Journal of Veterinary Research
Year:2011 | Volume:67 | Issue:1|Papers Count:17

BACKGROUNDS: Detection of virulence factors harbored in Escherichia coli strains is important to determine a genotyping profile, and the pathotype of an Escherichia coli isolate.OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the pathotype of E. coli strains isolated from calves and poultry domesticated in Iran by using DNA microarray technology.METHODS: In this study, 67 strains of isolated E. coli from calves and poultry (51 from calves and 16 from poultry respectively) were monitored for the presence of different virulence factors. The pathotype of each strain was made using DNA Microarray technology. The array used 109 probes for the common virulence genes of Escherichia coli and 154 probes for virulence genes that were specifically included pathotypes.RESULTS: Results showed that Escherichia coli strains from calves were 47% EHEC, 15.68% EPEC, 15.68% UPEC, 1.96% ETEC, 1.96% a combination of EPEC and UPEC, and 17.64% of strains non-specific to any of the pathotypes. In the samples from poultry, 62.5% of strains were pathotyped as APEC, 31.25% ExPEC, and 6.25% non- specific to any pathotype. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that DNA Microarray, as compared with other traditional molecular techniques, is a powerful tool for demonstration of the genotyping profile and pathotype of Escherichia coli strains.

BACKGROUNDS:Glucans are complex polysaccharide components of yeast and fungal cell walls.This compounds can stimulate the fish immune system. OBJECTIVES: The present study investigated the effects of Beta glucan(Macrogard) on growth, survival and some immunological parameters of rainbow trout (10 mg) and also on the efficiency of Streptococcus vaccine.METHODS: Treatments of macrogard (1 g/kg food/day for 42 days), macrogard (macrogard 1 g/kg diet) with 15 minutes bathin vaccine, vaccine bath without macrogard and control were examined in a 42 daysperiod. RESULTS: In all treatments the fish growth (weight) showed a significant increase (p<0.05) compared to the control, while there was no significant difference among the treatments. The lyzosyme level of the blood serum showed a significant difference between control and the other treatments, the highest level was observed in the macrogaurd with vaccine treatment (2.7 mg/ml) and the lowest level was observed in the control(0.5 mg/ml). Leukocytes count also had a significant difference between the control (3.3%Nuetrophil) and other treatments (6.6% Nuetrophil) (p<0.05). The result of survival of fish challenged with Streptococcus iniae via bath route was 55%, while those for vaccine treatment, macrogard plus vaccine, macrogard every day and macrogard every 10 days interval were 75%, 86%, 60& and 55%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that supplement of macrogard has positive effect on growth and non-specific immune responses of rainbow trout and can enhance efficacy of anti- streptococcus iniae vaccine in this fish.

BACKGROUNDS: The use of tanniferous plants in ruminants has been documented as an alternative to anthelmintics, for the control of gastrointestinal nematodes.OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the possible impact of Crataegus pseudomelanocarpa extract on the Trichostrongylids helminthes found in sheep.METHODS: Two groups of sheep were experimentally infected with 2.000 L3 of Trichostrongylids. After 4 weeks, Hawthorn Extract was diluted in 200 ml of water at 25 0C and was orally administered two times a day. The 8 remaining animals comprised as infected control group which received an equal volume of water daily during the same period of time. On the 9th day, all of the sheep were necropsied and calculations were made for individual egg excretion adult worm counts in the abomasum and small intestines sex rate (male/female); and the fecundity rate. The results were compared using statistical test. Moreover, histological samples from the fundus and pyloric regions were taken to enumerate the number of mucosal mast cells, globule leukocytes and eosinophils. RESULTS: The results showed that the administration of this tanniferous plant was associated with a significant decrease in egg excretion (82.57%) and female fecundity (84.85%). Pathological findings showed a greater presence of mucosal eosinophils and mast cells in the abomasums and small intestines of the control group in compare with treated sheep. However, statistical analyses did not show a significant difference between these groups.CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the administration of Crataegus pseudomelanocarpa, which has tannin extract, could be effective in the control of Trichostrongylids infected sheep.

