Friday 12 January 2018

Detection of Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and Babesia spp. in dogs of Cebu, Philippines

Research (Published online: 12-01-2018)
4. Detection of EhrlichiaAnaplasma, and Babesia spp. in dogs of Cebu, Philippines
Rochelle Haidee D. Ybanez, Adrian P. Ybanez, Lyra Lee A. Arnado, Laila Monika P. Belarmino, Knowlie Gay F. Malingin, Paul Bien C. Cabilete, Ziggy Ryan O. Amores, Maxfrancis G. Talle, Mingming Liu and Xuenan Xuan
Veterinary World, 11(1): 14-19
ABSTRACT
Background: EhrlichiaAnaplasma, and Babesia spp. are canine pathogens transmitted by the Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick which can cause varied clinical signs. These pathogens have been investigated in the Philippines, but coinfection has not been reported yet.
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of Ehrlichia/Anaplasma and Babesia spp. in Philippine dogs.
Materials and Methods: A total of 100 dogs from seven different veterinary establishments in Cebu, Philippines, were examined for Ehrlichia/Anaplasma and Babesia spp. infection using peripheral blood smear examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Inclusion criteria included a history or presence of tick infestation, anemia, and/or thrombocytopenia. Clinical signs were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed between PCR positivity and clinical signs and hematological results.
Results: A total of 10 and 18 dogs were found to be positive for Ehrlichia/Anaplasma and Babesia spp., respectively. One animal was PCR positive for both pathogens, which is the first report of coinfection in the country. The most common clinical signs observed include inappetence (89%), lethargy (80%), thrombocytopenia (85%), and anemia (74%). Analyses revealed that inappetence (p=0.044) and weight loss (p=0.028) were found statistically significant with Ehrlichia/Anaplasma infection. Basophil (p=0.001) and eosinophil counts (p=0.000) were also found significantly different between Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp.-positive and -negative dogs. On the other hand, differential monocyte count (p=0.009) was found significantly different between Babesia spp.-positive and -negative dogs.
Conclusion: The present study showed low infection rates of canine ehrlichiosis/anaplasmosis and babesiosis and provided additional evidence for the presence of the pathogens in the area.
Keywords: Babesia, Cebu, dogs, Ehrlichia/Anaplasma, Philippines.

Veterinary World reviewer acknowledgment 2017

Reviewer Acknowledgment (Published online: 12-01-2018)
3. Veterinary World reviewer acknowledgment 2017
A. V. Sherasiya and Nazir
Veterinary World, 11(1): 10-13

Thursday 11 January 2018

Third wave of African swine fever infection in Armenia: Virus demonstrates the reduction of pathogenicity

Research (Published online: 11-01-2018)
2. Third wave of African swine fever infection in Armenia: Virus demonstrates the reduction of pathogenicity
M. A. Sargsyan, H. E. Voskanyan, E. M. Karalova, L. H. Hakobyan and Z. A. Karalyan
Veterinary World, 11(1): 5-9
ABSTRACT
Aim: First cases of clinically uncommon African swine fever (ASF), caused by virus genotype II are described in this article. These cases occurred in Armenia, Tavush region, Dilijan municipality in 2011. The aim of this study was to identify and describe the new pathogenic forms of ASF in Armenia.
Materials and Methods: The isolation and identification of ASF virus (ASFV) were carried out using conventional techniques. Clinical signs of infection were recorded daily. Gross anatomical pathology characteristics were observed during routine postmortem examinations. Blood and serum were obtained by puncture of the jugular vein using a vacutainer system.
Results: The presence of ASFV DNA in the spleens was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Sequenced sections of p72 showed phylogenetic identity to genotype 2. The pathology exhibits unusual manifestations of the main disease. The unusual form of ASF demonstrates characteristics of a subacute form of the disease, with the possibility of conversion to a chronic form. Decreased lethality, low level of hemorrhages, and absence of severe pancytopenia in smears from spleen, lymph nodes, and blood are common features of the new form of ASF. Unlike severe thrombocytopenia in the typical ASF, the unusual form exhibited moderate or minor decrease of this feature. Despite a moderate decrease in hemadsorption titers, the unusual pattern of the disease was characterized by viremia and the presence of the virus in the visceral organs, including the brain.
Conclusion: Our data allow assuming that new nosological form of ASF (genotype II) may present as a transitional form of the disease with the possibility of chronization.
Keywords: African swine fever, chronization, new isolate, viremia.

In vitro potential anthelmintic activity of Biophytum petersianum on Haemonchus contortus

Research (Published online: 11-01-2018)
1. In vitro potential anthelmintic activity of Biophytum petersianum on Haemonchus contortus
Priyo Sambodo, Joko Prastowo, Kurniasih Kurniasih and Sudarmanto Indarjulianto
Veterinary World, 11(1): 1-4
ABSTRACT
Aim: Haemonchus contortus is a major problem in small ruminants in Indonesia. The frequent use of the anthelmintic drugs has given rise to drug-resistant populations which increase the need for new anthelminthic compounds, particularly from endemic plants. This study evaluated the in vitro effects of Biophytum petersianum crude aqueous extract (BAE) as an anthelmintic compound against H. contortus adult worm isolated from goats.
Materials and Methods: Adult worm collected from naturally infected abomasums were obtained from slaughtered goats on the day of slaughter. BAE was prepared in six different concentrations (10, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mg/ml) which were tested for their efficacies on ten actively moving worms. Ivermectin (1 mg/ml) was included as a reference drug, while saline water was included as a control. The dead worms from anthelmintic test then went through sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Results: Highest mean mortality in treatments group both at 2 h and 4 h observations was BAE 10%. The SDS-PAGE analysis revealed the presence of five protein bands with molecular weights 9.3, 17.1, 50.0, 63.2, and 72.7 kDa based on BAE 10%. The SEM changes observed in the in vitro trials revealed the occurrence of interactions between the BAE and the cuticle.
Conclusion: The SEM and SDS-PAGE analysis revealed ultrastructural structural changes and the decrease numbers of polypeptides on treated worms when compared to the control worms. It can thus be concluded that the BAE exhibits good anthelmintic activity against H. contortus adult worm.
Keywords: Biophytum petersianum, crude aqueous extract, Haemonchus contortus, scanning electron microscopy, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Saturday 30 December 2017

