Infected Rabbits Research Articles

Occurrence, Histopathological Findings, and Molecular Identification of Pathogenic Eimeria Infections in Rabbits (Mammalia: Lagomorpha) in Japan.

Eimeria spp. are commonly found among rabbits (Mammalia: Lagomorpha) worldwide. Among the 11 Eimeria species, several are highly virulent, including E. intestinalis and E. flavescens, which cause intestinal coccidiosis, and E. stiedae, which causes hepatic coccidiosis. Unlike other countries, the occurrence of Eimeria infections in rabbits in Japan remains unknown, except for one reported case of natural infection. We surveyed Eimeria infections in clinically affected rabbits over the past approximately 10years at Livestock Hygiene Centers in 42 prefectures. A total of 16 tissue samples (14 liver, 1 ileum, and 1 cecum) were collected from 15 rabbits in 6 prefectures. Characteristic histopathologic findings were observed, especially around the bile ducts, depending on the developmental stages of the parasites. Eimeria stiedae and E. flavescens were successfully identified by PCR and sequencing analyses in 5 liver samples and 1 cecum sample, respectively. Our results could enhance understanding of infection with Eimeria spp. in rabbits in Japan and contribute to pathological or molecular diagnoses.

Ameliorative effect of alcoholic extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra and diclazuril against experimental Eimeria stiedae infection in rabbits

Ameliorative effect of alcoholic extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra and diclazuril against experimental Eimeria stiedae infection in rabbits

Hepatic Coccidiosis in Wild Rabbits in Greece: Parasite Detection on Liver Imprints and the Associated Biochemical Profile.

(1) Background: Rabbit hepatic coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria stiedae, is a devastating disease with high morbidity and mortality rates. The disease is well described in rabbits, but little is known about E. stiedae infection in wild rabbits. In this study, we investigated the presence of E. stiedae infection in wild rabbits from the island of Lemnos, Greece, where this species is overpopulated, and the effects of infection on common hepatic biomarkers. (2) Methods: We used liver impression smears to detect the coccidian oocysts, and we defined the liver biochemical profile of the infected individuals. (3) Results: Overall, 13.3% of the liver imprints examined were positive for the presence of coccidial oocysts. The activities of liver enzymes, that is, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and glutamyltransferase (GGT), as well as globulins (GLOB), were increased while the concentrations of albumins (ALB), total proteins (TP) and the albumin to globulin (A/G) ratio were decreased in the infected individuals compared to the non-infected ones. (4) Conclusions: This study adds to the current knowledge on the pathogens affecting wild rabbits and those circulating in this population on the island of Lemnos, Greece. Moreover, we showed that E. stiedae infection exerts pathological effects on the hepatocyte integrity and liver function of wild rabbits, as reflected by the abnormal values of liver injury and dysfunction biomarkers.

Encephalitozoon cuniculi Infection of Domestic Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Slovenia between 2017 and 2021.

Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidial parasite that primarily infects domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). It is the causative agent of encephalitozoonosis, a disease with an internationally recognized seroprevalence among rabbits. This study determines the presence, clinical manifestation, and serological status of encephalitozoonosis in pet rabbits in Slovenia using various diagnostic procedures. From 2017 to 2021, 224 pet rabbit sera were collected and tested for encephalitozoonosis with the indirect immunofluorescence assay. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against E. cuniculi were confirmed in 160 (65.6%) cases. Most seropositive rabbits suffered from neurological clinical signs or signs of gastrointestinal disorders such as recurrent hypomotilities, chronic weight loss, cachexia, or anorexia, and fewer showed clinical signs related to the urinary system or phacoclastic uveitis. A quarter of the positively tested rabbits presented without clinical signs. Hematological and biochemical blood analysis confirmed that seropositive animals had elevated globulin and deviated albumin levels in comparison to the normal reference values of non-infected animals. Furthermore, rabbits with neurological clinical signs showed statistically significant higher levels of globulins and total protein. Sixty-eight whole-body radiographs and thirty-two abdominal ultrasound reports were analyzed, looking for changes in the shape or size of the urinary bladder, presence of urinary sludge or uroliths, and any abnormalities related to the kidneys (shape, size, or nephrolites). The results suggest that neurological defects in the urinary bladder caused by E. cuniculi lead to a distended urinary bladder and consequently dysuria, incontinence, urine scalding, and sludgy urine.

