Ahvaz District Research Articles

Frequency of crystalluria and bacteriuria in companion dogs of Ahvaz district

یکی از مهم­ترین عواملی که در پاتوژنز سنگ­های ادراری نقش دارد، کریستال­اوری می­باشد. نوع کریستال می­تواند با عفونت باکتریایی دستگاه ادراری مرتبط باشد و متعاقبا موجب تغییر pHادرار ­گردد. مطالعه حاضر، با هدف ارزیابی فراوانی کریستال­اوری و باکتری­اوری، در سگ­های خانگی اهواز صورت گرفت. بدین منظور، ادرار 101 قلاده سگ سالم و به روش کاتترزدن اخذ شد. در ارزیابی فیزیکی نمونه­های ادرار، وزن مخصوص، رنگ، شفافیت و ویژگی­های ظاهری و در آنالیز بیوشیمیایی آن­ها، وجود هموگلوبین، گلوکز، پروتئین و اجسام کتونی در ادرار بررسی و نیز pHادرار سنجیده شد. رسوب ادراری، از نظر حضور کریستال­ها، کست­ها و سلول­ها هم ارزیابی شد. همچنین نمونه­های ادرار از نظر حضور باکتری­­های استافیلوکوکوس، پروتئوس و اشریشیا کولای بررسی شدند. در مجموع، در 20 مورد (80/19 درصد) کریستال­اوری مشاهده گردید، که از این تعداد، 15 مورد (75 درصد) استروویت، 2 مورد (10 درصد) اگزالات­ کلسیم ­دی­هیدرات، 2 مورد (10 درصد) مخلوط استروویت و اگزالات ­کلسیم ­دی­هیدرات و 1 مورد (5 درصد) مخلوط اگزالات ­کلسیم­ دی­هیدرات و بیلی­روبین بودند. از 101 نمونه، در 40 مورد (60/39 درصد) کشت ادرار مثبت بود، که از این تعداد، 16 مورد (40 درصد) استافیلوکوکوس اپیدرمیدیس و 12 مورد (30 درصد) اشریشیا کولای بود. در هیچ­کدام از نمونه­ها، پروتئوس جدا نشد. در مطالعه حاضر، ارتباط معنی­داری بین جنس و نژاد با باکتری­اوری و کریستال­اوری به­دست نیامد (05/0 p). همچنین مشخص گردید که همبستگی نزدیکی بین کریستال­اوری و باکتری­اوری در سگ­ها وجود دارد.

Isolation, Molecular Detection, and Risk Factors of Campylobacter Infection From Companion Dogs

Background: Campylobacter is an organism that is usually associated with diarrhea in pet animals and humans, as well as other domestic, wild, and laboratory animals. Objective: The aim of the present survey was the isolation, molecular detection, and risk factors of Campylobacter infection from companion dogs referred to the Veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz district, the South-West of Iran. Materials and Methods: Rectal swabs were examined by culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods from 122 companion dogs (52 diarrheic and 70 clinically healthy). Several risk factors were reviewed, including age, gender, breed, nutrition status, and lifestyle. Results: The results showed that only five samples (4.1%) were positive for Campylobacter spp. in the culture method. Campylobacter spp. was detected in 18 out of 122 dogs by the PCR, yielding an overall prevalence of 14.8%. The most prevalent species of Campylobacter among the referred dogs were C. coli (38.89%) and C. jejuni (33.33%). A lower prevalence was found for C. upsaliensis (11.11%) and C. lari (5.55%). Concurrent infections were observed in two cases of C. upsaliensis + C. lari (5.55%) and C. coli + C. lari (5.55%). No significant difference was noted between healthy (11.43%) and diarrheic (19.23%) dogs (P>0.05). Eventually, age, gender, breed, nutrition status, and lifestyle had no significant effect on Campylobacter infection (P>0.05). Conclusion: Although the prevalence of Campylobacter was moderate in the dog population of Ahvaz district, these bacteria can constitute a public health hazard because of the frequent presence of Campylobacter species in the feces.

