Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine
Volume:17 Issue: 4, Autumn 2023

Studies describing antagonistic activity and disease resistance efficacy of potential probiotics towards lactococcosis caused by Lactococcus garvieae, Lactococcus lactis, Lactococcus piscium, and Lactococcus raffinolactis are limited. Most studies have focused on lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and less attention has been paid to Bacillus probiotics or other gram-positive or gram-negative members. Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Leuconostoc, and Enterococcus are the most common genera of LAB tested towards L. garvieae either in in vitro or in vivo assays, and the obtained results are promising. Although strains of Flavobacterium, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, and Vibrio genera have shown antibacterial activity against L. garvieae, further work is required to confirm such inhibition activity, particularly by disease resistance bioassays. recently, gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria strains have demonstrated antimicrobial inhibition towards L. garvieae in postbiotics, but details of their mode of action warranted further studies. This review addresses the probiotic therapy for lactococcosis in aquaculture and discusses the present gaps.

Septic arthritis affects ruminant welfare because, if left untreated, it can cause chronic pain and limit the mobility of affected joints. This study aimed to investigate the clinical and pathological changes in arthritic bovine calves.  The study was conducted on 12 calves with swollen knees or carpal joints. All calves were evaluated through clinical, radiographic, and ultrasonographic examination. Peripheral blood was aspirated from each to assess hematobiochemical changes. Synovial fluid and infected swab samples were subjected to bacteriological analysis, and a synovial biopsy was taken for histological examination.  Ultrasound revealed inflammatory effusions with various echogenicity in the afflicted joint capsule, while radiography showed remarkable swelling of joints and surrounding structures and the development of new bone. Regarding hematological variables, the value of total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate significantly (P<0.05) increased in septic arthritic calves compared to healthy calves. In the arthritis group, the serum concentration of alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and aspartate aminotransferase was considerably (P<0.05) higher than in healthy calves. The total protein and urea values were significantly (P<0.05) decreased in calves with infected arthritis. From the synovial fluid and purulent discharge of the joints, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were isolated. Histopathology of synovial tissue revealed chronic suppurative inflammation with intense hyperplasia of joint synovium. The results of this study may aid veterinarians in effectively diagnosing and treating septic arthritis in calves.

The pure-bred Barb horse is a beloved breed from the Great Maghreb. Despite the breed’s prominence in Algeria, no gestational hematological or biochemical research has been done on this breed. This study aimed to compare the hematological and biochemical parameters of pregnant and non-pregnant Barb mares in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy. From 12 pregnant and 6 non-pregnant mares, 102 venous blood samples were taken, and their glucose (Glu), cholesterol (Cho), triglycerides (TG), total protein (TP), urea (Urea), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), iron (Fer), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) were assessed as biochemical variables. Also, red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, white blood cells, and platelets were all measured as hematological variables. The levels of ALP, ALT, GGT, and P decreased significantly throughout gestation, while Ca, TG, Fe, and Glu levels increased. AST concentrations decreased in the second and third trimesters, whereas Cho levels increased in the first and second trimesters. Urea levels increased significantly in the third trimester, and FRAP showed significant differences at different stages of pregnancy. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was significantly lower in the first and second trimesters, and hemoglobin values were significantly lower in the second trimester. The mean value of white blood cell count was slightly higher in late pregnancy, while platelet values significantly increased throughout all trimesters. The study provides valuable information on the changes in hematological and biochemical parameters during pregnancy in Barb mares. These findings can be used as a reference for future studies on the reproductive physiology of this breed.

