Disease In Domestic Animals Research Articles

Spiroplasma endosymbiont reduction of host lipid synthesis and Stomoxyn-like peptide contribute to trypanosome resistance in the tsetse fly Glossina fuscipes.

Tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) vector African trypanosomes that cause devastating diseases in humans and domestic animals. Within the Glossina genus, species in the Palpalis subgroup exhibit greater resistance to trypanosome infections compared to those in the Morsitans subgroup. Varying microbiota composition and species-specific genetic traits can significantly influence the efficiency of parasite transmission. Notably, infections with the endosymbiotic bacterium Spiroplasma have been documented in several Palpalis subgroup species, including Glossina fuscipes fuscipes (Gff). While Spiroplasma infections in Gff are known to hinder trypanosome transmission, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. To investigate Spiroplasma-mediated factors affecting Gff vector competence, we conducted high-throughput RNA sequencing of the gut tissue along with functional assays. Our findings reveal elevated oxidative stress in the gut environment in the presence of Spiroplasma, evidenced by increased expression of nitric oxide synthase, which catalyzes the production of trypanocidal nitric oxide. Additionally, we observed impaired lipid biosynthesis leading to a reduction of this important class of nutrients essential for parasite and host physiologies. In contrast, trypanosome infections in Gff's midgut significantly upregulated various immunity-related genes, including a small peptide, Stomoxyn-like, homologous to Stomoxyn first discovered in the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans. We observed that the Stomoxyn-like locus is exclusive to the genomes of Palpalis subgroup tsetse species. GffStomoxyn is constitutively expressed in the cardia (proventriculus) and synthetic GffStomoxyn exhibits potent activity against Escherichia coli and bloodstream form of Trypanosoma brucei parasites, while showing no effect against insect stage procyclic forms or tsetse's commensal endosymbiont Sodalis in vitro. Reducing GffStomoxyn levels significantly increased trypanosome infection prevalence, indicating its potential trypanocidal role in vivo. Collectively, our results suggest that the enhanced resistance to trypanosomes observed in Spiroplasma-infected Gff may be due to the reduced lipid availability necessary for parasite metabolic maintenance. Furthermore, GffStomoxyn could play a crucial role in the initial immune response(s) against mammalian parasites early in the infection process in the gut and prevent gut colonization. We discuss the molecular characteristics of GffStomoxyn, its spatial and temporal expression regulation and its microbicidal activity against Trypanosome parasites. Our findings reinforce the nutritional influences of microbiota on host physiology and host-pathogen dynamics.

Unveiling the epidemiology and community perspectives on bovine brucellosis in North Shewa, Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease of many domestic and wild animals with great economic and public health importance. Although it has a major constraint in dairy production, comprehensive information regarding the epidemiology of brucellosis in dairy herds is limited. Besides, evaluating the dairy farmers’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding brucellosis is crucial for generating information that can enhance control programs and public health interventions. Thus, this study aims to investigate the seroepidemiology of brucellosis and evaluate the dairy farmers’ KAP in North Shewa, central highlands of Ethiopia. A total of 511 blood samples were randomly collected from 142 dairy herds. Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) was used for primary screening, and a complement fixation test (CFT) was conducted on RBPT-positive samples. Retrospective information was collected to associate brucellosis with a history of reproductive disorders. A questionnaire survey assessed farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding zoonotic brucellosis. Multivariable Firth’s bias-reduced logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with brucellosis seropositivity. The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis was 0.98% (95% CI: 0.41–2.34%) at the animal level and 3.52% (95%CI: 1.46–8.26%) at the herd level. Cows older than 6 years were four times more likely to be seropositive (OR = 3.82; 95% CI: 1.71–7.97; P = 0.004), while local breeds had a six-fold higher risk (OR = 6.2; 95% CI: 2.08–8.21; P = 0.016). Cattle with a history of abortion (OR = 22.35; 95% CI: 3.90-107.91; P = 0.002) and retained fetal membrane (OR = 18.74; 95% CI: 3.48–63.86; P = 0.020) showed significantly higher seroprevalence. A survey of 120 respondents found that 86% were unaware of zoonotic brucellosis, 74.63% assisted cows during the parturition without protective equipment, and 64% consumed raw meat. Only 9.17% disposed of fetal membranes and aborted fetuses properly. This study revealed evidence of brucellosis in 4% of dairy herds, poor understanding of the disease, various risky practices, and poor biosafety measures. Thus, educating dairy farmers and implementing strict farm biosecurity measures are essential steps to minimize the impacts of the disease on the growing dairy industry and public health.

