Colleges Of Veterinary Medicine Research Articles

Molecular Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis of Ascarids in Wild Animals.

Ascarid nematodes are the most common and harmful nematodes parasites in animals. By analyzing genetic variation, this study explores the genetic and phylogenetic relationship among ascarids from 11 different hosts. This study collected ascarid samples from the feces of nine animal species in Changsha Ecological Zoo of Hunan Province and two animal kinds in the College of Veterinary Medicine of Hunan Agricultural University. The mitochondrial gene (pcox1) and ribosomal ITS sequences were amplified, sequenced, and analyzed by PCR to identify the species of the samples. The phylogenetic tree was constructed based on two genes (cox1 and ITS) by the Neighbor-joining method, and the phylogenetic relationship was analyzed. The sequencing results showed that the sequence lengths of pcox1 and ITS genes in the samples were 441 bp and 838–1,177 bp, respectively. The difference rates were 0.00–1.70% in pcox1 gene and 0.00–7.30% in ITS gene. Phylogenetic analysis showed that ascarid worms from the white lion, Northeast tiger, South China tiger and cheetah were identified as Toxascaris leonina. Ascarids from the zebra were identified as Parascaris equorum, while those from chicken and peacocks were identified as Ascaridia galli. Ascarids of wolf and dog origin were Toxocara canis, the snake ascarids belonged to Ophidascaris filaria, and the bear ascarids belonged to Baylisascaris transfuga. There was a significant gap between different kinds of ascarid worms. We found that these two mitochondrial genes pcox1 and ITS showed a common characteristic that the intraspecific differences were significantly smaller than the interspecific differences, confirming that these two genes could be used as interspecific genetic markers for molecular identification of different ascarids origins. The intraspecific variation rate of the ITS gene was higher than that of pcox1, indicating that ITS can also be used in the genetic research of Ascaris species development. This study revealed the genetic evolution and phylogeny of ascarids in wild animals, and our results will help prevent and control ascarids in wild animals.

Facts about Wildlife Diseases: Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Serotype 2 (RHDV2)

This publication provides information on rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus serotype 2 (RHDV2) and discusses infection, clinical signs, treatment, prevention, and reporting. Written by Catherine E. Dixon and Juan M. Campos Krauer, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, April 2022.

Histopathology and Immunohistochemistry of tumors in animals attending veterinary teaching hospital

We aim in the current study to investigate the pathology and incidence of tumors that are excised surgically in Veterinary Teaching Hospital. This study collected the tissue samples from animals from 1 October 2020 until 1 April 2021. These samples were collected from animals that undergo surgical procedures to remove neoplastic growths in their body. After tissue grossing, samples were collected from tumor mass, then fixed in neutral buffered 10% formalin for 72 hours, then processed to embedded in paraffin wax. A routine Harris’s hematoxylin and eosin stain were also used, histochemical stains such as Masson’s trichrome and PAS techniques were used as needed. In exceptional cases, IHC protocol was used for diagnostic steps to some types of tumors included in the current study. The antibodies that were used are Vimentin for canine osteosarcoma, P53 for squamous cell carcinoma, Mdm2 for ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma, and CD10 for neoplastic lymphocytes. The result of the current study showed that the prevalence of tumor recorded was Marek’s diseases 22.8%, squamous cell carcinoma 22.8%, ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma 15.4%, third eyelid adenoma 15.4%, canine osteosarcomas 7.4%, venereal transmitting tumors 7.4%, and feline mammary gland tumor 7.4%. Histological examination of feline mammary gland tumor composed from server infiltration of neoplastic cells, these neoplastic cells identified as lymphocytes in a fibrous stroma. Third eyelid adenomas in cats and dogs were composed of well-demarcated nodules containing neoplastic sebaceous cells present in glandular form and combined by hyperplasia of epidermis extended inside the neoplastic mass. Venereal transmitting tumor in cat composed from cells with a round to oval shape and the cytoplasm is poorly defined by routine stain, with dense fibrous tissue. Osteosarcoma in a dog has a pleomorphic nature with an anaplastic form composed of islands of osteoid materials, and the tumor is composed of three types of osteoblast, chondroblast, and fibroblast. Pulmonary adenocarcinoma in sheep composed of a nodular formation containing dense collagen fiber deposition with transformation of cells lining alveoli into cuboidal or columnar cells can also be observed in other air passages. Squamous cell carcinomas are primarily found in skin lesions associated with the formation of pathognomic lesions known as keratin pearls. This lesion is composed of the acentric layer of keratin produced by neoplastic keratinocytes. Marek’s disease was observed in visceral organs such as liver, lung, kidney, intestines, and spleen composed from pleomorphic lymphocytes, diffusely proliferating small-to-medium-size lymphoblast. In conclusion, the incidence of tumor in animals that attending Veterinary Teaching Hospital belong to the College of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Mosul was in general high in comparison to other studies in Iraq and other countries, this high incidence should pay attention to the causes of these cancerous conditions and their relation to environmental etiology.