Case series: Four fatal rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus infections in urban pet rabbits.

Four pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus cuniculus) diagnosed with a fatal infection by rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV GI.2) were identified in the same week and further investigated. All animals lived in an urban environment (Lisbon, Portugal), were between 8 months and 2 years old and none had been vaccinated against RHDV2 (GI.2). Three animals arrived at the clinic and died shortly afterward and it was only possible to collect material for RT-qPCR (RHDV) test. These rabbits tested positive for RHDV2, with high viral loads. In the fourth case, additional clinical and post-mortem gross and histological evaluations were performed. This 8 month old intact female indoor pet rabbit was presented with apathy, tachypnea and tachycardia. Radiographic projections revealed no clinical revealed no clinical abnormalities. Serum biochemistry revealed a significant increase in AST and ALT with a small hypoglycemia. Abdominal ultrasound revealed an acute hepatitis. Despite hospitalization support, after 30 h of admission, the rabbit lost consciousness and developed anorexia and pyrexia in the last minutes before death. Post-mortem analysis and molecular testing by RT-qPCR, confirmed the diagnosis of RHDV2 (GI.2) infection also with high viral load. In conclusion, this paper reports a case series that demonstrates the severe infectious ability and the high mortality associated with RHDV even in rabbits from urban environments. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of always considering rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) as a differential diagnosis in pet rabbits with non-specific clinical signs, and should warn veterinarians that pet rabbits living indoors can also be infected with a fatal outcome.

Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in Psoroptes ovis: Molecular Characterization and Potential Role in Eosinophil Accumulation of Skin in Rabbit and Its Implication in the Host-Parasite Interaction.

Psoroptes ovis, a common surface-living mite of domestic and wild animals worldwide, results in huge economic losses and serious welfare issues in the animal industry. P. ovis infestation rapidly causes massive eosinophil infiltration in skin lesions, and increasing research revealed that eosinophils might play an important role in the pathogenesis of P. ovis infestation. Intradermal injection of P. ovis antigen invoked massive eosinophil infiltration, suggesting that this mite should contain some relative molecules involved in eosinophil accumulation in the skin. However, these active molecules have not yet been identified. Herein, we identified macrophage migration inhibitor factor (MIF) in P. ovis (PsoMIF) using bioinformatics and molecular biology methods. Sequence analyses revealed that PsoMIF appeared with high similarity to the topology of monomer and trimer formation with host MIF (RMSD = 0.28 angstroms and 2.826 angstroms, respectively) but with differences in tautomerase and thiol-protein oxidoreductase active sites. Reverse transcription PCR analysis (qRT-PCR) results showed that PsoMIF was expressed throughout all the developmental stages of P. ovis, particularly with the highest expression in female mites. Immunolocalization revealed that MIF protein located in the ovary and oviduct of female mites and also localized throughout the stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, and even basal layers of the epidermis in skin lesions caused by P. ovis. rPsoMIF significantly upregulated eosinophil-related gene expression both in vitro (PBMC: CCL5, CCL11; HaCaT: IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, CCL5, CCL11) and in vivo (rabbit: IL-5, CCL5, CCL11, P-selectin, ICAM-1). Moreover, rPsoMIF could induce cutaneous eosinophil accumulation in a rabbit model and increased the vascular permeability in a mouse model. Our findings indicated that PsoMIF served as one of the key molecules contributing to skin eosinophil accumulation in P. ovis infection of rabbits.