A Serological Survey of Neospora caninum Infection in Urban and Rural Dogs in Ahvaz District, Southwest of Iran.

Dogs are important in the epidemiology of Neospora caninum because they act as definitive hosts, shedding oocysts in the environment. The aim of the present survey was to evaluate the serological prevalence of Neospora caninum infection in urban and rural dogs in Ahvaz district, southwest of Iran. In this study, blood samples were taken from 100 rural dogs and 50 urban dogs. The dogs were categorized into two age groups (i.e., ≤ 3 and > 3 years). Neospora agglutination test (NAT) was performed for the detection of infection. Among 150 samples, 30 (20%) showed infection in 1:50 to 1:800 dilutions by NAT (confidence interval 95%: 13.60-26.40). The antibody titers were as follows: 1:50 (n=1), 1:100 (n=14), 1:200 (n=3), 1:400 (n=10) and 1:800 (n=2). The highest serum dilution was 1:100 in 46.67% of the infected dogs and the lowest serum dilution was 1:50 in 3.33% of them. The obtained results showed a significant difference in seroprevalence between urban (10%) and rural (25%) dogs (P=0.03). Although the seroprevalence was higher in dogs above three years of age (23.33%) than below three years (17.78%), there was not a significant difference among different age groups in this regard (P>0.05). The possibility of infection in dogs above the age of three years was 1.3 more than those below three years of age (confidence interval 95%: 0.58-2.9). It can be concluded that a relatively considerable percentage of dogs in Ahvaz district are infected with N. caninum. These infected dogs can play an important role in the transmission of neosporosis to other animals.

Multiple linear modeling between soil properties, magnetic susceptibility and heavy metals in various land uses

Land use and intrinsic soil properties play vital role in variability of heavy metals and magnetic susceptibility within a landscape. This study was conducted to use multiple linear regressions modeling to explore the variability of magnetic susceptibility and heavy metals within five different land uses and to find the interaction of these variables with intrinsic soil properties in Ahvaz district, Khuzestan Province, Southern Iran. Five land uses included urban area, agricultural land, steel company, Zargan Power Plant, and Ramin Power Plant. Twenty soil samples from each land use and totally one hundred samples from 0 to 5 cm topsoil were randomly collected. Some chemical and physical soil properties, magnetic susceptibility as well as concentration of some heavy metals were measured. The results showed that significant correlations were found between heavy metals and magnetic susceptibility at low frequency (χlf), showing high capability of magnetic susceptibility for prediction of heavy metals. Calcium carbonate equivalent and soil organic matter (SOM) showed negative correlation with χlf, while SOM and clay content had substantial influences on variability of heavy metals in the studied area. The results of the comparison among land uses showed that Cr, Ni were the highest in agricultural land because of the application of the sewage sludge and fertilizers, while the metals (ZN, Mn, Cu, Co and Fe) and χlf were the highest in steel company due to the industrial activities. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the combination of soil properties and magnetic susceptibility could explain 94, 62, 69, 53, 81, 77 and 57% of the variability in Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni, Co and Cr, respectively.

Detection of Giardia duodenalis antigen in companion rabbits of Ahvaz district, South-West of Iran

