Showing papers in "Bulgarian Journal of Veterinary Medicine in 2017"

Toxicity studies of drugs and chemicals in animals: an overview

Abstract: Toxicity study is the investigation of either short or long-term toxic effects of a drug or chemical on animals. The toxicity is dose-dependent as asserted by Paracelsus over 500 years ago. However, short-term toxic effect is determined using median lethal dose (LD50) first introduced by Trevan in 1927 and revised many times. Presently there is a growing preponderance of rejection of scientific papers on acute toxicity study, simply because of the belief that in the current hazard and safety assessment of drugs and chemicals, LD50 values are no longer used. In view of this, literature search was carried out with a view to investigating the relevance of LD50 in development and assessment of drugs and chemicals. The findings revealed that in the past, many animals had been used for LD50 determination. OECD has reduced the number of test animals to 5–15 and presently it is further reduced to 2–6. Acute toxicity study is being carried out in medicinal plants research and in the study of patent medicine. Although the application of LD50 has been drastically reduced, it is still applied and accepted in some parts of the world. Moreover, animals on which LD50 tests are conducted, should be allowed to die to see the end effect of the test drug or chemical because euthanisia of test animals may mask some toxicity signs of the test agents. Therefore, toxicity study of drugs and chemicals is a scientific process necessary for discovery and development of drugs as well as identification of potential toxicants.

Haematological, blood biochemical and histopathological effects of sublethal cadmium and lead concentrations in common carp

Abstract: The present research aimed at examining the effects of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) exposure to sublethal concentrations of two non-essential heavy metals: cadmium (Cd: 8.4 mg/L) and lead (Pb: 6.2 mg/L) for 15 days to evaluate occurring biochemical and haematological effects. The examined parameters included haematocrit (Hct), haemoglobin (Hb), lymphocytes (Lym), neutrophils (Neu), total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), immunoglobulin M (IgM), glucose, red and white blood cells counts (RBC & WBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Exposure to both metals significantly (P<0.05) reduced the amounts of WBC and MCHC. MCV values decreased (P<0.05) after the Pb treatment but MCV estimates with Cd exposure showed no differences. MCH levels increased in both treatments (P<0.05) whereas Hct, Hb, RBC, Lym, and Neu following both metal exposures were almost similar to those in the control. IgM values were elevated in fish contaminated with both Pb and Cd (P<0.05). The exposed fish showed fusion of gill lamellae, vessel dilatation, hyperaemia, and hyperplasia of gill epithelial cells whereas muscle histology remained unchanged. The observed responses can be secondary to low heavy metals concentrations reflecting the trigger of stress reactions in affected fish.

Luteal blood flow and growth in correlation to circulating angiogenic hormones after spontaneous ovulation in mares

Abstract: For evaluating corpus luteum (CL) function, blood flow, circulating nitric oxide (NO), estradiol (E2), progesterone, leptin and insulin like growth factor-I (IGF-1) concentrations were measured for 11 days that were equally divided into early and mid-luteal phases. Five mares underwent blood sampling and rectal Doppler ultrasound examination for 18 days for two estrous cycles. CL diameter, circumference, area and volume increased till day 11. Both blood flow blue area and power area increased from day 1 to 11 but colour blood flow red area declined till day 11. NO concentration increased till day 5 then decreased till day 11. Leptin concentrations declined from day 1 to 11. Power blood flow area and colour blood flow blue area exhibited a significant negative correlation with E2 (r= –0.79; –0.75), leptin (r= –0.73; –0.51), and IGF-1 (r= –0.56; –0.60), but had a positive one with progesterone (r=0.47; 0.52). Days after ovulation and luteal phase affected significantly luteal blood flow and hormone concentrations. The relatively high E2, leptin, IGF-1 and NO during growth compared to static phase indicated a role enhancing angiogenesis and early CL development.

Application of exfoliative vaginal cytology in clinical canine reproduction – a review

Abstract: Exfoliative vaginal cytology is the most popular diagnostic method as a part of the gynaecological examination in the bitch (Dreier, 1975; Gunzel-Apel & Koivisto, 1984; Linde & Karlson, 1984; Soderberg, 1986a,b; Tammer et al., 1994; Johnson, 2006; Wehrend, 2007; Trasch, 2008; Turmalaj et al., 2011; Groppetti et al., 2012; Leigh et al., 2013; Wehrend et al., 2013). It is based on determination of cyclic cellular changes occurring in the vaginal epithelium as a result of reproductive hormone levels, especially estrogens (Wright & Parry, 1989). The method is simple and useful even in physiological or pathological conditions of the bitch reproductive system, most frequently the determination of the estrous cycle stages with respect to the optimal breeding time (Turmalaj et al., 2011).

