Parasitology
Bijan Esmaeilnejad; Awat Samiei; Zahra Darabizade; Mohsen Akhoondi; Romina Salavati; Bahar Ahooghalandari; Vahid Fathipour; Arash Akhavan; Armin Fakheri
Volume 15, Issue 4 , April 2024, , Pages 211-214
Abstract
A 6-year-old male domestic short-haired cat (Felis catus) was presented with weakness, anorexia, fever, icterus, a painful abdomen, ruffled hair and a tick infestation, and it had no prior surgery. Laboratory analysis revealed left-shifted neutrophils, thrombocytopenia, low albumin content and high serum ...
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A 6-year-old male domestic short-haired cat (Felis catus) was presented with weakness, anorexia, fever, icterus, a painful abdomen, ruffled hair and a tick infestation, and it had no prior surgery. Laboratory analysis revealed left-shifted neutrophils, thrombocytopenia, low albumin content and high serum bilirubin concentration as well as activities of hepatic enzymes including alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Azotemia and increased serum levels of creatinine and urea were also recorded. In Giemsa-stained blood smear, Hepatozoon gamonts were observed within neutrophils. Species-specific polymerase chain reaction assay was used to amplify an approximately 590 bp fragment of 18S rRNA gene and confirmed Hepatozoon felis infection. The cat was treated with imidocarb dipropionate and doxycycline and recovered completely. Six-month follow-up showed no recurrence. This study reveals the presence of H. felis in Iran and it should be considered in differential diagnosis in febrile and icteric cats. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first description of H. felis infection in a cat in Iran.
Reza Esmailzadeh; Farnaz Malekifard; Alaleh Rakhshanpour; Mousa Tavassoli
Volume 14, Issue 6 , June 2023, , Pages 335-340
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is a zoonotic protozoan infecting various vertebrates such as humans and domestic animals. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and genotypes of G. duodenalis using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in dogs of Urmia, Iran. ...
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Giardia duodenalis is a zoonotic protozoan infecting various vertebrates such as humans and domestic animals. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and genotypes of G. duodenalis using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in dogs of Urmia, Iran. Overall, 246 stool specimens were collected from 100 pet, 49 stray, and 97 shelter dogs in the Urmia, Iran. Totally, seven samples (2.48%) were microscopically positive in terms of Giardia cyst. The PCR-RFLP analysis revealed that three (1.21%) and two (0.83%) samples have the C and D genotypes, respectively. In addition, two samples (0.83%) were belonged to the AI sub-group. A significant association was determined between the frequency of Giardia infection and life style, age, and stool form of dogs. The findings of the study showed the high frequency of Giardia infection in stray dogs and the dogs under one-year-old. Furthermore, the C and D genotypes of G. duodenalis were predominant in dogs of Urmia, Iran.
Mahdi Askari Badouei; Haniye Taban; Ali Nemati; Luis Fernando Dos Santos
Volume 14, Issue 5 , May 2023, , Pages 267-274
Abstract
The present study reported the first serotyping (O:H typing) data documented in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains of animal origin in Iran in isolates recovered between 2008 to 2016. A total number of 75 STEC strains previously isolated from fecal samples of cattle, sheep, goats, ...
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The present study reported the first serotyping (O:H typing) data documented in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains of animal origin in Iran in isolates recovered between 2008 to 2016. A total number of 75 STEC strains previously isolated from fecal samples of cattle, sheep, goats, pigeons, humans, and deer were assessed by different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays detecting the major virulence genes of STEC and phylogroups. Then, the strains were tested for the 16 important O-groups by PCR. Finally, twenty strains were selected for H-genotyping by PCR plus sequencing. The predominant serogroup was O113 which was detected in nine isolates (five cattle, 55.50%; two goats, 22.20%; two red deer, 22.20%) followed by O26 (3/3, 100%) in cattle, O111 (3/3, 100%) in cattle, O5 (3/3, 100%) in sheep, O63 (1/1, 100%) in pigeon, O75 (2/2, 100%) in pigeons, and O128 in goats (2/3, 66.60%) and pigeon (1/3, 33.30%). The most important recognized serotypes were O113:H21 in cattle (2/3) and goat (1/3), O113:H4 in red deer (1/1), O111:H8 in calves (2/2), O26:H11 in calve (1/1), O128:H2 in goats (2/3) and pigeon (1/3), and O5:H19 in sheep (3/3). One cattle strain carrying stx1, stx2, eae, and Ehly genes belonged to O26:H29 serotype. Most strains with determined O-groups were from the bovine source that highlighted the importance of cattle as reservoirs of potentially pathogenic serovars. The present study suggested that the top seven non-O157 serogroups should be assessed along with O157 in all future research and clinical diagnostics of STEC in Iran.