Giardia duodenalis is an important zoonotic protozoon, found in the small intestine of humans and mammals. There is very little information available regarding rabbits infected with Giardia in Iran. The objective of the present study is to detect Giardia duodenalis antigen in companion rabbits of the Ahvaz district, South-West of Iran. A total of 58 fecal samples of companion rabbits that had been collected during January 2011 to December 2014 were submitted to the parasitology laboratory of the Veterinary Faculty for Giardia duodenalis testing by two techniques: centrifugation-flotation and a commercial Giardia Antigen Test Kit (BVT Co., Ltd, Lion, France) by immunochromatography assay (ICA). The studied rabbits were categorized into two age groups (less than 1 year old and above or equal to 1 year old), four season. In addition, they were categorized into two other groups based on the stool sample status (diarrheic and non-diarrheic). Five out of fifty eight fecal samples (8.62%) were positive for antigen of Giardia duodenalis by ICA. Prevalence was significantly higher in diarrheic rabbits (45.45%; 5 out of 11) than non-diarrheic rabbits (0%; 0 out of 47) (P=0.002). The infection had more prevalence in rabbits older than 1 year (9.09%; 3 out of 33) compared with young rabbits that were less than 1 year old (8%; 2 out of 25). Nevertheless, the difference was not significant. Prevalence was higher in male rabbits (9.52%; 2 out of 21) compared with female rabbits (8.11%; 3 out of 37) and in the season of autumn (15.38%; 2 out of 13), but without a significant difference between the prevalence of infection relative to host gender and season. Microscopy examination on fecal samples showed that 5.17% (3 out of 58) were positive. For greater certainty, three stool samples were collected from each animal at 48 hour intervals. The results indicated that the Giardia antigen was present as a zoonotic disease in rabbits of the Ahvaz district. The obtained data showed that more sensitive techniques such as ICA may be necessary and yield more reliable results in the detection of low levels of Giardia in fecal samples.

A survey on Feline Leukemia virus infection in cats of Ahvaz district, Iran: Seroprevalence and risk factors

The purpose of the present survey was to determine the seroprevalence rate of FeLV in cats in Ahvaz district, South-West of Iran, as well as, risk factors such as age, gender, breed, life style and clinical findings were evaluated. Blood samples were collected from 60 companion and 124 stray cats and antibody titers were measured against FeLV with ELISA kits. The seroprevalence was obtained 79.89% (95% CI: 74.1-85.68 percent). Chi-square test showed a significant relationship between age groups and infection (p 0.05). In conclusion, the seroprevalence was very high in cat’s population of Ahvaz district and there was a significant difference between clinical findings and serological results.

A serological survey on Leptospiral infection in squirrels and hamsters in Ahvaz district, SouthWest of Iran

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic infectious disease of worldwide distribution. The infection is caused by various serovars of Leptospira interrogans sensu lato. Although the squirrels and hamsters are considered to be the reservoir or maintenance host of Leptospira, but little is known about the status of leptospirosis in these animals. This survey was conducted to evaluate the seroprevalence of Leptospiral infection in squirrels and hamsters in Ahvaz district, SouthWest of Iran. Blood samples were taken from 35 squirrels and 35 hamsters. Sera were screened for antibodies against serovars of L. canicola, L. icterohaemorrhagiae, L. grippotyphosa, L. ballum, L. hardjo, L. pomona, L. australis and L. tarassovi using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). From a total of 35 squirrels, three cases (8.57%) were serologically positive for the serovars of L. grippotyphosa (2.86%), L. pomona (2.86%) and complex of L. hardjo + L. canicola + L. grippotyphosa + L. pomona (2.86%). Positive results were detectable at serum dilutions of 1:100 to 1:400. Seroprevalence did not show a significant difference for age and sex in the studied squirrel (p > 0.05). From a total of 35 hamsters, six cases (17.14%) were serologically positive. The predominant titers were directed against serovars of L. grippotyphosa (5.71%), L. grippotyphosa + L. pomona (2.86%), L. pomona (2.86%), L. icterohaemorrhagiae (2.86%) and L. canicola (2.86%). The positive results had 1:100 serum dilutions. Prevalence was significantly higher in adult hamsters above one year compared to hamsters less than one year (p 0.05). This survey indicated that serovars of L. grippotyphosa and L. pomona were predominant. The results provide useful information on the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in squirrels and hamsters of Ahvaz district.

