Emerging insights into cephalic neural crest disorders: A single center experience.

Objectives: Neural crest cells (NCCs) are transient structures in the fetal life in vertebrates, which develop at the junctional site of the non-neural and neural ectoderm, sharing a common developmental origin for diverse diseases. After Epithelio-mesenchymal (EMT) of the NCCs within the neural tube, delamination of NCCs occurs. After delamination, the transformation of these cells into various cell lineages produces melanocytes, bones, and cartilage of the skull, cells of the enteric and peripheral nervous system. After the conversion, these cells migrate into various locations of the entire body according to the cell lineage. Abnormalities in neural crest (NC) formation and migration result in various malformations and tumors, known as neurocristopathy. Material and Methods: Herein, this case series describes a single-center experience in cephalic NC disorders over the past 3 years, including 17 cases of varying composition (i.e., vascular, dysgenetic, mixed, and neoplastic forms) involving the brain and occasionally skin, eyes, and face of the patients. Results: In our study of 17 patients with cephalic NC disease, 6 (35.3%) patients had vascular form, 5 (29.4%) had dysgenetic form, 4 (23.5%) had mixed form, and 2 (11.7%) had neoplastic form. Brain involvement in the form of vascular or parenchyma or both vascular and parenchymal was seen in all of our patients (100%), skin in 6 (35.3%) patients, eye in 2 (11.7%), and face in 1 (5.9%) patient. Treatment was planned according to the various manifestations of the disease. Conclusion: Neural crest diseases (NCDs) are a rare and under-recognized group of disorders in the literature and may have been under-reported due to a lack of awareness regarding the same. More such reporting may increase the repertoire of these rare disorders such that clinicians can have a high degree of suspicion leading to early detection and timely counseling and also improve preventive strategies and help in developing new drugs for these disorders or prevent them.

Antioxidant supplementation during treatment of outpatient dogs with parvovirus enteritis ameliorates oxidative stress and attenuates intestinal injury: A randomized controlled trial.

A prospective randomized controlled clinical study was conducted to determine whether antioxidant supplementation as an adjunct therapy alters hemogram, oxidative stress, serum intestinal fatty acid binding protein-2 (IFABP-2) level, fecal viral load, clinical score (CS) and survivability in outpatient canine parvovirus enteritis (CPVE) dogs. The dogs with CPVE were randomized to one of the five treatment groups: supportive treatment (ST) alone, ST with N-acetylcysteine (ST+NAC), resveratrol (ST+RES), coenzyme Q10 (ST+CoQ10) or ascorbic acid (ST+AA). The primary outcome measures were reduction of CS and fecal HA titre, and enhancement of survivability. Secondary outcome measures were reduction of oxidative stress indices and IFABP-2 level from day 0 to day 7. The mean CS and HA titre were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased from day 0 to 7 in ST and all antioxidant groups. The supplementations of NAC, RES and AA along with ST markedly (P < 0.05) reduced the concentrations of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide and IFABP-2 on day 7 as compared to ST alone. Additionally, NAC and RES supplementations markedly (P < 0.05) improved the total leukocyte count and neutrophil count in CPVE-affected dogs. NAC and RES could serve as better antioxidants for the amelioration of oxidative stress in CPVE but, the antioxidants did not confer any additional benefits in reduction of CS, fecal HA tire, or survivability when compared with ST alone.

Moyamoya Syndrome in Schimke Immune-Osseous Dysplasia: A Rare Association.

Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia (SIOD) is an uncommon autosomal recessive (AR) spondylo-epiphyseal dysplasia (SED) and its clinical course and phenotype are yet to be properly described. The phenotypic presentation is quite varied with involvement of the renal, skeletal, vascular, immune, and hematopoietic systems being the most common presentation. We describe a 19-year-old female who presented with adolescent-onset brain and skeletal involvement without renal manifestations. Based on imaging and clinical features, she was diagnosed with a case of SIOD. There is no definitive treatment yet for this disorder, however, clinicians should be aware of this disorder so that adequate counseling and symptomatic management, especially in controlling hypertension and dyslipidemia, can be provided to the affected patients.