Kowsar Mokarizadeh; Abdulghaffar Ownagh; Hossein Tajik
Volume 14, Issue 5 , May 2023, , Pages 289-293
Abstract
There are few studies on Coxiella burnetii (Cb) as a causative agent of Q fever in dairy products in Iran. The prevalence of Cb was studied by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method in Kope (pot) cheese and cattle milk collected from West Azerbaijan province, Iran. A total number of 240 Kope cheese and ...
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There are few studies on Coxiella burnetii (Cb) as a causative agent of Q fever in dairy products in Iran. The prevalence of Cb was studied by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method in Kope (pot) cheese and cattle milk collected from West Azerbaijan province, Iran. A total number of 240 Kope cheese and 560 milk samples were collected during the year 2020. All samples were subjected to PCR based on transposable gene IS1111. The results showed that 12.50% (95.00% confidence interval (CI): 9.00% - 16.10%) of Kope cheese and 13% (95.00% CI: 10.00% - 17.30%) of milk samples were positive for Cb. There was a significant difference in cheese and milk contaminations with Cb among the defined age groups as well as regional and seasonal variations. It was concluded that Kope cheese and cattle milk are important sources of Cb and should be considered as important risk factors in the epidemiology of Q fever disease in public health.
Fahimeh Firouzjaie; Vahideh Moin-Vaziri; Alireza Zahraei Ramezani; Hamed Behniafar; Mehdi Badakhshan; Adel Spotin; Zabih Zarei
Volume 14, Issue 1 , January 2023, , Pages 39-43
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a protozoal and vector-borne disease. World health organization has considered the disease as a neglected tropical disease. Phlebotomus and Lutzumyia species (order: Diptera, family: Psychodidae) are human leishmaniasis vectors in new and old worlds. Sergentomyia spp. (Diptera, Psychodidae) ...
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Leishmaniasis is a protozoal and vector-borne disease. World health organization has considered the disease as a neglected tropical disease. Phlebotomus and Lutzumyia species (order: Diptera, family: Psychodidae) are human leishmaniasis vectors in new and old worlds. Sergentomyia spp. (Diptera, Psychodidae) are proven vectors of lizard leishmaniasis. Although some studies have identified human Leishmania parasites in Sergentomyia, their role in parasite circulation is unknown yet. Hence, the parasitological and molecular methods were used to study the possible Leishmania infection of Sergentomyia spp., in the human and canine visceral leishmaniasis endemic area in North West of Iran. Even though Sergentomyia specimens were caught in a dominant number compared to Phlebotomus spp., no Leishmania promastigote or DNA was detected in live-caught or sticky trap-caught specimens, respectively. Sergentomyia spp. are proven vectors of sauroleishmaniasis, and despite several global reports of Leishmania infection in Sergentomyia spp., such findings should be carefully interpreted to avoid false vector incriminations.
Mehdi Rasekh; Ali Sarani; Amirsajad Jafari
Volume 13, Issue 3 , September 2022, , Pages 443-446
Abstract
Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is an emerging single-stranded RNA virus being classified under Simbu serogroup of Bunyaviridae family. This study aimed to detect antibodies against SBV in cattle for the first time in three eastern provinces of Iran. Blood samples were randomly collected from jugular veins ...
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Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is an emerging single-stranded RNA virus being classified under Simbu serogroup of Bunyaviridae family. This study aimed to detect antibodies against SBV in cattle for the first time in three eastern provinces of Iran. Blood samples were randomly collected from jugular veins of 270 cattle, from 19 farms in Razavi Khorasan, South Khorasan and Sistan and Baluchistan provinces. Separated sera were analyzed to find SBV antibody using ID vet® SBV indirect multi-species enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test kit. From a total of 273 serum samples analyzed for SBV presence, 12.45% (n = 34) were positive for SBV antibody. Risk factors including breed, age and geographic area showed a statistically significant relationship with the virus prevalence. In conclusion, the seroprevalence of SBV is not high; but it is considerable in the studied parts of Iran. This is the first study regarding SBV seroprevalence in cattle population of eastern Iran and further studies about the virus epidemiology are recommended.
Ghazal Aftab; Farnoosh Arfaee; Baharak Akhtardanesh; Gholamreza Nikbakht Brujeni
Volume 13, Issue 3 , September 2022, , Pages 447-450
Abstract
Kobuviruses are viral pathogens with broad host range presented in human gastroenteritis cases; but, the pathogenesis of these viruses in companion animals is not well described. In the present study, the presence of canine (CaKVs) and feline kobuviruses (FeKVs) was detected in the 100 fecal samples ...
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Kobuviruses are viral pathogens with broad host range presented in human gastroenteritis cases; but, the pathogenesis of these viruses in companion animals is not well described. In the present study, the presence of canine (CaKVs) and feline kobuviruses (FeKVs) was detected in the 100 fecal samples of diarrhoeic and healthy companion dogs and cats by polymerase chain reaction in Tehran, Iran. The prevalence of infection was estimated as 8.00% and 4.00% in dogs and cats, respectively. All positive samples were belonged to non-diarrhoeic animals except for a feline sample being co-infected with panleukopenia. Sequence analysis showed multiple point mutations in canine and feline Iranian strains and new feline strain was detected in the present study. This is the first detection of CaKVs and FeKVs in Iran; but, the exact role of these enteric viral pathogens and their zoonotic risks are better to be clarified in all endemic regions.
