Strains Of Turkeys Research Articles

Developmental plasticity among strains of the yellow mealworm,Tenebrio molitor L., under dry conditions

Edible insect production relies, among others, on the use of high-quality strains with good productivity characteristics. However, studies on the evaluation of the growth performance of different insect strains are limited. In this framework, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the growth and development under dry conditions of larvae of sixTenebrio molitor strains of different geographical origins, i.e. Greece, Italy, Turkey, Spain and USA, in terms of larval survival and development, as well as feed utilisation efficiency. In light of our results, we report the variable growth performance of differentT. molitor strains in the absence of a moisture source. Although no significant differences were shown among the strains tested with regard to the final larval weights and survival rates, there were significant differences in the development time and the growth rate, which may affect the overall efficiency ofT. molitor larvae production. Our study aims to highlight the significance of strain for the growth performance and consequently the productivity ofT. molitor.

Single-strand conformation polymorphism-based genetic characterization of the Cyclospora cayetanensis strains collected from different provinces in Turkey.

Cyclospora cayetanensis, a coccidian protozoan species, has been recently found to cause diarrhea in all age groups in immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals in most regions of the world. This study aimed to conduct the molecular detection of C.cayetanensis and to determine the genetic diversity of the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequence of C.cayetanensis isolated from individuals living in different provinces in Turkey by using PCR-single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). A total of 22 subjects were included in the study. Fourteen of the subjects were female and eight were male, with ages ranging between 7-65 years. Stool specimens were examined using wet mount and modified acid-fast staining methods, which revealed the presence of oocysts in the samples. The 18S rRNA ITS-1 Ccits37f-GCTTGCTATGTTTTAGCATGTGG and Ccits501r-GCACAATGAATGCACACACA gene regions were used as primers. The PCR products were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis and visualized on a UV transilluminator. For the SSCP, the PCR products were denatured with formamide, run for 16 h in 6% (49:1) polyacrylamide gel, and then imaged with silver staining. SSCP assay was performed given that the DNA strands demonstrated different folds; the DNA strands contain different nucleotides based on the PCR-SSCP results for the Cyclospora strains collected in 4 provinces. Moreover, 3 different band profiles were observed in the investigated samples. A slight mutation difference was observed among the strains collected. Further comprehensive studies involving more C. cayetanensis-positive specimens and utilizing different mutation screening methods are warranted to demonstrate mutation differences in Cyclopora strains in Turkey.

Whole Genome Sequencing and Phylogenetic Analysis of SARS‑CoV‑2 strains in Turkey.

Coronaviruses which are single-stranded RNAs, are members of a large family of viruses that may be important pathogens for humans. SARS-CoV-2 was found to cause the severe respiratory syndrome, and on January 22, 2020 first human-to-human transmission was reported. We aimed to reveal the complete genomes of 19 SARS-CoV-2 isolates from Denizli province and identify Turkish patients' genetic similarities. 15 samples with the highest viral loads resulting from RT-PCR were selected for NGS analysis. Fifteen SARS-CoV-2 complete genome sequences were then subjected to phylogenetic analysis and uploaded to the GISAID database. Phylogenetic trees were constructed by the Neighbor-Joining method using MEGAX software. Whole-genome sequencing of the viral RNA samples revealed 32 missense, 21 synonymous, and 4 non-coding alleles. In all samples c.1-25C>T (5'UTR), c.14144C>T (ORF1ab), c.2772C>T (ORF1ab) and c.1841A>G(S) mutations were detected. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that most of the present study's genomes are in 20B clade while the two are in 20A. The phylogenetic tree constructed with all complete SARS-CoV-2 genomes of Turkey showed that the viruses were spread nearly homogenous on eastern (around Kars) and western (around Istanbul) sides. Here, we reported the viral genomes in Denizli comprehensively for the first time. We identified 11 rare missense mutations in the virus compared to the reference genome. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that while most of our isolates were similar to European sequences, some had different sublineages depending on their genomic variants.