BACKGROUNDS: P53 is a tumor suppressive gene which frequently mutates in tumors of animals and human. This gene commonly mutates in urinary bladder tumors of human beings. Urinary bladder tumors have occurred in cattle with bovine enzootic hematuria (BEH).OBJECTIVES: The aim of present study was to evaluate P53 mutations in 15 samples of different bovine urinary bladder tumors by the PCR-SSCP technique.METHODS: Fifteen paraffin embedded blocks were selected from different kinds of bovine urinary bladder tumors. DNAwas extracted from the samples and PCR was done by using specified primers for 5 and 6 exons. After electrophoresis, the PCR products were assessed by the SSCPmethod, and samples with changes in electrophoresis patterns were selected and sequenced.RESULTS: Results showed that there are intronic alterations of the P53 gene in cattle with urinary bladder tumors. There were no changes in the electrophoretic pattern of exons 5 and 6, but on each side of the designed primers for exon 6, there was a part of introns 5 and 6. The samples, including Hemangioma, Papilloma and Carcinoma in situ with electrophoretic changes, showed nucleotide T deletion with number 9332 in intron 6 after direct sequencing. Intronic mutations can be a predisposition for developing cancers.CONCLUSIONS: It is possible that some of urinary tumors are inducted by P53 mutations in intronic zone.

BACKGROUNDS: Sperm sexing as one of the important ways for pre-selection of offspring along with artificial insemination, has the potential to considerably improve animal breeding and the efficiency of dairy and meat production. The discrepancy between X- and Y- chromosome bearing sperm is the basis of this procedure.OBJECTIVES:The aim of this study was to evaluate a discontinuous sperm isolation medium Allgrad gradient in separation of buffalo spermatozoa according to sex chromosomes by fluorescence in-situ hybridation (FISH).METHODS: Afourlayer discontinuous Allgrad gradient, 65%-95% with 10% differences between each subsequent layer were prepared in gradient separation for post thaw X- and Y-bearing spermatozoa. Following centrifugation, sperm from the top and bottom fraction were aspirated and fixed on a slide. The FISH procedure was performed by using X and Ybovine specific DNAprobes. At least 400 spermatozoa were scored for each sample. The proportions of X- and Y-bearing spermatozoa were determined by the presence of red or green fluorescent signals.RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the percentage of spermatozoa with the specific signals of X and Y chromosomes in the control groups. After separation, in treatment groups, the percentage of Xbearing spermatozoa in the bottom layer exceeded that of the one in the top layer (78.3 vs. 21.7) (p<0.05). Adversely, in all treatment groups the significant difference between the frequencies of Y-bearing spermatozoa in the top layers was evident (75.5vs.24.5) (p<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that using four-step discontinuous gradient by Allgrad isolation medium was a reliable method for the separation of X- and Y-bearing frozen-thawed buffalo spermatozoa and can be more expedient for IVF in Buffalo.

BACKGROUNDS: All helminthes belonging to the phylum Acantocephala are obligatory parasites which are reported to be found in the gastrointestinal tract of definitive hosts such as fish worldwide and in Iran as well.OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was undertaken to determine the frequency and pathological changes in the gastrointestinal tract of the Barbus sp. due to Neoechinorhynchus sp.METHODS: over a one year period, 89 fish (Barbus sp.) were collected from the Zarine-Roud River. Intestines were removed and investigated for infection. Histopathological sections were prepared and stained in a routine manner using the Hematoxylin- Eosin (H&E) method.RESULTS: The prevalence of gastrointestinal infection with Neoechinorhynchussp. in Barbus sp. was 16%. Histopathological lesions were revealed epithelial thickness and folding. As a result of mechanical irritation, the Fibrinous enteritis with epithelial hyperplasia was developed. In the lamina properia and mucosa of the intestine, the vessels dilated and congested. Mucosa folding sections, hyperemia and inflammatory cell infiltration including eosinophile, lymphocyte and fibrinous were noted.CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that Barbus fish infected by the Neoechinorhynchus species from the Zarine-Roud River, are not suitable for pond fish cultivation in the region and this can be cause for of severe economic losses.

BACKGROUNDS: The soybean is one of the most important diet protein resources and induces a reduction of joint pain.OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence of joint disorders and arthritis, especially in the knee joint.METHODS: According to the feed regimens, 36 female mice (balb/c; 3 weeks old) were divided into 3 groups including Group 1: Low protein for 6 months; Group 2: Low protein for 3 months and then followed by complete (or full) protein without soybean meal for the next 3 months and Group 3: Low protein for the first 3 months and then followed by complete protein with 20% soybean meal for the next 3 months. Finally the serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was measured and sections from the tibial cartilage were histomorphometrically studied.RESULTS: The thickness of the middle part of the tibial cartilage and the number of chondrocytes in the group used soybean meal (148.84±14.05, 12.77±1.57, respectively) showed a significant difference compared with the other groups (p<0.001). Meanwhile, serum ALPlevels (204.67 U/L) and the concentrations of the inter-cellular substance in the 3th group showed no significant difference compared with the other groups.CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that soybean may effect on the growth of the knee joint cartilage in animals and also may induce stability of the knee joint cartilage in individuals with protein deficiency since childhood.