A serological survey on Leptospiral infection in companion rabbits referred to Veterinary Hospital of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz

Leptospirosis is one of the major zoonotic diseases worldwide. This disease is caused by various serovars of Leptospira interrogans sensu lato infection. Although the rabbits are known to be one of the reservoirs and transmission sources of leptospirosis, but the status of this infection in rabbits in Iran remains unknown, so this survey was conducted to evaluate the seroprevalence of leptospiral infection in companion rabbits in Ahvaz district from September 2010 to December 2013. Blood samples were taken from 68 companion rabbits, referred to veterinary hospital of shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. Sera were screened for antibodies against serovars of Canicola , Icterohaemorrhagiae , Grippotyphosa , Ballum , Hardjo, Pomona, Australis and Tarassovi using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). From a total of 68 rabbits, 19 (27.94%) were serologically positive for the serovars of L. Icterohaemorrhagiae , Tarassovi, Grippotyphosa , Hardjo, Pomona and Australis . The positive titers were detected between 1:100 to 1:200 dilutions. The predominant titers were directed against serovars of Icterohaemorrhagiae (36.84%; 7 out of 19) and Tarassovi (36.84%; 7 out of 19) and followed by Hardjo (21.05%; 4 out of 19), Australis (10.53%; 2 out of 19), Pomona (5.26%; 1 out of 19) and grippotyphosa (5.26%; 1 out of 19). Antibodies against more than one serovar (mixed infections) were detected in three samples (as Pomona+Hardjo and Icterohaemorrhagiae+ Tarassovi ). The prevalence was significantly higher in adult rabbits above 3 years (37.04%; 10 out of 27) and between 1-3 years (36.36%; 8 out of 22) compared with rabbits less than 1 years (5.26%; 1 out of 19) (P 0.05). This survey indicated that serovars of L. Icterohaemorrhagiae and Tarassovi were predominant in the rabbits of this area and can be a source of infection for humans. The obtained results provide useful information on the epidemiology of leptospirosis in this species, which has not been previously investigated.

A serological survey on Borrelia burgdorferi infection among companion dogs in Ahvaz district, southwestern Iran

Canine Lyme borreliosis is one of the most common tick-transmitted diseases in the world. The infection is caused by spirochetal bacteria from the genus Borrelia burgdorferi. The principal vectors are various species of slow-feeding hard ticks of the Ixodes complex. Dogs are the most infected animals among the pets. The status of infection due to Borrelia in dogs remains unknown in many areas of Iran. Few studies have been reported on the distribution of this disease in the Iran dog’s population, so the aim of this survey was to evaluate the seroprevalence of Borrelia infection in companion dogs in Ahvaz district (southwestern Iran), from October 2011 to August 2013. In the present survey, a total of 168 companion dogs with different ages were examined for serum antibody detection against B. burgdorferi by immunochromatography assay (ICA) (catalog No. RB 21–22). The dogs were selected between referred cases to Veterinary Hospital of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, southwestern Iran. They were classified according to age, sex, season, and region. The studied dogs were divided based on age into three groups (group 1, 5 years) and based on area into five regions (north, east, west, south, and central). The results were analyzed by using chi-square analysis, Fisher’s exact test, and Z test. Sixteen out of 168 serum samples (9.52 %) had antibodies against B. burgdorferi (95 % CI for proportion, 5.1–13.9 %). Prevalence was significantly higher in adult dogs above 5 years (19.40 %; 13 out of 67) compared with dogs between 1 and 5 years (3.77 %; 2 out of 53) and less than 1 year (2.08 %; 1 out of 48) (P 0.05). The results of the present study provide useful information on the epidemiology of Lyme diseases in this area, which until now was not studied. Our results emphasize the presence of tick-borne diseases and the need for public health interventions.