Molecular Characterization, Oxidative Stress-Mediated Genotoxicity, and Hemato-Biochemical Changes in Domestic Water Buffaloes Naturally Infected with Trypanosoma evansi Under Field Conditions.

(1) Background: Surra is a debilitating disease of wild and domestic animals caused by Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi), resulting in significant mortality and production losses in the affected animals. This study is the first to assess the genetic relationships of T. evansi in naturally affected buffaloes from Multan district, Pakistan, using ITS-1 primers and evaluating the effects of parasitemia and oxidative stress on DNA damage and hematobiochemical changes in infected buffaloes. (2) Methods: Blood samples were collected from 167 buffaloes using a multi-stage cluster sampling strategy, and trypomastigote identification was performed through microscopy and PCR targeting RoTat 1.2 and ITS-1 primers. Molecular characterization involved ITS-1 via neighbor-joining analysis. The impact of parasitemia loads was correlated with oxidative stress markers, genotoxicity, and hematobiochemical parameters using Pearson correlation and multivariable regression models. (3) Results: Field-stained thin blood film microscopy and molecular identification revealed 8.98% and 10.18% infection rates, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS-1 region sequences of the identified isolates showed close genetic associations with Indian isolates. The mean trypomastigote count observed in the infected buffaloes was 5.15 × 106 (±5.3 × 102)/µL of blood. The parasitemia loads were significantly correlated with the alterations in oxidative stress markers, DNA damage, and changes in hematobiochemical parameters. Infected animals exhibited significant (p < 0.05) alterations in oxidative stress biomarkers, including catalase, nitric oxide, and malondialdehyde concentrations. Noteworthily, a comet assay revealed a significantly (p < 0.0001) higher mean genetic damage index in the infected buffaloes (0.7 ± 0.04) compared with the healthy ones (0.196 ± 0.004). Alongside significant (p < 0.05) reductions in red cell indices, a marked elevation in leukocyte counts and serum hepatic enzyme levels was recorded in the affected buffaloes. (4) Conclusion: T. evansi isolates of buffaloes from Multan, Pakistan, have genetic similarities to Indian isolates. This study also revealed that higher parasitemia loads induce genotoxicity in the infected animals through oxidative stress and cause hematobiochemical alterations under natural field conditions.

Medicinal plants used for treatment of domestic animal diseases and their threats in Guraferda District, Bench-Sheko Zone, South West Ethiopia

Medicinal plants used for treatment of domestic animal diseases and their threats in Guraferda District, Bench-Sheko Zone, South West Ethiopia

Organ Tropism of Angiostrongylus vasorum Larval Stages in Infected African Giant Snails (Lissachatina fulica).

Angiostrongylus vasorum is a metastrongyloid lungworm causing severe cardiovascular disease in domestic and wild animals. During its heteroxenous life cycle, A. vasorum requires obligate gastropod intermediate hosts. Little is known about A. vasorum larval organ tropism and development in gastropod intermediate hosts. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze in vivo development of A. vasorum larval stages in experimentally infected African giant snails (Lissachatina fulica). Adult L. fulica (n = 26) were orally infected with A. vasorum-L1 and thereafter continuously euthanized. Gastropod organs were artificially digested and microscopically analyzed for the presence of A. vasorum larvae. Moreover, paraffin-fixed organs were investigated histologically for snail-borne innate immune response. In the current study, the success of L. fulica oral infection was demonstrated, thereby reaching larval recovery rates of up to 49.7%. During snail infection, an organ tropism of A. vasorum larvae was detected for the lungs and the foot muscular tissue. Overall, A. vasorum-driven gastropod innate immune reactions against larvae varied greatly. In some specimens, larvae were found effectively ensnared by recruited hemocytes, resulting in granuloma formation, whilst in others, hemocyte-mediated reactions were barely observed. Nevertheless, these evidences demand more studies on hemocyte-derived effector mechanisms against A. vasorum.

