ABSTRACT: The emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and its robust biofilm-forming capability pose severe threats to public health, livestock production, and food safety, and underscores the urgent need for novel antibacterial and anti-biofilm agents. In this study, we identified and characterized a novel bacteriocin, PFB252, derived from Bacillus velezensis through a multistep purification process involving acid precipitation, TA-GF75 gel column chromatography, Tiderose Q HP anion-exchange chromatography (TRUKING, Changsha, China), and reversed-phase HPLC. PFB252 exhibited remarkable thermal stability, pH tolerance, and resistance to enzymatic degradation, and demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against MRSA. At subinhibitory concentrations (1/32× minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] and 1/16× MIC), PFB252 significantly disrupted biofilm formation and impaired the metabolic viability of embedded bacteria, and it drastically reduced extracellular polysaccharide, the key component of the biofilm matrix. Transcriptional analysis further revealed that PFB252 at subinhibitory concentrations downregulated critical biofilm-associated genes. PFB252 exhibited strong antimicrobial efficacy in dairy applications and could reduce MRSA counts in milk from 103 to <10 cfu/mL within 4 d at MIC and maintain suppression in cheese below 102 cfu/g over 7 d. These properties highlight PFB252's potential as a natural biopreservative for combating MRSA in food systems and offer a promising solution for food safety applications.
Allele-specific expression (ASE) reflects the unequal expression of the parental alleles and can imply functional variants in cis-regulatory elements. The conventional ASE detection methods often depend on the presence of heterozygous variants in transcripts or sequencing a large number of individuals, both of which are often limited. In this study, we present a family-based strategy for detecting ASE and potential cis-regulatory elements utilizing both RNA-seq and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) from a pedigree. Using a rabbit family consisting of two divergent parents and their eight offspring, we identified 913 ASE genes by analyzing inheritance patterns of gene expression levels. Expression was classified into three levels—high, medium, and low—and used to define seven distinct expression groups across the family (e.g., H_L: high in the mother, low in the father, and intermediate in the offspring). Many ASE genes lacked heterozygous exonic variants, and inference was achieved via RNA read count patterns. We also pinpointed conserved transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) with sequence variants showing similar inherited genotypic patterns (e.g., AAxBB), suggesting their regulatory roles as eQTLs. Differential gene expression (DEG) analysis between the parents highlighted some candidate genes related to meat production and quality traits. Our findings show that the family-based method using RNA-seq and WGS data is promising for exploring ASE and mapping possible eQTLs.
Human societies usually believe that there is an essential difference between humans and animals, and are disgusted by their own animal nature, which is known as animal reminder disgust. Animal reminder disgust has fueled the human quest for a world of higher meaning and is the foundation upon which the worldview of human culture has been built. Combining large-scale corpus analysis with experimental methods, this study found that tight culture (strong social norms) enhanced animal reminder disgust. Study 1 analyzed a corpus of English from the past two centuries using the Word Embedding Association Test method, it was found that people in tighter decades are more inclined to consider greater differences between humans and animals i.e. humans are pure and animals are impure. Studies 2 manipulated perceptions of cultural tightness, and showed that tight culture increased animal reminder disgust by raising requirements for purity. These results demonstrate how culture shapes human perceptions of themselves and explain some cultural phenomena in human societies, such as why religions typically emphasize the distinction between humans and animals.
Background and Aim: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a contagious and notifiable disease, which is prevalent in cattle populations of many countries and in several wildlife species worldwide. However, the role of wildlife in the transmission and/or maintenance of bTB at the human-wild animal-animal interface and the epidemiology of zoonotic disease are poorly understood in Cameroon, where many wildlife species exist. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and zoonotic risk factors of bTB at the cattle-wildlife-human interface in the South and East regions of Cameroon.
Materials and Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study from May to October 2022 in the southern region (Vallée du Ntem and Dja et Lobo) and eastern region (Haut Nyong and Lom et Djérem) of Cameroon to determine risk factors for bTB in Zebu Bororo, Goudali, Ndama, and Simmental cattle breeds. A comparative intradermal tuberculin testing (CIDT) was performed on 160 cattle randomly selected from herds using the threshold recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health. An interviewee-administered questionnaire was used to gather epidemiological data on sociodemographics, interaction between cattle and wildlife, and awareness of zoonotic tuberculosis (TB) from 90 cattle professionals. The prevalence of bTB at the herd level and associated risk factors were estimated using multiple logistic regression models.
