IRANIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH (IJVR)
Year:2014 | Volume:15 | Issue:4 (49)|Papers Count:22

In the present study, the therapeutic potential of bacteriophages virulent toStaphylococcus aureus associated with goat mastitis were isolated, identified and assessed.Staphylococcus aureus (host or indicator bacterium) was isolated from a goat suffering from clinical mastitis. Based on cultural, morphological, biochemical tests and amplification of S. aureus specific thermonuclease gene in PCR, the identity of the organism was confirmed as S. aureus. Bacteriophages were isolated from soil and faecal samples (n=42) collected from different parts of the Mathura district in Uttar Pradesh (India), and their identity was confirmed by amplification of the bacteriophage-specific endolysin gene fragment in PCR. The thermal tolerance study revealed that all phage isolates were stable at 30 and 40oC with 100% lytic efficacy and their activities reduced to 62-80% at 50°C declining sharply at 60°C with less than 5% efficacy. Likewise, at pH=6.5 and 7.5, the survivability of all isolates was 100% which reduced to 70-79% and 84-91% at pH=5.5 and 8.5, respectively. All isolates were stable up to 3 months at 37oC, and for 16 months at 4°C but the stability of their respective endolysins only lasted for 12-23 days at 37oC and 6 months at 4oC. Three of the bacteriophage isolates, S. aureus phage/CIRG/1, S.aureusphage/CIRG/4 and S. aureus phage/CIRG/5 exhibited lytic activity against over 80% of the staphylococcal isolates. The results of the present study provide insight for the use of lytic bacteriophages for therapeutic interventions against multi-drugresistant S. aureusinducing mastitis in goats.

The staphylococci are important pathogenic bacteria causing various infections in animals and human. Hemolysin is one of the virulence factors of coagulase-positive (CPS) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS). The aims of the study were to characterize hemolysins ofStaphylococcus spp. isolated from human and bovine origin, phenotypic- and genotypically.Characterization of hemolysin phenotypically based on hemolysis pattern ofStaphylococcus spp. was done on the sheep, horse and rabbit blood agar plates. Genes encoding hemolysin were amplified with specific primers by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Hemolytic activities phenotypically were determined in 60 and 90% of the total bovine and human isolates, respectively.All non hemolytic isolates were CNS (P≤0.05). In all isolates, hla and hld genes were determined by PCR amplification. None of the bovine and human isolates showed phenotypically and genotypically gamma hemolysin. The results from this study suggest that, in accordance with what is generally believed, some differences are apparent in hemolysin types amongStaphylococcus strains of bovine and human origin. Furthermore, this study showed that CNS can be important as new pathogens.

The purpose of the study was to detect the Alu I and Dde I polymorphisms within POU1F1 gene exon 6 and 3' UTR region in Turkish sheep breeds, and their association with milk productive traits. Jugular blood samples were collected from 50 Sakiz, 50 White Karaman, and 50 Awassi sheep using EDTA as an anticoagulant. PCR-RFLP and sequencing analysis were performed to investigate possible polymorphisms in the exon 6 and 3' flanking region of the sheepPOU1F1 gene. The PCR products were digested with restriction endonucleaseAlu I and Dde I, and biallelic polymorphism was found with restriction endonuclease Alu I and two genotypes (TT (296 bp and 173 bp) and CC (235 bp, 173 bp and 61 bp)) were detected. White Karaman and Awassi breeds did not show polymorphisms forAlu I restriction sites. No polymorphism at the Dde I cleavage sites was detected in the three sheep breeds. Significant statistical results were found in milk yield (***P<0.001), fat (***P<0.001) and lactose (*P<0.05) values with TT and CCgenotypes, however no significant association of TT and CC genotypes with protein values was detected (P>0.05) and individuals with genotypeTT had a superior milk yield in Sakiz sheep breeds. As sequence results, seven variation points were determined for exon 6 (g.185T>C) and 3' UTR (g.220G>A, g.229C>T, g.248C>T, g.250A>T, g.255T>C, g.258C>T) of the sheepPOU1F1 gene. We have reported here for the first time single nucleotide polymorphisms of thePOU1F1 gene for both exon 6 and 3' UTR and its effects on milk traits in Turkish sheep breeds were evaluated.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has been observed to decrease with the development of hemorrhagic anovulatory follicles (HAFs) in mares. Two studies were conducted to evaluate AMH concentration in mares with HAFs compared to seasonally anoestrous and cyclic mares, and to elucidate changes of AMH with the development of luteinised unruptured follicles (LUFs). In study 1, AMH and progesterone were evaluated in seasonally anoestrous, anovulatory (with HAF) and cyclic mares (at mid luteal phase). In study 2, mares in control and LUF groups were treated with 1500 IU/case hCG when they had a≥32-mm follicle and an endometrial oedema score of three (day 0). Mares in the control group received no further treatment. Mares in the LUF group received 1.7 mg/kg flunixin meglumine at the time of hCG administration, and 12, 24 and 36 h after it. Ultrasonography and blood collection for AMH and progesterone measurement were performed on days 0, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8. In study 1, AMH concentration was lower in seasonally anoestrous and HAF mares than cyclic mares (P<0.05). Progesterone concentration did not differ between HAF and cyclic mares (P>0.05). In study 2, AMH was not different between LUF and control mares (P>0.05); however, progesterone had a lower concentration and a delayed rise after hCG administration in LUF mares compared with the control group (P<0.05). The results indicated that similar to seasonally anoestrous mares, AMH concentrations decreased in mares with HAFs. LUFs were also found to be functionally different from HAFs.

