Iranian Journal of Veterinary Research
Volume:22 Issue: 4, Autumn 2021

Stem cell based therapy has been encouraged as an attractive method in regenerative medicine. Poor survival and maintenance of the cells transferred into the damaged tissue are broadly accepted as serious barriers to enhancing the efficacy of regenerative medicine. For this reason, some antioxidants such as L-carnitine (LC) are used as a favorite strategy to improve cell survival and retention properties.

This study aims to evaluate the effect of LC on the expression of CD34 marker and its effect on apoptosis and SUZ12 gene expression.

Rat bone marrow mono-nuclear cells (rBMNCs) were isolated. Then, CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) were enriched using the magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) method. The cells were treated with 0.2 and 0.4 mM LC. Gene and protein expression levels of the CD34 were then measured by real-time PCR and flow cytometry, respectively. The percentage of apoptosis and SUZ12 gene expression were measured using the Annexin V/PI method and real-time PCR, respectively.

The results showed that in the experimental group, of the CD34+ HSCs treated with 0.2 mM LC, gene and protein expressions of CD34 increased by 1.7 fold and 0.49%, respectively. At the concentration of 0.4 mM, the early cell apoptosis increased by 25.9% (P<0.05). Also, in the concentration of 0.2 and 0.4 mM LC, the SUZ12 gene expression increased by 1.10 and 1.75 folds compared to the control group (P<0.05 and P<0.01), respectively.

The results of this study could be used to improve chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) as a multidirectional therapeutic strategy.

Mannheimia haemolytica primarily causes pneumonia leading to heavy morbidity and mortality in the domestic livestock world-wide. Recently, lipoproteins have emerged as targets for inducing protective immunity against the Pasteurella infection.

This study was aimed toevaluate recombinant outer membrane lipoprotein E (PlpE) from the isolate of ovine M. haemolytica, as potential vaccine candidate’.

Recombinant PlpE was constructed using pET26 (b) expression vector in Escherichia coli. Expressed recombinant PlpE was purified and injected subcutaneously in the mice. Protection index of the vaccine was evaluated by challenge of mice intraperitoneally.

Anti-PlpE antibody responses in the immunized mice was significantly increased which provided effective protection, when challenged with strain of virulent M. haemolytica.

Recombinant PlpE from ovine M. haemolytica isolate had potential to be used as ‘vaccine candidate against M. haemolytica infection in sheep flocks.

The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MDRSA) in animals and humans with continuous contact are a great zoonotic concern.

This cross-sectional study was performed to investigate the carriage rate, genotypic characteristics, and to determine the antibiogram of S. aureus isolated from pets and pet owners in Malaysia.

Nasal and oral swab samples from 40 cats, 30 dogs, and 70 pet owners were collected through convenient sampling. Presumptive colonies on mannitol salt agar were subjected to biochemical identification. S. aureus and MRSA were confirmed by PCR detection of nuc and mecA genes, respectively. Molecular profiles for antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes in S. aureus were also determined. The antibiogram was carried out via Kirby-Bauer test using 18 antibiotics.

17.5% of cats, 20% of dogs, and 27% of pet owners were S. aureus positive. MRSA was also detected in dogs, and pet owners. S. aureus isolates displayed high resistance against penicillin (72.7%), and amoxicillin/clavulanate (66.7%). 39.4% of S. aureus isolates showed multidrug-resistance traits, phenotypically. Molecular characterization of S. aureus revealed the presence of mecA, tetk, tetL, ermA, ermB, ermC, msrA, scn, chp, sak, sep, and sea genes.

This study showed the emergence of MRSA and MDRSA in pets and pet owners in Malaysia. The antibiogram findings showed resistance of S. aureus to multiple antibiotics. Furthermore, molecular analysis of immune evasion cluster (IEC) strongly suggests the spread of animal-adapted S. aureus lineages among pets and pet owners.

Bovine anaplasmosis is an infectious disease with worldwide distribution. It spreads by various routes mainly through tick bites.

This study aimed to investigate bovine related Anaplasma spp. in cattle from three northern governorates of Egypt by serological and molecular assays, to evaluate the associated risk factors and to analyze the phylogeny of revealed A. marginale isolates.

