Rabies epidemiology in Malaysia (2015-2023): A cross-sectional insights and strategies for control.

BACKGROUND: Malaysia currently faces significant challenges in controlling the spread of dog-mediated human rabies, as evidenced by recurrent outbreaks in newly affected areas and increasing human fatalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyse surveillance data from 2015 to 2023 to examine the epidemiological characteristics of rabies in Malaysia. Data from multiple sources were used, and descriptive statistics, incidence rates, and reproductive numbers were calculated. QGIS software was used to map the distribution of rabies cases, and statistical methods were employed to evaluate associations between rabies incidence, vaccination coverage, and risk factors. We further explored the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns and public health interventions in reducing rabies transmission. RESULTS: Our findings revealed 995 confirmed rabies cases in animals. Sarawak reported the highest proportion of rabies cases at 97.99 %, showing a significant correlation between location and rabies cases (p < .001). Dogs comprised 89.35 % of confirmed cases, while the average annual vaccination rate was only 16.66 %, far below the 59.05 % needed for herd immunity. Moreover, human rabies cases reported in Sarawak had an alarmingly high fatality rate of 90.28 %, highlighting the urgent need for improved public health measures and surveillance. CONCLUSION: This research provides critical insights for policymakers and health officials to improve rabies control strategies in Malaysia.

Seroprevalence and contributing factors of transboundary animal diseases in sheep and goats: a study in Peninsular Malaysia.

Diseases caused by small ruminant lentiviruses, Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP), Schmallenberg virus, and peste des petits ruminants virus (PPR) is globally recognised as serious threats to the ruminant industry due to their potential to spread rapidly across boundaries. Despite their global distribution and negative impacts on ruminant production, there is a gap in knowledge of the current trends in their epidemiology among sheep and goat populations in Peninsular Malaysia. This study was therefore designed to fill the gap of knowledge concerning the seroprevalence and contributing factors of CAEV, paratuberculosis, SBV, and PPRV among small ruminants from selected flocks in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Pahang states in Peninsular Malaysia. A cross-sectional study design was used to collect animal data and blood samples for serological assays simultaneously. The ID Screen (ID.VET, France) indirect ELISA screening tests were used to detect serum antibodies directed against CAEV/MVV (VISNAS Ver 0922), paratuberculosis (PARAS Ver 0516), SBV (SBVC Ver 1114) and PPRV (PPRC Ver 0821). There was 45.4% (95% CI = 40.74-50.74), 6.8% (95% CI = 4.66-9.69), 27.8% (95% CI = 23.35-32.77), and 2.6% (95% CI = 1.11-0.51) true seroprevalence for CAEV, paratuberculosis, SBV, and PPR, respectively. Geographical location and species were the risk factors for CAEV and paratuberculosis, while the management system and age of small ruminants were the risk factors for SBV. The present study is the first to document a large-scale seroprevalence of MAP and PPR infection among sheep and goat flocks in Peninsular Malaysia. The presence of PPRV and MAP antibodies among small ruminant flocks is signalling current or previous exposure to the pathogens or cross reactions with similar antigens. This finding further suggests the potential for future outbreaks of these devastating diseases among sheep and goats in Malaysia. The high seroprevalence of CAEV and SBV among small ruminants indicates high levels of exposure to the viruses in the environment, which is a potential threat to production.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines and reproductive hormone responses in bucks post-challenge with Mannheimia haemolytica A2 and its outer membrane protein.