Molecular serotyping of Salmonella strains isolated from retail chicken meats by in silico derived multiplex PCR, determination of ESBL, and colistin resistance genes mcr-1 to -5

Salmonella spp. are zoonotic pathogenic agents that cause important infections in humans and animals. They are the most common foodborne pathogens after Campylobacter spp. worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the phenotypic and genotypic extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and colistin resistance of 67 Salmonella spp. isolated from retail chicken meats between May and December 2016, and stored in the culture collection of Ataturk University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Microbiology. The isolates were serotyped using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR). The serovar distribution of strains was 74.6% S. Infantis, 16.4% S. Enteritidis, 3.0% S. Arizonae, 3.0% S. Dublin, 1.5% S. Gallinarum and 1.5% S. Indica. Of the 67 strains, 20 (29.9%) were ESBL-positive. The main types of β-lactamase identified were blaCTX-M-1, blaCTX-M-8-25, blaSHV and blaTEM. Four isolates were found to be phenotypically colistin-resistant. These isolates did not carry mobilised colistin resistance (mcr) genes 1 to 5. In this study, both genotypically ESBL-producing and phenotypically colistin-resistant Salmonella strains were found. We revealed that ESBL-producing Salmonella strains have dramatically increased over the years, especially when compared with previously reported chicken meat Salmonella strains in Turkey. The increase in Salmonella strains, particularly ESBL producers and the colistin resistant, is of great concern for selected antimicrobial therapy in human infections. Hence, epidemiological information and monitoring systems are extremely important in controlling Salmonella infections in public health services.

Evaluation of the response of Turkey strains to Salmonella and Newcastle vaccines

This research work was carried out to evaluate the immune response of 3 turkey strains to salmonella and Newcastle vaccines measured via antibody titre. The study deployed a total of 120 poults (40 black, 40 white and 40 lavender) strains. To ascertain the initial antibody titre of all the birds, blood samples were obtained from their wing veins immediately after acclimatization for salmonella and Newcastle antibody titre. The test for salmonella and Newcastle antibody titre responses of the birds were performed using widal and haemagglutination inhibition (HI), respectively. The birds were divided into two broad groups tagged as A and B, which represented Salmonella and Newcastle vaccines, respectively. Each group had 3 sub-groups denoting the 3 strains of turkey used for the study. After vaccination, blood samples were collected from all the birds at 3 and 5 days for laboratory assessment of antibody titre response. The results showed that there was significant increase (p<0.05) in the antibody titre response of all the turkey strains after vaccination. Results obtained on the time of exposure of the birds to vaccine revealed that higher antibody titre values were obtained from the black and white turkey strains at 3 days than at 5 days after administration of Newcastle vaccine, except in the lavender strain, which had higher titre value at 5 days after Newcastle vaccination. Following administration of salmonella vaccine, black and lavender strains had statistically higher antibody titre response (2.03 and 2.10 mean loge widal, respectively) than white strain (1.86 mean loge widal). Similarly, the black strain also had higher antibody titre value when Newcastle vaccine was administered (2.35 mean loge HI) followed by lavender (1.99 mean loge HI) and white strain (1.71 mean loge HI). Black strains showed more antibody titre response and by implication, stronger immunity to Salmonella and Newcastle vaccines. More importantly, the differential response of the 3 turkey strains to vaccine could give turkey breeders the choice of selection of turkey breeds for disease resistance breeding.

Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) of plum pox potyvirus Turkey (PPV-T) strain

Plum pox potyvirus (PPV) is one of the most important viral pathogens of stone fruit trees. PPV-T (Turkey) is important, unique and dominated strain in Turkish PPV pool. Due to the virus in internal quarantine pathogen in Turkey, the rapid detection of virus is too important for preventing the spread of the disease to new areas. In this study, a reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay from Varga and James was adapted for the rapid detection of PPV-T isolates in Turkey. RT-LAMP assay did not show cross-reaction with other viruses commonly infects Prunus spp. or natural hosts of PPV-T. Assay could be completed with the help of a water bath under isothermal conditions (60 °C) in 35 min. Sensitivity analysis showed that RT-LAMP detected viral RNA concentrations up to 0.01 ng/µL and it was 10 times more sensitive than reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The optimal Mg+2 and dNTP concentration for RT-LAMP of PPV-T were 6 mM and 0.4 mM, respectively. Furthermore, assessment with the naked eye after staining of in-tube RT-LAMP products with SYBR Green I facilitated the interpretation of positive LAMP reactions. These results reveal that the method is more sensitive, faster, cheaper and gene-specific test for the detection of PPV-T than RT-PCR. This adaptation study may help in preventing epidemic spread of this destructive strain of virus in Turkey. This is the first study for the use of RT-LAMP application of the assay for plant viruses in Turkey.