Evaluating Communication Training at AVMA COE-Accredited Institutions and the Need to Consider Diversity within Simulated Client Pools.

The push for competency-based veterinary medical education by accrediting bodies has led to the inclusion of non-technical skills within curricula. Communication, self-awareness, and cultural humility are considered essential for post-graduate success. To facilitate skills development, veterinary educators have incorporated a variety of modalities including lecture, group discussions, virtual and peer-assisted learning, role play, video review of consultations, and simulated clients (SCs). The overarching goal is developing students into self-reflective practitioners through exposure to clinical scenarios that enhance and embody diversity. Decision making about case management is subject to stereotypes, bias, and assumptions. Racial and ethnic disparities reported in health care can adversely impact patient outcomes. This study was conducted to evaluate communication training and diversity among SC pools within veterinary colleges. A questionnaire was electronically disseminated to assistant/associate deans and/or directors of curriculum/education at 54 American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education-accredited or provisionally accredited colleges of veterinary medicine. Twenty-one institutions are represented within the data set. Participating institutions summarized their communication curricula: 18 (85.71%) used SCs. Over 55% of these did not track SC demographic data or social identities; among institutions that did track, SCs were primarily monolingual English-speaking (77%), non-disabled (94.2%), white (90.4%), non-Hispanic/Latinx (98.6%) women (57%) over age 56 (64%). Sixteen institutions agreed with the statement "I do not feel that our SC pool is adequately diverse." Respondents shared that lack of time and capacity for recruitment were barriers to diversifying SC pools and proposed strategies to improve outreach.

Standing jejunal enterotomy for resolution of an ileal impaction

SummaryA 22‐year‐old American Quarter Horse gelding was referred to the JT Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital at Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine for moderate signs of abdominal pain responsive to sedation. A presumptive preoperative diagnosis of ileal impaction was made based on physical examination, ultrasonography of the abdomen and clinical pathological data. Despite appropriate medical therapy and improvement in the diagnostic and clinical parameters, the gelding continued to be uncomfortable. A standing right flank laparotomy facilitated access to the ileum which contained approximately 80 cm of consolidated ingesta from the ileocaecal orifice extending orally. The distal jejunum was exteriorised and an enterotomy performed, permitting lavage of the ingesta and resolution of the impaction. The gelding was discharged 6 days after surgery. Two weeks after surgery, the gelding re‐presented for surgical treatment of an incisional abscess. At 4‐month follow‐up, the gelding was reportedly doing well. The described surgical technique may be a viable option for resolution of ileal impactions in horses non‐responsive to medical management when exploratory celiotomy under general anaesthesia is not possible due to financial constraints, the health of the horse or other reason.

EVALUATION OF PROGNOSTIC INDICATORS FOR INJURED TURTLES PRESENTING TO A WILDLIFE CLINIC.