The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin and outer membrane protein (OMP) are among the virulence factors of Gram-negative bacteria responsible for inducing pathogenicity in the infected host. OMP and LPS occur on the outer membrane of M. haemolytica A2, the primary aetiological agent of pneumonic mannheimiosis in small ruminants. While the LPS is known to mediate Gram-negative bacterial infection by activating downstream inflammatory pathways, the potential role of OMP during inflammatory responses remained unclear. Hence, this study determined the effect of the OMP of M. haemolytica A2 on the serum concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the male reproductive hormones (testosterone and Luteinizing Hormone). We randomly assigned twelve bucks to three groups (n = 4 bucks each): Group 1 was challenged with 2 mL PBS buffer (pH 7.0) intranasally; Group 2 received 2 mL of 1.2 X 109 CFU/mL whole M. haemolytica A2 intranasally; and Group 3 received 2 mL of OMP extract obtained from 1.2 X 109 CFU/mL M. haemolytica A2 intramuscularly. Serum samples collected at pre-determined intervals were used for the quantitative determination of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNFα) and reproductive hormones (testosterone and LH) using commercial sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The serum concentration of IL1ß was initially increased within the first-hour post-challenge in Groups 2 and 3, followed by a significant decrease in concentration at 21d and 35d (p < 0.05) in Group 3. Only mild fluctuations in IL-6 occurred in group 2, as opposed to the 1.7-fold rapid increase in TNFα within 2 h post-challenge before decreasing at 6 h. An increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines was accompanied by an acute febrile response of 39.5 ± 0.38 °C (p < 0.05) at 2 h and 40.1 ± 0.29 °C (p < 0.05) at 4 h in Group 2 and Group 3, respectively. Serum testosterone decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in both treatment groups but remained significantly (p > 0.05) lower than in Group 1 throughout the study. There was a moderate negative association between testosterone and IL1ß (r = -0.473; p > 0.05) or TNFα (r = -0.527; p < 0.05) in Group 2. Serum LH also showed moderate negative associations with TNFα in Group 2 (r = -0.63; p < 0.05) and Group 3 (r = -0.54; p > 0.05). The results of this study demonstrated that M. haemolytica A2 and its OMP produced marked alterations in serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and male reproductive hormones. The negative correlations between serum testosterone and inflammatory cytokines would suggest the potential role of OMP in causing male infertility by mediating innate inflammatory responses to suppress testosterone production in bucks.

In Vivo Toxicity Assessment of the Probiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HTI-19 Isolated from Stingless Bee (Heterotrigona itama) Honey.

This study evaluated the acute and sub-acute toxicity of B. amyloliquefaciens HTI-19 (isolated from stingless bee honey) in female Sprague Dawley rats. In an acute toxicity study, the rats received a low dosage (1 × 109 CFU·mL-1), medium dosage (3 × 109 CFU·mL-1), or high dosage (1 × 1010 CFU·mL-1) of B. amyloliquefaciens HTI-19 daily orally by syringe-feeding for 14 days. For the subacute toxicity study, rats received a low dosage (1 × 109 CFU·mL-1) or a high dosage (1 × 1010 CFU·mL-1) for 28 days. The probiotic feeding in acute and sub-acute toxicity studies showed no mortality or significant abnormalities in rats throughout the experimental period. In week 2 of the acute study, the body weight of the rats showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) compared to the control. By gross and microscopic examination of organs, no evidently significant changes were observed in the morphology of organs. Serum biochemical tests and blood hematology tests also revealed no treatment-related changes. Overall, these data indicated that oral administration of B. amyloliquefaciens HTI-19 up to 1 × 109 CFU·mL-1 for 28 days can be considered safe.

Evaluation of Dynamics, Demography and Estimation of Free-Roaming Dog Population in Herat City, Afghanistan.

FRDs pose a serious challenge in countries where dog-bite-related rabies is endemic. Understanding the size and core demographic characteristics of FRD populations is essential for the planning and implementation of effective dog-population and canine-rabies-control programmes. The photographic sight-resight method was used to estimate the FRD population and evaluate its demographic characteristics in Herat city. A total of 928 free-roaming dogs (FRD) were identified through 3172 sightings, and the total free-roaming population was estimated to amount to 1821 (95% CI: 1565-2077), which led to the estimation of 10 dogs/km2 and the human-to-FRD ratio of 315:1. The male-to-female ratio was 2.85:1. The majority of them were healthy, with an ideal body score. Although the FRD density is considered low, it is still a concern and significant, since the majority of the people are unaware of the importance of canine populations in the transmission of zoonotic diseases such as rabies, and there were no specific measures for managing and controlling FRD populations. The information gained can be useful in animal health planning to design effective dog-population-control programmes, and for the planning of national rabies-prevention programmes.

Seminal and histopathological alterations in bucks challenged with Mannheimia haemolytica serotype a2 and its LPS endotoxin.