Vahid Fathipour; Bijan Esmaeilnejad; Gholamreza Habibi; Asghar Afshari; Mousa Tavassoli; Siyamak Asri-Rezaei; Mahmood Mollazadeh; Sepideh Rajabi
Volume 12, Issue 4 , December 2021, , Pages 519-522
Abstract
A 2-year-old female Shih Tzu dog was submitted with the history of anorexia and depression for one week and no prior surgery. Fever and pale mucosa were noticed in physical examination. Microscopic examination of the Giemsa-stained blood smear disclosed large form of Babesia and single to four pear-shaped ...
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A 2-year-old female Shih Tzu dog was submitted with the history of anorexia and depression for one week and no prior surgery. Fever and pale mucosa were noticed in physical examination. Microscopic examination of the Giemsa-stained blood smear disclosed large form of Babesia and single to four pear-shaped merozoites within erythrocytes (RBCs). Regenerative anemia characterized by a marked reticulocytosis, significant intra-vascular hemolysis, nucleated RBCs, left-shifted neutrophils, thrombocytopenia, azotemia, high serum creatinine and urea concentrations were recorded following hemato-biochemical analysis. Abundant bilirubin crystals and abnormal reddish color after centrifugation were observed in urinalysis. Molecular analysis was performed using specific primers for detection of Babesia canis. Diminazene aceturate, ciprofloxacin, ivermectin and phosphorus-vitamin B12 were prescribed and the clinical signs improved after four days. Two months follow-up showed no recurrence. Such studies would significantly contribute to the development of appropriate preventive strategies and successful treatment. This communication reports a clinical case of canine babesiosis caused by B. canis in a female Shih Tzu dog.
Amin Gholamhosseini; Hassan Sharifiyazdi; Mostafa Rakhshaninejad; Siavash Soltanian; Reza Salighehzadeh; Hesamodin Kordestani
Volume 12, Issue 3 , September 2021, , Pages 361-367
Abstract
Mugger crocodile is the only crocodile existing in Iran. The present study was aimed to investigate the bacterial flora in oral and cloacal cavities of wild Mugger crocodiles in Negour protected area, Iran. The isolation and molecular characterization of oral and cloacal bacterial flora were performed ...
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Mugger crocodile is the only crocodile existing in Iran. The present study was aimed to investigate the bacterial flora in oral and cloacal cavities of wild Mugger crocodiles in Negour protected area, Iran. The isolation and molecular characterization of oral and cloacal bacterial flora were performed in 22 Mugger crocodiles captured in Negour protected area, Iran. Ten bacterial species from all oral samples and six bacterial species from all cloacal samples were recovered. The most commonly isolated bacteria in oral samples were Burkholderia contaminans and Lactococcus garvieae, respectively; whereas, in cloacal samples, it was Lactococcus lactis. It is likely that the isolated bacteria would pose a threat to both crocodiles and humans health. It can threaten crocodiles during stressful conditions; while, humans would be susceptible if they are bitten by crocodiles, consume their meat or spend time near their natural environment. This study provides useful information about bacterial diversity which could help to select the most appropriate anti-bacterial when dealing with infections caused by crocodiles.
Maryam Nazarbeigy; Mohammad Yakhchali; Fazel Pourahmad
Volume 12, Issue 2 , June 2021, , Pages 229-233
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes of ovine abomasum are of economic and hygienic importance throughout the world and Iran. This study was aimed to evaluate molecular identity and species diversity of parasitic nematodes in the abomasum of slaughtered sheep in Ilam, Iran. In this study, a total number of 240 of abomasa ...
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Parasitic nematodes of ovine abomasum are of economic and hygienic importance throughout the world and Iran. This study was aimed to evaluate molecular identity and species diversity of parasitic nematodes in the abomasum of slaughtered sheep in Ilam, Iran. In this study, a total number of 240 of abomasa were randomly collected from the slaughtered sheep at industrial slaughterhouses in Ilam in all seasons between 2017 and 2018. The abomasum content and abomasal mucosa were removed and washed. The collected nematodes were morphologically identified. The genomic DNA was extracted and a 300 bp-fragment-length from internal transcribed spacer 2 ribosomal ribonucleic acid (ITS2-rRNA) gene was amplified. Overall prevalence was 66.70% (160/240). Five species of four genera of nematodes including Marshallagia marshalli (43.70%), Ostertagia circumcincta (15.50%), Parabronema skrjabini (5.00%), M. occidentalis (2.50%), and Haemonchus contortus (0.04%) were identified. Ostertagia circumcincta and H. contortus were found to be different in two nucleotides. There was no nucleotide difference between M. marshalli and M. occidentalis. This study revealed a significant prevalence of parasitic nematodes in sheep abomasum and species diversity of Trichostrongylid nematodes in the region.