Fetal Loss in Pregnant Rabbits Infected with Genotype 3 Hepatitis E Virus Is Associated with Altered Inflammatory Responses, Enhanced Virus Replication, and Extrahepatic Virus Dissemination with Positive Correlations with Increased Estradiol Level.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes adverse clinical outcomes in pregnant women, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. To delineate the mechanisms of pregnancy-associated adverse effects during HEV infection, we utilized a genotype 3 HEV from rabbit (HEV-3ra) and its cognate host (rabbits) to systematically investigate the clinical consequences, viral replication dynamics, and host immune and hormonal responses of HEV infection during pregnancy. We found a significant fetal loss of 23% in HEV-infected pregnant rabbits, indicating an early-stage miscarriage. HEV infection in pregnant rabbits was characterized by higher viral loads in feces, intestinal contents, liver, and spleen tissues, as well as a longer and earlier onset of viremia than in infected nonpregnant rabbits. HEV infection altered the pattern of cytokine gene expressions in the liver of pregnant rabbits and caused a transient increase of serum interferon gamma (IFN-γ) shortly after a notable increase in viral replication, which may contribute to early fetal loss. Histological lesions in the spleen were more pronounced in infected pregnant rabbits, although moderate liver lesions were seen in both infected pregnant and nonpregnant rabbits. Total bilirubin was elevated in infected pregnant rabbits. The serum levels of estradiol (E2) in HEV-infected pregnant rabbits were significantly higher than those in mock-infected pregnant rabbits at 14 days postinoculation (dpi) and correlated positively with higher viral loads in feces, liver, and spleen tissues at 28 dpi, suggesting that it may play a role in extrahepatic virus dissemination. The results have important implications for understanding the severe diseases associated with HEV infection during pregnancy. IMPORTANCE HEV causes adverse pregnancy outcomes, with a mortality rate of >30% in pregnant women, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we utilized HEV-3ra and its cognate host (pregnant rabbit) to delineate the potential underlying mechanisms of pregnancy-associated adverse outcomes during HEV infection. We found that infected pregnant rabbits had a fetal loss of 23%, which coincided with enhanced viral replication and an elevated systemic IFN-γ response, followed by longer viremia duration and extrahepatic viral dissemination. Estradiol levels were increased in infected pregnant rabbits and correlated positively with higher fecal viral shedding and higher viral loads in liver and spleen tissues. Infected pregnant rabbits had more pronounced splenic lesions, higher serum total bilirubin, and an altered cytokine gene expression profile in the liver. The results will contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms of HEV-associated adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Clonal isolates of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum Nichols provide evidence for the occurrence of microevolution during experimental rabbit infection and in vitro culture.

The recent development of a system for long-term in vitro culture of the syphilis spirochete, Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum, has introduced the possibility of detailed genetic analysis of this bacterium. In this study, the in vitro culture system was used to isolate and characterize clonal populations of T. pallidum subsp. pallidum Nichols, the most widely studied strain. In limiting dilutions experiments, it was possible to establish cultures with inocula as low as 0.5 T. pallidum per well despite the long generation time (~35 to 40 hours) of this organism. Six Nichols strain clones isolated by limiting dilution were characterized in detail. All clones exhibited indistinguishable morphology and motility, highly similar in vitro multiplication rates, and comparable infectivity in the rabbit model (ID50 ≤ 100 bacteria). Genomic sequencing revealed sequence heterogeneity in the form of insertions or deletions at 5 sites, single nucleotide variations at 20 sites, and polynucleotide (polyG/C) tract length differences at 22 locations. Genomic sequences of the uncloned Nichols strain preparations propagated in rabbits or in vitro cultures exhibited substantial heterogeneity at these locations, indicating coexistence of many varied 'clonotypes' within these populations. Nearly all genetic variations were specific for the Nichols strain and were not detected in the >280 T. pallidum genomic sequences that are currently available. We hypothesize that these Nichols strain-specific sequence variations arose independently either during human infection or within the 110 years since the strain's initial isolation, and thus represent examples of microevolution and divergence.