Diffusion tensor imaging analysis of rheumatoid arthritis patients with neuropsychiatric features to determine the alteration of white matter integrity due to vascular events.

INTRODUCTION: The pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric manifestations in rheumatoid arthritis is not well known. The magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in rheumatoid arthritis demonstrates non-specific findings, and in the majority of cases, magnetic resonance imaging fails to detect an abnormality, even in rheumatoid arthritis patients with neuropsychiatric manifestations. Therefore, we aimed to assess microstructural integrity changes of white matter in patients with rheumatoid arthritis by using different diffusion tensor imaging parameters. METHODS: Eighteen rheumatoid arthritis patients (10 with neuropsychiatric symptoms and 8 without any neuropsychiatric symptoms) and 14 controls were included. The volume of the T2 hyperintense lesions was assessed. Different diffusion tensor imaging parameters such as fractional anisotropy, apparent diffusion coefficient, trace, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity were obtained from six different regions of white matter. Inter group significant difference was determined by one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test. The accuracy of diffusion tensor imaging matrices was evaluated from the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: No significant difference in lesions' volume was detected between rheumatoid arthritis patients with or without neuropsychiatric symptoms. There was an increased apparent diffusion coefficient and radial diffusivity (p < 0.05) as well as decreased fractional anisotropy and axial diffusivity (p < 0.5) in rheumatoid arthritis patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms compared to controls. Moreover, the apparent diffusion coefficient (p < .05) was increased in both positive and negative MRI of patients with neuropsychiatric features compared to the control group. The sensitivity and specificity of the apparent diffusion coefficient parameters was 73% and 72%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The various anisotropic metrics were altered in rheumatoid arthritis patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms by using diffusion tensor imaging analysis, representing that central nervous system vasculitis leads to tissue hypoxia resulting in vasogenic edema. This may lead to axonal and myelin degeneration of white matter fibers and neuronal cell disruption. Key Points • Our study confirms that neurovascular events are not uncommon in RA patients with NP features. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is superior to conventional MRI scan for RA patients with NP features because it distinguishes between gray and white matter structures. • RA patients with NP features are more likely to have microstructural changes detected by DTI than by DWI, and it can provide comprehensive anatomical layouts describing regional disparities in neurodegeneration. • DTI's quantitative association of NP symptoms in a large patient cohort is an important study scope.

Megalencephaly-Capillary Malformation-Polymicrogyria Syndrome (MCAP): A Rare Dynamic Genetic Disorder.

Megalencephaly-capillary malformation-polymicrogyria syndrome (MCAP) is an uncommon malformation syndrome, characterized by primary megalencephaly, capillary malformations of the midline face and body, or distal limb anomalies such as syndactyly and polymicrogyria. Herein, we report a young male child, who presented with complaints of increasing head size, delay in speech, and one episode of focal seizure with distinctive morphological and neuroradiological manifestations which led to the diagnosis of MCAP. We have also reviewed recently published literature and the various diagnostic criteria proposed by authors to achieve the early clinical diagnosis of these patients in the outpatient department.

Naturally occurring Anaplasma marginale infection in cattle: Molecular prevalence and associated risk factors, haemato-biochemical alterations, oxidant/antioxidant status and serum trace mineral levels.

The present investigation was undertaken to map the distribution of Anapalsma species infection in cattle from the Aizawl region of Mizoram, India, in relation to various risk factors, and to study the haemato-biochemical alterations, oxidant/antioxidant status and serum trace mineral levels in cattle with naturally occurring Anapalsma marginale infection. The study was carried out over 31 months from June 2019 to December 2021. A total of 401 cattle blood samples were collected and screened for the presence of Anaplasma spp. by microscopic examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Non-infected clinically healthy cattle (n = 21) served as control. Blood samples were collected to study the haemogram and serum samples were used for the evaluation of biochemical parameters, oxidative stress indices and trace minerals. During the study period, an overall prevalence of 15.71% was recorded for A. marginale infection in cattle. The prevalence of A. marginale infection was highly associated with age, sex, breed and tick infestation status of animals, floor system and management of farms, and season. The mean values of total erythrocyte count (TEC), haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total platelet count, total protein, albumin, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were significantly (P < 0.05) lower, whereas the mean values of mean corpuscular volume (MCV), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and lipid hydroperoxide (LPO) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in cattle infected with A. marginale. A negative correlation of TEC with LPO, and a positive correlation with SOD, GSH, TAC, Cu and Zn suggest a possible link between oxidative stress and the haemolytic crisis noticed in bovine anaplasmosis. Incorporation of antioxidants and organ protective drugs as an adjunct therapy may result in better prognosis.