Isolation, culture, characterization, and osteogenic differentiation of canine endometrial mesenchymal stem cell

Research (Published online: 30-12-2017)
19. Isolation, culture, characterization, and osteogenic differentiation of canine endometrial mesenchymal stem cell
A. K. Sahoo, J. K. Das and S. Nayak
Veterinary World, 10(12): 1533-1541
ABSTRACT
Aim: In this study, the canine endometrium tissue is characterized for its stem cell properties such as adherence to tissue culture plate (plasticity), short population doubling time, serial clonal passaging, long-term culturing properties, stem cell marker expression, and multilineage differentiation potential.
Materials and Methods: The present work describes a novel isolation protocol for obtaining mesenchymal stem cells from the uterine endometrium and is compared with cells derived from umbilical cord matrix as a positive control. These cells are clonogenic, can undergo several population doublings in vitro, and can be differentiated to the osteocytes in mature mesenchymal tissues when grown in osteogenic differentiation media as detected by Alizarin Red-S staining.
Results: It is reported for the first time that the cells derived from the canine endometrium (e-multipotent stem cells [MSCs]) were able to differentiate into a heterologous cell type: Osteocytes, thus demonstrating the presence of MSCs. Thus, the endometrium may be told as a potential source of MSCs which can be used for various therapeutic purposes.
Conclusion: The endometrium can be used as a potential source of MSCs, which can be used for various therapeutic purposes.
Keywords: Alizarin Red-S staining, endometrium, mesenchymal stem cell, multipotent stem cells marker, osteogenic differentiation media.

Friday 29 December 2017

Insights into bovine endometritis with special reference to phytotherapy

Review (Published online: 29-12-2017)
18. Insights into bovine endometritis with special reference to phytotherapy
Ritika Mandhwani, Anavil Bhardwaz, Sudarshan Kumar, Madhu Shivhare and Ranjit Aich
Veterinary World, 10(12): 1529-1532
ABSTRACT
Postpartum reproductive disorders cause heavy economic losses in dairy sector. Uterine infections include endometritis, metritis, mucometra, and pyometra. Postpartum endometritis in dairy cows has been defined as inflammation of endometrium occurring 21 days or more after parturition without systemic signs of illness. The treatment of endometritis with antimicrobials has met with varying degrees of success, inconsistent recovery rate, high cost of treatment, milk disposal, emergence of microbial resistance, and reduced phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes In our country, around 20,000 medicinal plant species have been recorded, but more than 500 traditional communities use about 800 plant species for curing different diseases. Many herbs such as garlic, neem, ashwagandha, and turmeric have been tried for the treatment of endometritis in cows with a good success.
Keywords: ashwagandha, bovine, endometritis, garlic, neem, phytotherapy, tulsi, turmeric.

Wednesday 27 December 2017

Studies on reconstruction of large skin defects following mammary tumor excision in dogs

Research (Published online: 27-12-2017)
17. Studies on reconstruction of large skin defects following mammary tumor excision in dogs
Sabarish Babu Malli Sadhasivan, Mohamed Shafiuzama, Mala Shammi, Ganne Venkata Sudhakar Rao, Nitin J D Souza, Hemalatha Senthilnayagam, Ravi Sundar George and P. Manoj Prabhakar
Veterinary World, 10(12): 1521-1528
ABSTRACT
Aim: The main objective of the study was to describe the use of skin fold advancement flaps (SFAFs) and other reconstructive techniques for closure of large skin defects following mammary tumor excision in dogs.
Materials and Methods: Twelve dogs underwent reconstruction of large ventral skin defects following mammary tumor excision with wide margins. Skin fold flaps (flank fold flap and elbow fold flap) were elevated from the flank and elbow region, respectively, and transposed and sutured onto the large ventral skin defect following mastectomy in all the dogs. In addition to the skin fold flaps, other reconstructive techniques such as undermining, walking sutures, and tension-relieving suture techniques were followed during surgery in the closure of large skin defects without skin tension and compromising limb mobility. The skin flap viability was assessed subjectively by gross observation of the flap such as color, temperature, capillary perfusion, and cosmetic appearance, and scoring (1-4) was done. Tissue samples were collected from a surgical site on days 3, 6, and 12 post-operatively for histopathological evaluation and healing status of the skin flap.
Results: All the surgical wounds healed primarily, without any major complications and the skin flap remained healthy throughout the healing process post-operatively. Distal flap necrosis was noticed in one case and necrosis of skin flap between two suture lines was noticed in another case in which the necrotized distal portion healed by secondary intention after 7 days. The mean survival of subdermal plexus flap in the above cases was 98% which was a subjective evaluation based on surface area of the skin defect measured by Image 'J software and the flap dimensions. The average healing of skin flap in days was 14.91±0.86.
Conclusion: The SFAFs along with other reconstructive techniques help in the reconstruction of large ventral skin defects following mastectomy in dogs without much compromising limb mobility.
Keywords: canine, histopathology, mammary tumors, reconstruction, skin fold flaps.