The effect of different levels of propolis in diets on performance, gastrointestinal morphology and some blood parameters in broiler chickens

Abstract: A study was conducted to determine the effect of different levels of propolis in diets on performance, carcass characteristics, gastrointestinal morphology and some blood parameters in broiler chickens. A total of 224 one day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly allocated to one of the 16 floor pens in a completely randomised design (four treatments, four replicate groups, 14 chicks in each group). Dietary treatments consisted of 4 different levels of propolis powder including zero (control), 500, 1500, 2000 ppm in the diet throughout the entire experimental period (42 days). The feed was offered ad libitum. All the chickens were grown up in the same environmental and management conditions. Body weight gain, food intake and feed conversion ratio were measured at the end of each period, also, the production index was calculated at 42 days of age. At the end of experimental period, two chicks from each pen were selected and after blood sample collection were slaughtered and dissected manually. Haematological and biochemical parameters as well as carcass characteristics, gastrointestinal morphology were determined. The use of 2000 parts per million propolis powder in diet improved body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and production index at all experimental periods (P<0.05). High dietary levels of propolis powder in diets increased the relative weight of crop, thighs and length of gizzard compared to other treatments, and decreased the relative weight of livers of broiler chickens (P<0.05). PCV and heterophil counts were significantly increased (P<0.05). It is suggested that the supplementation of propolis powder to poultry diets had a positive effect on growth performance, carcass characteristics and blood parameters.

Molecular characterisation of lumpy skin disease virus and sheeppox virus based on P32 gene

Abstract: Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) and sheeppox virus (SPV) have a considerable economic impact on the cattle and small ruminant industry. They are listed in group A of contagious disease by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). This study addressed molecular characterisation of first LSDV outbreak and an endemic SPV in Kurdistan region of Iraq based on P32 gene. The results indicated that P32 gene can be successfully used for diagnosis of LSDV. The phylogenic and molecular analysis showed that there may be a new LSDV isolate circulating in Kurdistan which uniquely shared the same characteristic amino acid sequence with SPV and GPV, leucine at amino acid position 51 in P32 gene as well as few genetically distinct SPV causing pox disease in Kurdistan sheep. This study provided sequence information of P32 gene for several LSDV isolates, which positively affects the epidemiological study of Capripoxvirus

Effects of aflatoxin B1 alone or co-administered with Mycotox NG on performance and humoral immunity of turkey broilers.

Abstract: The contamination of poultry feeds with aflatoxins is a global problem responsible for considerable losses to poultry industry. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the effects of aflatoxin B1 and Mycotox NG, applied either independently or together, on performance, relative weights of visceral organs and antibody titres against Newcastle disease in turkey broilers. Experiments of 42day duration were carried out with sixty 7-day-old female turkey broilers (meat TM strain) divided into one control and five treatment groups (n=10): Group І – control (fed standard feed according to the species and age of birds); Group II – experimental, whose feed was supplemented with 0.5 g/kg Mycotox NG, Group ІІI – experimental, whose feed contained 0.2 mg/kg aflatoxin В1, Group IV – experimental, whose feed contained 0.4 mg/kg aflatoxin В1, Group V – experimental, supplemented with 0.2 mg/kg aflatoxin В1 and 0.5 g/kg Mycotox NG and Group VI – experimental, supplemented with 0.4 mg/kg aflatoxin В1 and 0.5 g/kg Mycotox NG. In Groups III and IV, production traits (live body weight, daily weight gain, feed intake) as well as antibody titres were reduced along with increased feed conversion and relative weights of liver, kidneys, heart, pancreas, proventriculus and gizzard. At the same time, relative weights of the spleen, thymus and bursa of Fabricius were statistically significantly lower. The supplementation of the feed of Groups V and VI with 0.5 g/kg Mycotox NG reduced and prevented some of deleterious effects of AFB1 on production traits, antibody titres and relative weights of visceral organs.

Phylogenetic analysis of Escherichia coli isolates from healthy and diarrhoeic calves in Mashhad, Iran.