During 2020, a total of 650 blood samples were collected from asymptomatic cattle in the governorates of Kafr El-Sheikh (n=240), Menofia (n=230), and Al-Gharbia (n=180). Sera samples were examined using the Anaplasma antibody test kit, cELISA v2. Blood genomic DNA of seropositive cattle was then examined by PCRs specific to A. marginale, A. centrale, and A. bovis. Selected positive samples were subjected to nucleotide sequencing. Risk factors (i.e. geographical area, breed, type of production, sex, age, herd size, season, husbandry system, tick infestation, and application of acaricides) were evaluated by logistic regression approach.

In total, 130 cattle (20%, 95% CI: 17.1–23.3) were recorded seropositive for Anaplasma species. Major risk factors associated with seropositivity were being crossbred, dairy cattle, aged more than 5 years, summer season, herd size of below 300, pasture grazing, tick infestation, and not being subjected to regular treatment with acaricides. By using species-specific PCR, only A. marginale was detected. Nucleotide sequencing showed the occurrence of two different msp4 genotypes.

This study shows the high prevalence of A. marginale in cattle of Kafr El-Sheikh, Al-Gharbia, and Menofia. However, the connection between Anaplasma species and their tick vectors remains unknown in Egypt and merits further investigations. Since these infections primarily spread through ixodid tick bites, effective ectoparasite control strategies, regular examination of cattle and successful chemoprophylaxis are recommended.

The available data is scanty about Egyptian water buffalo lips, cheeks, and palate.

The current investigation was focused on describing the morphology of the lip, cheek, and palate.

Our study included the gross, light, and electron microscopic examinations of ten heads of the Egyptian water buffalos.

The nasolabial plate surface carried numerous scales of keratinized epithelium. Internal labial surface and labial mucocutaneous junctions were covered with stratified squamous keratinized epithelium. Two types of hair follicles in the dermis included ordinary and cavernous types characterized by cavernous space. The conical papillae on the internal aspect of the oral commissure were projected from the mucous membrane. Seromucous glands were occasionally observed under the oral mucous membrane of the commissure and gave positive PAS and AB. Conical papillae density on the inner cheek surface had some variations: the rostral part had large papillae, while the dorsal part had numerous papillae than the ventral part, the caudal part had a smaller number of papillae, while the middle part was devoid of papillae. Parotid duct opening in the buccal vestibule was without papillae. Conical papillae had two surfaces; the rostral surface was highly keratinized than the caudal one. The buccal gland was a compound tubuloacinar mixed (mucoserous) gland and mucus acini only reacted to PAS and AB. The oral surface of palatine rugae was covered with highly keratinized epithelium than the aboral surface. Palatine glands showed PAS and AB positive.

The result describes the relationship between the available food particles, environmental conditions and the lip, cheek, and palate appearance, and structure.

Despite multiple studies describing accurate diagnoses using advanced neuroimaging techniques, low and mid-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are still the most frequent scanners in veterinary clinics. To date, these studies in cats do not show a clear distinction of nerve centres in MRI data.

The objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of Mulligan histological staining as a tool in facilitating the location and identification of the main structures of the feline brain in MRI. This study aims to facilitate the interpretation of MRI obtained with these types of scanners.

A total of 10 feline brains were used. One specimen was used for MRI (T2 sequence using a 1.5T scanner). The other 9 brains were sectioned and stained with the three Mulligan staining techniques (Mulligan, Le Masurier and Robert).

The uptake of stain by the grey matter in these sections allowed the determination of the location and the limits of these nervous structures within the brain. The histological location of these structures was correlated with the MRI scans, leading to the successful identification of many small, indistinct nuclei.

Mulligan staining is proposed as a tool that facilitates the location of nerve structures in comparison with data from the most frequently-used MRI scanners in veterinary clinics.

Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) has been described in Escherichia coli strains that have been isolated from humans and animals; it has induced a main concern with antibiotic resistance in serious bacterial infections.

This study aimed to investigate the frequency of ESBL-producing E. coli (EPE) strains in meat and intestinal contents of turkey, and to compare the antibiotic resistance profile between EPE and non-EPE strains.