Metabolic Effects of Infection by the Stomach Worm Obeliscoides cuniculi in Rabbits Fed Diets Varying in Nutritive Quality

Rabbits parasitized by Obeliscoides cuniculi were used as models for stomach worm parasitism in ruminants. A 3 × 4 randomized complete block design containing three levels of infection (NI, no infection; LI and HI, infections produced by 1,800 and 30,000 larvae, respectively) and four levels of diet (PC, high protein and carbohydrate; pc, low protein and carbohydrate; Pc, high protein, and low carbohydrate; pC, low protein and high carbohydrate) was replicated four times. Mean weight gains for rabbits on diets pc or PC were not influenced by infection level, whereas LI rabbits on diets Pc and pC gained as well as the NI animals and more than the HI ones. Only HI rabbits exhibited anorexia. NI and LI rabbits had positive feed conversion efficiencies, whereas those of HI rabbits were negative. The apparent digestibilities of organic matter, protein, and ash in rabits with different infection levels varied with diet. Daily nitrogen balances were positive. The changes in concentrations of amino acids in the plasma typically associated with systemic, fever-producing infections or with starvation or protein-calorie malnutrition did not occur in infected rabbits. Only the high level infections produced adverse effects on productivity. These effects occurred on diets pc, Pc and pC and were mediated by anorexia.infection parasites rabbits metabolic effects

RETRACTED: Development of thermosensitive hydrogel of Amphotericin-B and Lactoferrin combination-loaded PLGA-PEG-PEI nanoparticles for potential eradication of ocular fungal infections: In-vitro, ex-vivo and in-vivo studies

The most prevalent conditions among ocular surgery and COVID−19 patients are fungal eye infections, which may cause inflammation and dry eye, and may cause ocular morbidity. Amphotericin-B eye drops are commonly used in the treatment of ocular fungal infections. Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and is used for the treatment of dry eye, conjunctivitis, and ocular inflammation. However, poor aqueous stability and excessive nasolacrimal duct draining impede these agens' efficiency. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Amphotericin-B, as an antifungal against Candida albicans, Fusarium, and Aspergillus flavus, and Lactoferrin, as an anti-inflammatory and anti-dry eye, when co-loaded in triblock polymers PLGA-PEG-PEI nanoparticles embedded in P188-P407 ophthalmic thermosensitive gel. The nanoparticles were prepared by a double emulsion solvent evaporation method. The optimized formula showed particle size (177.0 ± 0.3 nm), poly-dispersity index (0.011 ± 0.01), zeta-potential (31.9 ± 0.3 mV), and entrapment% (90.9 ± 0.5) with improved ex-vivo pharmacokinetic parameters and ex-vivo trans-corneal penetrability, compared with drug solution. Confocal laser scanning revealed valuable penetration of fluoro-labeled nanoparticles. Irritation tests (Draize Test), Atomic force microscopy, cell culture and animal tests including histopathological analysis revealed superiority of the nanoparticles in reducing signs of inflammation and eradication of fungal infection in rabbits, without causing any damage to rabbit eyeballs. The nanoparticles exhibited favorable pharmacodynamic features with sustained release profile, and is neither cytotoxic nor irritating in-vitro or in-vivo. The developed formulation might provide a new and safe nanotechnology for treating eye problems, like inflammation and fungal infections.

Crosstalk between Apoptosis and Cytotoxic Lymphocytes (CTLs) in the Course of Lagovirus Europaeus GI.1a Infection in Rabbits.