The Turtle Rescue Team (TRT) at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine currently sees over 500 chelonian cases a year. Each turtle receives a thorough physical examination as the main evaluation of its health because further diagnostics are cost prohibitive in a donation-based facility. Thus, there is a need to further understand how a few economical diagnostics can evaluate the prognosis of chelonians. The objectives were to evaluate lactate, PCV, total solids, glucose, temperature, and HR as prognostic indicators in multiple chelonian species and to determine how the change in lactate concentrations over a 24 h period affects prognosis. Eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina), yellow-bellied sliders (Trachemys scripta scripta), river cooters (Pseudemys concinna), painted turtles (Chrysemys picta), and common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) were evaluated because of prevalence of presentation to the TRT, differences in habitat, and differences in physiology. Hyperlactatemia, an increased lactate over 24 h when the initial lactate concentration was greater than 5 mM/L, and anemia were determined to be significant prognostic indicators of mortality for all turtles, and hypoglycemia was a significant prognostic indicator of mortality for male turtles (P < 0.05).

Patterns of antimicrobial, multidrug and methicillin resistance among Staphylococcus spp. isolated from canine specimens submitted to a diagnostic laboratory in Tennessee, USA: a descriptive study

BackgroundMultidrug- and methicillin-resistant staphylococci are both veterinary and public health concerns due to their zoonotic potential. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate patterns of antimicrobial, multidrug, and methicillin resistance among four Staphylococcus spp. commonly isolated from canine clinical specimens submitted to the Clinical Bacteriology Laboratory at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM).MethodsResults of antimicrobial susceptibility testing and mecA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for isolates of four common Staphylococcus spp. isolates were obtained from the Bacteriology Laboratory at the UTCVM between 01/01/2006 and 12/31/2017. Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to assess temporal trends of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), multidrug resistance (MDR), and methicillin resistance. Kappa test of agreement was used to assess agreement between the results of PCR and disk diffusion tests.ResultsMost of the 7805 isolates were S. pseudintermedius (6453 isolates), followed by S. coagulans (860), S. aureus (330), and S. schleiferi (162). Among S. pseudintermedius isolates, 45.5% were MDR, and 30.8% were methicillin-resistant (MRSP). There was a significant temporal increase in MRSP (p = 0.017). Chloramphenicol resistance increased among both MRSP and methicillin-susceptible (MSSP) isolates (p < 0.0001). Among S. aureus isolates, 40.9% were MDR, 37.4% were methicillin-resistant (MRSA), and the proportion of MRSA isolates increased significantly (p = 0.0480) over time. There was an increasing temporal trend in the proportion of MDR isolates among MSSP (p = 0.0022), but a decrease among MRSP (p < 0.0001) and MRSA (p = 0.0298). S. schleiferi had the highest percentage (56.9%) of methicillin-resistant isolates. Oxacillin disk diffusion was superior to cefoxitin for the detection of mecA-mediated resistance and had almost perfect agreement with mecA PCR assay for S. pseudintermedius (95.4% agreement, kappa (κ) = 0.904; p < 0.0001), S. coagulans (95.6%, κ = 0.913; p < 0.0001) and S. schleiferi (97.7%, κ = 0.945; p < 0.0001). However, cefoxitin disk diffusion was superior to oxacillin disk diffusion and had almost perfect agreement with mecA PCR assay for S. aureus (95.3%, κ = 0.834; p < 0.0001).ConclusionsThe levels of resistance and increasing temporal trends are concerning. These findings have implications for treatment decisions and public health due to the zoonotic potential of staphylococci. Continued surveillance and use of antibiograms to guide clinical decisions will be critical.

Developing Mentee Skills: A Curriculum Guide.

The transition to the practice period presents challenges for both new graduates and their employers. Mentorship can support veterinary students' preparation for their career and improve their transition to practice. To actively and productively engage in mentoring, veterinary colleges can prepare students to develop their skills as mentees. The Western College of Veterinary Medicine developed a pilot mentee skills training program, woven through students' 4-year professional education. The curriculum emphasizes self-directed learning skills and competencies essential for lifelong learning. The pilot curriculum, with learning tools, is presented here.

