Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract American foulbrood (AFB) and European foulbrood (EFB) diseases caused by Paenibacillus larvae and Meliscococcus plutonius are prevalent honeybee brood diseases that pose significant economic challenges to the apiculture industry globally. Antibiotic treatment has led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, encouraging the search for alternative and safe measures to effectively control these diseases. Honeybee gut microbiomes have proven effects on all spectra of honeybee health by enhancing resistance to several diseases via immune modulation and the production of different antimicrobial metabolites. The major part of the gut microbiota is identified as probiotic bacteria, which are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host. Probiotics have shown promising health benefits for honeybees. Honeybee gut probiotics provide protection via the production of different metabolites (postbiotics), such as hydrogen peroxide, vitamins, organic acids, free fatty acids, bacteriocins, neurotransmitters, secreted bio-surfactants, and reactive oxygen species. Vast numbers of these gut bacteria and their postbiotics have wide-spectrum antibacterial effects on AFB and EFB. This review highlights the significance of the honeybee gut microbial community, its probiotic potency, and the role of postbiotic metabolites as safe prophylactic measures for preventing AFB and EFB diseases in honeybees.

Abstract The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Dermacentor marginatus isolated from Hainan Island, a tropical island in China, has recently been elucidated. This ornate sheep tick is a three-host species, meaning it requires feeding on different hosts throughout its larval, nymph, and adult stages. This broad host range contributes significantly to its role in the transmission of various pathogens including spotted fever group rickettsia. The mitochondrial genome of D. marginatus was sequenced and found to be a circular, double-stranded DNA molecule with a total length of 15,005 bp. The genome exhibited a guanine and cytosine (GC) content of 21.23%, reflecting its unique genetic composition. Annotation of the genome revealed the presence of 37 genes, comprising 22 tRNA genes, 13 mRNA genes as protein-coding genes, (PCGs) and two rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis placed D. marginatus closest to D. silvarum from Heilongjiang province in China, clustering with D. sinicus from Hubei province in China. D. marginatus also exhibited proximity to D. species from China and other countries forming a distinct cluster. The availability of the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of D. marginatus marked a notable advancement in deciphering the genetic diversity and evolutionary path of this tick species. The study concentrated on the mitochondrial genome of D. marginatus from Hainan Island, examining its genetic and phylogenetic features, and assessing genomic variations that may influence mitochondrial function and tropical adaptation. The investigation into the genetic adaptations of D. marginatus to its tropical niche yielded vital information for forecasting how tick populations may react to changes in climate and diverse environmental conditions.

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBC), a synthetic tissue adhesive and graft material, on the healing of experimentally induced joint defects in rats. Twenty healthy male Wistar rats with an average body weight of 250 - 300g were used in this experiment. In the experimental group, NBC was given into the induced defects (2.00 mm) and then, they were closed routinely. In the control group, no intervention was made on the defects and they were closed routinely. All animals were observed during 30 days. In the radiological evaluation, the significant differences were recorded from days 15 to 30 between groups. In the histopathological evaluation, the distributions of collagen II and transforming growth factor-beta immuno-positive cells were more intense in experimental group than control group. As a result, the radiological and histopathological evaluations indicated that using NBC in joint defect increased tissue compatibility of newly formed cartilage cells and collagen fibers. However, how NBC provides chondrocyte production and harmony between the damaged and surrounding tissues remains a subject that must be studied.

Abstract Cathelicidin-1, an antimicrobial peptide, has garnered attention for its potential role as a biomarker in detecting anestrus in cows, providing insights into bovine reproductive health. This study aimed to analyse cathelicidin-1 within the urinary proteome and evaluate its effectiveness as a diagnostic tool for anestrus in cows. The study employed tricine-sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry techniques to identify and characterize cathelicidin-1 in the context of anestrus in cows. The analysis confirmed the presence and distinct profile of cathelicidin-1, highlighting its significance in reflecting the physiological and pathophysiological states associated with anestrus. Cathelicidin-1 as a promising diagnostic biomarker for anestrus in cows could revolutionize bovine reproductive management by offering more precise and advanced detection methods compared to the traditional, time-consuming, and sometimes inaccurate approaches, like behavioral observation or hormonal assays. If cathelicidin-1 can be detected non-invasively, it would not only enhance early detection and timely intervention but also reduce the need for invasive procedures, thereby improving animal welfare.