Pneumonic mannheimiosis is a widespread respiratory bacterial disease of small ruminants caused by Mannheimia haemolytica serotype A2. The disease is known to affect the respiratory organs of infected animals, but its effect on other vital and reproductive organs has not been fully explored. Previous studies have demonstrated increased serum pro-inflammatory cytokine concentration post-challenge with M. haemolytica A2 and its LPS, indicating systemic inflammation in the host. This study determined the potential tissue changes and alterations of sperm parameters due to infection of M. haemolytica A2 and its LPS endotoxin. In this study, twelve experimental bucks were randomly assigned to three groups of four bucks each: group 1 (control group) were intranasally inoculated with 2 mL of PBS pH 7.0, group 2 received 2 mL of 1.2 × 109 CFU/mL M. haemolytica A2 intranasally, and group 3 received 2 mL of LPS extracted from 1.2 × 109 CFU/mL of M. haemolytica A2 intravenously. Semen samples were collected at pre-determined intervals using an electro-ejaculator and analysed immediately after collection. All experimental bucks were slaughtered via exsanguination on day 60 to collect their vital and reproductive organs at necropsy, and the samples were processed and analysed for histopathological changes. The current study has revealed that bucks challenged with M. haemolytica A2 and its LPS exhibited alterations in semen parameters such as motility, wave pattern, viability, and morphological abnormalities. Mild to moderate histopathological changes of the lung, liver, testis, epididymis, vas deferens, prostate, and lymph nodes were also observed in both challenged groups. Therefore, this study revealed the potential harmful effects of respiratory mannheimiosis on the reproductive organs of the infected bucks and sheds light on the expanse of systemic effects of this disease.

Responses of selected biomarkers, female reproductive hormones and tissue changes in non-pregnant does challenged with Mannheimia haemolytica serotype A2 and its outer membrane protein (OMP) immunogen.

BACKGROUND: Mannheimia haemolytica causative agent of pneumonic mannheimiosis, a common respiratory disease of goat and sheep, which cause huge economic losses to farmers worldwide. Pneumonic mannheimiosis caused by M. haemolytica serotype A2 has been reported among small ruminants in Malaysia. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and outer membrane protein (OMP) are major virulence determinants for M. haemolytica serotype A2. Although pneumonic mannheimiosis is known to cause poor reproductive performance in small ruminants under field conditions, there is a dearth of published information on the specific effects of M. haemolytica serotype A2 infection on the female reproductive physiology. In this experiment, we explored the impact of M. haemolytica serotype A2 and its OMP immunogen on selected pro-inflammatory cytokines, acute phase proteins, female reproductive hormones, and cellular changes in visceral and female reproductive organs of non-pregnant does. METHODOLOGY: Twelve healthy, non-pregnant, Boer crossbreds does were divided equally into three groups (n = 4); Group 1 served as the negative control and was challenged with 2 ml of sterile PBS intranasally. Group 2 served as the positive control and was challenged with 2 ml of 109 colonies forming unit (CFU) of M. haemolytica serotype A2 suspension intranasally. Group 3 was challenged with 2 ml of OMP extracted from 109 CFU of M. haemolytica A2 intramuscularly. The experimental does were monitored for clinical signs and responses periodically. Blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 h and 3, 7, 21, 35 and 56 days post treatment for serological analyses. All does were euthanised using the halal slaughter method on day 60 post challenge/treatment. Tissues from the uterus, liver, lung and associated bronchial lymph nodes were collected and fixed in 10% formalin for 14 days for histopathological study. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the challenged/treated groups showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in the rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, and rumen motility. Serum analyses revealed that the concentrations of progesterone and estrogen hormones were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in groups 2 & 3. In contrast, the concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß and IL-6) and acute phase proteins (Hp and SAA) were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the challenged/treated groups compared to the control group. Histopathological lesion scoring revealed mild to moderate cellular changes characterised by congestion, haemorrhage, degeneration, leucocytic cellular infiltration, and cellular necrosis in the tissues of does from the OMP treatment and bacterial challenge groups compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The findings from this study suggests that M. haemolytica serotype A2 and its OMP immunogen induced mild to moderate inflammatory and degenerative changes which may potentially interfere with fertilization through hormonal imbalances and cause temporary loss of fertility in infected does.

