Influence of weather patterns and air quality on ecological population dynamics of ectoparasites in goats.

Ectoparasitism has a damaging impact on the economy of goat production in India, but the factors influencing its distribution and dynamics are less explored. The present study was designed to investigate the influence of environmental factors like weather and air quality parameters on the occurrence of different types of ectoparasites in goats of two agro-climatic regions of India, viz. the Upper Gangetic Plain (UGP) and the Western Himalayas (WH). The prevalence survey for ectoparasitism among goats was conducted during the four distinct climatic seasons (winter, summer, monsoon, autumn) in both regions. The season-wise data of weather parameters (maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity in morning and evening, sunrise and sunset time, mean daily temperature and relative humidity, daily variation in temperature and relative humidity, and day length) and air quality parameters (air quality index (AQI), particulate matter 2.5 µm (PM2.5), particulate matter 10 µm (PM10)) of both regions were analyzed in relation with the ectoparasitic prevalence pattern of corresponding regions. The results depict a noticeable correlation between the studied parameters and seasonal variation in the occurrence of each type of ectoparasites. This outcome on the interaction of studied parameters and ectoparasitism is intriguing and it opens a huge scope for future studies on the biometeorological aspects of host-parasite ecological interplay and evolutionary biology. The better understanding of climatological aspects of ectoparasite occurrences helps goat farmers in formulating appropriate timely intervention strategies for the economic control of ectoparasites, which in turn tackles ectoparasiticidal drug resistance and reduces threat of vector-borne diseases.

Haemato-biochemical alterations and oxidative stress associated with naturally occurring porcine circovirus2 infection in pigs.

Porcine circovirus2 (PCV2) infection in pigs is one of the major causes of economic loss to the farmers in terms of low production, slow growth and increase post-weaning mortality rate. The effect of PCV2 infection on haemogram, serum biochemical profile and oxidant/anti-oxidant status is not well established in pigs. In the present study, haemogram, serum biochemical profile and oxidant/anti-oxidant status were assessed in pigs confirmed positive for PCV2 infections as evidenced by commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit (n = 151) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (n = 42) among a total of 306 number of pigs included in the study. Non-infected healthy pigs (n = 6) served as healthy control. The total erythrocyte count (TEC), haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total leukocyte count (TLC), differential leukocyte count (DLC) and thrombocyte count were measured. The levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and glucose and enzymes viz. alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured. Oxidative stress indicators such as plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and total anti-oxidant activity (TAOA) were measured using commercially available kits. The mean values of TLC, lymphocytes and thrombocyte count were significantly (P < 0.05) low in PCV2-infected pigs. The levels of globulin, AST, GGT, BUN and creatinine were significantly increased (P < 0.05) whereas levels of albumin and glucose significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in PCV2-infected pigs. The significant increase (P < 0.05) in MDA level and significant decrease (P < 0.05) in TAOA level were noticed in PCV2-infected animals as compared with healthy control. The present study supports immunosuppression, possible multiple organ damage and oxidative stress associated with naturally occurring PCV2 infection in pigs. Timely vaccination and managemental practices can reduce PCV2 infection in farms. In spite of many research studies, there is still paucity of detailed systemic study on haemato-biochemical alteration and oxidative stress associated with PCV2 infection.