Magnetic Resonance Angiography and Multidetector CT Angiography in the Diagnosis of Takayasu's Arteritis: Assessment of Disease Extent and Correlation with Disease Activity.

BACKGROUND: Takayasu's Arteritis (TA) is a large vessel vasculitis with diverse clinical presentations and arterial vascular bed involvement.It is characterized by chronic, nonspecific inflammation of all layers of the vessel wall which results in stenosis, occlusion, dilatation, or aneurysm formation in the involved blood vessels. METHODS: The study included 36 patients of TA. All patients fulfilled the modified Ishikawa's diagnostic criteria for TA. All patients were evaluated for clinical presentation, angiographic findings, and severity of the disease. The disease activity was assessed based on Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and also by CT Angiography (CTA)/Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) imaging. The angiographic types were classified based on the International TA Conference in Tokyo 1994 angiographic classification. RESULTS: A total of 36 patients were included in the study, 86% were females and a mean age of 21.6 years. Hypertension (78%) was the most common clinical presentation. Type V was the most common angiographic type (42%) followed by type III (25%), type IV (14%), type IIb (11%), type I (5%) and type IIa (3%). Among the aortic arch branches the left subclavian artery (50%), right subclavian artery (38.8%), left vertebral artery (33.3%) and left common carotid artery (27.7%) were the most commonly involved arteries. Disease activity based on CT / MR imaging showed a significant statistical correlation with elevated ESR and positive CRP (p < 0.0001). Mediastinal lymphadenopathy was seen in 21 patients out of which 11 had active disease. However, no significant correlation was found between mediastinal lymphadenopathy and disease activity. CONCLUSION: TA presents with varied symptomatology and differing vascular involvement. CT/MR angiography is effective in diagnosis and accurately predicted the active stage of the disease.

A 5-Year Prospective Study on Incidence and Clinico-pathological Changes Associated with Naturally Occurring Trypanosomosis in Dogs of Mizoram, India.

PURPOSE: The present research was taken to study the hospital-based incidence and clinico-pathological changes associated with naturally occurring trypanosomosis in dogs of Mizoram. METHODS: A 5-year prospective study on hospital-based incidence and clinico-pathological changes associated with naturally occurring trypanosomosis in dogs of Mizoram was carried out during the study period from April, 2015 to March, 2020. Trypanosoma evansi infection was confirmed by microscopic examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Non-infected clinically healthy dogs (n = 6) served as control. Blood samples were collected to study the haemogram and serum samples were used for the evaluation of serum biochemical parameters and oxidant-antioxidant parameters. RESULTS: During the study period, an overall incidence of 0.25% was recorded for trypanosomosis in dogs. The most consistent clinical findings noticed were anorexia/inappetence, pyrexia, depression/lethargy, pale mucous membrane, dehydration and lymphadenomegaly. Anaemia, granulocytopenia, lymphocytosis and thrombocytopenia were the major findings noticed in trypanosomosis affected dogs. The profile of vital organ function revealed that the mean values of total protein, albumin and random blood glucose were significantly (P < 0.05) lower, whereas the mean values of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in dogs affected with trypanosomosis. The mean value of lipid hydroperoxide (LPO) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher, whereas the mean values of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant activity (TAOA) were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in trypanosomosis affected dogs. When total erythrocyte count (TEC) was correlated with LPO (r = - 0.631, P < 0.05), a negative correlation was found, while in case of GSH (r = 0.757, P < 0.05), SOD (r = 0.767, P < 0.05) and TAOA (r = 0.713, P < 0.05), it was positively correlated. CONCLUSION: A negative correlation of TEC count with LPO, while a positive correlation with GSH, SOD and TAOA signify the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of anaemia induced by T. evansi infection in dogs. The present study findings might be helpful to clinicians when treating clinical cases of this kind. Incorporation of organ protective drugs and antioxidants in the treatment schedule may result in better prognosis.