Breed-wise standard echocardiographic values in dogs have been reported as there is variation in body and chest conformation which limits the application of data of one breed for other breed. Labrador Retrievers being originated from hunting dogs, might have different echocardiographic values from standard normal range of other dog breeds. So, the present study was aimed to determine the M-mode echocardiographic reference ranges in Labrador Retriever dogs and to evaluate the effect of body weight and gender on these parameters. The data obtained were also compared with that of the other dog breeds. Conscious clinically healthy Labrador Retriever dogs (n=24) of both sexes were made the subject of the study. All the measurements were made from a right parasternal long axis left ventricular outflow tract view and the parameters measured were: left ventricular dimensions, left ventricular function, left ventricular volumes, left atrial and aortic root diameter and mitral valve parameters. Data obtained were also compared with that available for other dog breeds. Significant correlation (P<0.05) with body weight was obtained for some of the left ventricular, atrial and mitral valve parameters, being strong for LAD, AOD, LVIDd, LVIDs, IVSd and IVSs (r>0.5); moderate for LVPWd, LVPWs, EPSS, EF Slope and SV (r=0.3 to 0.5); weak for EDV and ESV (r<0.3). Non-significant effect of gender was seen on all the echocardiographic parameters. However, some of the parameters had a significant breed effect. It is expected that the obtained data will be valuable for the progress of studies on small animal cardiology.

Morphological, biochemical and molecular characteristics were studied to identify dominant lactic acid bacteria (LAB), isolated from traditional yoghurts produced by tribes of Iran. From 60 yoghurt samples, a total of 137 LAB isolates were determined, in which 66 and 71 were identified as lactic acid cocci and bacilli, respectively. Biochemical tests showed the occurrence of 9.76% mesophilic homofermentative, 10.98% mesophilic hetrofermentative, 26.83% thermophilic homofermentative and 47.56% mesophilic homofermentative cocci. As for lactic acid bacilli, mesophilic facultative hetrofermentative (26%); thermophilic obligate homofermentative (56%); mesophilic obligate hetrofermentative (18%) were found. Genetically the presence of the following species were verified: E. faecium; E. faecalis; E. durans; L. lactis subsp. lactis; St. thermophilus; Lb. delbruecki subsp. bulgaricus; Lb. brevis; Lb. diolivorans; Lb. helveticus; Lb. jensenii; Lb. plantarum.9% of the Lactobacillus isolates showed incompatible results between phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. From the cocci isolates, 38.46% showed identical results between phylogenetic characteristics. The current study constitutes the first step in the designing process of LAB starter cultures, to protect the typical organoleptic characteristics of traditional yoghurt. The results could also be used to introduce new starter cultures for commercial use.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding different levels of protein to black Baladi breed kids. Weanling Baladi kids (n=18; 75 to 90 days old) were selected and individually housed at our experimental farm. Kids were divided randomly to one of the three treatments for 12 weeks. The three dietary treatments were: T1: control ration, formulated according to NRC to cover the protein (level 1) and other nutrients requirements. T2: ration formulated to cover only 75% of protein (level 2) recommended by NRC. T3: control diet+2.4 g undegradable methionine (SmartamineÒ) /day/kid (level 3). Feed intake, initial and monthly body weights were recorded. Blood samples were collected monthly and analyzed for metabolites and Co, Zn and Cu levels. Decreasing the dietary level of protein (T2) negatively affected (P<0.05) the total live weight gain, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio when compared with the control and T3 groups. Moreover, treatment, time and time ´ treatment caused a significant change on Co concentration in blood serum with higher value at the end of the experiment. Treatments had a significant effect (P<0.05) on blood serum cholesterol and protein levels. Undegradable methionine supplementation (T3) significantly increased longissimus dorsi weight, fat thickness and omental fat%. In conclusion, feeding Baladi kids below the NRC requirements of protein negatively affect the growth performance and feed efficiency. The recommended protein level by NRC for growing kids cover the requirements of growing black Baladi kids for maximum growth and productivity.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of wood betony (WB), Stachys lavandulifolia extract on growth performance and some immune responses in common carp, Cyprinus carpio. Different concentrations of the WB extract 0, 2, 4 and 8% (g per 100 g of diet) were added to commercial diet. Each treatment was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of fish having average initial weight of 44 ± 0.62 g for 10 weeks. The results showed that final weight, food conversion ratio, specific growth rate and condition factor were significantly improved by WB in a dose dependent manner, where the best growth parameters were achieved in the group of fish receiving the highest concentration of WB (P<0.05). Feeding fish at 2 and 4% W/W by WB in the diet improved lysozyme activity, ACH50 and IgM levels significantly in comparison to the control (P<0.05). Group of fish fed on 4% WB in the diet had the best levels of the immune characteristics (P<0.05). Based on the results of this study, it is recommended to feed common carp with WB to improve growth and non-specific immunity.