Serum concentrations of lipids and lipoproteins and their correlations with thyroid hormones in clinically healthy German shepherd dogs: Effects of season, sex and age

Although there are many evidences regard to the relationship between serum thyroid hormones, cholesterol, triglyceride and lipoproteins in different animals, but there are limited references in dogs. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between thyroid hormones and concentrations of serum lipid and lipoprotein profiles, and also to detect relationship between the measured parameters in different season, sex and age groups of dogs in Ahvaz district, Southwest of Iran, on 2011. Blood samples were taken from the cephalic vein of 60 clinically healthy and non-pregnant native dogs in two seasons (summer and winter) and in two age groups ( 3 years). Sampling was done only once from each animal (30 dogs in every season). The serum concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride (T.G), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL-cholesterol), low density lipoproteins (LDL-cholesterol), high density lipoproteins (HDL-cholesterol and their correlations with thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones were measured in the studied dogs. The mean serum concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol (mmol/L), T4 and T3 (µmol/L) were measured in the present survey. The above parameters were also obtained in two summer and winter seasons. Season had a significant effect on T.G, HDL, LDL and VLDL levels in the studied dogs (p 0.05). No significant differences were detected for the measured cholesterol, T3 and T4 parameters in different age, sex and season groups (p>0.05). To the best of our knowledge, there was no previous research regarding the correlation of the thyroid hormones with the serum lipids and lipoproteins in dogs in Iran. Our results showed that thyroid hormones affect T.G, HDL, LDL and VLDL levels and observed seasonal change in serum may be partly due to changes in thyroid hormones.

Determination of Feline calicivirus in cats in Ahvaz district, Southwest of Iran by RT-PCR (a preliminary study)

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a highly infectious respiratory pathogen of domestic cats with a widespread distribution. In order to assess how FCV circulates in feral and household cats, we have carried out the first study on the FCV detection in Ahvaz district from December 2008 to November 2009. Oropharyngeal, nasal and ocular swabs of one hundred cats (70 feral and 30 household) were evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) procedure for the detection of FCV. The influence of sex, age, social status and clinical signs on the probability of infection was analyzed using statistical Fisher’s exact test. Overall, feline calicivirus was detected in 4/100 (4%) of sampled cats; 13.3% of the household cats were FCV positive compared to 0% of feral cats. According to several factors including younger cats (under 6 months of age), multiple cat household and clinical findings, differences were significant (p 0.05). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report indicating the presence of FCV in cats in Iran. Due to low prevalence of FCV infection and the fact that feral cats live solitarily, it was concluded that this viral infection don’t spread readily within feral populations. However special measures are recommended to avoid infection of susceptible and unvaccinated cats.

Antigenic detection of Canine rotavirus group A in diarrheic dogs in Ahvaz district, Southwestern Iran.

The aim of the present survey was to evaluate the prevalence of Canine rotavirus (CRV) infection in companion dogs in Ahvaz district, Iran. The studied dogs were selected between referred cases to Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. Fecal samples were collected from 98 diarrheic dogs between December 2011 and August 2013. The dogs were classified according to age, sex, breed, clinical signs, and season. They were divided into three age groups (<3 months, 3–6 months, and >6 months), five different breeds, and another two groups on the basis of clinical symptoms (hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic diarrhea) using Chi-square analysis, Fischer’s exact test, and Z test. The prevalence of rotavirus infection was 16.33 % (16 out of 98) (95 % CI for proportion 9.1–23.6 %) by means of immunochromatography assay (ICA) (Catalog No. RG18-03). The infection had significantly more prevalence in dogs less than 3 months (48.15 %; 13 out of 27) compared with dogs between 3 and 6 months (6.06 %; 2 out of 33) and above 6 months (2.63 %; 1 out of 38) (p < 0.05). Prevalence was higher in males (17.54 %; 10 out of 57) than females (14.63 %; 6 out of 41), in winter season (21.74 %; 5 out of 23), and breed of German shepherd (19.05 %; 4 of 21), but the difference was not significant between the prevalence of infection relative to gender, season, and breed (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, infection was significantly higher in none-hemorrhagic diarrheic dogs (23.08 %; 15 of 65) (p < 0.05). The obtained results provide useful information on the epidemiology of Canine rotavirus in this area.

