مجله تحقیقات دامپزشکی
سال هشتادم شماره 1 (بهار 1404)

Nowadays, consumers increasingly desire to use probiotic food products. Fruit juices are a good substitute for dairy products carrying probiotic bacteria. Microencapsulation is a suitable method to increase the viability of probiotics in food during storage and processing.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of single- and double-layer microencapsulation of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG by xanthan, chitosan, and alginate on the viability of the probiotic bacteria and the chemical and sensory properties of mango juice during storage for 4 weeks at 25°C and 4°C.

Microencapsulation of L. rhamnosus was done following the extrusion method using xanthan, chitosan, and alginate. The viability of probiotics in mango juice was checked by the surface plate count method during storage for 4 weeks at 4°C and 25°C. Also, pH changes and sensory characteristics of mango juice were evaluated.

At 25°C, the probiotic count of the mango juice containing free bacteria showed a decrease of about 4 logs. The bacterial survival in microencapsulated groups was higher than in the free group. The highest rate of increase in survival was related to the Xn 0.5-Al3 group, so the survival rate of the mentioned microencapsulated bacteria was 71.9% higher than that of the free bacteria in week 4. At 4°C, the bacterial count in the free group showed a decrease of more than 5 logs during storage in 4 weeks. The highest survival rate was observed in the Xn 0.5-Al3 group, which increased the survival rate by 157.2% compared to the free group at week 4. The final pH values in the microencapsulated groups were higher than in the free group. The lowest sensory acceptance in both studied temperatures was observed in the free group, and the sensory rating of the treatments kept at 4°C was higher than at 25°C.

The study results showed that microencapsulation increased the viability of probiotic bacteria and improved the sensory properties of mango juice during storage. Also, the double-layer microencapsulation had a better effect than the single-layer microencapsulation.

Brucellosis is one of the most significant zoonotic diseases affecting humans and animals, posing threats to public health, and causing substantial economic losses. The occurrence of this disease in humans is directly related to its prevalence in livestock. Despite the implementation of prevention and control programs, bovine brucellosis remains endemic in Iran.

This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis and identify the factors influencing the occurrence of the disease in Yazd Province, Iran.

In this cross-sectional study, blood samples were collected from 5,160 cattle from 116 farms in Yazd Province using a two-stage cluster sampling method. Serum samples were tested using serological methods (Rose Bengal test, Wright test, and 2-Mercaptoethanol test). Information regarding risk factors associated with the disease's prevalence was collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using logistic regression analysis.

The seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis was 1.54% at the individual level and 13.17% at the herd level. At the individual level, history of abortion (OR = 12.85, P= 0.007, 95% CI: 2.03-16.81) and history of calving (OR = 1.9, P= 0.000, 95% CI: 1.38-2.62) were identified as risk factors, while the history of vaccination (OR = 0.31, P= 0.005, 95% CI: 0.08-1.13) was recognized as a protective factor against the disease. At the herd level, breeding techniques, use of torching, farmer’s educational level, management of aborted fetus and placenta, introduction of new animals to the herd, and hygiene level were significantly associated with seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis (P<0.05).

This study determined the seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis and its influencing factors in Province Yazd. Mass vaccination, proper management of aborted fetuses and placental membranes, testing and quarantining newly purchased animals before introduction to herds, and comprehensive training for farmers are recommended to prevent brucellosis infections in cattle.

The chamomile plant is rich in steroid compounds, which can prevent the gut closure and increase the absorption of colostrum immunoglobulins by acting on intestinal enterocytes.

In this study, we aim to assess the effect of chamomile extract on immunoglobulin G (IgG) absorption from the colostrum in neonatal lambs.

The extract was obtained from the chamomile plant using the ethanol solvent at 25 mg/mL dose according to a standard method. Then, 20 lambs were divided into four groups: Treatment Group 1 (5.5 mg/kg chamomile extract), Treatment Group 2 (11 mg/kg chamomile extract), Treatment Group 3 (22 mg/kg chamomile extract), and Control Group (normal saline). Immediately after the intravenous administration of the extract or normal saline at birth, colostrum was fed at 8% body weight, and blood samples were taken at 1-48 hours. The sera obtained from the blood samples were measured using the direct ELISA method.

There was no significant difference in serum IgG concentration in group 3 and control group at 48 hours (P=0.865). A significant increase was observed in groups 1 and 2 at 18 hours compared to group 3 and the control group. The difference between the groups 1 and 2 was not significant at 18 and 48 hours (P=0.962).

The chamomile extract at doses of 5.5 and 11 mg/kg body weight can increase the IgG absorption from the colostrum in neonatal lambs.

Leptospirosis is a common disease between humans and animals with a global spread. Serological prevalence of leptospirosis in cats has been reported to be 4.8-35 %, depending on geographical location and different diagnostic methods.