Gastrointestinal parasite prevalence, diversity and association in free-ranging Chacma baboon troops in a semi-arid savanna ecosystem of Zimbabwe

Free-ranging Chacma baboon species are known to harbour a wide range of zoonotic parasites, and their frequent close interactions with humans pose a risk of transmission of zoonotic parasites between the two species. This research study focused on understanding parasite dynamics in free-ranging baboon populations that inhabit human-wildlife interface areas, a case of Gwanda State University's Epoch Mine campus in Filabusi at Insiza district. A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional design was used to investigate the prevalence, diversity and association of gastrointestinal parasites among three baboon troops found at the Epoch Mine campus. One hundred and twenty (120) fresh faecal samples were collected from the three troops between February and September 2023. The centrifugal floatation technique was used to process and analyse faecal samples, and parasite ova and cysts were identified using morphological features like shape and size. The prevalence of the parasite taxa and a chi-squared multiple comparison test was computed. Results showed significant differences among most parasite taxa except Coccidia spp and Entamoeba spp among the three troops. The Shannon–Wiener (H′) index was used to calculate diversity and graphs were utilized to present the association. The Kruskal-Wallis tests showed no significant difference in parasite diversity among the three troops. Although troop-parasite association showed different parasite species for each troop, helminths Strongylid spp. and Schistosoma spp. were highly common across all three troops. Troop 1 and 3 were associated with four parasite taxa, whereas Troop 2 had only three. The study reveals the presence of gastro-intestinal parasites of public health concern, as they are capable of causing diseases in humans and domestic animals. The study, therefore, underscores the importance of understanding parasite-host dynamics in mitigating zoonotic disease transmission and suggests the need to generate baseline data for mitigating zoonotic diseases and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

Investigation of diagnostic and correction methods for cardiorenal syndrome in dogs

The problem of the “heart-kidney” relationship is extremely relevant in modern veterinary medicine due to the high prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in domestic animals, particularly dogs, on the one hand, and the epidemic of cardiovascular disease (CVD) on the other. This relationship between the cardiovascular system and the kidneys is known in veterinary medicine as the “cardiorenal syndrome”. The article is devoted to the urgent problem of diagnosing and treating cardiorenal syndrome in dogs. Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is characterized by the mutual influence of cardiovascular and renal diseases, which complicates the underlying pathology and increases the risk of complications and mortality. The paper emphasizes the importance of using a comprehensive approach to diagnosis, including blood and urine tests, non-invasive blood pressure measurement, X-ray and ultrasound. The use of complex treatment with cardio- and renoprotectors shows positive dynamics and helps to stabilize the general condition of the animal. The study aimed to investigate a clinical case of cardiorenal syndrome in a dog, starting from the diagnostic stage, including history taking, examination results and symptoms, and ending with the appointment of appropriate therapy. It is noted that accurate diagnosis and determination of the stage of the disease are necessary to identify cardiorenal syndrome and develop therapeutic plans. The article describes in detail the materials and methods of the study, the results of clinical examination, laboratory and instrumental examinations, as well as the effectiveness of the prescribed therapy. A comprehensive clinical examination of a dog (Yorkshire terrier, female, 11 years old) was performed, which allowed to establish a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan, including the use of cardio- and renoprotectors, which helped to stabilize the general condition of the animal. The discussion of the results emphasizes the importance of timely diagnosis and an integrated approach to the treatment of multimorbid pathologies, in particular cardiorenal syndrome. The conclusions emphasize the need for further research to improve diagnostic and therapeutic methods aimed at effective treatment and prevention of cardiorenal syndrome in domestic animals, including dogs