Haptoglobin and serum amyloid A as putative biomarker candidates of naturally occurring bovine respiratory disease in dairy calves.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in dairy calves. Identification of reliable biomarkers of naturally occurring BRD is essential for ensuring early diagnosis and treatment of calves and monitoring treatment efficacy. This need is punctuated, especially in mild to moderate cases that would greatly help to decrease recurrence and the overall prevalence of BRD. The present study was conducted to investigate the changes in serum concentrations of haptoglobin (Hpt) and serum amyloid A (SAA) and association between oxidative stress and acute phase proteins (APPs) in BRD. Hpt and SAA levels significantly increased (P < .01) in BRD stressed calves as compared to healthy subjects. There was a significant decrease (P < .01) in serum albumin (Alb) concentration of infected calves as compared to controls. The oxidative stress markers revealed a significant (P < .01) increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and a concurrent decrease in activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (R-GSH) and catalase (CAT) in BRD. A significant correlation among APPs, extent of oxidative stress and clinical score (CS) of calves was depicted. A stepwise decrease in Hpt and SAA and increase in Alb was observed in infected calves post-treatment. These results suggest implication of oxidative stress in enhancing APPs and monitoring of APPs as a potential complement to clinical assessment of treatment in calves with naturally occurring BRD. Hpt may be useful as the most sensitive biomarker in BRD. However, the combined use of Hpt and oxidative stress biomarkers would greatly improve the diagnostic accuracy.

Evaluation of antiviral activity of Ocimum sanctum and Acacia arabica leaves extracts against H9N2 virus using embryonated chicken egg model.

BACKGROUND: In the view of endemic avian influenza H9N2 infection in poultry, its zoonotic potential and emergence of antiviral resistance, two herbal plants, Ocimum sanctum and Acacia arabica, which are easily available throughout various geographical locations in India were taken up to study their antiviral activity against H9N2 virus. We evaluated antiviral efficacy of three different extracts each from leaves of O. sanctum (crude extract, terpenoid and polyphenol) and A. arabica (crude extract, flavonoid and polyphenol) against H9N2 virus using in ovo model. METHODS: The antiviral efficacy of different leaves extracts was systematically studied in three experimental protocols viz. virucidal (dose-dependent), therapeutic (time-dependent) and prophylactic (dose-dependent) activity employing in ovo model. The maximum non-toxic concentration of each herbal extracts of O. sanctum and A. arabica in the specific pathogen free embryonated chicken eggs was estimated and their antiviral efficacy was determined in terms of reduction in viral titres, measured by Haemagglutination (HA) and real time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays. RESULTS: All the extracts of O. sanctum (crude extract, terpenoid and polyphenol) and A. arabica (crude extract, flavonoid and polyphenol) showed significant virucidal activity, however, crude extract ocimum and terpenoid ocimum showed highly significant to significant (p < 0.001-0.01) decrease in virus genome copy numbers with lowest dose tested. Similarly, therapeutic effect was observed in all three extracts of O. sanctum in comparison to the virus control, nevertheless, crude extract ocimum and terpenoid ocimum maintained this effect for longer period of time (up to 72 h post-incubation). None of the leaves extracts of A. arabica had therapeutic effect at 24 and 48 h post-incubation, however, only the crude extract acacia and polyphenol acacia showed delayed therapeutic effect (72 h post-inoculation). Prophylactic potential was observed in polyphenol acacia with highly significant antiviral activity compared to virus control (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The crude extract and terpenoid isolated from the leaves of O. sanctum and polyphenol from A. arabica has shown promising antiviral properties against H9N2 virus. Future investigations are necessary to formulate combinations of these compounds for the broader antiviral activity against H9N2 viruses and evaluate them in chickens.

Th1/Th2 immune responses and oxidative stress in caprine flea allergy dermatitis.

Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is the common, often neglected skin disease of goats caused mainly by Ctenocephalides felis. This study aimed to evaluate the immuno-oxidative pathobiology of FAD in goats. Twelve goats from the same herd were divided into two groups of six animals each. The group I (FAD) included animals with natural flea infestation and severe dermatitis lesions. The group II (Healthy control) animals were free from any parasitic infestation. To assess the pathological changes, the markers of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione and total antioxidant capacity), and immune status (Tumour necrosis factor alpha, Interleukin 10, Transforming growth factor beta 1 and Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio) were evaluated from the blood and the serum samples. Remarkable oxidative stress and severe inflammatory response with Th2 cytokine dominance were observed in flea infested animals. Highly antigenic agents of fleas, either secretory or excretory or structural, induced severe inflammatory responses and significant oxidative stress in caprine FAD. Massive release of cytokines may be responsible for severe skin inflammation and lesions in FAD in contrast to other Th2 dominant ectoparasitic skin conditions of goats'.