Biomarkers, immune responses and cellular changes in vaccinated and non-vaccinated goats during experimental infection of M. haemolytica A2 under tropical conditions.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the biomarkers, immune responses and cellular changes in vaccinated and non-vaccinated goats experimentally challenged with M. haemolytica serotype A2 under rainy and hot tropical conditions. A total of twenty-four clinically healthy, non-pregnant, female goats randomly allocated to 2 groups of 12 goats each were used for the study. The 12 goats in each season were subdivided into three groups (n = 4), which served as the control (G-NEG), non-vaccinated (G-POS), and vaccinated (G-VACC). In week-1, the G-VACC received 2 mL of alum-precipitated pasteurellosis vaccine while G-POS and G-NEG received 2 ml of sterile PBS. In week 2, the G-POS and G-VACC received 1 mL intranasal spray containing 105 CFU of M. haemolytica serotype A2. Inoculation was followed by daily monitoring and weekly bleeding for eight weeks to collect data and serum for biomarkers and immune responses using commercial ELISA test kits. The goats were humanely euthanised at the end of the experiments to collect lungs and the submandibular lymph nodes tissue samples for gross and histopathological examinations. RESULTS: Regardless of the season, we have observed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum concentrations of acute-phase proteins (haptoglobin, serum amyloid A), proinflammatory cytokines (interleukine-1ß, interleukin-6), antibodies (immunoglobulin M, immunoglobulin G), and stress markers (cortisol and heat shock protein 70) in the G-POS goats compared to G-VACC and G-NEG. With regards to seasons, there was a significantly (p < 0.05) higher serum concentration with 1.5, 2 and 1-folds increase in the serum interleukin (IL)-1ß, cortisol, and heat shock protein (HSP)-70 in the G-POS during rainy compared to the hot season. Histopathology of the lungs in G-POS goats revealed inflammatory cell infiltration, degeneration, haemorrhage/congestion, and pulmonary oedema in the alveoli spaces; thickening of the interstitium, and desquamation of bronchiolar epithelium. Cellular changes in the lymph node were characterized by a marked hypercellularity in G-POS goats. CONCLUSION: Host responses to pneumonic mannheimiosis based on increased serum levels of biomarkers (cortisol, HSP70, IL-1ß and IL-6) and severe cellular changes seen in the lungs and lymph nodes of G-POS goats compared to vaccinated goats and control group are influenced by the high environmental humidity recorded in the rainy season. Increased relative humidity in the rainy season is a significant stress factor for the higher susceptibility and severity of pneumonic mannheimiosis of goats in the tropics. Vaccination of goats using the alum precipitated Pasteurella multocida vaccine before the onset of the rainy season is recommended to minimise mortality due to potential outbreaks of pneumonia during the rainy season.

Risk Factors and Severity of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Selected Small Ruminants from Malaysia.

The productivity of smallholder sheep and goat flocks is constrained by high morbidity and mortality of young stock due to helminthosis and coccidiosis. We hypothesized that gastrointestinal parasites are prevalent and may cause severe infections amongst small ruminants in Malaysia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and December 2019 to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and levels of infection with gastrointestinal strongyle and coccidia in selected smallholder goat flocks in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. A total of 257 blood and fecal samples and management data were collected from four farms in Negeri Sembilan. Gastrointestinal parasites were detected by routine sodium chloride floatation, and the McMaster technique was used to quantify the fecal eggs/oocysts per gram outputs (EPG/OPG). The severity of infection was classified as mild (50-799), moderate (800-1200), or severe (>1200). The packed cell volume (PCV) was determined by microhematocrit centrifugation and classified as anemic or non-anemic. Coprological examination revealed an overall prevalence of 78.6% (CI = 72.74-83.44) and 100% flock level prevalence of strongyle and coccidia infection among goats from Negeri Sembilan with a higher infection in flock A-Lenggeng (95.6%) than B-Senawang (87.3%), D-Mendom (80.6%), or C-Seremban (60.0%). The co-infections of strongyle + Eimeria (50.6; CI = 44.50 to 56.64) were more common than single infections of either strongyle (16.7%; CI = 12.66 to 21.78) or Eimeria (4.3%; CI = 2.41 to 7.50). Quantitative analysis has revealed different (p < 0.05) patterns of EPG/OPG in various categories of goats. In total, there were 49.8% mild, 8.6% moderate, and 13.6% severe infections of strongyle and 40.1% mild, 6.6% moderate, and 19.8% severe infections of coccidia among goats. The mean PCV of goats with severe strongyle infection (24.60 ± 0.85) was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the moderate (26.90 ± 1.15), or mild (28.23 ± 0.50) infections and the uninfected (30.4 ± 0.71). There were increased odds of infection with strongyle and coccidia among female (OR = 3.2) and adult (OR = 11.0) goats from smallholder flocks in Negeri Sembilan. In conclusion, gastrointestinal strongyles and coccidia occur at high frequency among smallholder goats, and there is a higher risk of infection amongst the adult and female stock.

Histopathological changes of reproductive organs of goats immunized with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis killed vaccine.

