The full genome characterization of avian encephalomyelitis virus, Iran: a vertical transmission case.

Avian encephalomyelitis (AE) is an important infectious poultry disease worldwide that is caused by avian encephalomyelitis virus (AEV). The causative virus can be transmitted both horizontally and vertically. In the present study, an AEV suspected outbreak with typical neurological signs occurred in broilers. Histopathological examination, RT-PCR assay and full genome sequencing were applied to confirm the presence of AEV. Phylogenetic analysis of the full genome sequence showed that the detected AEV strain at 7055 nucleotide length is classified in cluster I and is closely related to vaccinal USA and China originated isolates. Although, the outbreaks of AE in progeny of vaccinated breeders have been reported previously, the source of infection was unknown. Based on the results obtained in this study, the outbreaks are vaccine-originated. This study provides the first whole genome analysis of AEV from Iran and reveals that the AEV possesses a hepatitis C virus-like internal ribosome entry site.

Exotic Animal Practice in West Asia/Middle East.

Middle East is a diverse and developing exotic animal market. Undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing professional development (CPD) education are noticeably absent except in few countries. Avian species are the most commonly kept due to traditional falconry or aviculture. Small mammal and reptile pet numbers are increasing. Endangered wildlife is still illegally kept and trafficked. Common diseases are similar to other continents related heavily with poor diet and husbandry due to uneducated, financially restrained, and prejudiced owners. There is a significant lack of board-certified specialists, teaching facilities, or dedicated private practitioners who thirst for CPD. Clinical research is absent except falcons.

Evaluation of the in vitro and in vivo efficiency of in-feed bacteriophage cocktail application to control Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis infection in broiler chicks.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Bacteriophage (BP) cocktail was partially resistant to different temperatures and pH values.The BP cocktail showed lytic effects on different Salmonella isolates.The BP cocktail reduced Salmonella colonization in the internal organs of broilers.

A molecular survey of Chlamydia spp. infection in commercial poultry and detection of Chlamydia pneumoniae in a commercial turkey flock in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Chlamydiaceae are a group of gram-negative intracellular bacteria which can infect a wide variety of hosts. Some chlamydial agents are capable of crossing the host barrier and though they are potentially a risk to very different species. They also pose a zoonotic risk for human and different chlamydial agents are linked to several medical maladies. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the presence of chlamydial agents in different commercial poultry flocks in Iran was investigated. METHODS: Swab and tissue samples were collected from 435 birds in 24 different commercial poultry flocks. These samples were examined using a Chlamydiaceae-specific real-time PCR assay targeting 23S rRNA gene. Positive samples then were subjected to intergenic spacer rRNA (IGS) gene and major outer membrane protein gene (ompA) PCRs. Finally, positive PCR products were sequenced and analysed. RESULTS: Only one flock of commercial turkey became positive. Partial DNA sequencing of IGS gene revealed that all positive samples from the infected flock were Chlamydia pneumoniae and were identical to previously studied isolates from koala (LPCoLN) and frog (DC9). Further investigations showed slight dissimilarity in ompA gene of C. pneumoniae from different hosts. The detected turkey isolates were located in a different clade of phylogenetic tree, close to Western barred bandicoot and koala isolates. CONCLUSION: C. pneumoniae has passed the cross-species barrier in the past and therefor it could potentially be zoonotic. To the best of authors' knowledge, this is the first report of C. pneumoniae infection in commercial turkey.

Radiologic features of radiolucent foreign bodies ingestion in common mynah (Acridotheres tristis).