Immunomodulatory basis of antioxidant therapy and its future prospects: an appraisal.

Antioxidants are agents which can modulate oxidant-antioxidant profile of body system by neutralizing pro-oxidant molecules. The current scientific knowledge on mechanisms of antioxidant activity of biomolecules was critically reviewed with a special emphasis on immunomodulation. The immuno-oxidative wreckage of animals in various disease conditions and the role of biomodulators in curbing the oxidative stress through immune pathways were analyzed. The critical role of immunomodulatory mechanisms in controlling oxidative damage was identified. Selection of antioxidant therapy considering the immunopharmacology of the drug as well as immunological basis of disease may reduce treatment failure and adverse health effects. Hence, it is suggested that future studies on antioxidants may focus on the immuno-oxidative pathobiology to better understand its clinical effects and effective disease management.

Assessment of nebulisation of sodium ceftiofur in the treatment of calves naturally infected with bovine respiratory disease.

Twelve screened cases of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in calves were enrolled. Six of the calves were treated intramuscularly with sodium ceftiofur (1 mg/kg), and six were treated with nebulised sodium ceftiofur (1 mg/kg). Comparative evaluation of the two therapeutic modalities was based on repetitive analysis of hematological profile of calves on days 0, 5, and 10 post-therapy. The mortality rate in the group of calves treated with the nebulised sodium ceftiofur was significantly (p < 0.001) lower, and their clinical and hematological parameters returned to normal significantly (p < 0.001) faster than in calves treated intramuscularly. Nebulisation of sodium ceftiofur is the most effective treatment in calves with BRD under field conditions. Nasal lavage fluid analysis indicating a high rise of neutrophil count and macrophages may be used as an alternative method to detect pulmonary inflammation in BRD-affected calves.

Amantadine resistance among highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (H5N1) isolated from India.

Emergence of antiviral resistance among H5N1 avian influenza viruses is the major challenge in the control of pandemic influenza. Matrix 2 (M2) inhibitors (amantadine and rimantadine) and neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir and zanamivir) are the two classes of antiviral agents that are specifically active against influenza viruses and are used for both treatment and prophylaxis of influenza infections. Amantadine targets the M2 ion channel of influenza A virus and interrupts virus life cycle through blockade of hydrogen ion influx. This prevents uncoating of the virus in infected host cells which impedes the release of ribonucleoprotein required for transcription and replication of virion in the nucleus. The present study was carried out to review the status of amantadine resistance in H5N1 viruses isolated from India and to study their replicative capability. Results of the study revealed resistance to amantadine in antiviral assay among four H5N1 viruses out of which two viruses had Serine 31 Asparagine (AGT-AAT i.e., S31N) mutation and two had Valine 27 Alanine (GTT-GCT i.e., V27A) mutation. The four resistant viruses not only exhibited significant difference in effective concentration 50% (EC50) values of amantadine hydrochloride from that of susceptible viruses (P < 0.0001) but also showed significant difference between two different types (S31N and V27A) of mutant viruses (P < 0.05). Resistance to amantadine could also be demonstrated in a simple HA test after replication of the viruses in MDCK cells in presence of amantadine. The study identifies the correlation between in vitro antiviral assay and presence of established molecular markers of resistance, the retention of replicative capacity in the presence of amantadine hydrochloride by the resistant viruses and the emergence of resistant mutations against amantadine among avian influenza viruses (H5N1) without selective drug pressure.