A comparison between PCR and Immunochromatography assay (ICA) in diagnosis of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis caused by Canine parvovirus.

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is one of the most common viruses responsible for acute hemorrhagic enteritis in dogs. A rapid and accurate diagnosis of CPV-2 infection is especially important in kennels in order to isolate infected dogs. The aim of the present study was to compare two laboratory tests i.e., Polymerase Change Reaction (PCR) and Immunochromatography assay (ICA) most commonly used for the diagnosis of canine parvovirus infection in companion dogs. Fecal samples were collected from fifty five dogs (50=hemorrhagic diarrheic and 5= healthy) between 2011 and 2012 in Ahvaz district, southwest of Iran. The studied dogs were divided into two age groups (6 months), four different breeds (Terriers, German shepherds, Doberman pinschers and Mixed) and based on environment into two groups (open and close) also. All samples were tested by ICA and PCR methods and the results were analyzed by using Kappa test, Mc Nemar and Chi-square analysis. ICA and PCR were able to detect CPV-2 antigen or nucleic acid in 33 and 50 of the hemorrhagic diarrheic samples, respectively. Samples of healthy dogs were negative by both tests. Although sensitivity of ICA compared with PCR method was determined to be 66% (PCR more sensitive than ICA), nevertheless statistical analysis showed that the difference between two techniques were not significant (P>0.05). Kappa test was obtained 0.38 between two techniques. CBC showed that most infected dogs had leucopenia, lymphopenia and neutropenia also (82%; 41 out of 50 samples).Obtained results of this survey showed that accurate standardization of laboratory tests is required to provide veterinarian with an effective tool for a precise etiological diagnosis of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis due to CPV infection. Although Immunochromatography is a simple and quick method for screening of fecal samples of dogs suspected of CPV infection, but PCR is more sensitive and reliable than ICA. Moreover, the subtypes of the virus determined by PCR test after verifying parvovirus. In this test 48 samples were CPV-2b and another 2 samples were CPV-2a. Our results showed that CPV-2b was the predominant subtype.

Detection of Sarcocystis spp. in cattle (Bos taurus) and water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Iran by PCR-RFLP.

Sarcocystis species are cyst-forming intracellular protozoan parasites. Cattle are mainly infected with Sarcocystis cruzi, Sarcocystis hominis and Sarcocystis hirsuta. Water buffaloes are intermediate hosts for Sarcocystis fusiformis, Sarcocystis levinei (S. cruzi-like species), Sarcocystis dubeyi, Sarcocystis sinensis (S. hominis-like species) and Sarcocystis buffalonis (S. hirsuta- like species). The aim of this study was Identification of Sarcocystis spp. in slaughtered cattle and water buffaloes in Ahvaz, Khuzestan province by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Meat inspection was done on 124 cattle and 147 water buffaloes. From each animal tissue samples (each 50g) from heart, esophagus, diaphragm and intercostal muscle were collected during meat inspection. Samples examined with digestion method. Genomic DNA of 80 positive samples was extracted and their 18S rRNA gene was amplified. PCR products were digested by restricted enzymes (FokI, SspI and DraI). S. cruzi in cattle and S.fusiformis in water buffaloes were identified. Our study clarified that sarcocystosis in cattle in Ahvaz district may be results acute infection according to determined species, but in buffaloes as S. fusiformis was detected we may expect only economic loss follow up slaughterhouse inspection.

Detection ofToxoplasma gondiiby PCR and Mouse Bioassay in Rodents of Ahvaz District, Southwestern Iran

Toxoplasma gondii is obligate coccidian zoonotic parasite. Felidae family is definitive and wide ranges of warm-blooded vertebrates are intermediate hosts for the parasite. Rodents are measured as an important source of T. gondii infection for the definitive host. Thus, this study aimed to investigate Toxoplasm infection in rodents of Ahvaz district, southwest of Iran. A total of 100 rodents (73 Rattus norvegicus, 21 Rattus rattus, and 6 Mus musculus) were collected and studied by GRA6PCR and mouse bioassay. The finding indicated that 6 out of 100 (6%) and 2 out of 100 (2%) samples were positive by PCR and mouse bioassay, respectively. The results show notable chronic infection in the rodent and potential transmission of the infection among animal and men in the region. Accordingly, this study recommended investigating of the T. gondii infection in definitive and other intermediate hosts in other points of Khuzestan province, Southwest, Iran.