The pharmacologic and toxicological response to different drugs vary according to the type and breed of the animal. This investigation was carried out to compare the toxic effects of azithromycin on chickens and quails. The animals of each kind were divided into 3 groups; the first group served as the control and received just distilled water; the second and third groups received different doses of azithromycin (5% and 10% of the median lethal dose) over 5 days. Compared to quails, the LD50 in chicks was substantially higher. Both chicks and quails treated with high doses of azithromycin showed a substantial difference in neurobehavioral and motor measures. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glutathione decrease in chicks receiving the high dose of azithromycin, whereas, in quail, the prior impact was present in both doses. With the cholinesterase activity in quails and chicks being inhibited, a high dose of azithromycin dramatically raised the level of caspase-3 in the quail. We observed severe diffuse vacuolar degeneration in hepatocytes with infiltration of inflammatory cells in quails and chicks in the high dose and less severe effects in quail and chicks in the lower dose. In quails’ livers, tumor necrosis factor-(TNF)-α was strongly expressed at high and weakly at low doses. Still, in chickens’ livers, TNF-α expression was moderate at high and low at low doses. At the same percentages and dose of the LD50 in both quails and chicks, azithromycin causes severe toxic effects in quails but less toxic effects in chickens.

The immune system of the dromedary has remained a subject that has not been extensively researched in immunology. Researchers in morphology and immunology have long sought to delve into the structure and function of the dromedary’s immune system to gain a deeper understanding of its mechanisms and potential applications in human and animal health. This study aims to elucidate the histological architecture and cellular composition of the lymph nodes in the indigenous dromedary breed of the El Oued region in Algeria and to compare the results with those of prior investigations of lymph node structures in other mammalian species. Hematoxylin, eosin stain, and Masson’s trichrome stain techniques were used for histological analysis. In contrast, methylene blue, eosin, and May-Grünwald Giemsa staining techniques were used for cytological analysis. The study data were collected and analyzed using qualitative and quantitative methods to identify the histological and cellular features of the lymph nodes. Our study revealed that the lymphatic follicles in the dromedary’s lymph nodes have a higher concentration of lymphocytes within the follicles’ germinal center than other species. The lymph nodes were observed to be divided into conglomerates. The cytological study showed that the major cellular population consisted of lymphocytes, followed by macrophages and reticulocytes according to the localization and the functional zone. The study provided novel insights into the architecture and cellular composition of the lymph nodes of dromedaries, distinct from those of other species. These findings may have implications for the understanding and treatment of immune-related conditions in dromedaries.

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK or “pink eye”) is the most common infectious ocular disease in cattle worldwide. In addition to Moraxella bovis as the principal causative agent, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (BHV-1) and Mycoplasma species probably act as risk factors for IBK.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between the detection of Mycoplasma sp., bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1), and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in the conjunctival sac of the eye and IBK.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect Mycoplasma sp., BHV-1, and BVDV in samples collected from IBK-affected and healthy eyes.

Based on the PCR results, Mycoplasma sp. was detected in 63.6% and 47.2% of IBK-affected and healthy eyes, respectively. BHV-1 was detected in 59.1% and 36.1% of affected and healthy eyes, respectively. BVDV was detected in 65.9% and 58.3% of affected and healthy eyes, respectively. BHV-1 was the only agent significantly (P<0.05) associated with IBK lesions (isolated from 59.1% of affected vs 36.1% of healthy eyes). 

Based on the study results, BHV-1 may be a risk factor in the pathogenesis of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis, and mechanisms other than immune depression might be involved in its pathogenicity.

Cell therapy is applied in tendonitis to speed the healing process of tendon tissue and restore its functional properties. Almost all types of stem cells can differentiate from the recipient cells after transplantation.

The main goal of this study is to compare the effects of two sources of mesenchymal stem cells on tendon regeneration.

This study randomly divided 32 New Zealand rabbits into 4 groups. The bacterial collagenase was induced at the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) of all rabbits, and the treatment was performed 48 hours after collagenase induction. Group 1 was treated with allogeneic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs). Group 2 was treated with adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) from the patellar ligament fat pad. Group 3 (sham group) was treated with 0.9% normal saline, and group 4 (control group) was left with no treatment. All rabbits were euthanized 2 and 4 weeks after surgery, and tendon samples were harvested. The histopathology was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin, Masson’s trichrome, and Vangieson’s dye, and tendon structure, fiber arrangement, cell nuclei, tissue inflammation, vascularity (angiogenesis), and density were surveyed.