Erratum: Automated, High-Throughput Detection of Bacterial Adherence to Host Cells.

An erratum was issued for:Automated, High-Throughput Detection of Bacterial Adherence to Host Cells. The Authors section was updated. The Authors section was updated from: Jing Yang1, Qing-Ming Qin1, Paul de Figueiredo1,2 1Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health Science Center 2Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine to: Jing Yang1, Qing-Ming Qin1, Erin Van Schaik1, James E. Samuel1, Paul de Figueiredo1,2 1Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health Science Center 2Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine.

Assessment of 2 Treatment Methods for Ulna Fractures With an Intact Radius in Raptors: Conservative Management and Surgical Fixation With a Type I External Skeletal Fixator Intramedullary Pin Tie-in.

Several methods have been reported for treating avian antebrachial fractures, yet the quantitative information regarding their success is limited. This retrospective study applied data from raptors admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation center to provide metrics associated with the treatment of ulna fractures with an intact radius by either conservative management or a single surgical method: a type I external skeletal fixator tied in to an intramedullary pin (ESF IMP tie-in). Postfledging wild raptors with an ulna fracture admitted to The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine (St Paul, MN, USA) between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2017, that survived for at least 7 days after admission were included in the study. Information regarding signalment, fracture characteristics, treatment method, outcome, and complications were recorded. The study included 110 raptors representing 15 species. The majority of birds (69%, 76/110) were treated with conservative management. Conservative management was used more often in cases of chronic (P = .02) and closed (P = .02) fractures, whereas fractures with poor alignment at the time of admission were frequently treated through surgical means (P=.001). Alignment was more likely to improve with an ESF IMP tie-in (P=1.01 ×10-9). The majority of cases (65%, 72/110) had a successful outcome. Birds with closed fractures were more likely to have a successful outcome (P=.03). Birds in which fracture alignment became exacerbated with either treatment method were more likely to have a poor outcome (P=.002). The results of this retrospective study found that conservative management and surgical fixation by the ESF IMP tie-in technique are both viable treatment options for ulna fractures with an intact radius in raptors. The choice of treatment method is dependent on the clinician's assessment of the fracture characteristics and individual patient.

Attitudes toward Virtual Admissions Interviews among Applicants to a Veterinary School.

Virtual interviews have gradually begun to be utilized in health professions education; however, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in virtual interviews rapidly becoming commonplace for the 2020-2021 admissions cycle. This study aimed to evaluate attitudes toward and experience with virtual interviews of applicants to a veterinary medical college. All applicants to the Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine (MWU-CVM) were provided with a link to a voluntary, anonymous survey after completing a virtual interview with the program. A 27.5% response rate (114/415) was obtained. Responses indicate widespread acceptance of virtual interviews, with respondents noting they would be more likely to interview for an out-of-state program with a virtual interview option and most feeling more positively about the program after their virtual interview. In-person interviews were preferred by 62.3% of applicants, while 32.5% favored a virtual option. Most applicants (58.8%) applied to more than six schools, indicating a major burden of cost and time associated with veterinary college applications. Students who experienced technical difficulties were less likely to feel positively about the interview (p = .01). Overall, virtual interviews were viewed favorably by applicants, although many indicated a preference for an in-person interview when possible. Prioritizing an accessible technology platform and high-quality sound input/output for interviewers may help foster a more positive virtual interview for applicants. Virtual interviews are a viable option for veterinary admissions interviews associated with a positive applicant experience.

Demographics and outcome of dogs and cats enrolled in the PetSafe program at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine: 2004-2019.