BACKGROUND: In mynahs with foreign body ingestion, delayed diagnosis increases the risk of poor outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate various radiologic features on plain and contrast radiographs in mynahs for assessing the presence of ingested foreign bodies. METHODS: In our cross-sectional study, a total of 41 mynahs were included. The diagnosis was made by history, surgery, excision by forceps or excretion in the faeces. Overall, 21 mynahs were considered not to have a foreign body in their gastrointestinal tract. Plain and post-contrast [oral administration of barium sulphate colloidal suspension of 25% weight/volume (20 mg/kg)] lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs from the cervical and coelomic cavity were taken. Different parameters including oesophageal, proventricular, and small intestinal diameters and opacities were assessed. Image evaluation was performed by two national board-certified radiologists blinded to the final diagnoses. RESULTS: The inter- and intra-observer reliabilities of the diagnostic features were significant (p < 0.001). The diagnosis of the foreign body was highly accurate [90.2% (95% CI: 76.9%, 92.3%)] with the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the representative characteristic curve of 90.0%, 90.5%, and 0.93%, respectively for plain radiographs. The size and opacity of the oesophagus, proventriculus, and intestinal loops as well as serosal details were significantly different between mynahs with and without foreign body intake (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Lateral and ventrodorsal plain radiographs are highly reliable for diagnosing the presence of non-opaque obstructing objects in the gastrointestinal tract of mynahs. Attention should be paid to the size and opacity of the oesophagus, extension, and opacity of the proventriculus, segmental opacity of intestinal loops, and decrease in serosal details.

Molecular detection and occurrence of vancomycin resistance genes (van A, B, C1, C2/C3) among Enterococcus species isolated from farm ostriches.

BACKGROUND: Evaluating the prevalence of vancomycin resistance genes (van genes) in enterococcal isolates from food-producing animals is an important public health issue because of the possibility of resistance genes spread to human. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to determine the occurrence of vancomycin resistance genes among Enterococcus species obtained from ostrich faecal samples. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-five faecal samples of apparently healthy ostriches from five different farms were investigated. Genes encoding vancomycin resistance were studied by multiplex-PCR, and susceptibility to six antibiotics was evaluated by disk-diffusion method. RESULTS: In total, 107 Enterococcus spp. isolates were obtained and confirmed by biochemical and molecular tests. Enterococcus faecium was the prevailing species (56 isolates of 107; 52.3%), followed by E. hirae (24 isolates; 22.4%) and E. gallinarum (12 isolates; 11.2%). Of the 107 recovered isolates, 44% harboured at least a type of van genes. vanA, vanC2/3 and vanC1 were identified in 34 (31.7%), 13 isolates (12.1%) and 4 (3.7%) isolates respectively. Additionally, four isolates (E. gallinarum, E. rafinosus) co-harboured the the vanA and vanC1 or vanA and vanC2/3. Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus hirae strains with the vanA genotype were the most frequent van-carrying enterococci from ostrich faecal samples. Among van-carrying enterococcal isolates, 23.4% were phenotypically resistant to vancomycin. This study revealed a relatively high prevalence (44%) of van-carrying enterococci in ostrich faecal samples. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the present study suggest that ostrich faeces could be considered as a reservoir of vancomycin resistance genes, especially vanA containing enterococci that could be potentially transferred to human through the food chain.

Molecular and morphological description of Isospora sp. from the common mynah (Acridotheres tristis) and a preliminary survey of two anticoccidial drugs in natural infection.

Coccidian parasites, especially Isospora, are prevalent parasites in Passeriformes. Isosporan oocysts from common mynahs (Acridotheres tristis) are incompletely described. Detailed knowledge on biology, prevalence, pathogenesis and treatment of avian isosporiasis is scant. In this study, isosporan oocysts isolated from common mynahs were morphologically and molecularly characterized. The medication efficiencies of diclazuril and sulfadiazine-trimethoprim in isosporiasis in naturally infected mynahs were evaluated. Isosporan oocysts from common mynahs were described morphologically by microscopic imaging. The 18S rRNA and COI genes were amplified using PCR and the resultant products were sequenced and analysed phylogenetically. To evaluate the efficiencies of diclazuril and sulfadiazine-trimethoprim, two experimental treatment groups and a null control were assigned. General health status, weight and oocysts per gram of faeces were evaluated. Oocysts from all birds contained isosporan oocysts that were morphologically and dimensionally similar (P < 0.05). The oocysts were spherical; with no oocyst residuum, micropyle or polar granules. At both loci, phylogenetic analyses placed the Isospora isolate in the same clade with Isospora spp. from other Passeriformes. Both of the anticoccidials were well tolerated by the birds, a rapid reduction in oocyst excretion was noted at the commencement of treatment and 72 h after drug administration, oocyst excretion zeroed in all treated birds. Based on morphological and molecular data, this isolate does not resemble any previously described isosporas, hence Isospora tristum n. sp. is proposed for the current species. Both evaluated anticoccidials seemed to be efficient in reduction of oocyst production and can be recommended for the treatment of mynah isosporiasis.