Evaluation of egg quality characteristics of two strains of local turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) in Zaria, Kaduna State

The study was conducted to investigate the external and internal egg quality characteristics of two local strains of turkey during their early reproductive age. A total of 96 freshly laid eggs were sampled from two local turkey strains having black and white plumages. The turkeys were 33weeks of age with two months into lay. Data were collected weekly for three weeks on egg weight, egg length, egg diameter, shell thickness, shell weight, shell index, albumen weight, yolk weight, albumen: yolk ratio, albumen length, yolk length, albumen diameter, yolk diameter, albumen height, yolk height, yolk index and Haugh unit and analyzed using the statistical package of SAS. The results revealed that highly significant (p<0.01) differences in the external traits occurred in egg weight, egg length and shell weight with the white turkey strain been superior. Also, the internal traits recorded highly significant (p<0.01) differences in albumen weight, yolk weight, albumen: yolk ratio, albumen length, yolk length and yolk diameter with the white strain performing better than the black strain. Highly significant correlations (p>0.01) exits in most of the correlated traits with the except for Haugh unit that had no significantly (p<0.01) correlations. Thus, since significant variations exits between the two strains, selection activities are recommended to improve these economic traits in egg weight using it has an index in selection and in possible prediction of the quality of poults to be hatched. Also, economically, it may be used to know the consumers' preference on the quality of turkey eggs consumed. L'étude a été menée pour étudier les caractéristiques de qualité externe et interne des œufs de deux souches locales de dinde au début de leur âge de reproduction. Un total de 96 œufs fraîchement pondus ont été échantillonnés à partir de deux souches de dinde locales présentant des plumages noirs et blancs. Les dindes étaient âgées de 33 semaines avec deux mois de ponte. Des données ont été collectées chaque semaine pendant trois semaines sur le poids de l'œuf, la longueur de l'œuf, le diamètre de l'œuf, l'épaisseur de la coquille, le poids de la coquille, l'indice de la coquille, le poids de l'albumine, le poids du jaune, le rapport albumine: jaune, la longueur de l'albumen, la longueur du jaune, le diamètre de l'albumen, le diamètre du jaune, l'albumine hauteur, hauteur du jaune, indice de jaune et unité Haugh et analysés à l'aide du progiciel statistique de 'SAS'. Les résultats ont révélé que des différences très significatives (p = 0,01) dans les caractères externes se produisaient dans le poids des œufs, la longueur des œufs et le poids de la coquille avec la souche de dinde blanche supérieure. En outre, les traits internes ont enregistré des différences très significatives (p = 0,01) dans le poids de l'albumine, le poids du jaune, le rapport albumine : jaune, la longueur de l'albumine, la longueur du jaune et le diamètre du jaune, la souche blanche fonctionnant mieux que la souche noire. Des corrélations hautement significatives (p?0,01) existent dans la plupart des traits corrélés avec l'unité à l'exception de Haugh qui n'avait pas de corrélations significatives (p?0,01). Ainsi, étant donné que des variations importantes existent entre les deux souches, des activités de sélection sont recommandées pour améliorer ces caractères économiques en poids de l'œuf en utilisant un indice de sélection et de prédiction éventuelle de la qualité des dindonneaux à éclore. Aussi, économiquement, il peut être utilisé pour connaître la préférence des consommateurs sur la qualité des œufs de dinde consommés.

Suitability of Slower Growing Commercial Turkey Strains for Organic Husbandry in Terms of Animal Welfare and Performance.