Systemic effect of the oncological process on the dog’s body

The article presents the results of an analysis of a non-randomized study of the prevalence of paraneoplastic syndromes in primary spontaneous malignant neoplasms in dogs. The study was conducted in 2022–2024 on the basis of the Department of Diseases of Small Domestic, Laboratory and Exotic Animals and the Research Laboratory of Oncology, Ophthalmology and Animal Biochemistry of the Russian Biotechnological University “ROSBIOTECH”. The object of the study were 948 dogs with primary spontaneous malignant neoplasms confirmed by morphological methods.The aim of the work was to study the frequency of paraneoplastic syndromes in dogs with neoplasia.The diagnosis of paraneoplastic syndrome was made by excluding other possible etiological factors for the development of clinical and laboratory abnormalities identified during a comprehensive examination of dogs. As a result of the study, the incidence of paraneoplasia was 54.54% of cases. Hematological (44.41%) and gastrointestinal (37.13%) paraneoplastic syndromes were most often recorded, less often endocrine (3.27%) and ophthalmological (3.38%), extremely rarely renal (1.27%), osteoarticular (0.42%) and dermatological (0.42%). The main hematological manifestations of the systemic effect of the oncological process were: anemia (12.87%), neutrophilic leukocytosis (12.76%) and thrombocytopenia (8.86%). Gastrointestinal paraneoplastic syndrome in most cases was manifested by a decrease in body weight (33.65%) and hyporexia (18.04%), inflammatory and erosive ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract (7.59%). During the study, a case of a nonspecific systemic reaction to a malignant tumor in the form of fever in the absence of infectious and inflammatory processes (0.11%) was registered.

A Review of Nonhuman Primate Models of Rift Valley Fever Virus Infection: Progress, Challenge Strains, and Future Directions.

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne viral disease that primarily affects animals, especially ruminants, but has the capacity to infect humans and result in outbreaks. Infection with the causative agent, RVF virus (RVFV), causes severe disease in domestic animals, especially sheep, resulting in fever, anorexia, immobility, abortion, and high morbidity and mortality rates in neonate animals. Humans become infected through exposure to infected animals and, less frequently, directly via a mosquito bite. A greater awareness of RVFV and its epidemic potential has resulted in increased investment in the development of interventions, especially vaccines. There is currently no substitute for the use of animal models in order to evaluate these vaccines. As outbreaks of RVF disease are difficult to predict or model, conducting Phase III clinical trials will likely not be feasible. Therefore, representative animal model systems are essential for establishing efficacy data to support licensure. Nonhuman primate (NHP) species are often chosen due to their closeness to humans, reflecting similar susceptibility and disease kinetics. This review covers the use of NHP models in RVFV research, with much of the work having been conducted in rhesus macaques and common marmosets. The future direction of RVF work conducted in NHP is discussed in anticipation of the importance of it being a key element in the development and approval of a human vaccine.

Serological study of Crimean – Congo haemorrhagic fever in Sheep in Thi – Qar province

Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) causes a lethal tick – borne zoonotic disease with severe clinical manifestation in humans but does not produce symptomatic disease in wild or domestic animals. It is endemic in a large region of the word. One of the main indicators that the disease is endemic in a region is the presence of antibodies specific to CCHFV in animal populations. The factors contributing to differential outcomes of infection between species are not understood. Serological studies have shown sheep are important to the survival of CCHFV in nature. Nevertheless, need for more studies on this subject in Iraq. Blood samples were taken from 200 sheep of different sex, variable age and physiological status. Only 100 samples used for physiological testes while 186 used for Microbiological test (ELISA) test. The present study was appeared a high level about (144)78.53% of positive carrier sheep while negative samples (42)21.46% in Thi – Qar province which include different regions such as Al-eakihah , Al- rifai and Al- garma region which recorded about 92.85% , 90% and 90 % respectively comparative with another region of thi qar province that appear low level of infected such as Al-fadhliya , Al-tar and Al- manar which recorded about 75%, 50% and 60.71% respectively. The current study focused on and attempted to connect the different physiological states, sex and age with infected animals. The male sex appears ahigh level of infected about 83.92% comparative with female was appeared low level of infected by CCHF virus about 74.61%, while recorded high infected in non – pregnant about 75% comparative with pregnant about 73,80 . Also, the present study was showed ahigh level of infected in age from 5 to nine years about 82.4% comparative with another age ranges which appeared about 71.11, 78.50 %.