The tendon healing process in the BMMSC and ADSC groups revealed better regeneration than the control and sham groups (P≤0.05). Significant changes (P≤0.05) in some microscopic parameters were seen by comparing the BMMSC and ADSC groups.

According to the present study, the injection of mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs or ADSCs) showed beneficial results in tendon tissue healing. Furthermore, ADSCs showed better regeneration of the injured tendon tissue than BMMSCs.

Salmonellosis is increasingly recognized as a worldwide public health concern. Salmonella Infantis can infect both humans and animals, including poultry. It has been one of the most reported isolated serovars from different parts of the world. Although some research has been carried out on the pathogenesis of S. Infantis, little scientific understanding of its pathogenesis is available.

This study aimed to analyze the virulence genes of S. Infantis recovered from different sources of poultry in Iran.

Six virulence genes of 54 S. Infantis strains originated from broiler feces, poultry processing, and broiler carcasses were examined. Gene-specific polymerase chain reactions were designed and employed to detect the presence or absence of 6 important virulence genes (sopB, sopE, sitC, pefA, sipA, and spvC) in 54 S. Infantis isolates.

In this study, sopE, sitC, pefA, sipA, and sopB virulence genes were detected in 51(94.4%), 49(90.7%), 26(48.1%), 15(27.7%), and 5(9.2%) isolates, respectively. The spvC gene was not detected in any of the isolates. 

In the present study, a remarkably identical profile was found on virulence genes’ presence in isolates recovered from broiler feces and poultry processing plant sources, that is a public health concern. However, more S. Infantis isolates from various poultry sources, and human origin should be examined and analyzed. The findings of this survey can help the health researchers better understand the pathogenesis and epidemiology of S. Infantis in Iran.

Usually, the daily self-grooming by rabbits leads to fur accumulation in the animal’s stomach. Since rabbit hair is looser than other animals and constantly licks their body, the fur can be pulled out easily. On the other hand, rabbits are susceptible to urinary stone formation. 

This study was designed to investigate the presence of hairballs and urinary stones in Razi Institute Laboratory rabbits. 

During the 1 year, the albino Dutch laboratory rabbit colony, in research, breeding, and production of the Laboratory Animals Department of Razi Institute, including 106 males, 287 females, and 166 kittens, were monitored. After the necropsy of the selected animals, the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines) were examined for the presence of hair and hairballs. Then the urinary system (kidneys, ureter, urinary bladder, and urethra) was examined for any urinary stones.

No symptoms of anorexia, lethargy, abdominal pain, weight loss, decrease and abnormal stools were observed in them, and also no mortality occurred in the whole colony. All samples’ stomach was full, indicating enough eating. No gas or congested spots, or hemorrhage were observed in the intestines. The amount and consistency of stool in the intestines were normal. In none of the samples, hairballs were observed, but in most rabbits’ stomachs (both sexes), a small amount of hair was observed in the stomach contents. Also, no symptoms of urinary stones were observed in the colony of the studied rabbits.

Balanced diet, supply of nutritional requirements, and the absence of any stressors in breeding environments have played a key role and prevented many diseases, such as hairballs and urinary stones. No observation of urinary stones in this study could lead to the hypothesis that infection with the bacteria that cause urinary stones in the studied rabbits was eliminated or non-pathogenic, indicating specific pathogen-free animals. However, bacterial and other infectious agent monitoring should be specialized.

Brucellosis is one of the most important and common diseases among humans and animals, with great health and economic significance.

This study aimed to investigate some risk factors of brucellosis infection in Iranian dairy farms.

This study is a herd-level case-control study on dairy farms. Case dairy farms (95 dairy farms) included all registered cases of disease during 14 months of studying with at least one positive serum cow (Rose Bengal, Wright, and 2-mercaptoethanol tests consecutively) and control dairy farms (95 dairy farms) in the condition of at least two disease-free years were selected and matched due to the capacity, and geographical area with case dairy farms. The obtained data were analyzed by the multivariate conditional logistic regression test and SPSS software, version 20.