Intensive turkey production with fast growing strains is often critically discussed regarding animal welfare problems. Studies evaluating the welfare status of both organic and less intensive selected turkey strains are limited, except in the slightly slower growing Kelly Broad Breast Bronze (Kelly). The aim of this study was to assess the welfare of turkeys from two strains with further decreased growth rate, Hockenhull Large Bronze (HoBr) and Hockenhull Black (HoBl), in comparison to Kelly under commercial organic conditions with 100% organic feed. Altogether 844 non-beak-trimmed male turkeys (274–288 per line) were reared and fattened in three replications with each six groups. On group level, use of resources in the 7, 16, and 25th week of life, mortality and feed conversion were recorded. Each bird was assessed with regard to plumage and skin condition as indicators of agonistic interactions, cannibalism and feather pecking, with regard to leg health, footpad, breast skin condition and, as performance indicators, live and carcass weight, utilization, daily weight gain and weights of valuable meat parts. The significantly slower growing HoBl showed slightly fewer malposition of the legs, reduced injury rates and less breast buttons, but a higher susceptibility to footpad dermatitis than Kelly turkeys. HoBr with a similar growth rate compared to Kelly had slightly more problems concerning walking ability and plumage damage, but also less breast buttons than Kelly turkeys. However, effect sizes were negligible (Φ < 0.10), except for the higher occurrence of footpad dermatitis and the reduced number of breast buttons in HoBl with small effect sizes (Φ = 0.20–0.24). Use of resources, prevalence of breast blisters and mortality, were not statistically different, although mortality rate was numerically lower in HoBl. Thus, for none of the studied strains clear benefits or disadvantages in terms of the birds' predisposition for welfare problems could be identified. Overall, prevalences of animal welfare problems were mostly lower than in comparable studies while performances were comparatively high. Therefore, turkeys from the studied strains appear to be suitable for organic rearing and fattening with 100% organic feed, given a good management.

Gallid Alphaherpesvirus 2 in the Egyptian Turkeys: Molecular Characterization and Establishment of a Universal System for Phylogenetic Classification

Introduction: Gallid alphaherpesvirus 2 (GaHV-2) is a highly contagious oncogenic virus that causes Marek’s disease in chickens and occasionally in turkeys. Among 100 genes identified in GaHV-2 genome, the Meq gene appears to involve viral virulence, oncogenicity, and genetic diversity. Despite the use of Meq gene sequences in phylogenetic classification of GaHV-2 strains circulating in many countries worldwide, no integrated system exists yet. Methods: Turkeys from 2 commercial Egyptian farms were presented with signs of dullness, dehydration, and emaciation. Samples prepared from the internal organs were examined by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Pools of the internal organs were analyzed by PCR for identification of GaHV-2, avian leucosis virus, and reticuloendotheliosis virus. The Meq gene of an Egyptian strain was sequenced and analyzed in comparison to 40 reference strains for generation of a universal system for phylogenetic classification of GaHV-2 strains. Results: Gross and histopathological examination revealed grayish-white soft masses in the internal organs characterized by diffuse infiltration of pleomorphic neoplastic cells. All lymphoma cells were identified as T-lymphocytes of CD3+ phenotype. Samples of both farms were only positive for GaHV-2 by PCR. Sequence analysis of the Meq gene has classified the current turkey strain as related to the Egyptian strains identified in chicken in 2012. A universal phylogenetic system for classification of GaHV-2 strains into 4 clusters was proposed. The vaccine strains were all grouped in cluster 2, and most of the classical American strains belonged to cluster 4. Cluster 1 was further divided into 3 subclusters (1.1–1.3). Conclusion: GaHV-2 was identified in turkeys for the first time in Africa and the Middle East. Sequence analysis of the Meq gene of the Egyptian strain along with a wide array of the global strains has enabled the construction of a novel phylogenetic classification system.