Totally, 70 and 110 E. coli strains were isolated from turkey meat and turkey intestinal content samples, respectively. To determine EPE strains, double disc synergy test was applied by that 20 and 22 EPE strains were finally identified in meats and intestinal contents of the turkeys, respectively. Antibiotic susceptibility was exerted using disc diffusion method. Escherichia coli isolates were then characterized for virulence genes (stx-1 and stx-2) and ESBL genes (TEM, SHV, and CTX-M).

None of the E. coli strains harbored stx genes. The EPE strains in comparison with non-EPE strains were significantly more resistant to ciprofloxacin (47.6 vs 26.5%), tetracycline (80.9 vs 67.3%), ampicillin (47.6 vs 22.4%), penicillin (23.8 vs 10.2%), ceftazidime (57.1 vs 16.3%), ceftriaxone (38.1 vs 18.4%), and cefotaxime (47.6 vs 8.2%). The majority of EPE strains carried CTX-M gene. SHV showed the lowest frequency and it was not detected in EPE strains isolated from the intestinal contents. In this study, 75% of TEM-producing E. coli strains and 33% of SHV-producing E. coli strains were resistant to ampicillin. In addition, 41.7% of TEM-producing E. coli strains were resistant to penicillin, and 76.9% of CTX-producing E. coli were resistant to cefotaxime. Furthermore, 4.7% of EPE strains isolated from turkey meat were imipenem resistant.

The resistance to cefotaxime and imipenem in EPE strains induces a concern in growing antibiotic resistance against broad spectrum antibiotics in E. coli strains.

The somatic cell count (SCC) of individual cow samples is a useful proxy for monitoring udder health status.

The present study aimed to provide updated information about udder health in Iranian Holstein dairy cattle, and to quantify the effectiveness of the mastitis control program.

A total of 17,990 monthly test-day records from 1,663 Holstein dairy cattle in 10 “regular” herds and 2,389 test-day records from 386 Holstein dairy cattle in 2 herds that were assigned to the 10-point mastitis control program (“controlled” herds) were included. Each test-day record comprised the date of recording, daily milk production (kg), fat and protein (%), days in milk, parity, and SCC.

Median (Q1-Q3) SCC × 103 for “regular” and “controlled” herds were 136 (52-391) and 64 (24-204) cells/ml, respectively. Also, the percentage of records containing SCC >200,000 cells/ml (elevated SCC) for these groups were 40.3% and 25.5%, respectively. Mixed effects logistic analysis revealed that milk records from cows in the first lactation, early lactation, and with >40 kg daily milk yield had lower odds of elevated SCC. The odds of elevated SCC were lower in summer and autumn than in winter.

Host and environmental characteristics influence SCC. This should be considered for the interpretation of SCC results. Mastitis control programs can support dairy producers to reach a standard level of udder health.

The chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) is an important pathogen that causes severe immunosuppression in young chickens.

The study aims to characterize the genotype and full-length sequencing of CIAV strains in Iran.

First, the collected thymus samples were investigated by conventional PCR for CIAV detection. Second, one of the CIAV positive samples (UT-Zahraee) was chosen for full genome sequencing.

Throughout 2017, we detected 13 CIAVs isolated from 40 broiler flocks of different provinces of Iran. A comparison of the complete sequences of the genome and homologies of the nucleotides revealed that UT-Zahraee had a high similarity with American and Egyptian CIAV isolates. Moreover, VP1 sequence analysis showed that UT-Zahraee shared high homology with previously reported Iranian CIAV strains, Chinese, and Egyptian isolates.

This study is the first report of full genome sequencing of CIAV strain from Iran. It will be beneficial to understand better the epidemiology and molecular characteristics of CIAV circulating in Iran.

Pet birds have close contact to human and resistant bacteria can transfer from birds to intestinal flora of human.

This study was carried out to determine the tetracycline resistance genes in Escherichia coli strains associated with enteric problem in pet birds.

Totally, 295 cloacal swabs were collected from 195 healthy and 100 diarrheic pet birds in Isfahan province, Iran. The presence of E. coli was identified by conventional bacteriological, biochemical, and molecular examinations. The presence of tetracycline resistance genes (tetA, tetB, tetC, tetD, tetE, tetG, tetK, tetL, tetM, tetO, and tetS genes) were examined using three multiplex PCR.

