Changes in selected cytokines, acute-phase proteins, gonadal hormones and reproductive organs of non-pregnant does challenged with Mannheimia haemolytica serotype A2 and its LPS endotoxin.

Previous investigations have revealed that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin from certain Gram-negative bacteria could adversely affect the reproductive system of female animals. However, it is unknown whether LPS endotoxin of Mannheimia haemolytica serotype A2, the principal causative bacteria that cause pneumonic mannheimiosis in small ruminants, may also induce similar insidious effects. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of M. haemolytica serotype A2 and its LPS endotoxin on the responses of female gonadal hormones (progesterone and oestrogen), pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6), acute-phase proteins (haptoglobin and serum amyloid A) and cellular changes via histopathology study of female reproductive organs of the treatment does. Twelve clinically healthy, non-pregnant, crossbred does were randomly allocated into three equal groups. Group 1 was administered intranasally with 2 ml of sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and served as a negative control group. Group 2 was challenged intranasally with 2 ml of bacterial inoculum containing 109 colony-forming units (CFU)/ml of M. haemolytica serotype A2, while Group 3 was challenged intravenously with 2 ml of LPS endotoxin extracted from 109 CFU/ml of M. haemolytica serotype A2. Following that, blood samples were collected serially at pre-determined intervals for serological analyses. All does were euthanised 60 days post-challenges, and tissue samples from the ovaries, oviducts, uterine horns, uterine body, cervix and vagina were collected for histopathological study. The serological result revealed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the mean concentrations of progesterone, oestrogen, interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6, haptoglobin and serum amyloid A for both challenged groups. Histopathologically, all reproductive organs (except the cervix and vagina) from both challenged groups displayed significant cellular alterations (p < 0.05) characterised by haemorrhage and congestion, necrosis and degeneration, inflammatory cell infiltration and oedema. This study provides new information that elucidates the potential role of pneumonic mannheimiosis in the pathogenesis of female infertility amongst small ruminants.

Molecular phylogenetics of a recently isolated goat pox virus from Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: After a decade of silence, an outbreak of the contagious and Asian endemic disease, goat pox re-emerged in North Vietnam affecting more than 1800 heads with a mortality rate of 6.5%. The inevitable impact of goat pox on hide quality, breeding, chevon and milk production has resulted in a significant economic losses to the developing goat industry of Vietnam. In the act of establishing an effective control of this devastating disease, tracing the source of re-emergence via a phylogenetic study was carried out to reveal their genetic relatedness. Either skin scab or papule from the six affected provinces were collected, cultured into Vero cells followed by restricted enzyme digestion of targeted P32 gene DNA encoding. The P32 gene was then cloned and transformed into E.coli competent cells for further sequencing. RESULTS: The isolated sequence is deposited into GenBank under Accession No. MN317561/VNUAGTP1. The phylogenetic tree revealed high similarity of nucleotide and amino acid sequences to references goat pox strains accounting for 99.6 and 99.3, respectively. The Vietnamese strain is clustered together with currently circulating goat pox virus in China, India and Pakistan which suggested the origin of South China. CONCLUSIONS: This Vietnam isolate is clustered together with other Asian goat pox strains indicating the dissemination of a common goat pox virus within this continent.

Responses of testosterone hormone and important inflammatory cytokines in bucks after challenge with Mannheimia haemolytica A2 and its LPS endotoxin.

Previous studies have shown that Mannheimia haemolytica A2 is the principal microorganism causing pneumonic mannheimiosis, a major bacterial respiratory disease among sheep and goats. The effect of this bacteria on the respiratory system is well-established. However, its effect on the reproductive physiology remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the alterations in the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and testosterone hormone post-inoculation with M. haemolytica serotype A2 and its lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin which were hypothesized to affect the reproductive functions of bucks. Twelve clinically healthy adult male goats were divided equally into three groups. Goats in group 1 were treated with 2 ml of sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) pH 7.0 intranasally (negative control), group 2 with 2 ml of 109 colony-forming unit (CFU) of M. haemolytica serotype A2 intranasally (positive control), and group 3 were treated with 2 ml of lipopolysaccharide extracted from 109 CFU of M. haemolytica serotype A2 intravenously. Following inoculation, blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture into plain tubes at pre-determined intervals for serum collection to determine the concentration of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and testosterone hormone by using commercial ELISA test kits. Results from this study demonstrated that the inoculation of M. haemolytica A2 and its LPS increases the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines but decreases the concentration of testosterone hormone in challenged animals at most time points throughout the 56 days experimental period (p < 0.05). This study suggests that the M. haemolytica A2 and its LPS could alter the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines and testosterone hormone, which in turn, may negatively affect the reproductive functions of bucks.