Abstract: Escherichia coli is a normal inhabitant of the gastrointestinal tract of vertebrates Certain Escherichia coli strains have been associated with neonatal diarrhoea in ruminants These strains can be assigned to one of the four main phylogenetic groups, A, B1, B2 and D Several studies have shown the relationship between phylogeny and pathogenicity of E coli, a great deal can be obtained by determining the phylogroup of unknown E coli strains In this study, we aimed to evaluate the influence of diarrhoea on the genetic composition of E coli populations isolated from calves A total of 80 Escherichia coli isolates were obtained from healthy and diarrhoeic calves Phylogenetic grouping was done based on the Clermont triplex PCR method using primers targeted at three genetic markers, chuA, yjaA and TspE4C2 According to our results, phylogenetic group A strains was the most prevalent in both healthy (375%) and diarrhoeic calves (55%) Group B1 contained 275% of isolates in healthy calves, followed by group B2 (175%), and group D (75%) Also, four isolates from healthy calves were not included in the major phylogenetic groups or subgroups A total of 14% and 4% of isolates from diarrhoeic calves beloned to phylogroups B2 and D respectively Although no isolate from diarrhoeic calves was found to belong to group B1, there was no significant difference between healthy and diarrhoeic calves for other phylogroups There was not a dramatic shift in E coli phylogroup/subgroup due to occurrence of diarrhoea in calves, except for phylogroup B1 which was higher in healthy calves This can be due to the difference in secretions of digestive system in diarrhoeic calves which can prevent the conditions for instability of Escherichia coli isolates of phylogroup B1 The majority of isolates from both healthy and diarrhoeic calves belonged to nonpathogenic phylogentic group A and B1

Prevalence of AIV subtype H9 among poultry with respiratory signs in Iraq

Abstract: The H9N2 avian influenza A viruses (AIV) have been recorded in Eurasia for several years. In this study, the prevalence of the circulated H9 subtype in the poultry population in middle and south of Iraq provinces was studied during a period from September 2014 to June 2015. Samples were collected from one hundred broiler flocks with respiratory signs from seven provinces. The detection and identification of virus were carried out by using highly sensitive method, Taqman Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction, which has been increasingly used for detecting avian pathogens in recent years. The prevalence of H9 subtype in 16% of the infected flocks was reported, and the results revealed that there was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the prevalence rate of H9 subtype among broiler flocks in Al-Basra, Al-Qadisyia and An-Najaf provinces (14.28%, 20% and 23.80%, respectively) as compared to other provinces, while An-Najaf province had the highest prevalence rate (23.80%) among all other provinces. The H9 subtype has been recorded for the first time in broiler flocks of Al-Basra and Wasit with lower prevalence rate in Wasit (10%). The prevalence of the H9 virus infection in the winter (75%) was higher than that in summer (25%). Since the provinces are in the vicinity of the Iran, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait with H9 infection records, results of this study indicate circulation of AIV between these countries and in the larger scale, Middle East. This can be very important due to the presence of migratory birds coming from Russia and China and stay in winter months in the marshes of Al-Basra and consequently, AIV transportation to the other parts of the world.

Serologic survey of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in cats (Felis catus) sold at live animal markets in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract: Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite causing infection in humans and a wide range of mammals, with cats being the final and only host that excrete T. gondii-resistant oocysts to the environment. This study was designed to investigate the seroprevalence of antibodies to T. gondii in cats sold at Live Animal Markets (LAMs) in Ibadan, Osogbo and Offa, Southwestern Nigeria. Blood samples were randomly collected from 226 cats at these markets and separated sera were tested for the presence of antibodies (IgG) to T. gondii, using two-fold dilutions from 1:20 to 1:320 by the Modified Agglutination Test (MAT). Attributes were analysed using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests at P<0.05. Median age of cats was 4.0 months (range: 1–36 months). Of the 226 samples tested, only 10 (4.4%) were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies at the cut-off titre of 1:20. Nine (4.0%) gave a titre of 1:20; one (0.4%) gave 1:80 while none was positive at 1:40, 1:160 and 1:320 dilutions. Age and gender of cats was not significantly associated with T. gondii infection. Our results showed low prevalence of T. gondii infection in cats sold at LAMs in studied area and suggests confinement as an efficient way of limiting exposure of cats to infection sources.