A Serological Survey on Leptospiral Infection Among Wild Rats (Rattus rattus) of Ahvaz District, Southwest of Iran: A Preliminary Study

Background: Leptospirosis is an important zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira which can infect both humans and animals. This disease is caused by various serovars of Leptospira interroganssensu lato infection. Rats are known to be one of the most important reservoirs and transmission sources of leptospirosis. However, the status of leptospirosis in wild rats has been unknown in many areas of Iran. Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the seroprevalence of leptospiral infection in wild rats (Rattus rattus) in Ahvaz district (southwest of Iran) from October 2009 to November 2011. Materials and Methods: Rats were trapped alive, anaesthetized, and blood-extracted by cardiac puncture. Serum samples were collected from 120 wild rats and screened for different leptospiral serovars using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). The rats were classified according to sex, season and region of capture. The results were analyzed by Chi-square analysis and Fisher’s exact test. Results: From a total of 120 rats, 4 (3.33%) were serologically positive for the L. gryppotyphosa serovar. All positive titers were detected at 1:100 dilutions. Antibodies against more than one serovar were not detected in any sample. The prevalence of leptospiral infection was 2.5% and 0.83% in male and female rats, respectively. There was no significant difference in positive titer prevalence between different sexes, seasons and areas (P > 0.05). Conclusions: This survey indicated that serovars of L. gripotyphosa are prevalent in the rats population of this area and can be a source of infection for humans. The results of the present study provide useful information on the epidemiology of leptospirosis in this species, which was not well studied before.

Brucella canis-induced anterior uveitis in companion dogs in Ahvaz, Iran

Canine brucellosis, caused by Brucella canis, is an important cause of abortions, stillbirths, uveitis, epididymitis, orchitis, and sperm abnormalities in dogs. Anterior uveitis is one of the most common ocular diseases in dogs. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and diagnostic features of anterior uveitis in dogs affected with B. canis in the Ahvaz district, southwestern Iran. A total of 243 blood samples were obtained from urban dogs between 2006 and 2010 and examined by immuno-chromatography assay (Anigen Rapid C. Brucella Ab Test Kit). Prevalence to B. canis antibodies was 6.58 % (16 out of 243) in the studied dogs. B. canis-induced anterior uveitis was seen in two German Shepherd dogs (12.5 %; 2 out of 16), the first was a 3.5-year-old male and the second was a 2.5-year-old female. Clinical ophthalmologic abnormalities included moderate anterior uveitis, mild conjunctival hyperemia, and iris hyperpigmentation. Following routine treatment (a median of 9 weeks from the onset of therapy), ocular inflammation resolved and serological tests were negative. The present study shows that ocular inflammation due to B. canis is present among the urban dog population in the Ahvaz district, Iran. B. canis infection should be included in the differential diagnosis for dogs with intraocular inflammation, regardless of previous history.