Epidemiology and clinico-pathological characteristics of current goat pox outbreak in North Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: In view of the current swine fever outbreak and the government aspiration to increase the goat population, a need arises to control and prevent outbreaks of goat pox. Despite North Vietnam facing sporadic cases of goat pox, this most recent outbreak had the highest recorded morbidity, mortality and case fatality rate. Thus, owing to the likelihood of a widespread recurrence of goat pox infection, an analysis of that outbreak was done based on selected signalment, management and disease pattern (signs and pathology) parameters. This includes examination of animals, inspection of facilities, tissue sampling and analysis for confirmation of goatpox along with questionaires. RESULTS: It was found that the susceptible age group were between 3 and 6 months old kids while higher infection rate occurred in those under the free-range rearing system. The clinical signs of pyrexia, anorexia, nasal discharge and lesions of pocks were not restricted to the skin but have extended into the lung and intestine. The pathogen had been confirmed in positive cases via PCR as goat pox with prevalence of 79.69%. CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiology of the current goat pox outbreak in North Vietnam denotes a significant prevalence which may affect the industry. This signals the importance of identifying the salient clinical signs and post mortem lesions of goat pox at the field level in order to achieve an effective control of the disease.

An association of Orf virus infection among sheep and goats with herd health programme in Terengganu state, eastern region of the peninsular Malaysia.

BACKGROUND: Orf virus causes a scabby skin lesions which decreases productivity in small ruminants. The unknown status of this disease in the eastern region of Peninsular Malaysia warrants a study to determine sero-prevalence of orf with regards to farmers' compliance level towards the Herd Health Program (HHP) programme. RESULTS: Out of 504 animals, 115 were positive for Orf-virus antibodies. An overall prevalence rate of 22.8% indicated a high prevalence of orf disease in this region. It was observed that 25.1% (92/367) of goats were positive and 16.8% (23/137) of sheep sero-converted for Orf virus antibody. Several factors were measured for their possible association with prevalence of Orf virus infection. The prevalence was higher in LY farm, JC breed, kid and female animals, and in the presence of disease lesion. Chi-square analysis showed a significant association of three risk factors which are species, age and sex of the animals (P < 0.05). Notwithstanding, all other variables showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). Farms surveyed usually practised intensive management system, keeping animals in the shade at all time, due to limited availability of suitable land as a free-range grazing area. An interview with small holder farmers revealed a lack of awareness of the main goals of herd health programme. An overall compliance level of 42.7% was observed for all HHP parameters. Among the 14 main components of HHP modules, animal identification had recorded highest compliance level (84.62%) while milking management recorded the least compliance (- 82.69%). That explained why there was a high sporadic prevalence of Orf infection in this region. CONCLUSION: Good herd health supervision is a rehearsal target to prevent an outbreak and the spread of diseases thus reduces economic losses among farmers. Therefore, a good herd health programme should be in place, in order to prevent and control disease transmission as well as to improve herd immunity.

Antitumor and antioxidant effects of Clinacanthus nutans Lindau in 4 T1 tumor-bearing mice.

BACKGROUND: Clinacanthus nutans Lindau (C. nutans) is a species of in Acanthaceae family and primarily used in South East Asian countries. C. nutans is well known as Sabah snake grass in Malaysia, and its leaves have diverse medicinal potential in conventional applications, including cancer treatments. On the basis of literature search, there is less conclusive evidence of the involvement of phytochemical constituents in breast cancer, in particular, animal tumor models. The current study aimed to determine the antitumor and antioxidant activities of C. nutans extract in 4 T1 tumor-bearing mice. METHODS: C. nutans leaves were subjected to methanol extraction and divided into two different concentrations, 200 mg/kg (low-dose) and 1000 mg/kg (high-dose). The antitumor effects of C. nutans extracts were assessed using bone marrow smearing, clonogenic, and splenocyte immunotype analyses. In addition, hematoxylin and eosin, tumor weight and tumor volume profiles also used to indicate apoptosis appearance. Serum cytokine levels were examined using ELISA assay. In addition, nitric oxide assay reflecting antioxidant activity was performed. RESULTS: From the results obtained, the methanol extract of C. nutans leaves at 200 mg/kg (P < 0.05) and 1000 mg/kg (P < 0.05) showed a significant decrease in nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the blood. On the other hand, C. nutans extract (1000 mg/kg) also showed a significant decrease in the number of mitotic cells, tumor weight, and tumor volume. No inflammatory and adverse reactions related to splenocytes activities were found in all treated groups of mice. Despite its promising results, the concentration of both C. nutans extracts have also reduced the number of colonies formed in the liver and lungs. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, C. nutans extracts exert antitumor and antioxidant activities against 4 T1 mouse breast model with no adverse effect and inflammatory response at high dose of 1000 mg/kg, indicating an effective and complementary approach for cancer prevention and treatment.