To determine the number and species of animals cared for by the PetSafe program at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine (a community service offered to meet the short-term housing needs of pets, especially pets owned by victims of intimate partner violence) from 2004 through 2019 and collect information on duration of stay, outcome, health problems, and expenses. 229 animals cared for by the PetSafe program. Medical records were reviewed for information on species, breed, age, duration of stay, outcome of stay, client referral source, whether the animal had been cared for previously, health problems, medical interventions, and expenses incurred. There were 124 dogs, 95 cats, 6 ferrets, and 4 sugar gliders; 187 of the animals were returned to their owners, 37 were rehomed, and 5 were euthanized because of medical conditions. The most common health problems were dental disease and dermatological complaints (eg, flea infestation and resulting fleabite dermatitis). None of the animals had physical evidence of abuse. Mean duration of stay was 22 days (range, 1 to 93 days), and mean ± SD cost per animal was $368 ± $341. Over the 16-year period of the study, the number and species of animals cared for by the PetSafe program at Purdue and the health problems encountered in those animals were relatively stable, and the program was able to meet the relatively predictable financial costs incurred through existing sources of funding.

Impact of Classical Counterconditioning (Quiet Kennel Exercise) on Barking in Kenneled Dogs-A Pilot Study.

Simple SummaryBarking is a major source of noise pollution in dog kennels and negatively impacts the welfare of anyone within earshot, especially the dogs in the kennels themselves. It is crucial to have solutions to help reduce barking quickly and humanely that are easy to understand and put into place that also do not require a lot of resources such as time, expertise, or money. This study looked at the use of an exercise (Quiet Kennel Exercise—QKE) that uses classical counterconditioning (Pavlov) to help change the way the dogs feel when a person enters the kennel area from unpleasant to pleasant. This should help to reduce barking, especially that which is caused by negative emotions such as fear and frustration. After the initial baseline period of 5 days, people passing through the kennel tossed treats to the dogs no matter what the dogs did for 10 days. Data was collected three times a day for the entire study period. Sound level readings (decibels), number of dogs present, and number of dogs barking were recorded. Results showed improvement in the loudest volume recorded after the exercise was in place, fewer dogs barking over time, and each dog barking less each time. The most improvement was noticed in the afternoon.Excessive barking is a major source of noise pollution in dog kennels and negatively impacts welfare. Because resources are often limited, minimizing barking in the simplest and most easily implementable way is imperative. This pilot study implemented a Quiet Kennel Exercise (QKE) that utilized classical counterconditioning to change the dogs’ negative emotional state (which can lead to barking) to a more positive emotional state. Therefore, barking motivation is reduced, so barking should decrease. This study aims to show proof of concept that decreasing barking through classical counterconditioning is effective. It was conducted in one ward of day-time boarding kennels at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Data was collected three times per day and included decibel readings, number of dogs present, and number of dogs barking during a 5-day initial baseline and 10-day intervention period. During baseline, people passing through the ward acted as they normally would. During intervention, passersby were asked to simply toss each dog a treat regardless of the dogs’ behaviors in the kennel. Descriptive results show improvement in maximum level of barking after QKE, fewer dogs barking over time, dogs barking less each time, and the most improvement noted in the afternoon.

Effect of garlic extract loaded on zinc oxide nanoparticles against Sarcocystis in vitro

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of garlic extract loaded on zinc oxide nanoparticles on the viability of Sarcocystis in vitro Samples of the parasite in the study was divided into three group inside to control group each one consists of 20 parasite in petri dish (5 petri dish) for each concentration contain the Phosphate Buffer Saline(PBS). The group treated with one concentration of the hybrid nanoparticles (Garlic extract loaded on zinc oxide nanoparticles) (0.1, 0.3, 0.5) mg/ml in 4 ᵒC and noticed the viability for five days. The nanoparticle measuring by SEM (Scaning Electronic Microscop) in Karbala University, College of Veterinary Medicine, the results showed that process of loading garlic Extract on the surface of zinc oxide nanoparticles was succeed and the hybrid nanoparticles had great effect (100%) in mortality of the parasite in high concentration 0.5 mg/ml followed by 0.3 mg/ml (8.98%) and (17.66%) in 0.1mg/ml. The statistical analytic results showed that there was significant increasing in mortality in all concentrations.