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is characterized by the development of abscesses, mainly in superficial and internal lymph nodes, visceral and reproductive organs in small ruminants. This study aims to examine the histopathological changes in reproductive organs of goats immunized with killed vaccine of C. pseudotuberculosis. In this study, twenty four (24) clinically healthy bucks and does were divided into four groups A, B, C and D. Animals in groups A and B were immunized with 0.5 and 1% formalin killed vaccine, respectively; followed by a booster dose. After the booster dose of immunization, groups A, B and C were challenged with C. pseudotuberculosis at 106 cfu/ml. Goats in group D were immunize and unchallenged and left as control group. All C. pseudotuberculosis infected animals were euthanized humanely 12 weeks post-challenged. Tissue samples such as testes, epididymis, spermatic cord, penis, pituitary gland, mammary gland, vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tube and ovaries were collected for histopathology study. Microscopic examination of all tissues (testes, seminiferous tubules, spermatic cord, penile tissues and the pituitary gland) in the male reproductive organs of the bucks that were inoculated with 2 ml of 0.5% and 1.0% of C. pseudotuberculosis killed vaccine showed normal (animals inoculated with 1.0%) to mild (animals inoculated with 0.5%) histopathological changes when compared with those from group C which showed varying degrees of histopathological changes (p < 0.01) in their various tissues. For the female does, similar histopathological changes were observed for the various tissues examined (ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterine horns, uterine tissues, cervix, vaginal, vulva, mammary glands and the pituitary glands) in which the vaccinated groups A &B showed a significantly (p < 0.001) less histopathological changes when compared with those in group C that showed varying degrees of histopathological changes in the reproductive organs investigated. This study showed the efficacy of C. pseudotuberculosis killed vaccine protecting against reproductive tissue damages cause by the active infection with the live bacteria in both bucks and does in the study area.

Review of clinical aspects, epidemiology and diagnosis of haemotropic Mycoplasma ovis in small ruminants: current status and future perspectives in tropics focusing on Malaysia.

Mycoplasma ovis (formerly Eperythrozoon ovis) is an epierythrocytic parasitic bacterium of small ruminants known as haemotropic mycoplasma, which is transmitted mechanically by biting flies and contaminated instruments. Acute mycoplasmosis causes severe haemolytic anaemia and mortality in young animals. At the same time, chronic disease may produce mild anaemia and varying degrees of morbidity depending on several factors, including age, reproductive status, the plane of nutrition, immunological status and the presence of concurrent infection. Haemotropic Mycoplasma ovis is currently recognised as an emerging zoonotic pathogen which is widely distributed in the sheep and goat producing areas of tropics and subtropics, where the disease is nearly endemic. Human infection has been reported in pregnant women, immunocompromised patients and people exposed to animals and arthropods. The current diagnosis of haemoplasma relies on microscopic evaluation of Giemsa-stained blood smear and PCR. Although there are few published reports on the incidence of haemotropic Mycoplasma ovis infection of small ruminants in Malaysia, information on its prevalence, risk factors, severity and economic impacts is grossly inadequate. Therefore, a large-scale survey of small ruminant flocks is necessary to elucidate the current seroprevalence status and molecular characteristics of haemotropic M. ovis infection in Malaysia using ELISA and PCR sequencing technologies. In the future, surveillance programs, including vector forecast, quarantine, monitoring by periodic surveys and public enlightenment, will limit the internal and transboundary spread of M. ovis, enhance control efforts and mitigate production losses in Malaysia.

Responses of female reproductive hormones and histopathology in the reproductive organs and associated lymph nodes of Boer does challenged with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and its immunogenic corynomycolic acid extract.

BACKGROUND: Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis biotype ovis is a bacterium that causes caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), a chronic disease of sheep and goats characterized by the formation of suppurative abscesses in superficial and visceral lymph nodes and internal organs of small ruminants. This study was designed to evaluate the reproductive hormonal changes (estrogen and progesterone) and histopathology in the reproductive organs and associated lymph nodes of does challenged with C. pseudotuberculosis biotype ovis and its immunogen; corynomycolic acid. A total of 12 healthy non-pregnant female goats were grouped into three: A, B and C consisting of four does each. Group A was intradermally inoculated with 2 mL of sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS) pH 7 (negative control group); group B was intradermally inoculated with 2 mL of corynomycolic acid extract (CMAs), while group C was intradermally inoculated with 2 mL of 109 colony-forming unit (cfu) of live C. pseudotuberculosis. Blood samples were also collected at predetermined intervals for estrogen and progesterone hormonal assays. The does were euthanized 90 days post challenge and tissue samples of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix and associated lymph nodes were collected and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for histopathological processing. The result showed various degrees of histopathological changes (hemorrhage, congestion, degeneration, necrosis, edema, leucocytic infiltrations) in the reproductive organs and associated lymph nodes of both inoculation groups. Increases in estrogen hormone concentration were observed in both inoculation groups in comparison to the control group. However, progesterone concentration was only increased in group C. This study highlighted that corynomycolic acid extract from C. pseudotuberculosis biotype ovis resulted in significant histopathology in the reproductive organs and associated lymph nodes of does and increase estrogen concentration.