Establishment of lung auscultation scoring method and responses of acute phase proteins and heat shock proteins in vaccinated and non-vaccinated goats.

Pneumonic pasteurellosis is an economically important infectious disease in the small ruminant industry which causes sudden death and loss for farmers. Nonetheless, this disease is still a common sight in sheep and goats in Malaysia, probably due to the unpopular usage of pasteurellosis vaccine or inappropriate vaccination practices. The aim of this study was designed to classify the severity of pneumonia via the establishment of auscultation scoring method and to quantify the acute phase proteins and heat shock proteins responses from vaccinated and non-vaccinated goats. Goat farms, consist of vaccinated and non-vaccinated farms, were selected in this study: where 15 clinically normal healthy goats and 9 pneumonic goats were selected from vaccinated farms whereas 15 clinically normal healthy goats and 31 pneumonic goats from non-vaccinated farms were selected for this study. Crackle lung sounds were not detected in both vaccinated and non-vaccinated normal goats. However, vaccinated pneumonic goats showed mild crackle lung sound while non-vaccinated pneumonic goats exhibited moderate crackle lung sound. There were significant increases (p < 0.05) in acute phase proteins and heat shock proteins concentrations for the non-vaccinated pneumonic goats group. In this study, conclusion can be made that the vaccinated goats exhibited very mild clinical responses of pneumonia and non-significant biomarker responses compared to the non-vaccinated goats. Thus, vaccination is an effective preventive measure to control pneumonic pasteurellosis and acute phase proteins and heat shock proteins can be considered as future biomarkers in screening and rapid diagnostic method for this particular disease.

Responses of pro-inflammatory cytokines, acute phase proteins and cytological analysis in serum and cerebrospinal fluid during haemorrhagic septicaemia infection in buffaloes.

Sudden death is usually the main finding in field animals during haemorrhagic septicaemia outbreaks caused by Pasteurella multocida type B:2 that causes acute, fatal and septicaemic disease in cattle and buffaloes. This situation may be due to failure in early detection of the disease where early treatment of antibiotics may improve the prognosis of the animal and other surviving animals. Thus, there is a grey area on the knowledge on the potential usage of pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins as early biomarkers in the diagnosis of haemorrhagic septicaemia. In addition, exploration of the cerebrospinal fluid during infection has never been studied before. Therefore, this study was designed to fill up the grey areas in haemorrhagic septicaemia research. Twenty-one buffalo calves were divided into seven treatment groups where group 1 was inoculated orally with 10 mL of sterile phosphate-buffered saline pH 7 which act as a negative control group. Groups 2 and 3 were inoculated orally and subcutaneously with 10 mL of 1012 colony-forming unit of P. multocida type B:2. Group 4 and 5 buffaloes were inoculated orally and intravenously with 10 mL of lipopolysaccharide broth. Groups 6 and 7 were administered orally and subcutaneously with 10 mL of outer membrane protein broth. During the post-infection period of 21 days, blood and cerebrospinal fluid were sampled for the analyses of pro-inflammatory cytokines, acute phase proteins and cytological examination. Buffalo calves infected with P. multocida and its immunogens via different routes of inoculation showed significant changes (p < 0.05) of pro-inflammatory cytokines, acute phase proteins and cytological changes in both the serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Buffalo calves from groups 3 and 7 showed the highest pro-inflammatory cytokines, whereas group 6 had the highest acute phase protein concentration and group 5 revealed the highest value for cytology changes. In summary, results obtained in this study could be used as a profiling study to add novel knowledge to the haemorrhagic septicaemia research as well as the development of biomarkers.

Clinico-pathology and hemato-biochemistry responses in buffaloes infected with Pasteurella multocida type B:2 immunogen outer membrane protein.