Normative magnetic resonance imaging measurements of orbital structures in pediatric population of North-Eastern India: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

Purpose: The people of Northeast India comprise mostly of Mongoloid descent with characteristic craniofacial features. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the normal orbital structures with MRI and determine normative data in the Northeast Indian pediatric population. Methods: MRI images of the 302 orbits of 151 pediatric patients below 16 years of age were retrospectively evaluated to measure the various orbital structures. Both axial and coronal MRI images were utilized for various orbital measurements. An independent sample t-test was done to compare various orbital data according to the sex and side. Linear regression was also done. Results: The mean age of the pediatric population was 9.64 ± 1.47 years with a male: Female ratio of 1.13:1. The mean interzygomatic line was 88.4 ± 9.09 mm and the interorbital line was 22.18 ± 3.62 mm. The mean thicknesses of medial, lateral, superior, and inferior recti muscles were 2.58 ± 0.46, 2.34 ± 0.42, 2.16 ± 0.40, and 2.53 ± 0.49 mm in males and 2.41 ± 0.41, 2.08 ± 0.34, 2.08 ± 0.46, and 2.46 ± 0.49 mm in females. The mean horizontal orbital, vertical orbital diameters, orbital index, mean volume of eyeball, and orbital cavity were 30.27 ± 2.97,3 7.06 ± 3.57, 122.58 ± 7.39, 4.63 ± 0.84, and 15.29 ± 3.52 in males, while 29.16 ± 3.23, 34.96 ± 3.99,119.96 ± 7.31, 4.49 ± 0.87, and 14.65 ± 3.47 in females, respectively. With an increase in age, the interzygomatic line (r = 0.883, r2 = 0.780; P < 0.0005), anterior medial interorbital line (r = 0.808, r2 = 0.652; P < 0.0005), mean volume of eyeball (r = 0.915, r2 = 0.838; P < 0.0005), orbital cavity (r = 0.924, r2 = 0.854; P < 0.0005), and distance between the optic nerve entry site (r = 0.829, r2 = 0.687; P < 0.0005) were increased. Conclusion: This study provides normative data of various orbital structures in a pediatric population and these data likely to be useful for diagnosing various pediatric orbital disorders and helps in the planning of various surgical procedures of orbits.

MRI Spectrum of Japanese Encephalitis in Northeast India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective Japanese encephalitis (JE) is an arthropod-borne flavivirus infection having high mortality and morbidity. This study was performed to evaluate the conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in JE and to find out any difference between pediatric and adult JE. Materials and Methods This retrospective study was performed on serologically positive 54 JE patients presented to a tertiary care hospital with acute encephalitic symptoms between April 2016 and October 2019. Relevant neurological examination, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and MRI scan of the brain were performed. Results Fifty-four JE patients ( n = 31 males and n = 23 females) having 32 pediatric and 22 adult JE were included in the study sample. Group 1 JE ( n = 16) patients had encephalitic symptoms with duration less than 15 days up to the day of MRI scan and group 2 JE ( n = 38) had symptoms more than 15 days. Group 1 JE had mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value of 0.563 ± 0.109 (standard deviation [SD]) × 10 -3 mm 2 /sec and group 2 JE had 1.095 ± 0.206 (SD) × 10 -3 mm 2 /sec. The mean ADC value of pediatric JE was 0.907 ± 0.336 (SD) × 10 -3 mm 2 /sec and adult JE was 0.982 ± 0.253 (SD) × 10 -3 mm 2 /sec. Conclusion The majority of the JE patient shows abnormal signal alterations in bilateral thalami and substantia nigra. Diffusion-weighted imaging with ADC mapping helps in evaluating the stage of the JE. No statistical significance of the various conventional MRI findings was found between the pediatric JE and adult JE.