Determination of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the peripheral blood of dogs with demodicosis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the CD4+/CD8+ ratio in peripheral blood of dogs with localized and generalized demodicosis. Sixteen dogs were examined, 8 with localized and 8 with generalized demodicosis, while 8 healthy dogs were used as controls. Peripheral blood was obtained and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were determined by flow cytometry. Significantly higher numbers of CD8+ T cells and lower numbers of CD4+ T cells were found in dogs with generalized demodicosis compared to dogs with localized demodicosis and healthy controls. Significantly higher numbers of CD8+ T cells and lower numbers of CD4+ T cells were also found in dogs with localized demodicosis compared to healthy controls. The CD4+/CD8+ ratio was also found to be significantly lower in dogs with generalized demodicosis in comparison with dogs with localized demodicosis and healthy controls. It is concluded that significant alteration in the CD4+/CD8+ ratio may be implicated in the pathogenesis of generalized canine demodicosis.

Alterations in hepatic lipid peroxides and antioxidant profile in Indian water buffaloes suffering from sarcoptic mange.

The present study was aimed to examine the status of antioxidants in water buffaloes with sarcoptic mange. Sixty-three buffaloes were divided into three groups, healthy control (group I, n=19), subclinical sarcoptic mange (group II, n=22) and clinical sarcoptic mange (group III, n=22). Lipid peroxides (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), zinc and copper in hepatic tissues and serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations were measured. In comparison to group I, LPO was significantly (P<0.05) higher, while SOD and CAT were significantly (P<0.05) lower in group III. LPO and SOD activities were comparable between group I and II, but CAT was significantly (P<0.05) lower in group II. In group III, zinc, copper and alpha-tocopherol concentrations were significantly (P<0.05) lower than group I. Decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities and trace mineral concentrations suggested that sarcoptic mange in buffaloes is associated with compromise in antioxidant defense and oxidative stress may play important role in pathogenesis.

A study on prevalence and factors associated with ectoparasitism in goats of two agro-climatic regions in India.

The present study was aimed to evaluate the factors associated with prevalence of various ectoparasites among goats during winter season in two different agro-climatic regions of India. A total of 320 goats (Uttarakhand-208; Uttar Pradesh-112) were screened and evaluated for ectoparasitism and associated factors. The occurrence of ectoparasitism in goats was studied in relation with age, sex, breed, housing, agro-climatic region and system of rearing. Prevalence of ectoparasitism among goats of lower Shivalik region (Dehradun and Tehri Garhwal districts) of Uttarakhand and Bareilly district of Uttar Pradesh was 90.38 and 39.29%, respectively. The common ectoparasites observed were chewing lice (Bovicola caprae), sucking lice (Linognathus africanus), fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) and ticks (Haemaphysalis spp.). Among all the ectoparasitic infestation, pediculosis was the most common affection during the study period in both agro-climatic region; chewing lice in Uttarakhand and sucking lice in Uttar Pradesh. Agro-climatic region, breed, immune status, system of rearing and hygiene were highly affecting the prevalence and distribution of ectoparasites among goats. High prevalence of ectoparasitism in the study area warrants the need for formulating appropriate intervention strategies to improve control of ectoparasites and awareness among goat farmers.

A clinically rare occurrence of rectal mucosal prolapse associated with tenesmus in a calf caused by Eimeria sp.

Eimeria sp. is a host-specific intracellular parasite that mostly affects young animals. This parasite causes great economic losses in livestock sector. A 6 weeks old calf was brought to Referral Veterinary Polyclinic, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar with the history of inappetance and passage of foul smelling diarrhoeic feces rich in occult blood and mucous for the last 3 days. On clinical examination, calf was found to be present in lateral recumbency and showed severe tenesmus, prolapsed rectal mucosa along with small quantity of blood mixed feces sticking to the perineum and tail regions. Diagnosis was done based on clinical observations and fecal examination which showed oocysts of Eimeria sp. The prolapsed rectal mucosa was corrected aseptically by manual procedure. The calf was treated with a combination of sulfadimidine and amprolium along with supportive therapy. The calf recovered clinically after 5 days of therapy and further fecal examination showed no evidence of oocysts of Eimeria sp.

Lice induced immuno-oxidative wreckage of goats.

