did not influence hair cortisol concentrations, possibly due to an effect of adaptive tolerance to diseases, as occurs in other domestic species; however, there was an effect of the productive stage.