To clarify the genetic relationships among the Lidia breed lineages and two main Portuguese Lidia bovine populations, Casta Portuguesa and Brava dos Acores, 24 autosomal microsatellites were analyzed in 120 samples. Brava dos Acores showed the highest observed and expected heterozygosity (0.73 and 0.70, respectively) while Casta Portuguesa showed the lowest observed and expected heterozygosity (0.51 and 0.50, respectively). The results of this study were compared with the previous microsatellites data from the main Lidia bovine lineages. Casta Portuguesa was the most genetically isolated Lidia bovine population as revealed by the average FST genetic distance value with respect to the other lineages (32%). All the populations of Portuguese Lidia had negative FIS values. The Neighbour-joining dendrogram grouped Casta Portuguesa in the same branch with Miura, which was supported by the STRUCTURE software. The results evidenced low levels of genetic diversity and high levels of genetic differentiation in Casta Portuguesa and high levels of genetic diversity in Brava dos Acores populations, probably due to the crossbreeding of different bovine lineages at origin, and genetic flow among herds.

This cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate seroprevalence and to identify flock-level factors associated with seropositivity to brucellosis in small ruminants in Kerman province, southeastern Iran. In October-November 2011, serum samples were randomly collected from 1767 sheep and 1233 goats, older than 18 months, from 300 flocks. The sera were initially screened for the presence of anti-Brucella antibodies using the Rose-Bengal test; those found to be positive were then examined by Wright and 2-mercaptoethanolBrucella agglutination tests. A questionnaire was used to collect data on flock-level factors likely associated with the within flock seroprevalence of brucellosis. The associations were statistically evaluated for significance in multivariable logistic models. Sixty three flocks (21.00%; 95% CI: 16.80-26.60) had at least one seropositive animal. The mean within-flock seroprevalence was 3.10% (95% CI: 2.60-3.90). The presence of newly purchased animals (OR=3.42; 95% CI: 1.35-8.65) was significantly associated with seropositivity. Our findings highlight the role of animal movement among flocks in the epidemiology of brucellosis in this region. Thus, a control program for brucellosis in the region is suggested to impose appropriate restrictions on animal trade and improve knowledge of livestock owners about quarantine principles for newly purchased animals.

The objective of the present study was to compare the impact of ovsynch and progesterone-based ovulation synchronization protocol on ovarian response and conception in buffalo (n=19) exhibiting subestrus during low-breeding season (maximum ambient temperatures and relative humidity ranging from 36-45oC and 30-80%, respectively). Group I buffalo (n=10) were administered ovsynch protocol (d 0 and d 9, 20 mg Buserelin acetate; d 7, 500 μg Cloprostenol sodium; i.m.) followed by AI on days 9 and 10.During the same period, another group of buffalo (n=9) were administered intravaginal progesterone (1.38 g) for 10 days along with the administration (i.m.) of 500 mg Cloprostenol sodium on day 9 and 20 mg Buserelin acetate on day 11, followed by AI on days 12 and 13. With ovsynch, all the buffalo ovulated in response to 1st GnRH and had functional CL (plasma progesterone, 1.61±0.23 ng/ml; corpus luteum, CL, 11.36±0.67 mm) on day 7. Thereafter, subsequent to 2nd GnRH, five buffalo ovulated within 24 h and the remaining five between 24 to 48 h. In comparison, with progesterone-based protocol, a better synchronization of ovulation (P<0.05) was observed as seven buffalo ovulated between 24 and 48 h and the remaining two between 48 and 72 h following GnRH administration. Moreover, in comparison to ovsynch, conception rate was better with progesterone-based protocol (30 vs.66.7%; P<0.05). In summary, progesterone-based protocol was superior to ovsynch for synchronization of ovulation and subsequent conception rate in buffalo exhibiting subestrus during the low breeding period.