BACKGROUNDS: Reference values of serum parameters are important markers in health evaluation and diagnosis of diseases, as well as in controlling biological processes in aquatic animals.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research was to determine the reference values of biochemical factors in breeding Rutilus frisii kutum.METHODS: Blood samples were collected from captured fish from Tajan River. Serum levels of glucose, BUN, creatinine, cholesterol, triglyceride, direct bilirubin, total protein, albumin, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), and potassium (K) were measured.RESULTS: The serum levels of different biochemical values in males and females were as follows: Na for males 387.1±11.5, and females 420.7±7.1; K for males 39.9±10.6, and for females 37.9±7.4; P for males 19.2±1.0, and females 28.9±2.8; Ca for males 15.9±1.5, and for females 21.6±1.0; glucose for males 209.8±23.2, and for females 83.8±11.3; cholesterol for males, 472.6±23.6, and for females 306.6±22.9; triglyceride for males 393±23.3, and for females 275.1±9.2; total bilirubin for males 0.4±0.02, and for females 0.3±0.02; direct bilirubin for males 0.1±0.03, and for females 0.1±0.02; BUN for males 22.3±1.0, and for females 24.1±1.1; creatinine for males 0.5±0.1, and for females 0.7±0.1 (mg/dl); total protein for males 5.8±0.5, and for females 4.4±0.5; albumin for males 3.3±0.2, and for females 3.0±0.2 (g/dl). The current results indicate that there are significant differences in serum values of glucose, cholesterol, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, triglyceride, phosphorus, sodium and calcium between males and females. The serum levels of cholesterol, triglyceride (p<0.001), glucose, total bilirubin (p<0.01) and direct bilirubin (p<0.05) in males, and those of phosphorus, calcium (p<0.01) and sodium (p<0.05) in females were significantly higher as compared to the opposite sexes.CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that the studied parameters may be affected by physiological factors such as the sex of fish.

BACKGROUNDS: The Persian Sturgeon (Acipenser Persicus) is an indigenous and most populous sturgeon in the southern coasts of the Caspian Sea. Nowadays, their numbers are decreasing due to certain problems that are affecting their early life.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to take up the optimal photo period in hatching stage of wild Persian sturgeon eegs.METHODS: One female (weight of 38kg and length of 178cm) and one male (weight of 15kg and length of 145cm) spawner of Persian Sturgeon were selected with the female the male having a after fertilization there were 3 kg of eggs (with a 92% fertilization rate). The fertilized eggs were transferred to 12 boxes of Youshchenkov's incubators with different lighting treatments as follows: control treatment (12 hrs of light and 12 hrs of darkness); treatment one (8hrs of light and 16 hrs of darkness); treatment two (24hrs of light); and, treatment three (24hrs of darkness); considered 3 replications for each treatment. Thick aluminum foil was applied to create a dark condition for each incubator box. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA test followed Tukey's test.RESULTS: The results showed no significant difference for the hatching rate in the four different treatments (p>0.05), but, the hatching rate in treatment three was higher when compared with the other groups (48.65±7.53%). The results also showed that the mean weight of larvae in treatment three was more than the other ones (101.14±4.25g). In treatment three, the number of larvae per gram was less than the other treatments (48 per gram), with no significant difference (p>0.05).CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that in the incubation stage, Persian Sturgeon (Acipenser Persicus) is more adaptable to darker conditions, hence providing dark conditions in the incubation period is necessary to obtain a larger quantity of high quality larvae.

BACKGROUNDS: In recent years isolation of antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus aureus, especially methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in food and food-producing animals has become more frequent.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of MRSA in traditional white cheese and butter presented in Tabriz by culture and PCR techniques, as well as the determination of their antibiotical susceptibility.METHODS: In the present study, 250 traditional white cheese and butter samples were collected from different producers across Tabriz. Evaluation for contamination by coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus was done using the Culturing method. The isolates were subjected to the PCR technique according to the Nuc gene in order to confirm Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin resistance to the gene (mecA) and the antibiotic resistance trend of the isolates were studied by the Disc Diffusion Agar method.RESULTS: The culture of the samples indicated that 26 cheese and 24 butter samples were contaminated by Coagulase Positive Staphylococcus aureus. Nineteen cheese samples and 11 butter samples were confirmed to be Staphulococcus aureus based on PCR using the Nuc primer gene. From a total number of 30 isolates containing the nuc gene, 11 had the resistant mec-Agene.In overall, from the evaluated samples 100% of the isolates demonstrated simultaneous resistance to more than 3 antibiotics.CONCLUSIONS: It can be stated that there was a considerable amount of Staphylococcus aureus which was resistant to a variety of antibiotics, most importantly methicillin resistant. Staphylococcus aureus in the evaluated samples.