Gait Score, Latency-to-Lie and their Association with Body Weight and Morphometric Measurements in Light and Heavy Genotypes of Domestic Turkey

Locomotion problems limit access to drinkers and feeders with a resultant effect on birds' survival and productivity. In this study, gait score (GS), latency-to-lie (LTL) and their association with body weight (BWT) and morphometric traits in light weight (Nigerian Local, NL) and heavy weight (Nicholas White, NW) strains of turkeys were evaluated. A total of two hundred day-old Nigerian local and Nicholas white poults were used for the study. Gait of poults were scored at 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age using Kestin gait scoring system. Other parameters measured include latency-to-lie, body weight and morphometric traits at 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age. The results showed that poults with normal walking ability (GS=0) in the light strain Nigerian local declined slightly from 88.4 percent at week 4 to 85.0 percent at week 16, while poults with normal walking ability (GS=0) in Nicholas white declined from 81.1 at week 4 to 16.4 percent at week 16, respectively. The GS of Nicholas White was higher (p&lt;0.05) than that of NL at 8 and 16 weeks of age. The LTL values decreased (1310.1- 555.7 seconds) with the age of birds and were higher (p&lt;0.05) in NL at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age. Correlation (r =-0.256 to 0.278) between BWT and GS was significant (p&lt;0.05) at weeks 8 and 12 in NW and at weeks 12 and 16 in NL. BWT was correlated (p&lt;0.05) with body girth, keel length, femur length, shank diameter and Tibia Metatarsus in both genotypes. There was significant correlation (p&lt;0.05) between LTL and GS (r= -0.36 to -0.87), BWT and LTL (r= -0.24 to 0.31), BWT and LM traits (r= 0.56 to 0.96) in both genotypes. It was concluded that GS and LTL are influenced by genotype and age of poults.

The first detection and characterization of goose parvovirus (GPV) in Turkey.

Derzsy's disease, which is seen in goslings (Anser anser domestica) and Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata), progresses to high mortality and causes significant yield losses. The disease agent is goose parvovirus (GPV), which is common in countries with waterfowl production. It has not previously been reported in Turkey. Using qPCR and sequencing of the VP3 protein-encoding gene, GPV is identified as the causative agent of high mortality among geese between 2018 and 2019. The VP3 sequences were also compared with the similar GenBank sequences phylogenetically. All the sequences were found to be most similar (98.90%) with Polish and Taiwan GPV strains. Phylogenetic analysis of the VP3 gene in strains in Turkey and comparison with strains from other countries demonstrated that the Turkish strains are native to the geography and circulated locally. This study detected the presence of the GPV gene for the first time in Turkey and demonstrated the importance of comparing the vaccine strain and wild type.

Seroprevalence and Molecular characterization of Bovine viral diarrhea, Rota and corona viruses in neonatal cattle and buffalo calves in some governorates in Egypt

The present study aims to detect the prevalence and molecular characterization of Bovine viral diarrhea, Rota and corona viral diseases as major causes of diarrhea that mainly leads to neonatal deaths among neonatal calves in some governorates in Egypt (Kafr El Sheikh, El Menofyia, Sharkia, Bahaira and El-Gharbia). The infection rate of the three examined viral diseases uses showed non-significant difference between sex and age of cow calves, and the infection more common on female younger calves. Also the infection rate in female young buffalo calves. Selective positive samples undergo Sequencing and compared with other strains in GenBank. The results showed that the Egyptian BVD strain is closely related to BVD strain from Argentina (DQ088995) and Colombia (MH198305), while Bovine Rota (BRV) showed high similarity with Bovine Rota strain of South Korea and Turkey but Bovine Corona virus (BCoV) was closed to Bovine Corona viruses (BCoV) strain isolated from France .