Effects of dietary garlic (Allium sativum) meal on skin thickness and fat deposition in commercial broiler chickens

Abstract: Excessive deposition of fat in the skin of commercial chickens has major implications on human health. Garlic (Allium sativum) has been reported to have hypolipidaemic effect in animals. The effect of garlic on fat deposition in the skin of commercial broilers was therefore investigated. One hundred and sixty day-old Arbor acres broilers of different sexes were randomly separated into four groups. Group A was fed a plain ration; group B had 0.125% garlic meal (GM) in feed continuously, group C – 0.125% GM at pulse inclusion (on for 2 weeks and off for 2 weeks) and group D – 0.25% GM continuously. At 4 and 8 weeks of age, five broilers per group were randomly selected, euthanised and back cape skin sections were harvested and processed for histology. Epidermal as well as dermalhypodermal thicknesses were measured. Data were statistically analysed using Duncan’s multiple range test and Student’s t-test at P<0.05. The epidermis in the control group (Group A) was significantly different vs the other groups at 8 weeks of age. Dermal-hypodermal thickness of group C (15296.1±965.7 μm) was significantly higher vs other groups at 4 weeks of age. Fat globules were relatively more abundant in the hypodermis of group A at 4 and 8 weeks of age, while collagen fibres in the dermis were relatively denser in the GM-supplemented groups. It was concluded that garlic inclusion in feed of commercial broilers resulted in thinner epidermis and denser collagen fibres in the dermis causing thicker dermis-hypodermis, as well as decreased fat deposits in the hypodermis.

Prevalence, antimicrobial resistance and risk factors for Campylobacter colonising dogs and cats in Greece

Abstract: The study was conducted to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance and risk factors for Campylobacter colonising dogs and cats in Greece. Faecal specimens were collected from 181 dogs and 132 cats. Culture methods were applied to detect Campylobacter spp. and a multiplex PCR assay to identify the isolates. The prevalence of Campylobacter spp. was 3.8% in dogs and 12.1% in cats. The most frequently identified Campylobacter species in dogs was C. jejuni (57.1%) followed by C. coli (42.9%). All feline isolates were identified as C. jejuni apart from one isolate that was characterised as Campylobacter-like organism. Gender, age, breed, life style, diarrhoea and type of diet of dogs and cats did not significantly correlate (P>0.05) with Campylobacter isolation. Possible predictors regarding Campylobacter presence in dogs and cats were assessed by binary logistic regression. A tendency towards higher risk for Campylobacter contamination was observed in dogs consuming a homemade diet and in outdoor cats. Disk diffusion method revealed that all Campylobacter isolates exhibited susceptibility to erythromycin, gentamicin and streptomycin. Contrariwise, 66.7% of canine isolates were resistant concurrently to tetracycline and quinolones and 59.0%, 13.6% and 4.5% of feline isolates were resistant to quinolones, quinolones along with tetracycline and tetracycline alone, respectively.

Fatty acid composition of subcutaneous and visceral fat depots in New Zealand White rabbits

Abstract: P. Y. YONKOVA, G. S. MIHAYLOVA, S. S. RIBARSKI, V. D. DOICHEV, R. S. DIMITROV & M. G. STEFANOV Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria; Department of Animal Production – Ruminants and Dairy Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria; Department of Morphology, Physiology and Nutrition of Animals, Faculty of Agriculture, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria; Department of Animal Production – Non-ruminants and Other Animals, Faculty of Agriculture, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

Pattern of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) distribution in Ghana (2005–2013).

Abstract: Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is one of the most devastating diseases that limit small ruminant industry in Ghana and causes substantial economic losses to small ruminant farmers. However, there is lack of documented evidence on the distribution of the disease across the various regions in the country. A retrospective epidemiological study was therefore conducted to investigate the pattern, distribution and prevalence of PPR disease in Ghana. The study also investigated the impact of vaccination on PPR burden using descriptive epidemiological analysis. Data on PPR outbreaks from 2005 to 2013 as well as vaccination records from the Veterinary Services Directorate in Ghana and from the International Office of Epizootics (OIE) were collated and used for this study. Results from the study indicated that PPR was endemic in Ghana, at a prevalence level of 6.84% per 1,000 population. All ten regions reported PPR outbreaks with Western region reporting the highest, followed by Eastern and Central regions. PPR occurred in both seasons, but mostly in the dry season. Vaccination programmes covered all the ten regions in Ghana. The lowest number of vaccinated animals and highest number of outbreaks were registered in the Western region, while Volta region had the highest number of vaccinated animals and lowest number of outbreaks. In conclusion, PPR disease is endemic in Ghana with highest outbreaks occurring at the peak of the dry season (January to March) and the onset of the rainy season (second quarter of the year). Vaccination had a positive impact on the occurrence of PPR in Ghana.