Babesia infection in urban and rural dogs in Ahvaz district, Southwest of Iran

Canine Babesiosis is an important worldwide, tick-born disease caused by apicomplexan hemoparasitic from genus Babesia. The aim of the present survey was to identify the current state of Babesia infection in urban and rural dogs in Ahvaz district, southwest of Iran. For this reason, 200 rural dogs from 5 village around Ahvaz and 200 urban dogs (stratified random sampling) referred to the veterinary hospital of Shahid Chamran University were examined for the presence of Babesia species within 2 years. The studied dogs were classified based on age, sex, breed and season. Blood samples were taken from cephalic or saphenous vein and then peripheral thin blood smears were prepared and stained with Giemsa for parasitological examination. Among 400 dogs, 15 samples (3.75%) were infected with Babesia canis. The present study showed that from 200 rural dogs, 11 samples (5.5%) and from 200 urban dogs, 4 samples (2%) were positive for B. canis. Infection rate was higher in adult dogs 3-6 years-old (4.46; 5 out of 112) compared with young's less than 3 years (3.59; 7 out of 195) and above 6 years (3.85; 3 out of 78). The infection was higher in female dogs (4.29%; 6 out of 140) than males (3.46%; 9 out of 260) and in warm season (5.15%; 12 out of 233) compared with cold season (1.8%; 3 out of 167), nevertheless, there was not significant relationship between sex, age and season in urban dogs (P>0.05), but significant difference was revealed between season and infection in rural dogs population (P<0.05). Although the infection rate of this parasite was low, but transmission of the protozoan to dogs should be intentioned. This is the first report indicating the presence of B. canis in dogs of Ahvaz district; however, the sources of infection in these dogs are not clear. The role of dogs in the epizootiology of B. canis infection needs to be further explored.

Dirofilaria immitis infection in a Dachshund dog: Diagnosis and Treatment

Dirofilaria immitis is a filariid worm which typically lives as adult in the right ventricle of the heart and the pulmonary arteries of the dog, causing the canine heartworm disease.Therapy of canine dirofilariosis due to Dirofilaria immitis is indicated for dogs suffering from clinical signs of the disease (such as chronic cough). The present paper describes diagnostic and treatment features of a D. immitis affected dog in Ahvaz district, Southwest of Iran. The dog had coughing, tachypnea, labored breathing, panting, hind limb edema,weakness, and exercise intolerance, at the time of referral. Auscultation revealed grade III/VI systolic murmur over the left apex of the heart. Giemsa stained blood smears containing microfilaria was morphologically identified as D. immitis. CBC revealed an inflammatory leukogram and mild anemia. Combined therapy with ivermectin (440 μg/kg as single dose),levamisol (10 mg/kg q 24 h for 10 days) and aspirin (10 mg/kg q 12 h for 10 days), during 2 stages, was effective. The number of microfilaria dropped from 1250±50/ml blood pretreatment to 150±10/ml (following the first treatment stage, after 10 days) and reached 0 a day after the second treatment. The animal remained negative regarding D. immitis microfilaremia during a follow-up period of 180 days. This record confirms the efficacy of ivermectin with levamisol and aspirin in the treatment of adult heartworm infection in a dog.

A study on seroprevalence and coproantigen detection of Toxoplasma gondii in companion cats in Ahvaz area, southwestern Iran

Summary Cats play crucial roles in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis. In the present study, a total of 198 companion cats of different ages were examined for serum antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii by immunochromatography assay and for oocyst presence in faeces by microscopic examination (flotation method) and immunochromatography assay. The cats were selected between referred cases to the Veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz University, southwestern Iran from December 2006 to November 2009. Classification was made by age, sex, breed, region and season. The studied cats were divided into three groups based on age ( 3 years) and into five regions based on area (north, east, west, south and central). The results were analyzed by Chi-square analysis, Fischer's exact test and Z test. Forty nine of 198 serum samples (24.75%) had antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii (95% CI: 18.7-30.7%). Prevalence was significantly higher in adult cats above 3 years (38.8%) and 6 months-3 years (26.6%) compared with cats less than 6 months (3.8%) (P<0.001). Prevalence was higher in male cats (29.7%) than females (20.6%), in the summer season (26.2%) and west region (27.5), but the difference was not significant between the prevalence of infection relative to host gender (P=0.14), season (P=0.99) and region (P=0.98). Faecal flotation technique and immunochromatography assay was carried out on faecal samples also and T. gondii oocysts were not detected in any of the 198 samples. Our study showed that the prevalence of infection (24.75%) is relatively high in serum of companion cats in the Ahvaz district.