Diversity of Leishmania Strains Isolated from Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Patients in Turkey and its Reflection to Clinics in Mice Model

Although asexual reproduction has been attributed to Leishmania species, genetic exchange has recently been demonstrated, which helped emerging of hybrid isolates. Situated on the crossroads between three continents, Leishmania hybrids may be present in Turkey. In Turkey, visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum is less common, while cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by Leishmania tropica and L.infantum could reach 2500 reported cases a year. Our aim was to investigate genetic variability of local Leishmania species and presence of hybrid Leishmania strains in Turkey. Twenty CL patients from Sanliurfa and Hatay, where only L.tropica and both L.tropica and L.infantum cause CL, respectively, were registered equally. All isolates were assessed with real-time polymerase chain reaction (Rt-PCR), isoenzyme analysis, gene sequencing, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and MALDI-TOF/TOFMS followed by in vivo analyses on mouse model. Identification of differentially expressed proteins was performed. These proteins were confirmed by sequence analysis. All isolates from Sanliurfa were found to be L.tropica which caused cutaneous infection in mice. However, one of 10 isolates from Hatay was found as Leishmania major which caused cutaneous infection. Five isolates were found as L.tropica with Rt-PCR and gene sequencing, one of which had one different protein from the reference L.tropica strain and caused cutaneous infection. Four of the five isolates had five different proteins compared to reference strain and caused both cutaneous and visceral infections. Remaining four isolates showed double melting curves in Rt-PCR, which were concordant with L.tropica and L.infantum. Their sequencing and isoenzyme analyses indicated them as L.infantum. They had six different proteins compared to reference L.infantum strain and caused cutaneous and visceral infections. It is concluded that the isolates with different proteins were hybrid Leishmania species. In the present study, outcomes of the proteomics, genomics, clinical manifestations and tissue tropism on animal models were evaluated together for the first time. In addition to L.tropica and L.infantum, L.major was identified as a causative agent for CL and hybrids of L.infantum/tropica were also shown to be present.

Belçika, Almanya ve Hollanda'da Yaşayan Türk Vatandaşlarının Türkiye'ye Seyahatleri Sırasında Nazofaringeal Meningokokkal Taşıyıcılık Prevalansı ve Serogrup Dağılımı

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Epidemiological studies in Turkey have shown that serogroups B and W are the most prevalent serogroups associated with IMD cases and meningococcal carriage. Many Turkish citizens who live in Europe visit their homeland of Turkey every year. However, no data is available on meningococcal carriage in this population. In addition, the effects of the presence of these citizens on meningococcal epidemiology in Turkey are unknown. This study aimed to examine the presence of Neisseria meningitidis carriage and serogroup distribution in Turkish citizens who live in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands and have visited Turkey. The study sample comprised 361 volunteers aged 2–85 who lived in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands and arrived at the Eskisehir airport between June 1 and August 22, 2016. A polymerase chain reaction assay for N. meningitidis was performed on the nasopharyngeal samples of these participants. Of the 361 volunteers, the nasopharyngeal meningococcal carriage rate was 0.6% (two subjects from Belgium). Serogroup X was isolated in a 46-year-old man, and non-groupable N. meningitidis was isolated in an 18-year-old girl. Previous studies showed that serogroup W is the one of the predominant strain in Turkey, was associated with having participated in the Hajj and the Umrah, have been controlled with routine immunization before travel. In contrast, the meningococcal carriage rate was low among Turkish citizens arriving each year from European countries; therefore, these visitors had no effect on meningococcal seroepidemiology in Turkey.

First Presentation of the Complete Infection Cycle of Visceralizing Leishmania infantum/ donovani Hybrid Strain in Turkey: The Host, Reservoir and Vector