According to the statistical relationship between studying independent variables and brucellosis infection in herd, the hygiene and disinfection of watering points (washing at least three times a week and using detergent or disinfectant) reduce the risk of brucellosis infection (OR=0.04, 95% CI, 0.003%-0.499%) and factors such as the history of abortion (OR=7.01, 95% CI, 1.51%-32.59%), the replacement of livestock from outside (OR=7.87, 95% CI, 1.07%-58.07%) and introducing new livestock during last 12 months (OR=7.27, 95% CI, 1.20%-43.90%) increase the risk of brucellosis infection.

More serious attention to rancher training, the observance of hygienic principles, and legal restriction of livestock displacement are among the recommended strategies to prevent brucellosis infection on the farm.

Although sperm cryopreservation seems to be an efficient technique for distributing competent sperm for artificial insemination, the process affects the quality of post-thawed sperm.

This study was designed to see how the novel mitochondria-targeted antioxidant “Mito-TEMPO” affected buck sperm quality during cryopreservation. 

After proper semen samples collection, they were diluted and divided into 5 equal groups and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen with 0, 1, 10, 100, and 1000 µM Mito-TEMPO. Sperm motility, lipid peroxidation, abnormal morphology, acrosome integrity, membrane integrity, and viability were all evaluated after thawing. 

When the freezing extender was supplemented with 10 µM Mito-TEMPO, total motility, progressive motility, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, and viability increased (P≤0.05), while lipid peroxidation decreased (P≤0.05). 

Finally, the novel mitochondria-targeted antioxidant “Mito-TEMPO” could be introduced as an effective cryo-additive to improve buck semen quality parameters during cryopreservation.

Oxidative stress and inflammation are strictly connected, and both perform an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus (DM).

This research aimed to investigate the potential protective effect of kudzu root against oxidative stress and inflammation in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM animal model.

DM was induced in male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (50 mg/kg body weight). The kudzu root (100 mg/kg BW) was administered orally after 1 week of STZ administration in diabetic animals (for 6 weeks).

The diabetic animals exhibited a significant increase in fasting blood glucose, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and malondialdehyde levels. However, they exhibited a significant decrease in plasma insulin level, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activity. Administration of kudzu root to diabetic animals reversed these effects.

The current study indicated that kudzu root has potent antidiabetic properties, likely through its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties in the STZ-diabetic rat model.

Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) is a tiny colorful parrot and one of the most popular pets worldwide. This study was performed on a 5-year-old male budgerigar with a large and fluid-filled mass in the anterior part of the neck. Fine needle aspiration was accomplished to determine tumor origin, and the tumor content was cultured on blood and MacConkey agars (aerobic and anaerobic conditions). Besides, tumor ultrasonography and whole-body radiographs were done in the lateral and ventrodorsal positions. Finally, the tumor was removed, fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E). The radiology and ultrasonography results showed that the tumor (5.2×4×3.7 cm) had a homogenous structure filled with echogenic fluid content. The tumor content culture revealed no bacterial growth. Histopathologically, the mass was composed of cystic spaces with invagination of the lining epithelial cells, forming intraluminal papillae. The tumor was diagnosed as a papillary cystadenocarcinoma.

Agnathia is one of the first pharyngeal arch deformities referred to as mandibular abnormality. This case report aimed to describe an unusual form of agnathia-otocephaly in a Mehraban ewe-lamb accompanied by other malformations. The scrutiny of the lamb’s face indicated a chain of abnormalities in the head region. Lack of mandible, lips, rima oris, oral cavity, tongue, and teeth were recognized. Eyes and ear lobes were normal, but the base of the pinnae met each other ventral to the atlantooccipital joint and formed a single external acoustic meatus there. The nostrils were normally formed, but the philtrum was not formed due to the lack of lips, especially the upper lip. The hyoid apparatus was normally developed. The laryngopharynx had no connection with the nasopharynx and dead end. Also, the nasal cavities ended blindly because of rinopharyngeal aplasia and no choanal foramen. So, the abnormal pharyngeal region caused a non-functional respiratory system followed by death.