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinico-pathology and haemato-biochemistry alterations in buffaloes inoculated with Pasteurella multocida type B:2 immunogen outer membrane protein via subcutaneous and oral routes. Nine buffalo heifers were divided equally into 3 treatment groups. Group 1 was inoculated orally with 10 mL of phosphate buffer saline (PBS); Group 2 and 3 were inoculated with 10 mL of outer membrane protein broth subcutaneously and orally respectively. Group 2 buffaloes showed typical haemorrhagic septicaemia clinical signs and were only able to survive for 72 h of the experiment. However, Group 3 buffaloes were able to survive throughout the stipulated time of 21 days of experiment. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the rectal temperature between the experimental and control group. In the hematology and biochemistry findings, there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, leukocytes, band neutrophils, segmented neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils, gamma glutamyl transferase, total protein, and globulin between Group 2 and control group. In contrast, Group 3 and control group revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in erythrocytes, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, segmented neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, thrombocytes, gamma glutamyl transferase, total protein, globulin, and albumin:globulin ratio. In Group 2 buffaloes, there were gross lesions observed in the lung, trachea, heart, liver, spleen, kidney and submandibulae lymph nodes. In contrast, lesions were only observed in the lung, and liver of Group 3 buffaloes. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in hemorrhage and congestion; necrosis and degeneration; and inflammatory cells infiltration between experimental groups and control group. However, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in edema between groups except for the lung. This study was a proof that oral route infection of Pasteurella multocida type B:2 immunogen outer membrane protein can be used to stimulate host cell.

Reproductive hormonal variations and adenohypophyseal lesions in pre-pubertal buffalo heifers inoculated with Pasteurella multocida type B: 2 and its immunogens.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhagic septicemia is a fatal disease of cattle and buffaloes caused by P. multocida. Although the pathogenesis of the bacteria has been well established in literature, there is a paucity of information on the possible role of the bacteria and its immunogens; lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and outer membrane proteins (OMPs) on the reproductive capacity of buffalo heifers. METHODS: In this study, twenty one healthy prepubertal female buffaloes aged 8 months were divided into seven groups of 3 buffaloes each (G1-G7). Group 1 (G1) served as the negative control group and were inoculated orally with 10 mL sterile Phosphate Buffer Saline (PBS), groups 2 (G2) and 3 (G3) were inoculated orally and subcutaneously with 10 mL of 1012 colony forming unit (cfu) of P.multocida type B: 2, while groups 4 (G4) and 5 (G5) received 10 mL of bacterial LPS orally and intravenously, respectively. Lastly, groups 6 (G6) and 7 (G7) were orally and subcutaneously inoculated with 10 mL of bacterial OMPs. Whole blood was collected in EDTA vials at stipulated time points (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 120, 168, 216, 264, 312, 360, 408, 456 and 504 h), while tissue sections of the pituitary glands were collected and transported to the histopathology laboratory in 10% buffered formalin for processing and Hematoxylin and eosin staining. Plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone (PG), estradiol (EST) and gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) were determined. RESULTS: The histopathological lesions observed in the pituitary gland included hemorrhage, congestion, inflammatory cell infiltration, hydropic degeneration, necrosis and edema. These changes were higher (p < 0.05) in distribution and severity in G3, G6 and G7. Hormonal concentrations of LH, FSH, PG, EST and GnRH declined in all inoculation groups as time elapsed and were lower (p < 0.05) than that of the control group. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, P.multocida B: 2 and its immunogens can be said to negatively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, resulting in decreased levels of reproductive hormones which may predispose to infertility in buffalo heifers.

Clinico-pathology, hematology and biochemistry responses in buffaloes towards Pasteurella multocida type B: 2 immunogen lypopolysaccharide via oral and intravenous routes of infection.