In order to assess the immunopathological effects of aqueous Echinacea purpurea extract (EPE) on mice experimentally challenged with Pasteurella multocida serotype A, forty female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups. The groups included a control group (received sterile distilled water 2 times/week for 2 weeks, intraperitoneally and then 100 ml sterile saline intranasally), a PMA group (received sterile distilled water as the control group and after 2 weeks, 5.6 × 103 CFU/ml of P. multocida serotype A, intranasally), an EPE+PMA group (receivedE. purpurea extract intraperitoneally 2 times/week for 2 weeks and then challenged as the PMA group) and an EPE group (received E. purpurea extract as EPE+PMA group and then 100 ml sterile saline intranasally). After 24 and 48 h post challenge, half of the animals in each group were sacrificed and analyzed for bacterial counts in their lungs and livers, TNFα serum levels and histapathological changes. The results showed significant differences in lung bacterial counts between PMA and EPE+PMA groups. TNFaserum level was significantly higher in the PMA group. Histopathological examination revealed infiltration of neutrophils in alveolar septa and hyperemia in the PMA group. In addition, the criteria of bronchopneumonia were partially recovered in the EPE+PMA compared to the PMA group. According to the results, it seems that E. purpureaextract has an immunomodulatory effect and can be used to prevent or control of pneumonia caused by Pasteurella.

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of dietary putrescine (PUT) on broiler’s response fed low crude protein (CP) diets. A total of 192 male day old chicks were fed with four dietary treatments including two levels of PUT (0 and 0.03%) and two levels of CP (normal and low) with factorial combinations. Weekly growth performance, nutrient digestibility and intestinal morphology (at the age of 21 days) and liver and intestinal tissue polyamines content were measured. As a result of this study lower dietary CP had a significant (P<0.05) lower body weight gain (BWG) and improved protein efficiency ratio (PER). PUT improved energy efficiency ratio (EER) significantly (P<0.05). Dry matter (DM) digestibility was decreased by lower dietary CP whereas 0.03% PUT significantly (P<0.05) increased it. Low CP caused significant (P<0.05) greater calcium digestibility, while this effect was not found when PUT was added. PUT had no effect on intestine villous height and crypt depth. Polyamine content of intestine and liver was influenced by the age of the birds, while PUT had no effects on them. In conclusion, dietary PUT has beneficial effects on EER in chicks fed CP-deficient diet, indicating possible involvement of PUT in energy metabolism. PUT supplementation did not moderate the reduced BWG of the chicks fed low protein. Intestinal and liver polyamine concentration was mainly affected by dietary CP and age of the birds rather than dietary PUT.

A common cause of peripheral nerve injury is trauma. The positive effect of antioxidants on the improvement of nerve regeneration has currently become a focus of attention. In this experiment, the effect of intraperitoneal administration of ubiquinone (CoQ10) on an acute experimentally sciatic nerve crush was studied in a rat model. Forty-five male Wistar rats, weighing between 160-180 g were used. The rats were randomly divided into two experimental groups (n=20). Each group was further subdivided into four subgroups of five animals each. Functional studies confirmed the faster recovery of regenerated axons in the treatment group compared to the un-treated group (P<0.05). Morphometric indices of the regenerated fibers showed the number and diameter of the myelinated fibers to be significantly higher in the treatment group than the un-treated group (P<0.05). Intraperitoneal administration of CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/day) in the early inflammatory stage of sciatic nerve crush was found to improve nerve regeneration.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in the serum concentrations of haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA) and IgG, IgA in calves with diarrhea caused by rotavirus, coronavirus, Escherichia coli F5 and Eimeria species. The experiment was carried out on 40 diarrhoeic and 10 non-diarrhoeic calves (group C). A total of 13 calves were infected with rotavirus or coronavirus (group V), 12 calves withE. coli F5 (group B) and 15 calves with Eimeria species (group P). SAA and Hp levels of calves in groups V, B and P were statistically higher than group C (P<0.05). SAA and Hp levels of the group B and group P were significantly higher than the group V (P<0.05). SAA and Hp levels in group B were not significantly higher than the group P. The levels ofIgG and IgA were found to be lower in groups B and V compared to other groups. There was a negative correlation between immunoglobulins and the levels of serum Hp and SAA in groups B and V (r=-0.315 and r=-0.369, respectively, P<0.05). Serum SAA, Hp, IgA and IgG levels could be useful for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of diarrhea caused by rotavirus, coronavirus, E. coli F5 and Eimeria species.