Abstract Antioxidant potential of different milk types and thermal-treated milks may be of interest to milk processors, consumers, and nutritionists. The objectives of this study were comparison of the antioxidant potential of milk, defatted milk, whey, and deproteinized whey from cow, sheep, and goat, and also evaluation of the effect of thermal treatments (pasteurization and sterilization) on the antioxidant activity of the milk. The antioxidant potential of different milk samples and their fractions was examined using reducing power, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, and 2,2-azinobis-3-ethylenzothiazoline-6-sulphonicacid methods. The results showed that the antioxidant potential of sheep raw milk was significantly higher than that of cow milk and goat milk. The results also indicated that thermal processing increased the reducing power and antioxidant potential of milk, and increasing heating temperature significantly increased reducing power and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity of milk, especially sheep milk and goat milk. Removing of whey proteins from whey of all animal species, particularly sheep, caused a significant decrease in the antioxidant potential of whey. The results of this study showed that sheep milk and its fractions are a good source of natural antioxidants, which may have higher health promotion effects on consumers from nutritional point of view.

Abstract The most significant infectious disease that affects cats is thought to be feline panleukopenia, also known as Cat distemper. Despite its epidemiological status, few literatures are available regarding the clinic-pathological aspect of the disease and about the molecular epidemiology of the circulating feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) in India. This study gives a comprehensive insight into the prevalence, pathology and diagnosis of FPV in cat population of Mizoram. Twenty-six cats that died of clinical disease suspected of FPV were subjected to a thorough pathological examination followed by molecular diagnosis. The FPV infection was confirmed in 12 out of the 26 cats by polymerase chain reaction assay targeting the VP2 gene of FPV. The phylogenetic analysis based on the full VP2 gene of FPV has demonstrated close genetic affinity of FPV strains circulating in Mizoram with the isolates from Thailand (MW589472), Italy (MZ508524) and China (OR727315). The analysis of the VP2-deduced amino acid sequence revealed two distinct mutations, S179T and I401V, exclusively identified in isolates from this particular study.

Abstract The administration of dispersed allogeneic biomaterial (AB) into the para-articular region and joint cavity allows slowing down the processes of tissue destruction in arthritis. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of AB on the course of experimental adjuvant arthritis (AA) in rats. For modeling of AA, complete Freund's adjuvant was injected into the plantar surface of the hind paw of 60 white outbred female rats. The study included intact group, control group, and experimental group. After 37 days of the experiment, blood was collected for hematological analysis and the knee joint with surrounding tissues was harvested for standard histological examination. Intra-articular administration of AB to experimental rats while using complete Freund's adjuvant neutralized the manifestation of signs of a generalized inflammatory process in the joints and reduced the degree of destructive changes in the articular apparatus, preserving the structure of the cartilaginous layer. The use of AB made it possible to stabilize the red and white blood cells levels in the experimental group, as well as significantly increase the reduced level of monocytes. Intra-articular administration of AB during AA modeling exhibits an osteo- and chondro-protective effect, providing positive anti-inflammatory and symptom-modifying effects and weakening the manifestation of pathomorphological changes in the joints of experimental rats.

Abstract During the fifth month of 2024, many outbreaks of the avian influenza virus occurred in Vietnam, during which the first human infected with avian influenza A (H5N1) was reported. Therefore, influenza control strategies including vaccine production are necessary for poultry and improving the number of candidate vaccine viruses that do not replicate well in eggs for vaccine production. We previously reported that the ST-2009 virus had a negative propagation capacity in eggs. Chimeric neuraminidase (NA) genes were generated by replacing the 5' and 3' packaging signals of PR8 A/PR/8/34 strain with the coding region of the NA genes of ST-2009. Compared to those of the control, the new viruses containing chimeric NA genes exhibited significantly greater hemagglutination titers in embryonated chicken eggs. This study showed that the packaging efficiency of new viruses containing chimeric NA and replacing chimeric NAs improved the hemagglutination titer of viruses that were unable to propagate in eggs.