The results showed that 18.9% and 43% of cloacal samples of healthy and diarrheic pet birds contained E. coli, respectively. The mean percentage of E. coli isolated from cloacal samples of diarrheic birds was significantly higher than the healthy birds (46.6 vs 23.1%). In healthy birds, out of 37 E. coli isolates, 10 isolates were resistant to tetracycline, harboring tetA and tetB genes (3 tetA vs 7 tetB), but in the diarrheic birds, of 26 resistance E. coli, 11, 12, and 3 strains contained tetA (42.3%), tetB (46.15), and tetA+tetB (11.53%) genes. The percentage of tet genes were significantly higher in diarrheic birds than healthy birds (58.9 vs 24.0%).

Both resistant genes of tetA and tetB were detected in E. coli isolates that are related with efflux pump activity. These genes can be transferred between Gram-negative bacteria and they have the potential ability to be transferred to the environment and human flora.

Enteritis syndromes, also known as poult enteritis complex (PEC) with diverse etiologies, can affect turkey production. An avian coronavirus (AvCoV), turkey coronavirus (TCoV), is one of the most important viral causes of PEC in turkeys.

In the present study, the occurrence of PEC and the presence of AvCoV in some commercial turkey flocks were investigated.

PEC was diagnosed based on the history, clinical, and necropsy findings. A reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeting the AvCoV nucleoprotein (N) gene was applied to detect the virus in the tissue samples. Cloacal swabs were collected from 11 flocks without a known history of PEC.

PEC was diagnosed in six (16.2%) out of 37 investigated turkey flocks. The daily mortality rate in affected flocks ranged from 0.2 to 1.2%. Samples from 8 flocks out of 18 (44.4%) were positive for AvCoV. Four PEC affected flocks were positive for AvCoV. Seven positive samples were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis revealed the close relationship with previously characterized avian infectious bronchitis viruses (IBV).

The results suggested that PEC should be considered as a significant syndrome in the Iranian turkey industry. According to this preliminary study, it was shown that avian coronavirus infection is prevalent in commercial turkey farms of Iran. However, no causative association could be concluded between PEC occurrence and AvCoV infection in turkey flocks.

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) causes gastroenteritis and leukopenia in dogs worldwide. They are three subtypes of CPV-2 including CPV-2a, CPV-2b, and CPV-2c. The distribution status of CPV-2 subtypes has been shown differences in many countries.

The aim of the present study was detection and phylogenetic analysis of different subtypes of CPV-2 circulating in two provinces of Iran, Tehran and Alborz.

CPV-2 was detected using 555 primer pairs in collected samples. Phylogenetic analysis of CPV-2 subtypes was done using sequencing of the partial length of VP2 gene.

Twenty-eight CPV-2 were detected using 555 primer pair. The sequences of isolates were deposited in the GenBank database. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all CPV-2c subtype isolates had very high sequence identity to China and Zambia that form a distinct cluster.

In conclusion, this study revealed the emergence of all CPV-2 variants in dogs in Iran. Thus, the continual monitoring of CPV-2 in domestic dogs should be further conducted on a large scale to determine the predominant variants and their distributions in the country and to follow the dynamics of CPV-2 in the Middle East region of Asia.

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) cause significant harm to the poultry industry due to mortality as well as high morbidity along with the risk of potential zoonotic transmission to humans.

The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of influenza H5, H7, and H9 viruses and their co-infections in layers having respiratory distress such as sneezing, coughing, and tracheal rales.

Totally, 960 tracheal swabs (240 swabs in each season) were collected from 120 poultry flocks, including 10 farms per month and 8 samples per flock, located in Karachi where the outbreaks were reported. The samples were confirmed through antigen ELISA and subtyped by RT-PCR.

Antigen ELISA revealed that the prevalence of avian influenza viruses was 26.45%; however, seasonal differences were not significant (P<0.05). RT-PCR subtyping of hemagglutinin (HA) gene revealed the higher prevalence of H9 virus (40.16%) as compared to H7 virus (5.51%) and H5 virus (4.73%). The co-infections comprised H5/H7/H9 (37.0%) and H5/H9 (12.6%).

This study shows that AI is endemic in layer farms in Karachi where the H9 subtype is predominant along with co-infections of H5/H7/H9 subtypes.