Copper sensing transcription factor ArsR2 regulates VjbR to sustain virulence in Brucella abortus

ABSTRACT Brucellosis, caused by the intracellular pathogen Brucella, is a major zoonotic infection that promotes reproductive disease in domestic animals and chronic debilitating conditions in humans. The ArsR family of transcriptional regulators plays key roles in diverse cellular processes, including metal ion homeostasis, responding to adverse conditions, and virulence. However, little is known about the function of ArsR family members in Brucella. Here, we identified ArsR2 as a nonclassical member of the family that lacks autoregulatory function, but which nevertheless plays a vital role in maintaining copper homeostasis in B. abortus. ArsR2 is a global regulator of 241 genes, including those involved in the VirB type IV secretion system (T4SS). Significantly, ArsR2 regulates T4SS production in B. abortus by targeting VjbR which encodes a LuxR-type family transcriptional regulator. Moreover, copper modulates transcriptional activity of ArsR2, but not of VjbR. Furthermore, deletion of arsR2 attenuated virulence in a mouse model. Collectively, these findings enhance understanding of the mechanism by which ArsR proteins regulate virulence gene expression in pathogenic Brucella species.

Viruses Identified in Shrews (Soricidae) and Their Biomedical Significance.

Shrews (Soricidae) are common small wild mammals. Some species of shrews, such as Asian house shrews (Suncus murinus), have a significant overlap in their habitats with humans and domestic animals. Currently, over 190 species of viruses in 32 families, including Adenoviridae, Arenaviridae, Arteriviridae, Astroviridae, Anelloviridae, Bornaviridae, Caliciviridae, Chuviridae, Coronaviridae, Filoviridae, Flaviviridae, Hantaviridae, Hepadnaviridae, Hepeviridae, Nairoviridae, Nodaviridae, Orthoherpesviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Parvoviridae, Phenuiviridae, Picobirnaviridae, Picornaviridae, Polyomaviridae, Poxviridae, Rhabdoviridae, Sedoreoviridae, Spinareoviridae, and three unclassified families, have been identified in shrews. Diverse shrew viruses, such as Borna disease virus 1, Langya virus, and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus, cause diseases in humans and/or domestic animals, posing significant threats to public health and animal health. This review compiled fundamental information about shrews and provided a comprehensive summary of the viruses that have been detected in shrews, with the aim of facilitating a deep understanding of shrews and the diversity, epidemiology, and risks of their viruses.

Prevalence of camel trypanosomosis and herders’ knowledge, attitude, and practices towards the disease in the pastoral area of southern Ethiopia

BackgroundSurra is a parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma evansi that threatens the health and productivity of camels. Despite its significant impact on camels in Ethiopia, surra has not received as much attention as diseases in cattle and other domestic animals. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of surra, identify the potential risk factors and assess the traditional knowledge, attitude and practices of camel herders towards the disease.MethodsThe study used a parasitological and participatory epidemiological (PE) approach. Between February and July 2022, a total of 335 blood samples were collected from camels across three districts and tested using the buffy coat technique. The PE investigation involved six key informant groups consisting of 8 to 12 key persons, and used a semi-structured interview and various PE tools and principles.ResultThe study found that the prevalence of surra among examined camels was 3.9% (95% CI: 2.1–6.5). The prevalence was significantly higher in camels with a poor body condition score (BCS) (OR = 9.3; 95% CI: 1.8–47.5; p = 0.008) compared with camels with a good BCS. However, district, age, sex, and ethnicity had no effect on the prevalence of surra (p > 0.05). The study also found that the packed cell volume (PCV) was significantly lower (p < 0.0001) in parasitaemic animals (18.92 ± 2.63) than in aparasitaemic animals (25.13 ± 4.56). Camels with poor BCS (22.7 ± 3.5) had a significantly (p < 0.001) lower mean PCV than camels with good BCS (26.2 ± 5.0). The PE investigation showed that all the camel herders were well aware of surra, known locally as Dhukana. The clinical symptoms, the season of high incidence, routes of transmission, impact on production, and control methods were accurately described. Moreover, this study emphasized that surra is the primary disease affecting camel health and productivity.ConclusionThe study identified a moderate prevalence of surra in the research area. To reduce surra incidence and associated losses, enhancing veterinary services and providing support for proper camel husbandry practices in the region is recommended. Additionally, future studies should consider using more sensitive and specific techniques like serological and molecular assays, as this study relied on microscopy only.