Objective: Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a widespread infectious disease of the reticuloendothelial system which is mostly caused by Leishmania infantum and L.donovani. VL is a zoonotic infection and dogs act as the main reservoirs of the disease while the vectors are the female Phlebotomus, that is to say, sandflies. Although Leishmania spp. are attributed to reproduce asexually, the genetic exchange between different strains has recently been demonstrated and causes interspecific hybrids. We aimed to present the complete infection cycle of a hybrid strain of Leishmania infantum/donovani with the host, reservoir, and vector. Materials and Methods: A patient presenting with VL proved to have a dog with canine leishmaniasis. Bone marrow aspirate from the patient and lymph node aspirates from the dog were inspected for Leishmania spp. amastigotes under light microscopy. Samples were cultured in enriched NNN medium. Serological examinations were made using IFAT for the patient serum and rK39 test for both human and dog samples. Light traps were placed to collect Phlebotomus. Leishmania molecular identification was executed by primers and probes specific to ITS-1 and cytochrome B gene region of Leishmania parasites. Results: Leishmania spp. amastigotes were detected in the slides while promastigotes were present in the enriched NNN medium. For patient serum, IFAT IgG was 1/256 positive, and rK39 was positive for both dog and human samples. Fifty-two Phlebotomus were caught (24 male, 28 female): 35 of them were P. similis, ten were P. neglectus/syriacus, six were P .papatasi, and one was P. tobbi. Molecular analysis showed that the Leishmania spp. isolates from the patient, dog, and P.tobbi were identical. Gel image revealed two bands in all three samples, thus leading to the conclusion that the infecting strain was a hybrid of L. infantum and L. donovani. Conclusion: We found identical isolates that are putative hybrids of L. donovani and L. infantum in human, dog reservoir and sandfly.. Keywords: Leishmaniasis, Phlebotomus, Hybrid, Epidemiology, Migration, Turkey

Detection of Spiroplasma citri from citrus trees in Turkey by molecular techniques

Spiroplasma citri is the causal agent of Citrus Stubborn Disease (CSD) on cultivated citrus in the arid and semi-arid climate. Detection and characterization of this agent at the early stage of infection in citrus orchard and young citrus saplings in the nursery is of utmost importance to prevent the introduction and spread of the disease in Spiroplasma citri free areas. The current study was conducted in order to investigate the possible existence of different Spiroplasma citri strains in Turkey. Leaf and fruit samples were collected from ten years old citrus trees showing mostly short internodes, upright and mottled leaves, off-season blossoming and typical small and acorn-shaped fruits symptoms associated with citrus stubborn diseases in different villages of Kozan town of Adana province in Turkey. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using Spiralin-f/r, P89-r/f and P58-6f/4r primer couples for the detection and characterization of the Turkish isolates. No positive sample was detected with the primers Spiralin-f/r. On the contrary, all samples reacted positively to the P89-r/f and P58-6f/4r primer couples. The obtained amplicon from the P89-r/f primers pair was sequenced and the phylogenetic tree was constructed. Phylogenetic tree showed that the Turkish Spiroplasma citri isolates are closely related to the Mexican, Spanish, Algerian, and Italian than those isolated from Morocco, Egypt and USA.

Genetic characterization of bovine ephemeral fever virus in southern China, 2013-2017.

Bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV) can cause bovine ephemeral fever and is an economically important arbovirus of cattle. To expand the knowledge of the molecular epidemiology of BEFV in southern China, the complete surface glycoprotein G gene of BEFV was sequenced from samples collected in five restricted outbreaks from 2013 to 2017, namely 2013ZH, 2014HM, 2015GX, 11082-2016, and qy2017. It was noted that both 2014HM and 11082-2016 were detected in cattle regularly vaccinated with inactivated vaccine. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that all five strains grouped into cluster I. However, qy2017 was closer to the BEFV strains identified in Thailand, Japan, and Taiwan after 2000, while 2013ZH, 2014HM, 2015GX, and 11082-2016 were closer to the Chinese strains in 2011 and the Turkey strains in 2012. The analysis of antigenic sites indicated that several amino acid changes occurred between the five strains and the vaccine strain. Importantly, one novel amino acid mutation site was observed in the putative N-linked glycosylation sites of 2013ZH, 2014HM, 2015GX, and 11082-2016. Our study indicated novel genetic characteristics of the newly emerging BEFV strains in southern China and the necessity of updating the component of commercially available inactivated BEFV vaccines in China.