Behrokh Marzban Abbas Abadi; Hannaneh Golshahi; Saeed Seifi
Volume 12, Issue 2 , June 2021, , Pages 263-265
Abstract
Spondylolisthesis known as kinky back syndrome is a deformity of the free sixth thoracic vertebra including enlargement and rotation resulting in posterior paralysis in broiler chicken. Genotype, feeding regimes and environment are involved in occurrence of this congenital anomaly. Spondylolisthesis ...
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Spondylolisthesis known as kinky back syndrome is a deformity of the free sixth thoracic vertebra including enlargement and rotation resulting in posterior paralysis in broiler chicken. Genotype, feeding regimes and environment are involved in occurrence of this congenital anomaly. Spondylolisthesis may result in or happen simultaneously with two other major axial skeleton pathologies including spondylosis and spondylitis as a result of occurrence of degenerative necrobiotic lesions and inflammation of the vertebrae, respectively. This report deals with a male broiler chicken with posterior paralysis in the second week of rearing. After euthanasia, the specimen was evaluated at macroscopic and microscopic levels. Macroscopic findings showed the unilateral enlargement of body and transverse process of sixth thoracic vertebra and downward rotation of the body. The histopathological studies revealed the focal chondronecrosis and degenerative changes in articular facets and cranial process of the vertebra. In conclusion, a diagnosis of spondylolisthesis followed by spondylosis was made based on macroscopic and histopathological findings that to the authors’ best knowledge, is the first report in a broiler farm in Iran.
Mohammad Bagher Rokni; Homayoon Bashiri; Saber Raeghi; Aref Teimouri; Vahid Shojaeimotlagh; Mohammad Reza Shiee; Arezoo Bozorgomid
Volume 11, Issue 3 , September 2020, , Pages 265-271
Abstract
Over the last decade, diagnostic tools to detect and differentiate Fasciola species have improved, but our understanding of the distribution of haplotypes and population structure of this parasite is less clear. This study was designed to survey this gap in the F. gigantica epidemiology in Kermanshah ...
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Over the last decade, diagnostic tools to detect and differentiate Fasciola species have improved, but our understanding of the distribution of haplotypes and population structure of this parasite is less clear. This study was designed to survey this gap in the F. gigantica epidemiology in Kermanshah province, western Iran from 2015 to 2017.Sixty-eight Fasciola isolates were collected from slaughterhouses from this province. We evaluated the PCR-RFLP assay of the ITS1 genes for the identification of Fasciola species using the RsaI enzyme. After Fasciola species identification, the partial sequence of mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND1) gene of F. gigantica was used for subsequent construction of the phylogenetic tree and network analysis.Based on the PCR-PRFLP profile, one (6.25%) of sheep isolates and 19 (39.60%) of cattle isolates were detected as F. gigantica, whereas 93.75% of sheep isolates, 60.40% of cattle isolates and all of the goat isolates were F. hepatica. In the 20 analyzed flukes, five ND1 haplotypes were detected. Statistically significant genetic differentiation was demonstrated between the Iran population and all the other populations. Evidence is presented for the existence of two well-separated populations: African and West Asian gigantica flukes and East Asian gigantica flukes.Genetic relationships among haplotypes were associated with geographical divisions. Also, our results have heightened our knowledge about the genetic diversity of F. gigantic, providing the first evidence for the existence of two well-separated populations of this parasite.
Attaollah Hajihassani; Shilan Maroufi; Bijan Esmaeilnejad; Hajir Khorram; Mousa Tavassoli; Bahram Dalir-Naghadeh; Awat Samiei
Volume 11, Issue 2 , June 2020, , Pages 191-193
Abstract
Various species of Trypanosoma parasites are known to infect several wild and domestic animals worldwide. A 7-year-old Holstein cow from Baneh, Kurdistan province, was examined by a private veterinarian due to anorexia and depression. Physical examination revealed fever, enlarged subscapular lymph ...
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Various species of Trypanosoma parasites are known to infect several wild and domestic animals worldwide. A 7-year-old Holstein cow from Baneh, Kurdistan province, was examined by a private veterinarian due to anorexia and depression. Physical examination revealed fever, enlarged subscapular lymph node, and pale mucosa. Blood samples were taken for hemato-logical, parasitological, and PCR examination. The large Trypanosoma spp. was microscopically observed in a stained blood smear. Decreased red blood cells (RBCs) count, packed cell volume and hemoglobin concentration were observed through complete blood cell count. Nucleated RBCs were also found in this case. Species-specific PCR assay confirmed T. theileri infection. Treatment was performed subcutaneously with diminazene aceturate. The clinical signs were improved after two days. Two-month follow-up showed no recurrence. In conclusion, T. theileri is characterized by anemia and pyrexia in a cow. To our knowledge, the present case report describes the first molecular evidence of T. theileri in Kurdistan, West of Iran.