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis of worldwide distribution, caused by Leptospira interrogans and is considered as an emerging global public health problem. Transmission usually results from direct or indirect exposure to the urine or other body fluids of leptospiruric animals which may become a source of infection for human or other animals. Having a humid climate with plenty of annual rainfall, Guilan province is a suitable environment for maintainingLeptospira spp. Hence, early detection of Leptospira spp. in the host prompts control and protection, and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a suitable method. The present report aimed to demonstrate the PCR analysis of bovine urine for detection of leptospiral DNA. A total of 98 urine samples were randomly collected from cattle bladder in Rasht abattoir of Iran and the presence of leptospiral DNA was assayed by PCR amplification ofrrs (16S rRNA) gene and the results confirmed by nested PCR. Out of 98 urine samples in 42 samples leptospires DNA was identified with the frequency of 43%. The high presence of the organism in the urine of carriers is a serious threat to the dairy farms and to the public health which requires an effective control measure in the north provinces of Iran.

The aim of the present study was to screen the genotype profile of bovine kappa- casein gene among Frieswal (HF ´ Sahiwal) crossbred cattle developed in India. A total number of two hundred Frieswal cows were evaluated forHinf I RFLP based genotyping of kappa-casein gene. We observed that only two genotypes (AA and AB) exist among the studied population with the genotype frequency of 0.58 (n=117) and 0.42 (n=83), respectively. The calculated allele frequency for A and B was 0.79 and 0.21, respectively. Association of genotypes with certain milk production traits revealed that AB had significant (P<0.05) effect on total milk yield, peak yield, yield at 300 days and SNF% as compared to AA.

Milk is considered a nutritious food because it contains several important nutrients including proteins and vitamins. Conversely, it can be a vehicle for several pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. This study aimed to analyze the frequency of genes encoding the nine Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) and enterotoxin gene profiles in S. aureus isolates derived from raw bovine milk. A total of 52S. aureus isolates were obtained from 246 milk samples of 246 dairy cows from eight different farms in Qom, Iran. On the basis of cultural and biochemical properties as well as by amplification of the 23S rRNA specific toS. aureus, all isolates could be identified as S. aureus. Of the 52 isolates studied, 80.7% were positive for one or more genes encoding the enterotoxins, and 12 different genotypes were identified. The gene encoding for enterotoxin A (Sea) was the most frequent (16 isolates, 30.7%), followed bySeb (14 isolates, 26.9%) and Sed (8 isolates, 15.37%). Among the genes encoding the other enterotoxins, Seg and Seh were the most frequently observed (8 isolates each, 15.38%), followed by Sej (6 isolates, 11.5%) and Sei (1 isolates, 3.84%). With the recent identification of new SEs, the frequency of enterotoxigenic strains has increased, suggesting that the pathogenic potential of Staphylococci may be higher than previously thought. These results of enterotoxin genes positivity of milkderived Staphylococci constitute a potential risk for consumers’ health.

A traumatic coxofemoral luxation was diagnosed in a 15-month-old European neutered male cat, and on the basis of the radiographic evaluation a closed reduction was performed. Consequently, the cat was presented at the University of Bologna because of the failure of the treatment. A supplementary radiographic exam revealed the concomitant avulsion of the greater trochanter, consequently surgical management of the coxofemoral luxation was attempted successfully. Therefore, correct planning of the radiographic examination should be considered to prevent possible mistakes.

The aim of this study was to report a new cause of cataract, namely snake bite induced cataract in a dog. A 3-year-old male mongrel dog was referred to our clinic for the assessment of cataract in both eyes. The dog was bitten by a snake nearly 4 months ago. A 40 dioptre acrylic lens with 13 mm haptics was implanted into the lens capsule. In the left eye, posterior synechia was detected in the temporal part of the iris, but decentration of the intraocular lens was not observed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of bilateral cataract caused by ophidism and treated by surgical intervention in a dog.