Outbreak of an Unusual Tracheal Mite, Ptilonyssus morofskyi (Acarina: Rhinonyssidae), in Canaries ( Serinus canaria ) With Concurrent Infection With Staphylococcus aureus and Macrorhabdus ornithogaster.

Mortalities in a flock of canaries ( Serinus canaria ) with respiratory acariasis, pododermatitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus , and macrorhabdosis were investigated by postmortem examination. After a thorough parasitologic study, the tracheal mites were identified as Ptilonyssus morofskyi. Cleaning and disinfection of cages and perches, ivermectin application on the cervical skin of individual birds, enrofloxacin medication, and drinking water acidification with vinegar were used to control mortality. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of Ptilonyssus species in captive passerine birds.

Use of 3D Ultrasonography in Diagnosing Ovarian Adenocarcinoma in a Common Mynah ( Acridotheres tristis ).

A 12-year-old female common mynah ( Acridotheres tristis ) was examined because of dyspnea and coelomic enlargement. Abdominal radiographs revealed hepatomegaly and a coelomic mass of unknown origin. Both brightness mode (2-dimensional; 2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography were performed to identify the origin of the mass. Ultrasonographic findings distinguished the mass from the liver and revealed high vascularization of the mass and a moderate increase in echogenicity of the liver. Three-dimensional ultrasonographic histogram analysis of the mass was performed. The mynah was treated with supportive care but died after 3 days. Histopathologic examination showed ovarian adenocarcinoma, with concurrent mild to moderate hepatopathy. In diagnostic imaging using ultrasound in birds, 3D ultrasonography allows perspective images of the internal organs to be obtained and is potentially superior to 2D ultrasonography in evaluating irregularly shaped objects.

Concurrent atypical diffused tuberculosis and macrorhabdosis in a canary (Serinus canaria).

A dead canary from a mixed species zoological garden was presented for diagnostic necropsy. Cachexia with prominent atrophy of pectoral muscles, yellowish brown discoloration of the liver and kidney, dark brown to black intestinal contents and moderate proventricular dilatation with some degree of catarrhal gastritis were the significant macroscopic findings. Parenchymatous organs like the liver, the spleen, the lung and the kidneys were extremely affected by massive diffuse necrosis and heavy infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells, histopathologically. Many giant bacilli resembling Macrorrhabdus ornithogaster were seen microscopically in the wet smear of the isthmus mucosa. Ghost-like unstained bacilli were revealed in the Giemsa stained contact smears of the liver and spleen. No typical mycobacterial granulomatous lesion was found in different tissues, but in Ziehl-Neelsen stained thin layer histologic sections from the liver, spleen, lung and kidney, numerous acid fast organisms were diffusely distributed. The case was diagnosed an atypical avian tuberculosis with concurrent macrorhabdosis. Mycobacterium sp. are capable of giving rise to a progressive disease in humans, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Cases of avian tuberculosis might be overlooked for lack of pathognomonic lesions suggestive of mycobacteriosis.

Filarial tenosynovitis caused by Pelecitus species (Spirurida, Filarioidea, Onchocercidae) in the legs of a channel-billed toucan (Ramphastos vitellinus).

An adult channel-billed toucan (Ramphastos vitellinus), imported from Surinam, South America, 18 months earlier, was found dead in its cage. At necropsy, the hock joints were swollen bilaterally and had a reduced range of motion. Small curled worms were present in subcutaneous tissue around the joints, with edema and fibrin formation. These worms were classified as the filarioid nematode, Pelecitus species. Blood-borne microfilariae were seen in cytologic impression smears of the lung and the leg lesions.

Necrotic dermatitis in waterfowl associated with consumption of perennial rye grass (Lolium perenne).