Clinico-pathological responses and PCR detection of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and its immunogenic mycolic acid extract in the vital organs of goats.

Caseous lymphadenitis is an infectious disease of almost all animals, particularly small ruminants that are caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. The organism causes the formation of suppurative abscesses in superficial and visceral lymph nodes and in visceral organs. This current study was designed to elucidate the clinicopathological responses and PCR detection of the aetiological agent in the vital organs of goats challenged with C. pseudotuberculosis and its immunogenic mycolic acid extract. A total of twelve clinically healthy crossbred Boer female goats were divided into three groups: A, B, and C (four goats per group). Group A was inoculated intradermally with 2 ml of sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS) pH 7 as a control group. Group B was inoculated intradermally with 2 ml of mycolic acid extract (1 g/ml), while group C was inoculated intradermally with 2 ml of 109 colony-forming unit (cfu) of live C. pseudotuberculosis. The experimental animals were observed for clinical responses for 90 days post-inoculation and the clinical signs were scored according to the severity. The clinical signs observed in this study were temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, rumen motility, enlargement of lymph nodes, and body condition score. The experimental animals were euthanised and tissue samples from different anatomical regions of the vital organs were collected in 10% buffered formalin, processed, sectioned, and stained with H&E. Results of both C. pseudotuberculosis and mycolic acid treated groups indicated a significant difference (p < 0.05) in body temperature. Group C showed a significant increase in temperature (p < 0.05) at week 1 (39.59 ±â€¯0.29 °C), week 2 (39.67 ±â€¯0.27 °C) and week 3 (40.22 ±â€¯0.15 °C). Whereas group B showed a significant increase in temperature (p < 0.05) only at week 1 (39.36 ±â€¯0.14 °C). Heart rate in group C showed a significant increase between week 1 (93.35 ±â€¯0.42 bpm) and week 11 (86.52 ±â€¯1.32 bpm), and the mean heart rate of group B showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) between week 1 (89.90 ±â€¯0.60 bpm) and week 9 (86.90 ±â€¯0.99 bpm). Group C showed a significant increase of respiratory rate (p < 0.05) at week 1 (36.85 ±â€¯0.14 bpm), week 2 (36.90 ±â€¯0.62), week 3 (30.80 ±â€¯1.97 bpm), and week 4 (34.85 ±â€¯1.19 bpm). The mean of the respiratory rate of group B only increased at week 1 (32.98 ±â€¯1.30 bpm) and week 2 (31.87 ±â€¯0.48 bpm). Both groups C & B showed significant decreases in rumen motility and body condition score as compared to the control. The histopathological changes were significant in group C, this was shown by mild to severe haemorrhage, congestion, degeneration and necrosis, oedema, infiltration with inflammatory cells mainly lymphocytes and macrophages, while group B was less affected and showed mild to moderate haemorrhage, congestion, degeneration and necrosis, infiltration of inflammatory cells and oedema as compared to the control group. This study concluded that C. pseudotuberculosis caused typical CLA disease with a short incubation period in the experiment. While the mycolic acid extracted from C. pseudotuberculosis caused mild clinical signs, no abscess formation, and negative PCR result. Moreover, evidence of mild to moderate histopathological changes in vital organs was also observed.

The application of naked DNA plasmid (DrZP3) and recombinant adenovirus (Ad-rZP3) in rat animal model to determine comparative efficacy of ZP3-Immunocontraceptive vaccines.

The common physical and chemical methods for controlling rat pest are less than satisfactory and inhumane. Immunocontraception approach has been considered more humane and it can be accomplished by inducing the relevant host immune response that block further development of reproductive gametes. ZP3 proteins are known to play very important role during sperm-ovum fertilization. It is a self-antigen and only localized in female ovaries. Therefore, an immunization with ZP3 protein elsewhere will induce a generalize host immune response against ZP3 protein. This study employed rat ZP3 (rZP3) gene prepared from its cDNA of Rattus rattus diardii. It was delivered and expressed in vivo by naked plamid DNA (DrZP3) or recombinant ZP3-Adenovirus (Ad-rZP3). Expression studies in vitro with DrZP3 or Ad-ZP3 showed rZP3 proteins were successfully expressed in Vero cells. Hyperimmune serum against rZP3 that were prepared by immunizing several rats with purified rZP3-pichia yeast fusion protein showed it blocked sperms from binding DrZP3-transfected Vero cells. Female Sprague Dawley rats immunized with DrZP3 demonstrated a long-term effect for significant reduction of fertility up to 92.6%. Ovaries from rats immunized with DrZP3 were severely atrophied with disappearance of primordial follicles from ovarian cortex with an increased in the amount of oocyte-free cell clusters. Female rats immunized with Ad-rZP3 demonstrated 27% reduction of fertility. The infertility induced by Ad-rZP3 is comparatively low and ineffective. This could be due to a strong host immune response that suppresses the recombinant virus itself resulted in minimum rZP3 protein presentation to the host immune system. As a result, low antibody titers produced against rZP3 is insufficient to block oocytes from maturity and fertilization. Therefore, immunization with DrZP3 for immunocontraception is more effective than Ad-rZP3 recombinant adenovirus. It is proposed to explore further on the use of adenovirus or other alternative viruses to deliver ZP3 protein and for the development of enhanced expression of rZP3 in target host.