The present study aimed to evaluate the immuno-oxidative patho-biology of lice infestation in goats. Sixty goats were divided into five groups; sucking lice (Linognathus africanus) infested (Group 1, n=12), chewing lice (Bovicola caprae) infested-mild (Group 2, n=12), chewing lice (B. caprae) infested-moderate (Group 3, n=12), chewing lice (B. caprae) infested-severe (Group 4, n=12) and healthy control (Group 5, n=12). To assess the pathological changes, markers of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation-LPO, reduced glutathione-GSH, superoxide dismutase-SOD, Catalase-CAT and total antioxidant capacity-TAC), the markers of immune status (Tumour necrosis factor alpha- TNF-α, Interleukin-10- IL-10, Transforming growth factor beta 1- TGF-ß1, ratios of TNF-α/IL-10 and TNF-α/TGF-ß1) and hemato-biochemical status were evaluated. Significant anemia, hypoglycemia, hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia were observed in caprine pediculosis irrespective of the type of lice infested. Remarkably increased oxidative stress was observed in chewing lice infested goats and no significant changes in oxidative stress markers were observed in sucking lice infested goats. TGF-ß mediated suppression of Th1 and Th2 immune responses was observed in sucking lice infested goats; whereas, a Th2 cytokine dominant inflammatory response was observed in chewing lice infested goats. From the present study, it may be concluded that sucking lice infestation produces remarkable immunosuppression and chewing lice infestation produces significant oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in goats.

Sodium alginate and gum acacia hydrogels of zinc oxide nanoparticles reduce hemolytic and oxidative stress inflicted by zinc oxide nanoparticles on mammalian cells.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles are important nanomaterials currently under research due to their applicability in nanomedicine. Toxicity of ZnO NPs has been extensively studied and has been shown to affect various cell types and animal systems. In this study, we investigated hemolytic potential and oxidative stress inflicted by ZnO NPs and ZnO NPs-loaded-sodium alginate-gum acacia hydrogels on horse erythrocytes and African green monkey kidney (Vero) cells. Our study provides a better understanding of the hemolytic and oxidative effects of interaction of ZnO NPs and ZnO NPs released from polymeric hydrogels with the biological system. Remarkable aggregation of erythrocytes was noted in the higher concentration of ZnO NPs treated erythrocytes as compared to erythrocytes treated with ZnO NPs-loaded hydrogels. ZnO NPs-loaded hydrogels treated Vero cells significantly reduced oxidative stress as evidenced by less malondialdehyde production as compared to that of ZnO NPs treated cells. Normal horse erythrocytes when treated with ZnO NPs in in vitro condition undergo oxidative damage, and contribute in augmenting the toxicity. We demonstrated that polymeric ZnO NPs reduced the undesirable effects provoked by ZnO NPs on mammalian cells.

A rare case of Theileria annulata induced corneal opacity in a calf.

A 10 months old male cross-bred calf was presented in OPD Medicine, Referral Veterinary Polyclinic, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar with the history of anorexia, impaired vision, heavy tick infestation and diarrhoea for the last 1 week. The clinical examination revealed enlarged pre-scapular lymph nodes, prominent cloudiness in eyes and exophthalmos. The presence of Koch blue bodies in biopsied lymph nodes and a PCR assay confirmed it to be bovine tropical theileriosis associated with unique corneal opacity. Treatment with buparvaquone at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg i.m. two doses 48 h apart was successful and typical ocular manifestations completely subsided after 2 weeks of therapy.