Prevalence of Clostridium perfringens type A isolates in different tissues of broiler chickens

Abstract: Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) is an important pathogen in both human and veterinary medicine. Necrotic enteritis is the most severe clinical bacterial enteric disease of poultry induced by C. perfringens. Study was done on 100 broiler chickens (400 different tissues of chickens) in Southwest Iran. C. perfringens was isolated from different tissues of chickens (meats, liver, gizzard and intestine) using bacterial culture methods. DNA extraction from grown colonies was carried out by boiling method and finally, PCR assay was used for definitive diagnosis of type A C. perfringens. The results of present study showed that from 400 different tissues of chickens 169 (42.25%) samples were positive for C. perfringens infection that is a comparatively high prevalence of C. perfringens. The highest rate of C. perfringens infection in tissues was in intestine (55%) and meat (42%). The high prevalence of type A C. perfringens in different tissues observed in the present study is very disturbing, as it can cause irreparable damage to the poultry industry and human health.

Morphometric study of red blood cells in sloughi and german shepherd dogs

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of the age, the sex and the breed on the diameter, the circumference and the surface area of red blood cells in the dog. Samples were taken from 88 local Sloughi and German shepherd dogs, and the morphometric study was done using OPTIKA Vision Pro software. The obtained data indicated that the age and the sex had no influence on the three morphometric parameters of erythrocytes (P>0.05). However, the breed seemed to have a significant effect only on the diameter of erythrocytes, in this case: red blood cells of local Sloughi dogs were bigger than those of the German Shepherd (P<0.001). The breed had no influence on the circumference and surface area of erythrocytes. This study allows us to propose new reference values for the circumference and the surface of erythrocytes in Sloughi and German Shepherd dogs; these both parameters appear most representative as to mark changes in the morphometry of red blood cells.

Detection of toxic shock toxin (tst) gene in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine milk samples

Abstract: Staphylococcus aureus is a major causative pathogen of clinical and subclinical mastitis in dairy cattle all over the world. This agent produces a variety of extracellular toxins and virulence factors including toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) which is the major cause of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). In the present study, 76 S. aureus isolates have been obtained from milk samples collected from 7 dairy herds in Hamedan province of Iran. The isolates were identified based on the biochemical and molecular methods using PCR amplification of the femA gene. The staphylococcal isolates were also examined for the presence of TSST-1 (tst) encoding gene. This gene was detected in only one S. aureus isolate (1.3%). The results revealed that S. aureus strains causing bovine mastitis may potentially produce staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome toxin-1, indicating that it is very important to follow the presence of TSST-1 producing S. aureus isolates in foodstuffs to protect consumers against the risk of toxic shock syndrome.

Levamisole improves histomorphometric parameters of small intestinal wall of broiler chickens.

Abstract: Sixty one-day old chickens were divided into 6 equal groups and treated with 0, 2, 5, 10, 15 and 25 mg/kg levamisole from day 1 to 45. Then, all birds sacrificed and samples were taken from duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Cross-sections were made and H&E stained. Histomorphometric parameters including villus height, crypt depth, villus width, sub mucosal width, muscular layer width and the villus height/crypt depth ratio were determined. Duodenal villi became wider in all levamisole treated groups but only the highest dose resulted in taller villi. Jejunal villi became taller without significant change in their width. This was accompanied by a decrease in crypt depth and increased villus height/crypt depth ratio in all treated groups. In ileum, only birds treated with the highest dose had higher villus height, although levamisole at all doses resulted in wider villi. Sub mucosal width increased in birds treated with 15 and 25 mg/kg levamisole. In conclusion, levamisole can improve histomorphometric parameters of small intestinal wall of broiler chickens. This can partly explain the mechanism for previously described positive effects of levamisole on performance of broilers.