Keyvan Tadayon; Ehsan Mostafavi; Afshin Hajizadeh; Rainak Ghaderi; Parham Tadayon
Volume 10, Issue 4 , December 2019, , Pages 271-275
Abstract
Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (RVSRI) turned 95 years old in 2015. Majority of the animal infectious diseases such as rinderpest and anthrax that used to frequently strike the historic Persia are now gone for good or under control owing to the pioneering researches conducted at the institute ...
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Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (RVSRI) turned 95 years old in 2015. Majority of the animal infectious diseases such as rinderpest and anthrax that used to frequently strike the historic Persia are now gone for good or under control owing to the pioneering researches conducted at the institute in the early-mid 20th century in the field of vaccine manufacturing. The earliest such scientific contributions, were truly made by the French eminent veterinarian Dr. Louis Pierre Joseph Delpy who joined the institute in 1931. In his 18 year-long directorship tenure he taught his colleagues fundamentals of vaccinology, basics of modern epidemiology, essentials of infectious disease control disciplines, the art of scientific writing and much more things that changed the institute for ever. This paper reviews the events and turning points in the first 25 years of service of the institute in a chronological way and remarks Delpy’s principle involvements in all of these on the occasion of the 120 anniversary of his birth. At the entrance of the institute headquarter building where his bronze bust is placed, visitors can see a memorial etched plate that reads “... The architect of Razi and founder of Archives De L’Institute Razi (Archives of Razi Institute) was an enthusiastic scientist with a creative mind. … For the Razi community, Dr Delpy is gone but not forgotten.”
Small Animal Internal Medicine
Mehdi Saberi; Hadi Tavakkoli; Ali Najmaddini; Mahdieh Rezaei
Volume 10, Issue 3 , September 2019, , Pages 249-253
Abstract
Influenza is a highly contagious zoonotic disease in the world. Avian H9N2 influenza virus is a significant pandemic pathogen widely distributed throughout the world. Pet ownership has been documented as a risk factor for infection transmission to human. Considering major public health concern, the prevalence ...
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Influenza is a highly contagious zoonotic disease in the world. Avian H9N2 influenza virus is a significant pandemic pathogen widely distributed throughout the world. Pet ownership has been documented as a risk factor for infection transmission to human. Considering major public health concern, the prevalence of antibodies against avian H9N2 influenza virus was evaluated in 170 serum samples of dogs by hemagglutination inhibition assay. This study is the first survey to assess the epidemiology of avian H9N2 influenza virus infection in dogs in Kerman, southeast of Iran. Out of 170 samples, 65 (38.23%) were positive for H9N2. Antibodies were higher in farm dogs that were kept with other animals and also in dogs were fed a raw diet. These findings emphasize the importance of close attention to these populations for control and prevention programs. It is important to reduce infection burden, especially in regions with widespread distribution of H9N2.
Microbiology
Jamshid Razmyar; Mahdis Ghavidel; Hamideh Salari Sedigh
Volume 10, Issue 1 , March 2019, , Pages 67-72
Abstract
Genus Brachyspira,as Gram negative anaerobic bacteria, colonize in dogs intestine. The aim of the current study was to determine the prevalence of Brachyspira spp. for the first time in Iran and rapid identification of Brachyspira spp. in dogs by a new designment of a species-specific primer set for ...
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Genus Brachyspira,as Gram negative anaerobic bacteria, colonize in dogs intestine. The aim of the current study was to determine the prevalence of Brachyspira spp. for the first time in Iran and rapid identification of Brachyspira spp. in dogs by a new designment of a species-specific primer set for B. canis. One hundred fifty-one fecal samples were obtained from dogs by rectal swab. Twenty dogs suffered from diarrhea and 131 of them were healthy. In 9.27% (14/151) of samples, spirochaetes were detected on primary cultures by weak hemolysis and positive Gram staining and then Brachyspira genus was confirmed by NADH oxidase (nox) gene via polymerase chain reaction. Among 14 isolates, twelve isolates were B. canis, one isolate was B. intermedia and another one was non-typeable. From 12 B. canis, only eight isolates were detected by designed specific primers. Ten Brachyspira spp. were isolated from dogs ≤ 1 year old (10/67, 14.92%) and 4 isolates were from > 1 year old dogs (4/84, 4.76%). The isolation rates from healthy and diarrheic dogs were (12/131, 9.16%) and (2/20, 10.00%), respectively. A statistically significant association was observed between the presence of Brachyspira spp. and the age under one year. Based on our findings, the nox gene in B. canis might have more sequence variability compared to other Brachyspira spp.