Lagovirus europaeus is a single-stranded RNA virus causing an acute fatal disease in wild and domestic rabbits around the world. Studies have shown that the pivotal process impacting the immune response against the disease is apoptosis, registered mainly in hepatocytes and in peripheral blood, together with an increased number of cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs). It is known that cytotoxic lymphocytes can induce target cells to undergo apoptosis on the pseudoreceptor pathway, such apoptosis having been found in several acute and chronic viral infections. The study aimed to assess the crosstalk between the apoptosis of peripheral blood lymphocytes and CD8+ T lymphocytes (as CTLs) in rabbits infected with 6 Lagovirus europaeus GI.1a viruses. Sixty rabbits of Polish hybrid breed comprising both sexes and weighing 3.2-4.2 kg were the experimental group, and an identical group was the control. Each of the six GI.1a Lagovirus europaeus viruses was inoculated into ten experimental rabbits. Control rabbits received glycerol as a placebo. Flow cytometric analysis was performed on blood from the study and control group animals for peripheral blood lymphocyte apoptosis and CTL percentage determination. The activation of apoptosis in peripheral blood lymphocytes was recorded from 4 h post inoculation (p.i.) up to 36 h p.i. The percentage of CTLs in the total blood pool decreased from 8 to 36 h p.i. A negative correlation between apoptosis of lymphocytes and the number of CTLs was proven. This may be the first evidence of virus-induced CTL apoptosis in Lagovirus europaeus GI.1a infection.

Oral Zinc Supplementation in Chronically HEV-Infected Patients Not Responding to Ribavirin Monotherapy

Background: Chronic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection may progress to end-stage liver disease in immunosuppressed individuals. Ribavirin therapy is efficient in most chronic HEV patients, but 10% remain without a sustained virological response (SVR). Objectives: We aimed to study whether zinc supplementation could represent a therapeutic approach in these patients. Methods: Antiviral properties of zinc salts were studied in vitro (subgenomic-replicon system), in vivo (rabbit model), and retrospectively in patients with chronic hepatitis E who did not achieve SVR under ribavirin monotherapy. Results: Zinc inhibited HEV genotype 3 replication in vitro. In a model of acute HEV infection in immunocompetent rabbits, zinc + ribavirin did not improve viral clearance compared to ribavirin monotherapy. In chronically HEV-infected patients not responding to ribavirin (n = 12), viral clearance was observed in 4/12 (33%) patients receiving additional zinc supplementation. Conclusions: Oral zinc, an inexpensive, harmless dietary supplement, could potentially represent a rescue treatment option for a few patients with chronic hepatitis E without SVR under ribavirin monotherapy. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of zinc in HEV.

Quantitatively detecting Candida albicans enolase1 with a one-step double monoclonal antibody sandwich ELISA assay.

Invasive candidiasis (IC) is often a cause of severe concern for the hospitalized patients, particularly those who are critically sick. However management of this disease is challenging due to a lack of effective laboratory diagnostic techniques. Hence, we have developed a one-step double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) using a pair of specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for the quantitative detection of Candida albicans enolase1 (CaEno1), which is considered as an important diagnostic biomarker for IC. The diagnostic efficiency of the DAS-ELISA was evaluated by using a rabbit model of systemic candidiasis and compared with other assays. The method validation results demonstrated that the developed method was sensitive, reliable, and feasible. The findings of the rabbit model plasma analysis indicated that the diagnostic efficiency of the CaEno1 detection assay was better in comparison to the (1,3)-β-D-glucan detection and blood culture. CaEno1 is present in the blood of infected rabbits for a brief period and at relatively low levels and thus the combination of CaEno1 antigen and IgG antibodies detection could aid to increase diagnostic efficiency. However, to improve the clinical application of CaEno1 detection in the future, efforts should be made to increase the detection limit of the test by promoting technical developments and by optimizing the protocol for the clinical serial determinations.

Stady of Effect of Klebsiella pneumonia K- a ntigen as a immune catalyzer for laboratory rabbits infected with Entamoeba histolytica

Conducted this study for the duration from the December 2013 until November 2014. and our study have included extrated capsular polysaccharide (K-Antigen) from Klepsiella pneumoniae and study chireffection the immune response in Neusland albino rabbits(male) infected whith Entamoeba histolytica that cause amoebic dysentery disease depending on several criteria, including study the changes in variables cytokineetics concentration levels that response on phagocytosis and antigen presenting proscess like INF-Y, IL-10 and IL-12 and phagocytosis coefficienit, and B T cells PMNs and lymphocytes cell life span, the T and B rossite formation test the miotic index factor for bone marrow cell Arthus reaction, dilayed hypersensitivity, measure the humoral immune response that responsting by immunoglobulins like IgG, IgM using ELISA Technic.
 And The current study accessed to elevated all immuniyy indicator after immunization with (k) antigen and also continue in elavation after the infection with parasite,and we indicated from this study the possibility to use the capsular polysacchride (k antigen) that extracted from Klebsiella pneumoniae as immunological modificicatory that can stimulate both innate (natural)and acquiredimmunity agnest amoebic dysentery infection in white rabbite.