Retrospective analysis of data on the prevalence of malignant neoplasms in dogs and cats

The article presents the results of a study on the primary incidence of malignant tumors in dogs and cats in Moscow over the period from January 1, 2023, to July 1, 2024. The study was conducted on the basis of the Department of Diseases of Small Domestic, Laboratory and Exotic Animals and the Research Laboratory of Oncology, Ophthalmology and Animal Biochemistry of the Russian Biotechnological University “ROSBIOTECH”. The study included 208 cats and 325 dogs with primary, spontaneous malignant tumors of various origins. To confirm the diagnosis, a comprehensive approach was used, including clinical examination, hematological tests, and special diagnostic techniques such as ultrasonography, radiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Verification of the tumor process was based on cytological and histological methods.The purpose of this work is to analyze the structure of the incidence of small domestic animals with malignant tumors. As a result, we identified the most common types of tumors in cats and dogs. In cats, breast carcinoma was the most common type (44.23%), followed by lymphoma (18.27%), sarcomas (13.46%) and carcinomas (13.94%), as well as squamous cell carcinoma (6.25%). In dogs, breast carcinoma also accounted for the majority of cases (37.23%), along with sarcomas (23.38%), mastocytomas (16.31%), and carcinomas (14.15%).

Echinococcus ortleppi infection in humans: An emerging zoonosis in Asia

Echinococcus ortleppi is the genotype G5 of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato and is a zoonotic canine tapeworm of which larvae causes cystic diseases in domestic animals and also humans. While this species is highly endemic and widely spread in domestic animals, human infection is extremely rare and only sporadic, and thus, entire picture of human cystic echinococcosis due to infection with E. ortleppi is unclear. We have made an extensive literature review on the cases of E. ortleppi infection in humans and found a total of 19 cases from various places in the world with recent emergence in Asian countries.

Profile of mRNA expression in the myometrium after intrauterine Escherichia coli injections in pigs

Endometritis and metritis are common reproductive diseases in domestic animals, causing a reduction in reproductive performance and economic losses. A previous study revealed the alterations in the transcriptome of the inflamed porcine endometrium. Data on molecular signatures in the myometrium under inflammatory conditions are limited. The current study analyzed the transcriptomic profile of porcine myometrium after intrauterine Escherichia coli (E.coli) administration. On day 3 of the estrous cycle (Day 0 of the study), 50 ml of either saline (group CON, n = 7) or E. coli suspension (109 colony-forming units/ml, group E. coli, n = 5) were injected into each uterine horn. After eight days, the gilts were euthanized, and the uteri were removed for further analysis. In the myometrium of the CON group versus the E. coli group, microarray analysis revealed 167 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, 78 up- and 89 down-regulated). After intrauterine E. coli administration, among the DEGs of the inflammatory response set, the highest expressed were mRNA for CXCL6, S100A8, S100A12, SLC11A1, S100A9, CCL15, CCR1, CD163, THBS1 and SOCS3, while the most suppressed was mRNA expression for FFAR4, KL, SLC7A2 and MOAB. Furthermore, a comparison of the present results on myometrial transcriptome with the authors’ earlier published data on the endometrial transcriptome shows the partial differences in mRNA expression between both layers after intrauterine E.coli injections. This study, for the first time, presents changes in the transcriptome of porcine myometrium after intrauterine E.coli administration, which may be important for myometrial homeostasis and functions and, as a result, for the uterine inflammation course. Data provide a valuable resource for further studies on genes and pathways regulating uterine inflammation and functions.