Added Value of Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Differentiating Musculoskeletal Tumors Using Sensitivity and Specificity: A Retrospective Study and Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) provides added value to conventional MRI imaging in diagnosing and differentiating various benign and malignant musculoskeletal tumors. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to evaluate the diagnostic efficacies of diffusion-weighted imaging along with the conventional MRI sequences for differentiating benign and malignant musculoskeletal tumors using sensitivity and specificity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was carried out on 73 histopathologically proven patients of various musculoskeletal tumors who presented to a tertiary care center between March 2017 to October 2018. Relevant clinical examinations and MRI scan of the requested body part of the musculoskeletal system were performed. Mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were calculated in the bone as well as soft tissue tumors after placing uniform-sized region of interest (ROI) in the non-necrotic portion of the tumor. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test were used to compare the mean ADC values of the various tumors with the histopathology. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was done to determine the cut-off mean ADC values in the various bone and soft tissue tumors. RESULTS: Of 73 patients with musculoskeletal tumors (benign=20, malignant = 53), 47 patients were bone tumors (benign=12, malignant=35) and 26 patients were soft tissue tumors (benign=eight, malignant=18). Mean ADC value of benign bone tumor was 1.257±0.327[SD] x 10-3mm2/s and malignant was 0.951 ± 0.177[SD] x 10-3mm2/s. The mean ADC value of benign soft tissue tumor was 1.603±0.444[SD] x 10-3mm2/s and malignant was 1.036 ± 0.186[SD] x 10-3mm2/s. The cut-off mean ADC value was 1.058 x 10-3mm2/s for differentiating benign from malignant bone tumor with a sensitivity of 83.3%, specificity of 66.7% and accuracy of 78.7% while the cut-off mean ADC value of 1.198 x 10-3mm2/s for differentiating benign from malignant soft tissue tumors with a sensitivity of 83.3%, specificity of 87.5% and accuracy of 84.6%. CONCLUSIONS: DWI with ADC mapping can be used as an additional reliable tool along with conventional MRI sequences in discriminating benign and malignant musculoskeletal tumors.

Added value of 3D-DRIVE and SWI Magnetic Resonance Imaging Sequences in Intraventricular Neurocysticercosis (IVNCC): An Institutional Experience from Northeast India.

Background: Prompt diagnosis and early treatment institution are important in intraventricular neurocysticercosis (IVNCC) as compared to the parenchymal or racemose form because it is associated with a poorer patient prognosis. Intraventricular neurocysticercosis is often missed on CT scan or conventional cranial magnetic resonance imaging because of similar density or signal intensity of cysticercus lesion with cerebrospinal fluid.Thestudy aims to evaluate the added value of 3D-DRIVE and SWI MRI sequences in isolated intraventricular cysticercosis with acute neurological presentation. Methods and Materials: This retrospective study was carried out on diagnosed 10 patients with isolated intraventricular neurocysticercosis (IVNCC) presented to a tertiary care hospital with an acute onset of symptoms or acute neurological deficit between June 2019 to May 2021. Relevant neurological examination, CSF analysis, a serological test of neurocysticercosis and MRI scan of the brain were performed. Result: Tenpatients of isolated intraventricular neurocysticercosis (3 males and 7 females) having 3 pediatric and 7 adults were included in this study sample.The common neurological complications of the isolated intraventricular neurocysticercosis in this study are observed as obstructive hydrocephalus in 8(80%) patients and ependymitis in 7(70%) patients. IVNCC with distinctly visualized scolex (visibility score 2) identified in 2(20%) patients in T2WI, 8 (80%) patients in 3D-DRIVE and 3(30%) patients in SWI sequences. The cyst wall of IVNCC was distinctly visualized (visibility score 2) in 1(10%) patient in T2WI, 8(80%) patients in 3D-DRIVE and 6(60%) patients in SWI sequence. Conclusion: Heavily T2-weighted steady-state and SWI sequences should be added to routine MRI sequences that helps to identify IVNCC and should be used in patients with unexplained hydrocephalus, especially in endemic regions of Neurocysticercosis.