Probiotic Properties of Bacillus Strains Isolated from Stingless Bee (Heterotrigona itama) Honey Collected across Malaysia.

This study aimed to isolate, identify, and evaluate the probiotic properties of Bacillus species from honey of the stingless bee Heterotrigona itama. Bacillus spp. were isolated from five different H. itama meliponicultures, and the isolates were characterized through Gram-staining and a catalase test. Tolerance to acidic conditions and bile salt (0.3%), hydrophobicity, and autoaggregation tests were performed to assess the probiotic properties of the selected isolates, B. amyloliquefaciens HTI-19 and B. subtilis HTI-23. Both Bacillus isolates exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and possessed significantly high survival rates in 0.3% bile solution for 3 h. Their survival rates in acidic conditions were also comparable to a commercial probiotic strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Interestingly, the hydrophobicity and autoaggregation percentage showed no significant difference from L. rhamnosus GG, a commercial probiotic strain. The results from this study suggest that B. amyloliquefaciens HTI-19 and B. subtilis HTI-23 isolated from stingless bee honey have considerably good probiotic properties. Therefore, more studies should be done to investigate the effects of these bacteria cultures on gastrointestinal health.

Cyclophilin A as a target in the treatment of cytomegalovirus infections.

BACKGROUND: Viruses are obligate parasites that depend on the cellular machinery of the host to regenerate and manufacture their proteins. Most antiviral drugs on the market today target viral proteins. However, the more recent strategies involve targeting the host cell proteins or pathways that mediate viral replication. This new approach would be effective for most viruses while minimizing drug resistance and toxicity. METHODS: Cytomegalovirus replication, latency, and immune response are mediated by the intermediate early protein 2, the main protein that determines the effectiveness of drugs in cytomegalovirus inhibition. This review explains how intermediate early protein 2 can modify the action of cyclosporin A, an immunosuppressive, and antiviral drug. It also links all the pathways mediated by cyclosporin A, cytomegalovirus replication, and its encoded proteins. RESULTS: Intermediate early protein 2 can influence the cellular cyclophilin A pathway, affecting cyclosporin A as a mediator of viral replication or anti-cytomegalovirus drug. CONCLUSION: Cyclosporin A has a dual function in cytomegalovirus pathogenesis. It has the immunosuppressive effect that establishes virus replication through the inhibition of T-cell function. It also has an anti-cytomegalovirus effect mediated by intermediate early protein 2. Both of these functions involve cyclophilin A pathway.

Dermatopathology of Orf Virus (Malaysian Isolates) in Mice Experimentally Inoculated at Different Sites with and without Dexamethasone Administration.

Orf is a clinical manifestation of parapoxvirus infection often fatal in goats and sheep especially when they are under stress or influenced by unfavorable environment. This study investigated the pathogenicity of two Orf virus isolates (ORFV UPM1/14 and UPM2/14) and host response in mouse model by using different inoculation sites with/without prior exposure to dexamethasone. Treatments with dexamethasone served as an immunosuppressant that may mimic stress situation in affected animals. Groups of five mice were given intradermal injection of 0.2 mL of tissue culture infective dose 50 (TCID50) of UPM1/14 (Group 1) and UPM2/14 (Group 2) at the dorsum (Group 1A; Group 2A), ear pinna (Group 1B; Group 2B), and labial commissure (Group 1C; Group 2C). An inoculum 0.2 mL of UPM1/14 was administered to animals treated with dexamethasone (n=5; 5 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally) and nondexamethasone (n=5) groups at the dorsum, ear pinna, and labial commissure. No significant difference (p>0.05) was observed in the mean lesion scores among the groups of different inoculation sites or between dexamethasone-treated and nontreated groups. However, there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the mean stratum thickness of affected skin following inoculation with UPM2/14 isolate at the ear pinna and labial commissure. Histopathology examination revealed keratosis, acanthosis, and ballooning degeneration in the skin of affected mice. Orf virus DNA was detected in the skin samples by targeting F1L and B2L virus-specific genes in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Intradermal inoculation with UPM1/14 or UPM2/14 isolate produced a mild skin lesion in mice, and there was no significant difference in orf disease manifestation despite variation of inoculation sites. Similarly, short-term dexamethasone administration gave no adverse effects on pathogenicity of orf virus isolates.