Isolation and Diagnosis of Parasites from Domestic Cockroach Periplaneta americana in Mosul city, Iraq

Cockroaches are the greatest potential mechanical vector of various pathogenic microorganisms, some of which cause serious diseases in humans and domestic animals. The high prevalence of human pathogens carried by the cockroach has been reported in many countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of internal and external parasites parasitizing the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, the effect of the sex of the cockroach and the area of sample collection on The type, number and types of parasites isolated, The current study was conducted for the period from July 2023 until April 2024, A samples of 111 male Periplaneta americana cockroaches were collected from some homes and schools in the city of Mosul. After the samples arrived at the laboratory, by placing them in clean, sterilized tubes in a refrigerator set at -4°C for 10 minutes Subsequently, 10 ml of normal saline solution was added to each tube. The tubes were then vigorously shaken for 5 minutes to dislodge parasites a salt solution was added to centrifuge tubes, which were spun at 2000 rotations per minute for 5 minutes. This mixture was shaken for 5 minutes and then, Cockroaches were dissected to isolate internal parasites The contents of the digestive tract were taken, and the solution was filtered through a mesh. Each sample was prepared by placing a drop of sediment on a glass slide, adding Lugol's iodine dye, and examining it under a microscope. The majority of the samples were infected with one or more types of parasites on their body surfaces and within their digestive tracts, infection rate of 96.40 %. This study involved the isolation and diagnosis of 19 parasitic species, including five types of worms: Ancylostoma duodenale, Leidynema, Strongyloides stercoralis, Hammerschmidtiella male, and Thelastoma. and six types of protozoan parasites, including both active and Nyctotherus ovalis cyst, active and cyst stages of Lophmonas, cyst stage of Entamoeba coli, and Gregarine. and Seven types of eggs, comprising eggs of each of Ancylostoma duodenale, Thelastoma, Leidynema, Strongyloides stercoralis, Hammerschmidtiella , Gryllophila, and in addition to the external parasitic Mite, The highest infection rate was recorded in worms, with 91 out of 111 samples i.e. (81.98% ). This was followed by protozoa, with a rate of 72% out of 80 samples. Finally, external mites, 52 samples i.e. (46.84%). In this study, it was observed that the number of parasites harbored by cockroaches in their digestive tracts exceeds more than that found on their external surfaces. Cockroaches collected from households were found to harbor a greater number of parasites compared to those collected from schools, underscoring the necessity of raising awareness about the dangers of cockroach presence in homes and keeping them away from food sources due to the parasites they carry, which may cause various diseases.

Description of Babesia galileei sp. nov. A Piroplasmid species causing severe disease in domestic cats

BackgroundBabesiosis is a tick-borne infection caused by piroplasmid protozoa and associated with anemia and severe disease in humans, domestic animals and wildlife. Domestic cats are infected by at least six Babesia spp. that cause clinical disease.MethodsInfection with a piroplasmid species was detected by microscopy of stained blood smears in three sick cats from Israel. Genetic characterization of the piroplasmid was performed by PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA, cytochorme B (CytB) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) genes and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) locus, DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. In addition, Haemaphysalis adleri ticks collected from two cats were analyzed by PCR for piroplasmids.ResultsThe infected cats presented with anemia and thrombocytopenia (3/3), fever (2/3) and icterus (1/3). Comparison of gene and loci sequences found 99–100% identity between sequences amplified from different cats and ticks. Constructed phylogenetic trees and DNA sequence comparisons demonstrated a previously undescribed Babesia sp. belonging to the Babesia sensu stricto (clade X). The piroplasm forms detected included pear-shaped merozoite and round-to-oval trophozoite stages with average sizes larger than those of Babesia felis, B. leo and B. lengau and smaller than canine Babesia s.s. spp. Four of 11 H. adleri adult ticks analyzed from cat # 3 were PCR positive for Babesia sp. with a DNA sequence identical to that found in the cats. Of these, two ticks were PCR positive in their salivary glands, suggesting that the parasite reached these glands and could possibly be transmitted by H. adleri.ConclusionsThis study describes genetic and morphological findings of a new Babesia sp. which we propose to name Babesia galileei sp. nov. after the Galilee region in northern Israel where two of the infected cats originated from. The salivary gland PCR suggests that this Babesia sp. may be transmitted by H. adleri. However, incriminating this tick sp. as the vector of B. galilee sp. nov. would require further studies.Graphical