Non Infectious Complications Related to Blood Transfusion: An 11 year Retrospective Analysis in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

In India transmission of transfusion transmissible infections (TTI) has shown a relative decrease as a result of mandatory screening of donated blood for TTI's. However, reducing the incidence of non infectious complications poses a major challenge, mainly due to the fact that a number of adverse reactions go unreported. Blood transfusion reaction, can be categorized based on the time interval between transfusion of blood products and the presentation of adverse reactions as acute i.e. those presenting during or within 24 h and as delayed i.e. those presenting anytime after 24 h. Transfusion reactions can further be classified as immune and non immune or infectious and non infectious based on the pathophysiology. In this retrospective study which was undertaken with an aim to determine the type and frequency of non infectious complications due to transfusion of blood and blood products recorded the incidence of febrile non hemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTR) 51.40 %, allergic reactions 40.14 %, non immune hemolytic reactions 4.22 %, hypothermia 2.81 %, anaphylaxis 0.70 % and iron overload 0.70 %. FNHTR which was found to be the most common complication in this study can certainly be minimized, if not completely eliminated by adopting a policy of universal leucodepletion, the implementation of which solely depends on the financial and infrastructure resources available. This study also reiterates the importance of hemovigilance as a tool to improve the safety of blood transfusion.

In vitro growth inhibitory efficacy of some target specific novel drug molecules against Theileria equi.

The in vitro growth inhibitory efficacies of five drug molecules against Theileria equi were evaluated in in vitro cultured parasites. A continuous microaerophilic stationary-phase culture (MASP) system was established for propagation of T. equi parasites. This in vitro culture system was used to assess the growth inhibitory effect of harmaline hydrochloride dihydrate (HHD), hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HDTAB), hesparidin methyl chalcone (HMC), andrographolide and imidocarb dipropionate against T. equi. The 50% inhibitory concentration value of HHD, HDTAB, HMC, and imidocarb dipropionate for T. equi growth were 17.42 µM, 14.00 µM, 246.34 µM and 0.279 µM (equivalent to 0.139 µg/ml), respectively (P<0.05). The andrographolide was not effective in inhibiting in vitro growth of T. equi in the present study. Furthermore, the in vitro cytotoxicity of these five drugs was evaluated on horse PBMC. At 2000 µM concentration of HHD, HDTAB, HMC, andrographolide and imidocarb dipropionate were 8.34, 46.44, 58.53, 31.06, 15.14% cytotoxic on PBMC, respectively. Out of our four tested drug molecules, HHD was having low IC50 value along with least cytotoxicity, as compared to reference drug imidocarb dipropionate. The difference in IC50 value of HDTAB and HHD was significant, but HDTAB was moderately more cytotoxic on PBMC cell lines. HHD and HDTAB are selective inhibitor for heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) and choline kinase pathway. It can be concluded that HHD and HDTAB are potential drug molecules against T. equi parasite by acting on Hsp90 and choline kinase pathway.

Molecular signature of extended spectrum ß-lactamase producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from bovine milk in eastern and north-eastern India.

The present study reports on 23 extended spectrum ß-lactamase producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP), isolated from milk samples (n=340) of healthy cows (n=129) and cows with subclinical (n=159) and clinical (n=52) mastitis, from three different states of India viz. West Bengal, Jharkhand and Mizoram. Seven of them were AmpC type ß-lactamase producers, as well. The ESBL producing KP were significantly (P=0.006, χ2=10.04, df=2) and more frequently detected in milk samples of mastitic cows than healthy ones. The ß-lactamase genes - blaCTX-M, blaTEM and blaSHV were detected in 19, 8 and 3 isolates, respectively. In all but one CTX-M positive isolates, the genetic platform - ISEcp1-blaCTX-M-orf477 was detected. Ten of the isolates carried plasmid mediated quinolone resistance gene - qnrS and 1 isolate possessed qnrB. Again 11 of them were found to have sulfonamide resistance gene - sul1 and 12 possessed class I integron. Sequencing of the class 1 integron revealed the presence of dfrA12/dfrA17 and aadA2/aadA5 gene cassettes conferring resistance to trimethoprim and aminoglycosides, respectively. All the isolates, characterized by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) PCR, yielded distinct fingerprinting profile. However, most of the isolates from Jharkhand were clustered along with two isolates each from West Bengal and Mizoram indicating their clonal relatedness even though isolated from geographically different areas. Isolation of ESBL producing KP from bovine milk samples implies its public health significance; as such pathogens may enter the human food chain causing severe health hazards.