Diffusion tensor imaging analysis in scrub typhus meningoencephalitis to determine the alteration of microstructural subcortical white-matter integrity.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain in scrub typhus meningoencephalitis is non-specific, and in the majority of the cases, conventional MRI fails to detect any abnormality. However, autopsy reports depict central nervous system involvement in almost all patients. There is therefore a need for research on the quantitative assessment of brain parenchyma that can detect microstructural abnormalities. The study aimed to assess the microstructural integrity changes of scrub typhus meningoencephalitis by using different diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of scrub typhus meningoencephalitis. Seven patients and seven age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. Different DTI parameters such as apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), fractional anisotropy (FA), relative anisotropy (RA), trace, volume ratio (VR) and geodesic anisotropy (GA) were obtained from six different regions of subcortical white matter at the level of the centrum semiovale. Intergroup significant difference was determined by one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to determine the accuracy of the DTI matrices. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in FA, RA and GA as well as an increase in ADC and VR in the subcortical white matter in patients with scrub typhus meningoencephalitis compared to controls (p < 0.001). The maximum sensitivity of the DTI parameters was 85.7%, and the maximum specificity was 81%. CONCLUSION: There was an alteration of subcortical white-matter integrity in scrub typhus meningoencephalitis that represents the axonal degeneration, myelin breakdown and neuronal degeneration. DTI may be a useful tool to detect white-matter abnormalities in scrub typhus meningoencephalitis in clinical practice, particularly in patients with negative conventional MRI.

Clinical and Laboratory Presentation of Hydatid Disease: A Study From Northeast India.

Introduction Hydatid disease is an immense health problem in developing countries. The diagnosis of hydatid cyst is often difficult because of its protean manifestations. Our objective was to evaluate the various clinical and laboratory presentations of hydatid disease and various modalities of treatment from a tertiary care center. Materials and methods We reviewed the clinical and laboratory features of patients presenting with hydatid cyst through retrospective analysis from January 2018 to December 2019 from a tertiary care hospital in northeast India. Results Of the 26 adult patients with hydatid cysts who were part of the study, 14 (53.8%) were males and 12 (46.2%) were females. The mean age was 34.6 years. The most common site of involvement was the liver (69%) followed by lung (19.2%) and brain (7.7%). Palpable mass in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen was the most common symptom (88.3%) for liver hydatid cyst followed by pain abdomen (66.6%). Systemic symptoms like fever and weakness were present in most of the patients. The majority of patients (80%) were from rural areas. Conclusion Hydatid cysts present with varied symptomatology. History of exposure to infected animals may not be present. A high degree of clinical suspicion combined with meticulous history and clinical examination supported by laboratory investigations are required for its diagnosis.

Assessment of certain biomarkers for predicting survival in response to treatment in dogs naturally infected with canine parvovirus.

Canine parvovirus (CPV) enteritis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in puppies despite aggressive treatment. Identification of reliable biomarkers for CPV enteritis is essential to determine the severity, duration of hospitalization, and predict the clinical outcome. Meanwhile, the biomarkers will assist in decision-making with clients about the further course of treatment or euthanasia. The present study was conducted to evaluate the changes of total leukocyte count (TLC), neutrophil count, and serum concentrations of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), intestinal fatty acid binding protein-2 (IFABP-2), albumin, ceruloplasmin (Cp), cortisol, free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) in survivors and non-survivors as a predictor of the clinical outcome. Marked leukopenia, neutropenia, hypoalbuminemia, elevated levels of CK-MB, IFABP-2, Cp, and cortisol were noticed in CPV-infected dogs than healthy dogs but, LDH, FT3 and FT4 concentrations did not differ significantly. The CPV-infected non-survivors had persistent leukopenia, neutropenia and elevated CK-MB, IFABP-2, Cp and cortisol concentrations at 72 h of commencement of treatment. In CPV-infected survivors, TLC and neutrophil count were significantly increased, and CK-MB, IFABP-2, Cp and cortisol concentrations were significantly decreased at 72 h of commencement of treatment. The positive predictive values (PPVs) for survival using cut-off value of TLC (>3.2 × 103/µL), neutrophil count (>1.65 × 103/µL), CK-MB (≤234.50 U/L), IFABP-2 (≤7.61 ng/mL), Cp (≤0.605 g/L) and cortisol (≤16.90 ng/mL) were determined as 89.47%, 88.88%, 94.73%, 93.33%, 94.44% and 89.47%, respectively with better area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve as well as sensitivity. The magnitude of decrease in TLC, neutrophil count, and increase in CK-MB, IFABP-2, Cp and cortisol concentrations at 72 h of initiation of treatment in dogs with parvoviral enteritis could be useful indicators for the prognosis of the disease. Based on sensitivity (%) and specificity (%) from ROC curve analysis and PPV (%), it is concluded that serum CK-MB concentration will serve as the most useful biomarker followed by Cp and absolute neutrophil count.