Clausenidin Induces Caspase 8-Dependent Apoptosis and Suppresses Production of VEGF in Liver Cancer Cells

Clausena excavata Burm f. is used by traditional healers to treat cancer patients in South East Asia. The use of the plant and its compounds is based on Asian folklore with little or no scientific evidence supporting the therapeutic efficacy The current study aimed to determine the effect of pure clausenidin isolated from C. excavata on caspase-8-induced cell death as well as angiogenesis in the HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. Caspase-8 and extrinsic death receptor protein expression was determined using spectrophotometry and protein profile arrays, respectively. Ultrastructural analysis of clausenidin-treated cells was conducted using transmission electron microscopy. In addition, anti-angiogenic effects of clausenidin were investigated by Western blot analysis. Clausenidin significantly (p<0.05) increased the activity of caspase-8 and expression of protein components of the death inducing signaling complex (DISC) in HepG2 cells. Ultrastructural analysis of the clausenidin-treated HepG2 cells revealed morphological abnormalities typical of apoptosis. Furthermore, clausenidin significantly (p<0.05) decreased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Therefore, clausenidin is a potential anti-angiogenic agent which may induce apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Improvement of isolated caprine islet survival and functionality in vitro by enhancing of PDX1 gene expression.

BACKGROUND: Dead islets replaced with viable islets are a promising offer to restore normal insulin production to a person with diabetes. The main reason for establishing a new islet source for transplantation is the insufficiency of human donor pancreas while using xenogeneic islets perhaps assists this problem. The expression of PDX1 is essential for the pancreas expansion. In mature ß-cells, PDX1 has several critical roles such as glucose sensing, insulin synthesis, and insulin secretion. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the expression of pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX1) in treated caprine islets in culture and to assess the protective effects of antioxidant factors on the PDX1 gene in cultured caprine islets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Purified islets were treated with serum-free, serum, IBMX, tocopherol, or IBMX and tocopherol media. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were carried out to compare the expression levels of PDX1 in treated purified islets cultured with different media. RESULTS: Islets treated with IBMX/tocopherol exhibited the highest fold change in the relative expression of PDX1 on day 5 post-treatment (relative expression: 6.80±2.08), whereas serum-treated islets showed the lowest fold changes in PDX1 expression on day 5 post-treatment (0.67±0.36), as compared with the expression on day 1 post-treatment. Insulin production and viability tests of purified islets showed superiority of islet at supplemented serum-free media with IBMX/tocopherol compared to other cultures (53.875%±1.59%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that supplemented serum-free medium with tocopherol and IBMX enhances viability and PDX1 gene expression compared to serum-added and serum-free media.

The ability of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Pasteurella multocida B:2 to induce clinical and pathological lesions in the nervous system of buffalo calves following experimental inoculation.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of P. multocida B:2, a causative agent of haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) in cattle and buffaloes, is considered as the main virulence factor and contribute in the pathogenesis of the disease. Recent studies provided evidences about the involvement of the nervous system in pathogenesis of HS. However, the role of P. multocida B:2 immunogens, especially the LPS is still uncovered. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the role of P. multocida B:2 LPS to induce pathological changes in the nervous system. Nine eight-month-old, clinically healthy buffalo calves were used and distributed into three groups. Calves of Group 1 and 2 were inoculated orally and intravenously with 10 ml of LPS broth extract represent 1 × 1012 cfu/ml of P. multocida B:2, respectively, while calves of Group 3 were inoculated orally with 10 ml of phosphate buffer saline as a control. Significant differences were found in the mean scores for clinical signs, post mortem and histopathological changes especially in Group 2, which mainly affect different anatomic regions of the nervous system, mainly the brain. On the other hand, lower scores have been recorded for clinical signs, gross and histopathological changes in Group 1. These results provide for the first time strong evidence about the ability of P. multocida B:2 LPS to cross the blood brain barrier and induce pathological changes in the nervous system of the affected buffalo calves.