Parasitology
Eshrat Beigom Kia; Mitra Sharbatkhori; Zahra Heidari; Farideh Tohidi; Bahareh Kamran Rashani; Farzaneh Zahabiun
Volume 9, Issue 4 , December 2018, , Pages 367-371
Abstract
A polycephalic larva of Taeniidae family isolated from abdominal cavity of a great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus) from Golestan province, northern Iran, was subjected to molecular analysis. Genomic DNA from the larva was obtained using a DNA extraction tissue kit. Polymerase chain reaction was performed for ...
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A polycephalic larva of Taeniidae family isolated from abdominal cavity of a great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus) from Golestan province, northern Iran, was subjected to molecular analysis. Genomic DNA from the larva was obtained using a DNA extraction tissue kit. Polymerase chain reaction was performed for amplification of the partial 12S rRNA, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase 1 (nad1) mitochondrial genes. BLAST analysis of DNA sequencing indicated 99.00% homology in 12S rRNA and cox1 genes and 98.00% homology in nad1 gene with Hydatigera krepkogorski (accession No. AB731762). The sequences of current isolate were deposited in GenBank by accession Nos. MF281971, MF281972 and MF281973 for 12 SrRNA, cox1 and nad1 genes, respectively. This study was the first report of molecular characterization of H. krepkogorski from Iran. Isolation and characterization of the adult stage from definitive host will help to better clarify incomplete life cycle and morphology data of this species in the world.
Poultry
Saeed Seifi; Hojjatollah Shokri; Mahvash Karimi Madab
Volume 9, Issue 4 , December 2018, , Pages 373-378
Abstract
Fungal infections cause significant economic losses in the poultry industry either due to their direct infectious nature or due to mycotoxins production. Hatchery contamination with fungi can threaten chicken health. In this regard, geographical and seasonal distributions of airborne fungal contamination ...
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Fungal infections cause significant economic losses in the poultry industry either due to their direct infectious nature or due to mycotoxins production. Hatchery contamination with fungi can threaten chicken health. In this regard, geographical and seasonal distributions of airborne fungal contamination of 25 hatcheries in Mazandaran province, northern Iran, were investigated using an open plate method. The results of this study showed that hatcheries have various fungal contaminations, among which the most common were respectively Cladosporium (31.07%), Penicillium (24.00%), Aspergillus (20.63%), sterile hyphae (14.70%) and Alternaria (6.20%) from different regions. The results revealed that the highest level of fungal isolation was in spring and autumn. This study also showed that the concentration of fungal air spora in forest and seaside locations was significantly greater than mountainous ones. In spite of the regular disinfection in commercial hatcheries, fungal contamination was found in different parts.
Epidemiology
Baharak Mohammadian; Saied Bokaie; Mojtaba Moharrami; Sedighe Nabian; Mohammad Forsi
Volume 9, Issue 3 , September 2018, , Pages 259-263
Abstract
Nosemosis is one of the most prevalent bee diseases in the world causing significant economic losses in the global bee-keeping industry. This cross-sectional study was conducted during April-September, 2016 to investigate the prevalence of nosemosis in different climatic regions of Iran. A ...
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Nosemosis is one of the most prevalent bee diseases in the world causing significant economic losses in the global bee-keeping industry. This cross-sectional study was conducted during April-September, 2016 to investigate the prevalence of nosemosis in different climatic regions of Iran. A total of 183 apiaries were selected based on cluster sampling and the climate of apiaries under study was classified using Domarten method. In each apiary, five percent of the colonies were randomly sampled. A total of 183 adult bee samples were taken and examined by microscopic and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods for the presence of Nosema infections. According to the results, infection caused by Nosema ceranae was observed in all regions under study. The prevalence of N. ceranae was 46.40% (42.70–50.10). However, infection with Nosema apis was not observed in the samples in either pure form or as associated infection. Based on the results of PCR, the prevalenceof N. ceranae was 53.80% (46.60– 61.00) in humid, 71.00% (53.70–77.50) in semi-humid, 68.10% (61.40–74.80) in very humid, 29.40% (22.70–36.10) in arid, 34.30% (27.40–41.20) in semi-arid and 24.00% (17.90–30.00) in Mediterranean climates. The prevalence of infection in different climatic zones of the country was found to have significant differences (p < 0.001). According to the findings, N. ceranae was the only Nosema species in honeybees with a broad geographical dispersion in Iran. It seems that climate can influence the prevalence of mentioned parasite.
Parasitology
Mohammad Khezri; Mojtaba Moharrami; Hossain Modirrousta; Maryam Torkaman; Saleh Salehi; Babak Rokhzad; Homan Khanbabai
Volume 9, Issue 3 , September 2018, , Pages 273-278
Abstract
Nosema disease is one of the most important diseases of adult honey bees worldwide. It is known as silent killer because there are no characteristic symptoms. The aim of the present study was to determine prevalence of Nosema species in various towns of Kurdistan province in Iran. A multiplex polymerase ...