Molecular diagnosis and clinico-hemato-biochemical alterations and oxidant-antioxidant biomarkers in Babesia-infected dogs of Mizoram, India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Babesiosis is a tick transmitted disease, infecting a wide variety of wild and domestic animals, as well as humans. This study was designed to investigate molecular diagnosis and clinic-hemato-biochemical and oxidant/antioxidant status in dogs of Mizoram, India. METHODS: A total 1200 dogs screened for babesiosis during 2017-18 and 53 dogs suspected for babesiosis by clinical signs and were confirmed by molecular diagnosis. Clinical signs were recorded; also blood samples were taken to investigate hematologic changes, serum biochemical variations and oxidative stress biomarkers. RESULTS: The overall incidence of babesiosis in dogs of Aizawl, Mizoram, India during the study period recorded was 1.25% (15/1200) and 28.3% cases confirmed from 53 suspected dogs (15/53). The most commonly observed clinical signs were fever, emaciation, depression and icterus and lymphadenopathy. Significant reduction in PCV, HB, RBCs, MCHC, total protein, and albumin along with significant increase in MCV, WBCs, monocytes and BUN were the most consistent hemato-biochemical changes. Oxidant/antioxidant assessment showed significant reduction in superoxide dismutase, catalase and total anti-oxidant (TAC) along with significant increase in lipid peroxidase (LPO) activities. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The findings of this study demonstrated that the main causative agent of babesiosis in dogs in Mizoram Province is Babesia gibsoni which caused significant alteration of hemato-biochemical and oxidant-antioxidant status in dogs.

Molecular investigation of vector-borne parasitic infections in dogs in Northeast India.

BACKGROUND: Information on the status of vector-borne pathogens among canines in Northeast India is lacking, particularly for the states of Mizoram and Tripura close to the Myanmar border. Blood samples collected from 130 dogs, 80 from Mizoram and 50 from Tripura, were examined in this study. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for filariid worms, Babesia, Hepatozoon, Ehrlichia and Anaplasma spp. and DNA sequencing was then carried out to identify pathogens at the species level. RESULTS: Vector-borne pathogens were detected in 52% (68/130) of the sampled dogs. The most prevalent pathogen was Babesia gibsoni detected in 56/130 (43%) dogs, followed by Hepatozoon canis in 50/130 (38%), Anaplasma platys in 4/130 (3%), B. vogeli in 4/130 (3%), Acanthochelionema reconditum in 3/130 (2%) and Dirofilaria immitis in 2/130 (2%). Forty-four dogs (34%) were co-infected with two or more pathogens. The most common co-infection observed was with B. gibsoni + H. canis (34%) followed by triple-infection with B. gibsoni + H. canis + A. platys (3%), and B. gibsoni + B. vogeli + H. canis (3%). The infection rate was higher in Mizoram (58%) than in Tripura (44%). CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of infection in the studied dog population, especially with B. gibsoni and H. canis, indicates that vector-borne diseases pose a serious threat to the health of dogs in this area of Northeast India. Prevention of vector-borne diseases by using topical acaricides and heartworm preventative treatment would be of great benefit for reducing the threat of vector-borne diseases in the study area.