Haemorrhagic septicaemia is a disease caused by Pasteurella multocida serotype B: 2 and E: 2. The organism causes acute, highly fatal septicaemic disease with high morbidity and mortality in cattle and more susceptible in buffaloes. Lipopolysaccharide can be found on the outer cell wall of the organism. Lipopolysaccharide is released during multiplication which leads to inflammatory reaction. It represents the endotoxin of P. multocida type B: 2 and responsible for toxicity in haemorrhagic septicaemia which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the clinical signs, blood parameters, gross post mortem lesions and histopathology changes caused by P. multocida type B:2 immunogen lipopolysaccharide infections initiated through intravenous and oral routes of infection. 9 buffalo heifers were divided equally into 3 treatment groups. Group 1 was inoculated orally with 10 ml of phosphate buffer saline (PBS); Group 2 and 3 were inoculated with 10 ml of lipopolysaccharide broth intravenously and orally respectively. For the clinical signs, there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in temperature between the control, intravenous and oral group. In hematology and biochemistry findings, there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in erythrocytes, haemoglobin, PCV, MCV, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, GGT and albumin between the control, intravenous and oral group. However, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the MCHC, leukocytes, band neutrophils, basophils, thrombocytes, plasma protein, icterus index, total protein, globulin and A:G ratio between intravenous and oral group. For Group 2 buffaloes, there were gross lesions in the lung, trachea, heart, liver, spleen, and kidney. In contrast, lesions were only observed in the lung, trachea and liver of Group 3 buffaloes. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in hemorrhage and congestion; necrosis and degeneration; and inflammatory cells infiltration between experimental groups and control group. However, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in edema lesion between groups. In conclusion, this study is a proof that oral route infection of P. multocida type B:2 immunogen lipopolysaccharide can be used to stimulate host cell responses where oral vaccine through feed could be developed in the near future.

Involvement of the nervous system following experimental infection with Pasteurella multocida B:2 in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): A clinicopathological study.

Haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) is an acute, fatal, septicaemic disease of cattle and buffaloes caused by one of two specific serotypes of Pasteurella multocida B:2 and E:2 in Asian and African, respectively. It is well known that HS affect mainly the respiratory and digestive tracts. However, involvement of the nervous system in pathogenesis of HS has been reported in previous studies without details. In this study, nine buffalo calves of 8 months old were distributed into three groups. Animals of Group 1 and 2 were inoculated orally and subcutaneously with 10 ml of 1 × 10(12) cfu/ml of P. multocida B:2, respectively, while animals of Group 3 were inoculated orally with 10 ml of phosphate buffer saline as a control. All calves in Group 1 and Group 3 were euthanised after 504 h (21 day) post-infection, while calves in Group 2 had to euthanise after 12 h post-infection as they develop sever clinical signs of HS. Significant differences were found in Group 2 in the mean scores of clinical signs, gross and histopathological changes which mainly affect different anatomic regions of the nervous system. In addition, successful bacterial isolation of P. multocida B:2 were obtained from different sites of the nervous system. On the other hand, less sever, clinical, gross and histopathological changes were found in Group 1. These results provide for the first time strong evidence of involving of the nervous system in pathogenesis of HS, especially in the peracute stage of the disease.

[Disparity of apoptotic response in human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 after infection with recombinant adenovirus encoding the VP2 gene of infectious bursail disease virus].

Recombinant adenovirus encoding the VP2 gene of infectious bursal disease virus (ADV-VP2) has shown potent anti-tumour effects due to its capability of apoptotic induction in cancer cells. In the present study, human breast cancer cells MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 were infected with ADV-VP2. The expression of VP2 protein was registered 4 h post-infection, particularly in MCF-7 cells. Multiple time-point DNA ladder assay demonstrated that ADV-VP2 infected MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells endured apoptosis as early as 8 and 12 h post-infection, respectively. Apoptosis induction in both MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells, albeit different start points, lasted til 36 h post-infection. The induction of apoptosis by ADV-VP2 was further shown by the TUNEL assay, with dark brown discoloration of apoptotic cells. The present study also explored the different stages of apoptosis by Annexin V/PI double staining flow cytometry quantification. Treated MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively detected 25.58 +/- 9.02 and 14.51 +/- 3.12% of early apoptotic cells, 6.09 +/- 4.06 and 77.12 +/- 5.09% of late apoptotic cells. Results revealed that there were significant differences in the number of cells of both types which underwent early and late apoptosis. Significant differences were also observed among viable and apoptotic cells which have been post treated with ADV-VP2. The apoptotic effects of ADV-VP2 on human breast cancer cell lines were consistently demonstrated by three apoptosis detection methods. Therefore, a cancer vaccine basing on gene therapy could be developed in the near future using the present construct.

Enhanced cell disruption strategy in the release of recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen from Pichia pastoris using response surface methodology.