Recombinant GMA56 and ROP17 of Eimeria magna conferred protection against infection by homologous species.

One of the most common rabbits coccidia species, Eimeria magna is mainly parasitic in the ileal and jejunal epithelial cells. E. magna infection can affect the growth performance of rabbits or cause other secondary diseases. Traditional methods of anticoccidial treatment typically result in drug resistance and drug residue. Therefore, vaccination is a promising alternative. Gametocyte antigen 56 (GAM56) and rhoptry kinase family proteins (ROPs) are involved in oocyst wall formation and parasite invasion, respectively. A virulence factor, ROP17 contains a serine/threonine kinase catalytic domain. In this study, recombinant E. magna GAM56 (rEmGAM56) and ROP17 (rEmROP17) proteins were obtained from a prokaryotic expression system and their reactogenicity was investigated with immunoblotting. To assess the potential of rEmGAM56 and rEmROP17 as coccidiosis vaccines, New Zealand White rabbits were subcutaneously immunized with 100 μg rEmGAM56 (rGC group) or rEmROP17 (rRC group) twice at 2-week intervals followed by homologous oocyst challenge. The rabbit serum was collected weekly to detect the specific antibody levels. The cytokine levels of pre-challenge serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the rabbits were observed and recorded post-challenge for the onset of clinical symptoms. The weight gain, oocyst output, and feed conversion ratio were calculated at the end of the experiment. The results showed that both rEmGAM56 and rEmROP17 had good reactogenicity. The rEmGAM56- or rEmROP17-immunized rabbits had milder clinical symptoms and feed conversion ratios of 3.27:1 and 3.37:1, respectively. The rEmGAM56-immunized rabbits had 81.35% body weight gain and 63.85% oocyst output reduction; the rEmROP17-immunized rabbits had 79.03% body weight gain and 80.10% oocyst output reduction. The ACI of rGC and rRC groups were 162.35 and 171.03, respectively. The specific antibody levels increased rapidly after immunization. Significantly increased interleukin (IL)-2, interferon (IFN)-γ, and IL-17 levels were evident in the rGC and rRC groups (p < 0.05). The rEmGAM56 and rEmROP17 elicited humoral and cellular responses, which protected against E. magna infection in rabbits. Thus, rEmGAM56 and rEmROP17 are potential vaccine candidates against E. magna, and rEmROP17 performed better than rEmGAM56.

Preclinical Studies of the Specific Activity of the Live Culture Vaccine VACD6 against Smallpox and other Orthopoxvirus Infections

Relevance. The epidemiological situation in the world is characterized by an increase in the incidence of orthopoxvirus infections in humans and animals. In this regard, it is necessary to develop new safe vaccines against these infections.Aim. Conducting preclinical studies on the specific activity of the live vaccine against smallpox and other orthopoxvirus infections VACΔ6 based on the vaccinia virus (VACV) with six deleted virulence genes are presented.Matherials and methods. The studies were performed in accordance with the requirements of the Guidelines for conducting preclinical studies of drugs (immunobiological preparations), the State Pharmacopoeia XIII and the European Pharmacopoeia 7.0.Results and discussion. The vaccine strain VACΔ6 VACV showed significantly reduced neurovirulence in the model of intracerebral administration to suckling mice, and reduced inflammatorynecrotic activity in the model of intradermal administration to rabbits compared to the classical first­generation smallpox live vaccine approved for use in Russia. Preclinical studies of three series of the finished dosage form of the VAC∆6 vaccine showed its authenticity, thermal stability, non­pyrogenicity and safety. Double intradermal vaccination of rabbits at a dose of 106 PFU/animal, a 100% protective effect was provided against the intranasal infection of rabbits with VACV strain HB­-92 at a dose of 1995 LD50 and a double intradermal vaccination of mice at a dose of 106 PFU/animal, full protection was provided against the intranasal infection of mice with ectromelia virus strain K1 at a dose of 56 LD50.Conclusion. Based on the conducted complex of studies, it can be concluded that the created vaccine of the fourth generation VACΔ6 is safer compared to the live smallpox vaccine of the first generation and is not inferior to it in immunogenic and protective properties.

CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS CONCENTRATION IN RABBITS WITH STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS INFECTION

The present study was conducted to examine the changes in calcium and phosphorus levels during Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection in rabbits. The experimental procedures were carried out with 12 male New Zealand white healthy rabbits, divided into two equal groups - the experimental group (n=6, rabbits infected with S.aureus) and the control group (n=6, uninfected animals). Blood samples were collected at 0 hours before infection, as well on 6, 24, 48, 72 hours and 7, 14 and 21 days after the infection. The amount of calcium in infected rabbits decreased significantly by the 48-th hour (p&lt;0,01) after infection with bacterial suspension. A significant increase of phosphorus in the experimental group was observed at 24 hours and on the 7-th day after infection.

Experimental bovine spongiform encephalopathy infection in rabbits

The aim of our work was to determine the sensitivity of rabbits to the C-BSE pathogen in the first passage, to obtain a laboratory model on rabbits to study the C-BSE pathogen. The results of the experiments showed that with intracerebral infection of rabbits with the causative agent of classical spongiform encephalopathy of cows (C-BSE) they are 100% sensitive to the pathogen with an incubation period of 570 to 1842 days. The disease proceeds with the development of a clinical picture typical of prion diseases, the development of pathomorphological changes in the central nervous system in the form of vacuolization of neurons and neuropiles in various parts of the brain and massive deposition of prion protein PrPSc both in brain tissues and in peripheral lymphoid tissue (spleen). The laboratory model on rabbits is a highly sensitive model for studying the prion of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (C-BSE) and probably the causative agent of v-CJD.

The Efficacy of Alcoholic Extracts of Morus Macroura (Mulberries), Lepidium Sativum (Garden Cress Seeds) and Diclazuril Against E. stiedae in Experimentally Infected Rabbits

The Efficacy of Alcoholic Extracts of Morus Macroura (Mulberries), Lepidium Sativum (Garden Cress Seeds) and Diclazuril Against E. stiedae in Experimentally Infected Rabbits

The Protective Role of Salmonella Typhimurium-Whole Sonicated Killed Antigen and Syzygium aromaticum Extract on the Histopathological Changes Against Its Infection in Rabbits

This research aimed to evaluate the protective ability of Syzygium aromaticum methanolic extract against Salmonella Typhimurium infection in rabbits. Three groups of eight rabbits were given the following: The first group was subcutaneously given SalmonellaTyphimurium-whole sonicated killed antigen (ST-WSKAg); the second group was orally given S. aromaticum extract as well as KWCSAg-ST subcutaneously; the third group was left as positive control group. The rabbit groups were orally challenged by 9×108 CFU/mL Salmonella Typhimurium then the animals were sacrificed 10 days postchallenge for histopathological study. Intestine, liver, kidney, and spleen were studied for pathological changes. The results showed that the second group had the least histopathological changes with mild inflammation and cellular infiltration of inflammatory cells, as well as low amount of vacuolation. The ST-WSKAg group showed multifocal aggregation of inflammatory cells and inflammation of all organs studied, as well as slight interstitial edema with few cellular infiltration and cystic tubular dilation of neighboring tubules in kidney. The positive control group showed the most extensive signs of destruction, severe inflammatory cells infiltration, as well as existence of live bacterium in tissue. In conclusion, Syzygium aromaticum extract showed to give a suitable protective ability against inflammation and destruction of virulent Salmonella Typhimurium infection in comparison to both of ST-WSKAg and positive control groups