Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine
Volume:7 Issue: 3, Summer 2013

The H9N2 subtype of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) has been isolated in multiple avian species in many European, Asian, African and American countries. Since the first outbreak of H9N2 virus in Iran in 1998, this virus has widely circulated throughout the country, resulting in major economic losses in chicken flocks. Several amino acids in the virus ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex including the nucleoprotein (NP) and polymerase (PB2, PB1 and PA) proteins are associated with host range and virulence. Our aim was to understand the molecular characterization of RNP complex proteins of Iranian H9N2 subtype isolates. The full length nucleotide sequences of RNP complex genes of two strains designated as Ck/IR/ZMT-101/98 and Ck/IR/EBGV- 88/10 were amplified and sequenced. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that both strains were located in different sub-lineages. However, based on the genetic similarities, PB1, PAand NP genes of Ck/IR/EBGV-88/10 strain had a close relationship with a H7N3 subtype strain, isolated from Pakistan. Most positions of RNP proteins contained amino acids typical of avian determinants of host range. The results showed that the Iranian RNP complex genes have undergone genetic reassortment. Continuous AIV monitoring in poultry industry would help to obtain more information about genetic variation of H9N2 viruses and possible emergence of virulent and/or pandemic viruses.

The bacterial contamination of fertile eggs is the most common cause of embryonic death in ostrich hatchery units leading to financial loss in ostrich industry. The aim of this research was to investigate the bacterial contamination status, with emphasis on Escherichia coli, of ostrich hatcheries and the antimicrobial resistance profile of isolated Escherichia coli. Atotal of 120 ostrich eggs with dead embryos, at weekly intervals, were collected from three ostrich hatcheries. The dead embryos were sent to laboratory and samples were collected aseptically from different organs. Bacterial detection and identification were performed by using standard bacteriological and biochemical techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was carried out by agar diskdiffusion method against 27 antimicrobial agents. Different types of bacteria were isolated from 56 eggs (46.7%). Twenty-four ostrich eggs were shown to carry E. coli. In some eggs, in addition to yolk sac, E. coli was also isolated from meconium, liver, or heart blood which increased the total number of E. coli isolates to 32. All E. coli isolates were susceptible to trimethoprim + sulphamethoxazole, danofloxacin, and flumequine, whereas all were resistant to carbenicillin and erythromycin. Resistance to other agents was variable. Multi-drug resistance pattern was found among all E. coli isolates and included 2 to 12 drugs. Thirty-two E. coli isolates generated 30 different resistance profiles against 27 antimicrobial drugs. This was the first comprehensive report regarding the bacterial, particularly Escherichia coli, contamination of dead-in-shell ostrich embryos and antimicrobial resistance status of the Escherichia coli isolates from ostrich eggs in Iran.

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Leptospira interrogans. Leptospirosis results in decreased milk production, abortion, stillbirth, infertility and mortality, which causes financial loss in the cattle industry. The aim of this research was to perform a serological and bacteriological study of leptospirosis in 6 industrial dairy herds and 3 feedlots with previous records of leptospirosis in Tehransuburbs in 2011-2012. For the purpose of this study, 408 blood samples from dairy cattle and 154 blood samples from feedlots were collected using sterile 10ml venoject vacutainers from tail vein. Two months later, 118 urine samples were collected from 20% of the two groups of serological negative and positive animals. All serum samples were serologically tested by microscopic agglutination test (MAT), a standard method for serological diagnosis of leptospirosis. The serum samples were tested for antibodies against five live antigens of Leptospira interrogans serovars: Pomona, Grippotyphosa, Hardjo, Icterohaemorrhagiae and Canicola. Urine samples were used for bacteriological isolation of Leptospira spp. Serological results showed that 228 (40.6%) of animals had a positive reaction against one or more serovars. The most prevalent Leptospira serovars was Pomona 118 (40.3%) and the least prevalent was Canicola 4 (1.4%). The most prevalent titer was 1:100, and the highest titer was 1:1600. Also the most seropositive cases were observed in 3 to 4-year-old cows. Bacteriological results revealed that in 11 (9.3%) urine samples Leptospira spp. were isolated, all taken from one feedlot farm. According to the history taken from each farm, the main risk factors were the presence of rodents and low hygienic conditions of the farms. The results of this study revealed that cows could have a major role in maintaining Pomona, Grippotyphosa and Hardjo serovars; indeed, they are a potential zoonotic risk to slaughter house workers, meat inspectors, milkers and farmers.