BACKGROUND: Cell disruption strategies by high pressure homogenizer for the release of recombinant Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) from Pichia pastoris expression cells were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) based on the central composite design (CCD). The factors studied include number of passes, biomass concentration and pulse pressure. Polynomial models were used to correlate the above mentioned factors to project the cell disruption capability and specific protein release of HBsAg from P. pastoris cells. RESULTS: The proposed cell disruption strategy consisted of a number of passes set at 20 times, biomass concentration of 7.70 g/L of dry cell weight (DCW) and pulse pressure at 1,029 bar. The optimized cell disruption strategy was shown to increase cell disruption efficiency by 2-fold and 4-fold for specific protein release of HBsAg when compared to glass bead method yielding 75.68% cell disruption rate (CDR) and HBsAg concentration of 29.20 mg/L respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The model equation generated from RSM on cell disruption of P. pastoris was found adequate to determine the significant factors and its interactions among the process variables and the optimum conditions in releasing HBsAg when validated against a glass bead cell disruption method. The findings from the study can open up a promising strategy for better recovery of HBsAg recombinant protein during downstream processing.

Further Insights Into Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE): The Current Status of Seroprevalence Among Small Ruminants in Two Selected States of Peninsular Malaysia.

Caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) is a member of the genus lentivirus causing caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE), a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the lungs, joints, udder and central nervous system of small ruminants such as sheep and goats. CAE is distributed worldwide and is recognised as a significant cause of morbidity and decreased milk production in dairy goats. Earlier studies highlighted the clinicopathological features and supplied preliminary serological evidence for the existence of CAE among selected goat herds in Malaysia. Therefore, this study aims to provide further insights into the seroprevalence and contributing factors of CAE among sheep and goat herds in two states of Peninsular Malaysia. The blood samples and biodata were randomly collected from a total of 262 individual sheep (40) and goat (222) in seven smallholder farms. Blood sera were tested for specific anti-CAEV antibodies using Qayee-Bio CAEV sandwich-ELISA test kits according to standard procedures. Our results of the study revealed 21.4% (95% CI: 15.8-28.6) apparent and 20.6% (95% CI: 14.5-27.8) true seroprevalence with significant differences (p < 0.05) in seroconversion rates between the states, farms, production systems and breeds of small ruminants. The prevalence of CAE in the Malaysian Peninsular is a potential threat to the small ruminant industry and developing agricultural economy. Further studies are required to determine the genetic characteristics, distribution and risk factors of CAEV for effective prevention and control in Malaysia.

Virus Kaprin Artritis Ensefalitis (CAEV) merupakan ahli kumpulan dalam genus virus lentivirus dimana akan menyebabkan penyakit kaprin artritis ensefalitis (CAE) di mana penyakit ini akan menyebabkan keradangan kronik pada paru-paru, sendi, kelenjar mamari dan sistem saraf pusat bagi haiwan ruminan kecil seperti bebiri dan kambing. CAE telah merebak ke seluruh dunia dan penyakit ini akan menyebabkan penularan wabak pada kadar morbiditi yang tinggi dan mengurangkan kuantiti penghasilan susu bagi kambing tenusu. Kajian terdahulu memberi penekanan kepada dapatan klinikal patologi dan data bukti serologi kewujudan penyakit CAE dalam kalangan gerompok kambing di Malaysia. Maka, kajian kini bertujuan memberikan pendedahan awal berkaitan kadar kelaziman serologi dan faktor yang menyumbang penyakit CAE dalam kalangan bebiri dan kambing bagi dua negeri di Semanjung Malaysia. Sampel darah dan data biologi telah dikumpulkan secara rawak dengan jumlah sampel 262 ekor (40 ekor bebiri dan 222 ekor kambing) daripada tujuh buah ladang peternak kecil. Serum yang telah dikumpul diuji dengan antibodi spesifik anti-CAEV dengan menggunakan prosedur piawai kit elisa daripada Qayee-Bio CAEV. Keputusan kajian ini menunjukkan kadar kelaziman serologi 21.4% (95% CI: 15.8­28.6) jelas dan 20.6% (95% CI: 14.5­27.8) kadar kelaziman benar dengan perbezaan ketara (p < 0.05) dalam kadar perubahan kelaziman serologi antara negeri, ladang, sistem produksi dan baka haiwan ruminan kecil. Dengan wujudnya kelaziman penyakit CAE di Semenanjung Malaysia ini akan menyumbang kepada kemungkinan ancaman negatif terhadap industri ruminan kecil dan sektor ekonomi dalam bidang penternakan. Lebih banyak kajian diperlukan untuk menentukan ciri genetik virus penyebab penyakit ini, taburan penyakit dan faktor penyumbang bagi CAEV supaya dapat mengadakan kawalan dan pencegahan efektif bagi penyakit ini di Malaysia.