Study on the oxidative changes in milk lipids, induced by subclinical mastitis and different milking regimes in cows

Abstract: The fatty acid composition, the amount of free fatty acids and primary and secondary products of oxidation were investigated in relation to quality of raw cows milk produced and stored at a farm with a central milk duct. Raw milk samples were collected from the evening milking, from bulk milk (evening and morning milkings) and from animals with signs of subclinical mastitis. It was established that bulk milk and the milk from cows with subclinical mastitis contained more shortand mediumchain saturated fatty acids (С4:0 to С16:0) and less long-chain unsaturated fatty acids (С18:1 and С18:2), mainly because of the altered amount of oleic and linoleic acids. In mastitic milk, apart the increased somatic cell counts, increased values of free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were found out, while total phospholipids were decreased. Similar tendencies in FFA, peroxide value and MDA were established in bulk milk samples. The main reason for these changes were oxidative chanhges in bulk milk in the milk collection tank.

Evaluation of kinetic behaviour of two preparations of tylosin administered in beehives for american foulbrood control

Abstract: Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry, National University of La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Chair of Applied Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, National University of La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Scientific Research Commission (CIC–PBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina

Diagnosis of paratuberculosis in fresh and paraffin embedded samples by histopathology, PCR and immunohistochemistry techniques.

Abstract: R. KHEIRANDISH, M. SAMI, M. KHALILI, K. SHAFAEI & S. AZIZI Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran; Department of Food Science and Technology, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Graduated Student, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

Effect of levamisole on active antibody titres and histomorphometric parameters of immune organs in broiler chickens.

Abstract: Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Alborz, Iran; Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Poultry Disease Diagnostics Section, Center of Iran Veterinary Organization Laboratory, Tehran, Iran; Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Specialized Veterinary Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Tyrosine hydroxylase positive nerves and mast cells in the porcine gallbladder

Abstract: The aim of this study was to detect the localisation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive nerve fibres (THN) and distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase positive mast cells (THMC) in the wall of porcine gallbladder. THN were observed as single fibres, nerve fibres forming perivascular plexuses and nerve fibres grouped within the nerve fascicles. In the gallbladder`s fundus, body and neck, the TH fibres formed mucosal, muscular and serosal nonganglionated nerve plexuses. Toluidine blue (TB) staining was used to confirm that the TH positive cells were mast cells. The number of THMC in the propria of gallbladder`s fundus, body and neck was significantly higher than in the muscular and serosal layers in both genders. The number of mast cells in the musculature was higher than in the serosa. The density and location of the THMC were similar to the TB positive (with gamma metachromasia) mast cells in both males and females, and statistically significant difference was not established. In conclusion, original data concerning the existence and localisation of catecholaminergic nerves and THMC distribution in the porcine gallbladder’s wall are presented. The results could contribute to the body of knowledge of functional communication between autonomic nerves and mast cells in the gallbladder.

Virulence gene profiles of Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli isolates from retail raw meat in Iran.

Abstract: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is recognised as toxin producing group of E. coli and one of the most significant foodborne pathogens worldwide. The aim of this study was to detect STEC and determine virulence gene profiles of these pathogens in different kinds of meat and products in Iran. For this reason a total of 182 samples of minced beef, mutton, chicken meat, chicken feet and mechanically separated chicken meat were collected from retail markets for detection of STEC by PCR method. Of the 72 E. coli isolated from examined samples, 29 of them were STEC. The highest presence of STEC was detected in minced beef (23.5%) followed by chicken feet (15%), mutton (13.3%), mechanically separated chicken meat (12.5%) and chicken meat (5.5%) respectively. In addition the results of PCR assay indicated that 21 (72.4%) and 4 (13.7%) of isolates carried stx2 and eaeA genes respectively. However, according to the results stx2 was the most prevalent gene detected in all kinds of examined samples. Our findings showed that evaluation of the prevalence and virulence factors of this pathogen seems necessary considering the increasing importance of STEC as one of the most significant foodborne pathogens.