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Nosema disease is one of the most important diseases of adult honey bees worldwide. It is known as silent killer because there are no characteristic symptoms. The aim of the present study was to determine prevalence of Nosema species in various towns of Kurdistan province in Iran. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (multiplex-PCR) was performed for identification of Nosema species infecting European honeybee, Apis mellifera. A total of 100 samples were collected from apiaries (870 hives) in 10 counties of Kurdistan province, located in the west of Iran. Samples were examined using light microscope and PCR. The light microscope was used to determine the presence of Nosema spores in all of the collected samples. Multiplex-PCR based on 16S ribosomal RNA was used to differentiate N. apis from N. ceranae. Overall prevalence of the microscopic evaluation and PCR method were 29.00% and 32.00%, respectively. The analysis of Nosema isolates from interrogation of DNA databank entries of Kurdistan apiaries (based on rRNA sequence data) indicated that only N. ceranae was widespread in these apiaries, and it had already been found in high percentages (50.00%) in Marivan and Kamiaran counties of Kurdistan province. It was shown that only N. ceranae was found by PCR assay in the region.
Microbiology
zahra boroomand; Ramezan Ali Jafari; Mansour Mayahi
Volume 9, Issue 3 , September 2018, , Pages 279-283
Abstract
Infectious bronchitis (IB) is a highly contagious disease involving mostly upper respiratory tract in chickens, leading to significant economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide. One of the major concerns regarding to IB is the emergence of new types of infectious bronchitis viruses (IBVs). The ...
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Infectious bronchitis (IB) is a highly contagious disease involving mostly upper respiratory tract in chickens, leading to significant economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide. One of the major concerns regarding to IB is the emergence of new types of infectious bronchitis viruses (IBVs). The purpose of this study was to identify the IBVs isolated from Iranian broiler chickens with respiratory symptoms. Twenty-five broiler flocks around Ahwaz (southwest of Iran) were examined for IBV. The specimens including trachea, lung, liver, kidney, and ceacal tonsil, were collected from diseased birds and inoculated into chicken embryonated eggs. Harvested allantoic fluids were subjected to reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using primers in order to amplify spike 1 (S1) gene of IBV. The RT-PCR products of four IBV isolates were sequenced. The results showed that from 25 examined flocks with respiratory disease, 12 flocks (48.00%) were positive for IBV. In phylogenetic analysis, our isolates were closely related to the QX-like viruses such as PCRLab/06/2012 (Iran), QX, HC9, HC10, CK/CH/GX/NN11-1, CK/CH/JS/YC11-1, CK/CH/JS/2010/13, CK/CH/JS/2011/2 (China), QX/SGK-21, QX/SGK-11 (Iraq) with nucleotide homology up to 99.00%. This study indicates the role of IBVs in the respiratory disorders of broiler flocks located in southwest Iran, and also the existence of a variant of IBV, which is distinguishable from the other Iranian variants.
Small Animal Internal Medicine
Parinaz Tavasolian; Masoud Rajabioun; Hamideh Salari Sedigh; Mohammad Azizzadeh
Volume 9, Issue 2 , June 2018, , Pages 99-103
Abstract
Ultrasonography is an accurate and accessible method for detecting polycystic kidney disease (PKD), an inherited autosomal dominant disease, and other urinary tract diseases. The present work is a preliminary study of PKD and urinary tract abnormalities using ultrasonography in Persian and other long ...
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Ultrasonography is an accurate and accessible method for detecting polycystic kidney disease (PKD), an inherited autosomal dominant disease, and other urinary tract diseases. The present work is a preliminary study of PKD and urinary tract abnormalities using ultrasonography in Persian and other long hair cats in Iran. This study was conducted on 83 cats including 68 Persian cats and 15 Persian related cats from December 2013 to March 2015. The age of cats ranged 3 to 72 months. Cats were classified as PKD-positive when at least one renal cyst was observed. Other urinary system abnormalities were recorded ultrasono-graphically. Association of personal and nutritional characteristics with PKD and other urinary tract disease detected by ultrasonography was statistically analyzed. The prevalence of PKD among Persian cats and in the total population was 33.80% and 31.30%, respectively. PKD was more prevalent among male cats compared to those in female cats. PKD occurrence was significantly more among cats fed by commercial dry foods compared to those fed by homemade foods. There was no significant association between PKD and age, hair color, eye color, related clinical signs and other kidney abnormalities in ultrasonographic findings. The prevalence of renal calculi, urine sediments and bladder calculus were 2.40%, 32.80% and 3.60%, respectively. Urine sediments were significantly raised with increasing age. Screening program is essential for on-time diagnosis of PKD and to plan therapeutic management and control of the disease.