BACKGROUNDS: Furazolidon is a prohibited antibiotic not permissible for use in aquaculture. However, some fish farmers may use it illegally.OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to investigates the residues of Furazolidone in the muscles of cultured Common Carp.METHODS: One handred Cultured Common Carp were caught and the Furazolidone content of the fishe's muscle was measured using HPLC technique. Furazolidone was administered experimentally to 60 Common Carp through two different procedures. The first procedure was applied by a short term bath while the second approach was considered orally. Sampling from the fishe's muscles was done within 10, 20 and 30 days after exposure.RESULTS: The results of this study showed that Furazolidone was detected in the muscles of 40 cultured fish (40%). This study revealed that Furazolidone had been residually retained in the muscles of fish, using both methods, when examining the 10 day samples. The residues were 3.41±0.76, for the oral administration method, and 2.36±0.54 mg/kg, for the bath. There was no significant difference between these two groups (p>0.05). After 20 days, the residue of Furazolidone was not detected in the short term bath group, but it was detected in the oral group. The results indicated that there was a longer retention of the drug in the oral administration group. Subsequently, 30 days after the drug administration for both groups, no Furazolidone was detected in the fishe's muscles. In the control group, for all samples, there was no Furazolidone residue detectable in the fishe' s muscles.CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that Furazolidone may be used in some of the fish farms in the Khozestan Province and at least thirty days are needed for drug to be cleared from their bodies.

BACKGROUNDS: Degenerative joint disease (DJD) is a non-inflammatory and noninfectious disorder of movable joints characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage and new bone formation around the joints. There is no comprehensive report about the prevalence of DJD in dogs in Iran.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this radiographical study was to evaluate the rate of DJD and the influencing factors such as age, sex, breed and location of the joint in dogs referred to the Radiology Division of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Tehran.METHODS: A total of 1896 canine cases were studied during a period of five years (1382-1386). Two hundred and thirty two cases were x-rayed with each having the problem of joint disease.RESULTS: Radiographic evidence of DJD was found in 21.12% of the examined dogs. Degenerative joint disease of the vertebral column was diagnosed in 6.46% of all the cases. Degenerative changes of appendicular joints were found in 14.65% of the cases. The incidence of osteoarthrosis of the forelimbs was 47 % among cases with DJD of appendicular joints. The rate of osteoarthrosis of hind limbs was 53%. The highest rate of DJD of appendicular joints was seen in the hip joints (38.23%). This study demonstrated that radiographic changes of DJD were more discernible in large breed dogs (34.56%), as compared to small breeds (13.63%) (p£0.002). While no sex predilection was found.CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that the probability of suffering from primary osteoarthrosis increased with a dog's age (p£0.01).

CASE HISTORY: Hydrosalpinx is characterized by the accumulation of thin mucus within the lumen of the oviduct and it is rare in small ruminants. A5-year-old, horned, mixed breed doe with a history of infertility was necropsied for teaching purposes.CLINICALPRESENTATIONS: Preslaughter examination revealed mucopurulent keratoconjunctivitis, rhinitis, synovitis and mastitis with watery purulent discharge from the mammary glands indicated mycoplasmal infection (agalactia). At necropsy, the carcass was congested. The proximal portions of oviducts (Ampula) were distended, thin-walled and fluctuating in palpation. They were filled with clear thin mucus and were conic shaped, with 12 cm in length and 1.3 cm in width at the base and 0.5 cm at the top. The distal part of oviducts (Isthmus) was filled with semisolid purulent discharge causing total tube obstruction. The wall of the uterus and the uterine horns were thickened and mucosa was hyperplastic in appearance with small cysts which were measured at 0.3-0.5 cm. There was a slight fibrous adhesion between the mesosalpinx and the ovaries. The right ovary contained a corpus luteum, a large graafian follicle and numerous corpora albicans.Microscopically, atrophy of the wall of ampula, chronic inflammation of the isthmus and cystic endometrial hyperplasia was seen.DIAGNOSTIC TESTING: Direct examinations and culture of the exudate showed mucus without any secondary infection.ASSESSMENT: On the basis of macroscopic characteristics and laboratory findings, the condition was diagnosed as a bilateral hydrosalpinx due to obstruction of the distal part of the oviducts along with cystic endometrial hyperplasia.