Association between Mannheimia haemolytica infection with reproductive physiology and performance in small ruminants: A review.

Mannheimiosis or pneumonic pasteurellosis commonly occurs in small ruminants. Mannheimiosis is caused by Mannheimia haemolytica (M. haemolytica) a Gram-negative coccobacillus producing acute febrile and infectious condition resulting in death of animal if not diagnosed and treated promptly. M. haemolytica serotype A2 is a commensal of the nasopharynx, gaining access to the lungs when host defenses are compromised by stress or infection in small ruminants. Till date, there is a vast literature and research that has been conducted on the pathogenesis of M. haemolytica invariably on respiratory system and its related immune system and mechanisms. From the clinical point of view, infection or diseases involving vital organs will systemically affect the production and performance of the infected animal. Therefore, there is a huge gap of knowledge and research to answer the question whether there is any association between M. haemolytica infection with reproductive physiology and performance in small ruminants and how it affects the productivity level. This review will explore the possibilities of involvement and new potential research to be carried out to determine the involvement of male and female reproductive system with M. haemolytica infection among small ruminants.

Seroprevalence of small ruminant caprine arthritis encephalitis lentivirus among goats from selected small ruminant farms in Selangor, Malaysia.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE) is an important viral disease of small ruminants particularly in dairy goats with severe social and economic implication. Hence, this study was designed to determine the seroprevalence of CAE virus (CAEV) among goat population in selected small ruminant farms in Selangor and the risk factors associated with the occurrence of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood samples were collected from a total of 91 goats selected at random. Blood serum was harvested and used for competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test to detect antibodies against CAE virus. RESULTS: The result obtained showed that 8/91 (8.8%) of the goats were seropositive for CAEV. In addition, biosecurity management, source of origin and sex of the animal were observed to be important risk factors associated with the occurrence of CAE in goats. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study affirmed that the seroprevalence of CAEV infection among goat population in small ruminant farms in Selangor, Malaysia, is low. However, there is need to institute strict control measures such as testing and culling positive animals or separation of infected animals from those that tested negative to the disease for effective eradication of the disease.

Molecular genetic analysis of BAX and cyclin D1 genes in patients with malignant glioma.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Brain tumorigenesis is a complex process involving multiple genetic alterations. Cyclin D1 and BAX genes are two of the most important regulators in controlling the normal proliferation and apoptosis of cells, respectively. In this study, we analysed the possibilities of involvement of cyclin D1 and BAX genes in the gliomagenesis. METHODS AND RESULTS: In determining gene alterations of exon 4 of cyclin D1 gene and exon 6 of BAX gene, all samples were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequently by direct sequencing. Our results showed a frameshift mutation (G base deletion) at nucleotide 82 of codon 28 in exon 4 of the cyclin D1 gene and another frameshift mutation with a deletion of C base at nucleotide 153 of exon 6 of the BAX gene in two separate cases of a glioblastoma multiform (WHO Grade IV) sample. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that both cyclin D1 and BAX genes alteration are rarely found in brain tumors. However, the alteration might cause a significant effect of the normal protein production and this might contribute to the development of brain tumorigenesis in Malaysian patients.

Hemogram responses in goats toward challenged with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and its immunogen mycolic acids.

AIM: This study was conducted to analyze the changes in blood profile of goats inoculated with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and its immunogen mycolic acid (MA) extract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 12 clinically healthy crossbred Boer female goats were divided into three groups; A, B and C (4 goats each per group). Group A was inoculated with 2 ml sterile phosphate buffered saline via intradermal route as the negative control group whilst Group B was inoculated with 2 ml of MA extract (1 g/ml) intradermally and Group C was then inoculated with 2 ml (1×109) colony forming unit of active C. pseudotuberculosis intradermally. Blood sample was collected aseptically from the jugular vein periodically for complete blood count (CBC) analysis throughout the experimental period (3 months). RESULT: A significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in red blood cells, hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular Hb concentration in Groups B and C as compared to the control while WBCs, neutrophil, lymphocyte and basophil showed a significant increase (p<0.05) as compared to the control. CONCLUSION: The inoculation of C. pseudotuberculosis and MA resulted in a significant change in the CBC, thereby, indicating that MA has a role in caseous lymphadenitis pathogenesis.