Seasonal Variation in Parasitic Prevalence of Oreochromis niloticus from Upper River Benue, Mutum Biu, Taraba State, Nigeria

Seasonal variation in parasitic prevalence of Oreochromis niloticus from Upper River Benue, Mutum Biu, Taraba State, Nigeria was conducted using standard parasitological methods. 400 samples of varied sizes of Oreochromis niloticus consisting of 200 samples each in dry and rainy seasons were bought from fishermen at the Upper River Benue, Mutum Biu, Taraba State for a period of ten months and transported fresh to the Parasitology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (formerly called University of Agriculture, Makurdi) where they were sorted out into different sizes and sexes. Out of the 400 samples comprising of 200 samples each of Oreochromis niloticus collected in dry and rainy seasons, 211 (52.75%) samples were infested with 605 parasites. Out of the 200 samples collected in dry season, while 105 (52.50%) were infested with 327 parasites, in rainy season, 106 (53.00%) samples were infested with 278 parasites out of the 200 samples. Prevalence of infection (53.00%) was higher in rainy season than dry season with prevalence of infection of 52.50% whereas, percentage parasite load (54.05%) was higher in dry season than rainy season with the percentage parasite load of 45.95%. Among the parasite species in dry season, while Camallanus spp. was the most prevalent (22.02%) Ichthyopthirius multifilis was the least (3.67%). In rainy season, while Diphillobothrium latum was the most prevalent (19.07%), Ichthyopthirius multifilis was the least (1.44%). Among the external parts, while the gill had the highest percentage parasite load in both seasons, the least was recorded for fin and skin, respectively. Percentage parasite load was higher in the intestine than the stomach in both seasons though, there was no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) recorded for percentage parasite load of both external and internal parts of the fish samples in both seasons. Male Oreochromis niloticus had higher prevalence of infection and percentage parasite load than the female though, there was no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) in the prevalence of infection and percentage parasite load and the sexes in both seasons. Samples of Oreochromis niloticus with longer lengths and greater weight had higher percentage parasite load than the samples with shorter lengths and smaller weight.

Dispharynx nasuta (Nematoda: Acuarioidea: Acuariidae) infestation in exotic red-rumped parrots (Psephotus haematonotus) in captivity in the State of Michoacan, Mexico

Dispharynx nasuta is a widespread nematode parasite located in the proventriculus. This parasite may cause mortality in free-living birds or in captivity. However, reports of this parasite in psittacines are scarce. In a private aviary, in Zamora, Michoacan, Mexico six red-rumped parrots (Psephotus haematonotus) died in one month, from mid-August to mid-September 2016, and one more specimen died during the examination. Prior to death, the birds presented depression, ruffled feathers, crop atony, and regurgitation. Upon necropsy, ulcers in the proventriculus, and hemorrhagic content associated with the presence of round worms was observed. At histopathology examination, the parasites were identified as Spirurida nematodes, located in the proventricular and ventricular mucosa. Specimens were submitted to the parasitology laboratory of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), where the parasites were identified as D. nasuta. This is the first report of D. nasuta in P. haematonotus and the first report of D. nasuta in Mexico.

Effect of aspirin administration on body weight and liver enzymes in male rats

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of aspirin on body weight and some liver enzyme in rats. The study was done in Veterinary Medicine College, Baghdad University. We used seventy two male rats and randomly divided into three groups (24 in each group). Group-1 was considered as control, Group-2 animals were treated by 40 mg/kg body weight (low-dose) of asprin and the Group-3 was treated by 100 mg/kg body weight (high-dose) of aspirin. The results showed no significant difference in bodyweight gain from 0 to 10 days in all groups, while the low and high-dose asprin treated rats showed decline in bodyweight gain on day 20 and day 30 of aspirin treatment. The liver enzymes, AST and ALT, increased significantly in high-dose of aspirin treated group on day 20 and 30 while the ALP was increased on all time-points in high-dose asprin treated group.