West Nile virus (WNV) is a vector-borne agent that is maintained within a bird-mosquito cycle. In humans and equids, infection by this agent is usually asymptomatic, or characterized by a mild febrile illness. However, fatal meningoencephalitis or encephalitis may occur. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of WNVinfection and correlation of this organism with host and environmental determinants in horses in Khuzestan province. In 2011-2012, serum samples of 155 horses were randomly collected from 7 zones of Khuzestan province and were examined by ELISAassay. Seroprevalence of WNVinfection was 70.3% (95% CI: 63.1-77.5%). Statistical analysis showed that age, zone, presence of lake, type of bed, time of sampling, staying out of the stable after sunset and the method of insect control are significantly associated with infection (p<0.05) but sex, presence of river, wall condition, presence of rubbish dump and history of disease are not significantly associated with infection (p>0.05). The results of the present study confirm that the WNV infection exists in Khuzestan province. Considering the local weather conditions and the facility of vector-borne transmission, the health authorities should take measures to prevent and control the infection.

Stem cell therapy in small animal medicine is still in its infancy and few in vitro and in vivo research projects regarding animal Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) have been carried out. On the other hand, Cell tracking is the first step of the cell-based therapies and is essential to recognize cell fate post transplantation. The aim of this study was to isolate, characterize, and transduce cBM-MSCs. Canine Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (cBMMSCs) were isolated from bone marrow of dogs and characterized based on morphology, differentiation capacities, and surface marker expressions. For the first time, we labeled cBM-MSCs by GFP-encoding lentiviral vector to track them. cBM-MSCs were successfully isolated and proliferated. Morphologically, these cells were similar to other MSCs from other sources and species and were able to differentiate into osteocytes and adipocytes. cBM-MSCs expressed surface marker CD44 but were not able to express CD34. Approximately, 70% of cells efficaciously expressed GFPafter labeling; We found that GFP labeling is an easy and effective technique to track transplanted cBMMSCs. Our results also provide fundamental information about canine BM-MSCs in order to use in veterinary medicine.

Information regarding serum biochemical profile can reflect cardiovascular performance in animals. Although studies have evaluated the inter-relationship among cardiovascular biomarkers in animals and human beings, there are no reports of such a probable relationship in camelids. The aim of the present study was to provide data on the correlations among cardiovascular biomarkers in different ages of clinically healthy male dromedary camels to provide a basis for assessing cardiac muscle healthiness in this species. Thirty clinically healthy dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) were selected and divided into four age groups including 1-3 (n=7), 4-6 (n=7), 7-9 (n=8), and above 10 (n=8) years old. Blood samples were collected and sera were separated. Serum concentrations of homocysteine (Hcy), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase-myocardial specific isoenzymes (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were evaluated. The results of the present study showed that there were significant correlations among cTnI and CK-MB (r=-0.853; p=0.015) and Hcy (r=0.916; p=0.004) in the 4 to 6-years-old group of clinically healthy male dromedary camels. LDH was significantly correlated with CK-MB in the 7 to 9-year-old group (r=-0.710; p=0.045). There were no significant correlations among different factors of 1-3 and above 10-year-old groups (p>0.05). The data provided here is the first report on cardiac health assessment parameters in dromedary camels. Moreover, the data is valuable in camel racing clubs, when an overall cardiac health and fitness is to be assessed. The correlation reported here might also be helpful for easier analysis of cardiac health status in dromedary camels. The data may be useful for assessing suspected cases of myocardial diseases and its changes maybe of prognostic value.

Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, a species of bacteria that is distributed worldwide. In cattle, Coxiella burnetii infections are generally asymptomatic but can also be associated with reproductive disorders. The aim of this study was to achieve molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii in dairy bovine milk farms using Nested PCR in Qom province, Iran. From January to February 2011 (winter) and July to September 2011(summer) a total of 100 bovine bulk milk samples were equally collected from five areas of Qom. The nested PCR assay used to screen for C. burnetii was designed from the nucleotide sequence of the com1 gene encodin a 27-kD outer membrane protein (OMP). In this study, 14% (14 of 100) of bulk milk were positive. These results support the hypothesis of high prevalence and endemic pattern of Q fever in Qom province of Iran.

Uncontrolled application of diazinon (DZN) can cause environmental contamination and adverse health effects on humans or animals. This study aimed to investigate the toxic effects and the level of DZN in serum and tissues of rabbits following a sub acute dermal exposure to toxicant. Different doses of DZN were applied daily to New Zealand rabbits through the ear skin in incremental doses for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and the end of each dose-week period. Tissue samples were collected from brain, muscle, kidney and liver on day 28, after euthanizing the rabbits. DZN contents of the blood and tissue samples were measured using a reversed phase HPLC system. Clinical observations indicated signs of toxicity in the animals exposed to DZN as shown by diarrhea and body weight loss from day twenty. The level of DZN in the blood elevated with enhancing exposure time and reached the highest level at the end of the fourth week (0.620±0.26ppm). The highest level of DZN was found in the brain tissue (0341±0.015 ppm). The results of this study revealed the tissue accumulation and subsequent toxic effects of DZN following the subacute dermal exposure to the toxicant. It suggests that the determination of the toxicant level in the serum or tissue can be a monitoring method for the detection of the contamination rate.

The presence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and antibiotic residues in milk and milk products is a public health concern. Milk and milk powder have the potential for introducing AFM1 and antibiotic into human diet. In recent years, milk powder has been used on a large scale in dairy factories. Consequently, antibiotic residues and aflatoxin contamination control in these products has gained importance. The aim of this survey was to determine the level of β-lactam and tetracycline antibiotic residues and also AFM1 contamination of milk powder used in Tehran dairy factories. During 12 months (September 2011 to September 2012), 240 samples of milk powder were collected from ten Tehran dairy factories. All samples were analyzed for the presence of AFM1 using ELISA technique. In addition, antibiotic residues were determined by BetaStar Combo test, a rapid assay for both β-lactam and tetracycline antibiotics. The samples depicted positive results i.e. 30% and 17.5% for β-lactam and tetracycline antibiotics, respectively. Also, AFM1 was found in 155 cases (64.6%) with an average concentration of 29.85 ± 18.99 ng/ L. The results showed the milk powder used by dairy factories is safe in respect of AFM1 contamination and antibiotic residues in Tehran.

Anaplasma platys, previously known as Ehrlichia platys, which causes infectious canine cyclic thrombocytopenia, has not been extensively studied in Southeast Asia. Recent reports in the region have been limited to ticks and dogs in Thailand, and to ticks in the Philippines. In this report, DNAfragments of A. platys were molecularly detected in a dog in the Philippines. Apitbull puppy exhibited pancytopenia (WBC: 3.5 x103/μL, PCV: 11.5%, RBC: 1.2 x106/μL, HGB: 3.7 g/dL, platelet count: 24 x103/μL), hepatitis, elevated alanine amino transferase (127 u/L), and splenomegaly. Inclusion bodies in the platelets were also seen in the blood smears of this case. A. platys sequences obtained in the present study revealed 100% homology with A. platys previously detected in a Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick in the country. This study documents the first reported case of A. platys infection in dogs in the Philippines, and adds knowledge to the current vector-borne disease epidemiology in Southeast Asia.