Genetic
Mohammadreza Ghorani; Arash Ghalyanchi Langeroudi; Omid Madadgar; Mohammadreza Rezapanah; Sedigheh Nabian; Reza Khaltabadi Farahani; Hossein Maghsoudloo; Mohammad Forsi; Hamed Abdollahi; Hesameddin Akbarein
Volume 8, Issue 4 , December 2017, , Pages 287-292
Abstract
Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) is an unclassified polymorphic single-stranded RNA virus. Among the viruses infecting honeybees, CBPV is known to induce significant losses in honeybee colonies. In this study, a total number of eighty-nine suspected apiaries from four regions of Iran (including Mazandaran, ...
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Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) is an unclassified polymorphic single-stranded RNA virus. Among the viruses infecting honeybees, CBPV is known to induce significant losses in honeybee colonies. In this study, a total number of eighty-nine suspected apiaries from four regions of Iran (including Mazandaran, Khorasan Razavi, Hormozgan, and Kurdistan) were sampled and submitted for molecular identification. Three positive samples were detected by RT-PCR. All positive samples were confirmed by sequencing. The phylogenetic tree which displays the molecular relationship between the viruses of different Iranian geographic regions and references isolates was constructed. The Iranian isolates formed two distinct phylogenetic groups (Group 1 and Group 2). The IR-CPV-GMG-1, IR-CPV-GMG-2, IR-CPV-GMG-4, and IR-CPV-GMG-6 formed Group 1 and IR-CPV-GMG-3, IR-CPV-GMG-5, and IR-CPV-GMG-7 were in Group 2 as a distinct group. Iranian isolates in group 1 were similar to European and East Asian CBPVs. This research was the first phylogenetic analysis of CBPV in Iran. Further researches are needed to study the other aspects of this virus-like genetic characteristics and pathogenesis in Iran.
Poultry
Saeed Rasoulinezhad; Mohammad Hassan Bozorgmehrifard; Hossein Hosseini; Nariman Sheikhi; Saeed Charkhkar
Volume 8, Issue 4 , December 2017, , Pages 293-298
Abstract
Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is economically important pathogen of poultry causes airsacculitis and frequently infraorbital sinusitis in turkeys. Infections may remain without clinical signs, but they can make birds susceptible to secondary infections.This study was carried out for molecular detection ...
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Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is economically important pathogen of poultry causes airsacculitis and frequently infraorbital sinusitis in turkeys. Infections may remain without clinical signs, but they can make birds susceptible to secondary infections.This study was carried out for molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of MG infections in commercial and backyard turkey flocks in some parts of Iran. A total number of 600 swab samples were collected from 18 commercial and 31 backyard turkey flocks. The PCR technique was performed for detecting 16S rRNA gene in the samples. Positive sample were subjected for sequencing of mgc2 gene. The results showed that 48.38% of backyard and 16.66% of commercial farms were positive for MG. These findings suggested the presence of MG in the commercial and backyard turkeys’ farms of Iran. The molecular analysis indicated high sequence similarity between some Iranian turkeys isolates with Indian and Pakistanian MG isolates. Furthermore, substitutions of MG nucleic acids and correlated amino acids sequences may lead to some antigenic modifications.
Parasitology
Sepideh Rajabi; Bijan Esmaeilnejad; Mousa Tavassoli
Volume 8, Issue 4 , December 2017, , Pages 299-306
Abstract
A total number of 450 blood samples were collected from 45 different randomly selected cattle herds. Light microscopic examination of blood smears revealed Babesia spp. infection in 4.2%, while 8.9% of blood samples were positive using PCR. Upon multiplex-PCR (mPCR), B. bigemina and B. bovis infections ...
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A total number of 450 blood samples were collected from 45 different randomly selected cattle herds. Light microscopic examination of blood smears revealed Babesia spp. infection in 4.2%, while 8.9% of blood samples were positive using PCR. Upon multiplex-PCR (mPCR), B. bigemina and B. bovis infections were detected in 37/40 (92.5%) and 3/40 (7.5%) samples, respectively. 530 ticks of 10 Ixodid species were collected from the same cattle. Hyalomma anatolicum was the most prevalent tick species (19.9%). An expected 520 bp fragment of Babesia spp. was generated in 22 (48.8%) of Rhpicephalus annulatus, 18 (40.0%) of R. bursa and 12 (30.0%) R. sanguineus sensu lato. The mPCR findings revealed that all infected ticks including R. annulatus, R. bursa and R. sanguineus were totally infected with B. bigemina. The DNA amplification of B. bovis and B. bigemina in egg samples showed that only B. bigemina was detected in two specimens of R. annulatus. It could be concluded that B. bigemina was the dominant causative agent in this region but the evidence of B. bovis infection of cattle in a few cases was noted, as well. The results suggested that B. bigemina and B. bovis could be detected in the DNA extracted from R. annulatus, R. bursa and R. sanguineus sensu lato confirming previous reports. Since B. bigemina is transmitted transovarially by R. annulatus, it might act as an important vector for B. bigemina.