Prevalence of Hymenolepis spp. in House Mice in Baghdad City, Iraq

The prevalence of house mice (Mus musculus) Hymenolepiasis was determined in Baghdad, Iraq to study the effects of location, sex, and months on the infection rate of Hymenolepis spp. in house mice. Fifty house mice were captured from Abu Ghraib and Al-Ameriya, Baghdad, Iraq and examined for detecting parasites in laboratory in College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad. The total infection prevalence of intestinal parasites was 11 (22%) out of 50 samples, the higher prevalence was 28.57% and found in Abu Ghraib area, while lower was (13.63%) and recorded in Al-Ameriya area. The study revealed that the house mice were infected with two species of Hymenolepis: Hymenolepis nana 4 (8%) and Hymenolepis diminuta 7(14%). The intestinal parasites revealed a significance prevalence value (P&lt;0.05). There was statistical difference in between males and females in parasites infection, in which the higher rate was 8 (27.58%) and recorded in males and the lower was 3 (14.28%) and observed in females. The monthly distribution of confirmed cases over a 9-month period revealed that reported cases of house mice and Hymenolepiasis increased significantly (P&lt;0.01) in autumn (65.44%), followed by winter (15.38%), and summer (13.33%). The findings showed that house mice play an important role in the spread of zoonotic parasitic illnesses to people, as well as attention must pay to public health.

Immunotherapeutic effect of chitosan and listeriolysin O on Listeria monocytogenes infection in mice

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary chitosan and listeriolysin O (LLO) on the immune response against Listeria monocytogenes infection in mice. L. monocytogenes isolate was obtained from the unit of Zoonotic Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad. It was reactivated and cultured on PALCAM agar and exposed to a confirmatory diagnostic test. listeriolysin O (LLO) was extracted and purified. Sixty mice were used and divided into four groups each one involving 15 mice; the first group was fed on diet supplemented with a chitosan for 4 weeks. At the end of the 2nd week, normal saline was injected S/C; the second group was fed on a normal diet without any addition. At the end of 2nd week, 0.3 ml of LLO was injected S/C, then the booster dose of LLO was given after 14 days of 1st injection; the third group was fed on a diet supplemented with chitosan as in G1, and treated as in G2 and the fourth group fed on a normal diet without any addition and treated as in G1. A skin test was performed on 5 mice of each group while a Challenge test by injection of 0.2ml of 1x109 CFU/ml of viable L. monocytogenes intraperitoneally was performed on other mice. The concentration of IgG titer and IL6 were measured. The results revealed that the third group recorded significantly higher values in the skin thickness, IgG, and IL6 concentrations when compared with other groups at different times which indicate that LLO and chitosan may support each other to provide the most beneficial effect by eliciting of good cellular and humeral immunity against listeriosis.

Comparative study of Virtual Microscopy versus Traditional Microscopy for introduction into the Histology Curriculum at a Faculty of Medicine

Purpose: We currently employ traditional microscopy with glass slides for teaching purposes. Here, we performed a pilot survey on the potential implementation of virtual microscopy. Experienced peer tutors were asked to participate in the evaluation of virtual microscopy versus traditional microscopy. Our main objectives were to determine: whether there is a statistically significant difference in time to locating a structure on a glass slide versus a virtual slide, the possible advantages and disadvantages of each microscopy method, and the benefits of virtual microscopy over traditional microscopy (1-3).&#x0D; Methods: Glass slides were scanned with the Aperio ScanScope CS slide scanner for use as virtual slides. Peer tutors were asked to locate the same structures on each glass slide and the corresponding virtual slides. Times needed to locate these structures were individually measured, and a questionnaire (a modified and translated version of the College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University virtual microscopy survey) on the advantages of practical use of virtual microscopy provided at the end.&#x0D; Results: One sample t-test showed significant differences (p&lt;0.01) in mean time to locate a structure on glass (23.0s) versus virtual slides (12.5s). In commentaries, peer tutors reported a preference for a combination of traditional and virtual microscopy in practical sessions.&#x0D; Conclusions: Assessors considered virtual microscopy easy to use. Time needed to locate a structure on virtual slides was significantly shorter. After additional surveys, we envisage successful implementation of virtual microscopy in conjunction with traditional microscopy in the histology curriculum.