This study aims to assess the seropositivity and urinary polymerase chain reaction (PCR) status of Leptospira spp. in cats with and without renal failure in Iran.

Whole blood and urine samples were obtained from 64 stray cats. Anti-Leptospira antibodies were detected in the sera using a microscopic agglutination test (MAT).  DNA was extracted from the urine of each cat, and direct detection of Leptospira spp was performed in the urine by PCR method. Based on the whole blood count, serum biochemistry profile, and urinalysis, the cats were classified into healthy (without renal failure) and patient group (with acute or chronic renal failure).

Of 64 cats, 12 tested positive for serum titer, and 10 cats tested positive for urine contamination in molecular evaluation. Therefore, the prevalence of leptospirosis infection was reported as 18.75 % and 15.62 % based on MAT and molecular test, respectively. The most common serovars detected serologically were Canicola (n=6) and Ballum (n=4).  Seropositivity for Leptospira spp. was statistically different between groups: 12.5% (7.56) and 62.5% (5.8) in the healthy and patient groups, respectively (P =0.05).  Statistical analysis of the data showed that infection with Leptospira spp. in cats is a risk factor for the development of renal failure (OR: 11.66; 95 %CI: 2.72-56.89; P<0.05).

The prevalence of Leptospira spp. in stray cats in Iran is considerable, which should be considered from a public health perspective and as a potential factor for the development of renal failure.

Computed tomography (CT) is one of the non-invasive diagnostic imaging methods that can show detailed information about the skeletal bones of animals.

This study aimed to conduct the morphological and morphometric analysis of the pelvic bone (Os coxae) of guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) based on CT scan images.

This descriptive cross-sectional study examined 10 guinea pigs (5 males and 5 females) with a mean age of 12 months and a mean weight of 1.12±0.22 kg. Each guinea pig was anesthetized by intramuscular injection of xylazine/ketamine and placed on the CT table in sternal recumbent position. CT scans were taken from the pelvic region on transverse, sagittal and dorsoventral planes. Onis CT software, Multi-Modality Workplace: VE 2.5A software was used for 3D reconstruction of the images. In this study, 24 pelvic parameters for male and female guinea pigs were measured and compared.

The CT could identify the most anatomical structures of the pelvic region. Guinea pigs’ hip bone had an irregular shape on the CT images. All surfaces, borders and angles of the ilium, ischium and pubic bones could be identified. The gluteal and sacroiliac surfaces and cranial edges (iliac crest) of ilium were clear. The cotyloid cavity was like a cup-shaped hallow and its joint and non-joint parts could be separated. The acetabular notch in the inferior part of this cavity was clear. The spines related to sacral prominence were not so clear. Obturator foramen was oval and its longitudinal axis was in the anterolateral direction. The most of pelvic parameters in males were larger than in females, while only three parameters (Midpubis width, symphysis length, and conjugal diameter) were larger in females. The distance between cranial inferior iliac spine and iliopubic eminence and the distance between cranial inferior iliac spine to pubis were significantly smaller in females than in males (P≤0.05).

The results of this research can be used in the identification of anatomical characteristics, examination of different types of guinea pigs, teaching anatomical sciences, and interpretation of CT scan images, as well as in clinical examinations, prevention and treatment of pelvic complications such as diseases related to obstetrics and surgery.

Congenital Mesoblastic Nephroma (CMN), a rare type of neonatal stromal neoplasm also referred to as cystic or leiomyomatous hamartoma, typically develops in the area surrounding the renal hilum, where the blood vessels enter and exit the kidney. Although this disease is uncommon, timely detection and careful observation are crucial for ensuring appropriate treatment and management for affected cases.The two-month-old kitten presented with unrelated clinical symptoms of trauma and lethargy; however, diagnostic imaging led to its diagnosis.Initially, plain radiographs were taken in orthogonal views from the abdominal area and both hind limbs. In addition to the fractures of both femur, an abnormal space-occupying structure with soft tissue opacity was observed in the middle part of the abdominal area, toward the caudal aspect. Serial radiographic examinations of the kidneys and urinary tract (IVP) revealed a massive soft tissue structure displacing left kidney medially. On sonographic examination, a capsulated occupying mass was found attached to the caudal border of the left kidney, containing corpuscular fluids and having common borders with the craniodorsal part of the urinary bladder. Centesis of the capsulated fluid was performed under ultrasonographic guidance, and the presence of blood and urine was confirmed by laboratory analysis. An exploratory laparotomy was performed, and after nephrectomy, the required sample was taken for pathology.Upon examining the pathology of the mass, CMN was confirmed. After surgery, the cat was asymptomatic and did not experience vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or weight loss during the two-week follow-up.