Mute swans (Cygnus olor), whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus), and mixed-breed domestic geese (Anser anser domesticus) were presented for necrotic lesions on the feet, eyelids, and beak. Individuals from the same collection of birds had developed identical lesions during March-September of each of the previous 3 years. Vesicular and necrotic dermatitis involved only nonfeathered and nonpigmented areas of the integument. No abnormal clinical signs were seen on either carnivorous species or birds with pigmented skin from the same collection. The enclosure that housed the birds had been planted with perennial rye grass (Lolium perenne) 3 years previously. Based on the pathologic features and anatomic location of the lesions, the seasonal occurrence, the vegetation history of the enclosure, and the feeding behavior of the affected species, vesicular dermatitis resulting from photosensitization was the presumptive diagnosis. All affected birds recovered completely after the birds were removed from the enclosure, and no further clinical signs have been reported.

Molecular genetic differentiation of avian Escherichia coli by RAPD-PCR / Diferenciação molecular de Escherichia coli aviária por RAPD-PCR

Escherichia coli is one of the most important bacterial avian pathogens and a common inhabitant of the gastrointestinal tract of animals. Most pathogenic E. coli can not be differentiated biochemically or by classic microbiologic methods. Molecular typing methods, particularly PCR, facilitated epidemiological and ecological studies of bacteria. Here we describe the application of a random amplified polymorphic DNA- polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) for molecular genetic differentiation of E. coli isolates in Iran. In this study 58 E. coli isolates including 4 standard strains, 3 food originated isolates, 33 avian isolates, 8 isolates form diarrheic calves and 10 isolates from unweaned diarrheic lambs were analyzed by RAPD-PCR using primer 1247(5/-AAG AGC CCG T-3/). The RAPD analysis showed that these isolates could be grouped into 33 RAPD types and avian isolates were discriminated into 29 genotypes. It was shown that the primer could not differentiate E. coli isolated from lambs. Discriminatory index for entire isolates was 0.912 and for avian isolates was 0.990. We concluded that RAPD-PCR can be used as a method for molecular differentiation of E. coli isolates.

Escherichia coli é um dos patógenos aviários mais importantes e um habitante comum do trato gastrointestinal de animais. A maioria das cepas patogênicas não pode ser diferenciada por métodos bioquímicos ou outros métodos microbiológicos clássicos. Métodos de tipagem molecular, particularmente PCR, têm facilitado os estudos epidemiológicos e ecológicos a respeito desse microrganismo. Nesse estudo, descrevemos a aplicação do RAPD-PCR para a diferenciação molecular de isolados de E.coli do Irã. No estudo, 58 isolados, incluindo 4 isolados padrão, 3 isolados de alimentos, 33 isolados de aves, 8 isolados de bezerros diarréicos e 10 isolados de carneiros diarréicos foram analisados por RAPD-PCR com o primer 1247 (5'-AAG AGC CCG T-3'). A análise mostrou que esses isolados podiam ser agrupados em 33 tipos RAPD, sendo os isolados de aves agrupados em 29 genótipos diferentes. Verificou-se que o primer utilizado não diferenciou os isolados de carneiros. O índice discriminatório para todos os isolados foi 0,912 e para os isolados de aves foi 0,990. Concluiu-se que o RAPD-PCR pode ser usado como método para diferenciação molecular de isolados de E. coli.

Molecular genetic differentiation of avian Escherichia coli by RAPD-PCR.

Escherichia coli is one of the most important bacterial avian pathogens and a common inhabitant of the gastrointestinal tract of animals. Most pathogenic E. coli can not be differentiated biochemically or by classic microbiologic methods. Molecular typing methods, particularly PCR, facilitated epidemiological and ecological studies of bacteria. Here we describe the application of a random amplified polymorphic DNA- polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) for molecular genetic differentiation of E. coli isolates in Iran. In this study 58 E. coli isolates including 4 standard strains, 3 food originated isolates, 33 avian isolates, 8 isolates form diarrheic calves and 10 isolates from unweaned diarrheic lambs were analyzed by RAPD-PCR using primer 1247(5(/)-AAG AGC CCG T-3(/)). The RAPD analysis showed that these isolates could be grouped into 33 RAPD types and avian isolates were discriminated into 29 genotypes. It was shown that the primer could not differentiate E. coli isolated from lambs. Discriminatory index for entire isolates was 0.912 and for avian isolates was 0.990. We concluded that RAPD-PCR can be used as a method for molecular differentiation of E. coli isolates.