Perineal squamous cell carcinoma in a goat: a case report

Abstract: A 4.5-year old female native Iranian goat was presented with history of an irregularly shaped and cauliflower-like non ulcerated mass that affected the perineum which gradually increased in size. The tumour covered the entire orifice of the anus and extended to the dorsal aspect of the vulva. The mass were excised from the base. On cut-section, reddish white fleshy soft surface with 4×3.5×1 cm dimensions was observed. The enlarging tissue appeared 3 months earlier to presentation as a small neoplastic tissue. The peripheral lymph nodes were normal. There was no evidence of another cutaneous lesion or of metastasis to other organs. Histopathological examination revealed a welldifferentiated squamous cell carcinoma displaying central pearls of keratin and a dense fibrous stroma. The tumour cell was large and had an abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm with slightly enlarged hyperchromatic nuclei. They will often produce large amounts of keratin, resulting in the formation of extracellular keratin pearls. Tumour cells showed hyperchromatism and mitotic figure in some areas. Based on histopathological characteristics the tumour was diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma.

Blastocysts production and collection in albino syrian hamster using superovulation and intraute­rine artificial insemination in non-breeding season

Abstract: In vivo blastocyst production and collection using superovulation and intrauterine insemination was established in albino Syrian hamsters. Twenty female albino hamsters were injected pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG, 25 IU) in non-breeding season and 48 h or 56 h later, 25 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) were injected. Both groups were divided into two subgroups of natural mating and artificial insemination. The former group was mated with a fertile male (1 male for 2 females) after hCG injection and in the next morning, the hamsters with vaginal plug were regarded as pregnant. In the artificial insemination group, intrauterine artificial insemination of 1×10 sperms was done 12 h after hCG injection. Blastocysts were counted at 3.5 days after mating or insemination. However, 48 h and 56 h hCG and natural mating and 48 h hCG and artificial insemination were without blastocyst; however the method of 56 h hCG and artificial insemination produced of 15±5 (mean and standard deviation) blastocysts in each albino hamster in the winter.

Occurrence of haemangiosarcoma on the gingiva of a calf: a case report

Abstract: S. AZIZI, M. AMIRMOHAMMADI, R. KHEIRANDISH, Z. DAVOODIAN & M. GOODARZI Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran; Jiroft Branch, Islamic Azad University, Young Researchers Club, Jiroft, Kerman, Iran; Graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran; Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord Branch, Shahrekord, Iran

Histopathologic findings in multicentric placental chorangioma with trophoblastic proliferation in a sheep

Abstract: The present study described chorangioma in a sheep with clinical signs of dystocia. During surgery, foetus was not found and both of the uterine horns were distended with a lot of liquid. Multiple welldemarcated nodules of firm consistency, yellow-tan colour and 2.5–4 cm diameter were projected from the cotyledons into the lumens. Histopathologically, the nodules showed expanded chorionic villi composed of proliferated blood vessels in a variable amount of loose perivascular stroma. Syncytial trophoblast cells with hyperchromatic nucleus were dispersed in the tumour’s parenchyma. Based on pathologic characteristics and according to the abundant vascular proliferation and nodular form, a neoplastic lesion named chorangioma was diagnosed. To the author’s knowledge, it is the first report of chorangioma in sheep.

Serological evidence of Coxiella burnetii infection among companion dogs in Fars Province, South Iran

Abstract: Coxiella burnetii is an important zoonosis at a global scale. The epidemiological role of dogs in transmission of Q fever has recently been demonstrated, but there is still a dearth of information on the subject. The aim of present study was to evaluate the occurrence and seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii infection among companion dogs population in Fars province, South Iran. Blood samples were collected from 181 asymptomatic dogs, mostly referred to Veterinary Hospital of Shiraz University for regular vaccination. The IgG antibody detection against C. burnetii was made by indirect Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), employing C. burnetii phase I and II antigens. A logistic regression model was developed to analyse multiple risk factors associated with seropositivity. Specific antibodies against C. burnetii were detected in 14 (7.7%) cases, 12 with S/P% of 20– 50% and 2 with S/P% greater than 80%. Prevalence was significantly higher in adult dogs above 5 years (18.18 %; 2 out of 11) compared with dogs between 1 and 5 years (7.86 %; 7 out of 89) and less than 1 year (6.17%; 5 out of 81) (P=0.043). Prevalence was also higher in male dogs (11.21 %; 12 out of 107) than in female (2.7 %; 2 out of 74) (P=0.035). Breed, type of housing, type of food and exposure to other farm animals showed no significant differences between positive and negative cases (P>0.05). The results of this study showed the presence of C. burnetii infection among the companion dogs population in Iran, which could be a public health concern for humans. In areas like Iran, where human cases of Q fever are not common or remain unreported, the public health implications of Q fever seroprevalence in dogs are quite significant.