Sonographic signs of abdominal neoplasms in feline uveitis

Feline uveitis is a common inflammatory disease of the vascular membrane of the eye. Damage to the uveal tract can be caused by a variety of causes, including systemic diseases, autoimmune processes, viral and bacterial infections, parasitic diseases, and oncological pathologies. Differential diagnosis of etiological factors is difficult and requires a comprehensive examination of the animal: careful collection of anamneses in order to exclude a traumatic factor, laboratory tests, serological tests to detect viral infections and parasitic infestations, visual diagnostic examination to diagnose systemic diseases and search for the oncological process. The research was conducted in 2023-2024 on the basis of the Department of Diseases of small domestic, laboratory and exotic animals, as well as the laboratory of "Oncology, Ophthalmology and Biochemistry of Animals" of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution "ROSBIOTECH". The aim of the study was to substantiate the use of sonographic and morphological research methods in the differential diagnosis of the etiology of feline uveitis. During the study, in 20.8% of cases (15 cats), sonographic examination of the abdominal cavity allowed to determine the cause of uveitis. We found: thickening of the muscular layer of the intestinal wall with partial or complete loss of layer differentiation, a local increase in the echogenicity of the surrounding adipose tissue, signs of mechanical obstruction of the proximally affected area, diffuse changes in mesenteric lymph nodes, diffuse focal changes in the liver and spleen, a volumetric neoplasm in the abdominal cavity located caudal to the right kidney, moderate nephromegaly and diffuse changes with violation of the differentiation of the cortical and cerebral layers. According to the results of morphological examination of the biopsy material, the diagnosis of large cell lymphoma was established in all cases. Uveitis in this group of cats is attributed to ophthalmopathy associated with paraneoplastic syndrome.

Pathogenic and Antibiotic-Resistance Genes of Pasteurella multocida Isolated from Goats in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) is one of the predominant pathogens that mostly cause respiratory diseases in domestic animals, such as goats. To determine P. multocida serotypes and the prevalence of pathogenic and antibiotic-resistance genes the PCR method was used. A total of 143 isolated P. multocida strains were collected from 289 healthy hybrid Boer-Saanen goats’ nasal samples in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, from March to June 2023. A total of 143 P. multocida strains, serotype B accounted for the highest proportion (51.05%), followed by serotype A (14.69%), and the lowest was serotype E (0.70%) while (39.86%) of strains could not be determined serotypes. Among the six virulence genes surveyed, the sodA gene (56.64%) had the highest presence, while the ompH gene (4.20%) had the lowest presence. Pathogenic genes were present mainly in serotypes A and B; tbpA was frequently detected in serotype A (66.67%), and sodA was commonly detected in serotype B (56.16%). There were 14 virulence gene combinations in 59/109 (54.13%) serotyped P. multocida strains, and the pattern of sodA + toxA + tbpA was prevalent at the highest rate (12.84%). Moreover, among the eight investigated antibiotic resistance genes, the sulII gene had the highest presence rate (74.13%), compared to the tetA gene with the lowest presence rate (13.29%). Gene sulII was mainly detected on strains belonging to serotypes A (80.95%), B (83.56%), and F (77.78%). A total of (77.98%) of serotyped P. multocida strains indicated multi-harbor from two to six antibiotic-resistance genes, and the most common pattern was aadB + sulII (10.09%). The prevalence of five pathogenic P. multocida serotypes harboring diverse antibiotic-resistance genes isolated from nasal samples could be a critical issue in treating and preventing the respiratory diseases caused by P. multocida in goats in the Mekong Delta.