PSI-13 Allometric growth patterns in turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) show no significant increase in total carcass meat yield

Abstract The body composition of livestock has been shown to change over time. Generally, bone maturation occurs first, followed by muscle growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate growth patterns of the most economically significant carcass components (pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, thigh, drum, and rack) in a commercial strain of turkeys. Live body weights and carcass component weights were collected on 1688 toms and 1085 hens between 2012 and 2017. Toms and hens were slaughtered between 109–149 days and 91–114 days of age, respectively. Yield values were calculated for each carcass component as a percentage of the live body weight. Regression coefficients (b) were calculated by regressing yield values on the age of the animal at slaughter. P. major and P. minor yield increased with age, though at different rates, for both toms (b=0.120, P &amp;lt; 0.01 and 0.003, P &amp;lt; 0.01, respectively) and hens (b=0.089, P &amp;lt; 0.01 and 0.020, P &amp;lt; 0.01, respectively). Tom drum and rack yield decreased with age (b=-0.012, P &amp;lt; 0.01 and -0.104, P &amp;lt; 0.01, respectively). Hen drum yield also decreased with age (b=-0.018, P &amp;lt; 0.01), while hen rack yield was found to not be significant from zero. Toms and hens showed similar trends of increasing breast yield with age and an equal combined decline in other carcass component yields. Thus resulting in a small significant increase in hen carcass meat yield (b=0.080, P &amp;lt; 0.01) and no significant increase in tom carcass meat yield (b=0.005, P &amp;gt; 0.01) which were both expected to increase with age given expected body composition changes over time. Strong selection for breast meat yield and the observed negative correlations between breast muscle yield and thigh and drum yields are likely the cause of this trend. Further research should investigate the use of carcass meat yield or other carcass component yields in turkey breeding programs.

Comparative study to evaluate productive performance of Iraqi Turkey female Strains.

The turkey females were randomly distributed on four groups, each group consisted of 12 birds depend on strain. The strains as follow, (T1): red turkey strain, (T2): bronze turkey strain, (T3): white turkey strain, (T4): black turkey strain. Each group constituted from 3 replicates and each replicate has 4 females. All birds housed under same environmental conditions. Feed and water were available (ad libitum) for all the period. Birds were fed on diet contains 20% crude protein and 2950 Kcal metabolic energy / kg through the experimental period. The flock was reared in a ground cages (pens) during the experiment period. Eggs were collected twice daily. Black turkey strain achieved the highest results, whereas the red strain recorded the lowest results in all traits measured in this study, also white turkey strain had superior on bronze turkey strain in all traits. Results revealed that strain had Significant effected on egg production rate, cumulative eggs number, egg weight, egg mass and feed conversion ratio, but, there was no significant effected for strain on feed intake.

Towards a mechanistic understanding of the synergistic response induced by bivalent Marek’s disease vaccines to prevent lymphomas

BackgroundMarek’s disease (MD) is a lymphoproliferative disease of chickens caused by Marek’s disease virus (MDV), an oncogenic α-herpesvirus. Since 1970, MD has been controlled by widespread vaccination; however, more effective MD vaccines are needed to counter more virulent MDV strains. The bivalent vaccine combination of SB-1 and herpesvirus of turkey (HVT) strain FC126 has been widely used. Nonetheless, the mechanism(s) underlying this synergistic effect has not been investigated. MethodsThree experiments were conducted where SB-1 or HVT were administered as monovalent or bivalent vaccines to newly hatched chickens, then challenged five days later with MDV. In Experiment 1, levels of MDV replication in PBMCs were measured over time, and tumor incidence and vaccinal protection determined. In Experiment 2, MDV and vaccine strains replication levels in lymphoid organs were measured at 1, 5, 10, and 14 days post-challenge (DPC). In Experiment 3, to verify that the bursa was necessary for HVT protection, a subset of chicks were bursectomized and these birds plus controls were similarly vaccinated and challenged, and the levels of vaccinal protection determined. ResultsThe efficacy of bivalent SB-1 + HVT surpasses that of either SB-1 or HVT monovalent vaccines in controlling the level of pathogenic MDV in PBMCs until the end of the study, and this correlated with the ability to inhibit tumor formation. SB-1 replication in the spleen increased from 1 to 14 DPC, while HVT replicated only in the bursa at 1 DPC. The bursa was necessary for immune protection induced by HVT vaccine. ConclusionSynergy of SB-1 and HVT vaccines is due to additive influences of the individual vaccines acting at different times and target organs. And the bursa is vital for HVT to replicate and induce immune protection.