Results: Based on the comparative intradermal tuberculin test (CIDT), the estimated prevalence of bTB in 160 cattle (Zebu Bororo, Goudali, Ndama, and Simmental) in South and East Cameroon was 6.8% (4.35%-9.41%) and 1.8% (0%-3.6%) for threshold values 3 mm and 4 mm, respectively. The prevalence obtained by simple intradermal tuberculin test (IDT) was 0.6% (0%-1.2%) for a threshold value 4 mm. Univariate analysis revealed three risk factors associated with bTB with significant odds ratios (OR; p = 0.05): herd size (OR = 4.88; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24-32.56); cattle aged>10 years (OR = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.05-0.53); and victims of bTB organ seizure (OR = 0.015; 95% CI: 0.002-0.067). Multivariate analysis showed that being a cattle herder and contact between wildlife and livestock due to forage was significantly associated with bTB exposure (adjusted OR = 0.02; p = 0.001).
Conclusion: Bovine TB is prevalent in cattle of the South and East Cameroon. Comparative IDT of cattle reared in the epidemiological and environmental context of the study areas yielded better results at a threshold of 3 mm than at a threshold of 4 mm recommended by the World Health Organization. Factors associated with exposure to/appearance of bTB were high herd size, cattle aged >10 years old, seizures of tuberculous organs, shepherding as a profession, and contact between cattle and wildlife can be due to lack of forage.
Nguyen Dinh-Hung, Samuel Mwakisha Mwamburi, Ha Thanh Dong
et al.
This study aims to genomically elucidate six isolates of rapidly growing non-tuberculous mycobacteria (RGM) derived from Siamese fighting fish (<i>Betta splendens</i>). These isolates had previously undergone phenotypic and biochemical characterization, antibiotic susceptibility testing, and in vivo virulence assessment. Initial DNA barcoding using the 16S rRNA sequence assigned these six isolates to five different species, namely <i>Mycobacterium chelonae</i> (BN1983), <i>M. cosmeticum</i> (BN1984 and N041), <i>M. farcinogenes</i> (SNSK5), <i>M. mucogenicum</i> (BN1956), and <i>M. senegalense</i> (BN1985). However, the identification relied solely on the highest percent identity of the 16S rRNA gene, raising concerns about the taxonomic ambiguity of these species. Comprehensive whole genome sequencing (WGS) and extended genomic comparisons using multilocus sequence typing (MLST), average nucleotide identity (ANI), and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) led to the reclassification of BN1985 and SNSK5 as <i>M. conceptionense</i> while confirming BN1983 as <i>M. chelonae</i> and BN1984 and N041 as <i>M. cosmeticum</i>. Notably, the analysis of the BN1956 isolate revealed a potential new species that is proposed here as <i>M. mucogenicum</i> subsp. <i>phocaicum</i> sp. nov. Common genes encoding “mycobacterial” virulence proteins, such as PE and PPE family proteins, MCE, and YrbE proteins, were detected in all six isolates. Two species, namely <i>M. chelonae</i> and <i>M. cosmeticum</i>, appear to have horizontally acquired T6SS-II (<i>clpB</i>), catalase (<i>katA</i>), GroEL (<i>groel</i>), and capsule (<i>rmlb</i>) from distantly related environmental bacteria such as <i>Klebsiella</i> sp., <i>Neisseria</i> sp., <i>Clostridium</i> sp., and <i>Streptococcus</i> sp. This study provides the first draft genome sequence of RGM isolates currently circulating in <i>B. splendens</i> and underscores the necessity of WGS for the identification and classification of mycobacterial species.
Japanese flounder is usually gonochoristic, with gonads that are either testes or ovaries. Here, we report an unusual case of hermaphroditism in Japanese flounder captured from the Bohai Sea. In the intersex flounder, the membrane of the upper ovary was closely connected to the abdominal muscles and internal organs, and the eggs filled the entire abdomen. The lower ovary was small and closely connected to the testes. The testes contained few fully mature sperm. Both eggs and sperm were capable of fertilization. The levels of several reproduction-related hormones (17β-estradiol, 11-ketotestosterone, 17α, 20β-dihydroxyprogesterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone) in the intersex flounder were intermediate, between those in females and males. The results showed that the heterozygosity of the intersex flounder was 0.632, and there were 28 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the <i>cyp21a</i> gene. Compared with that of wild flounder, the activity of 21-hydroxylase was reduced by approximately 20.0%, and expressions of <i>cyp19a</i>, <i>amh</i>, and <i>dmrt1</i> differed. We present the first report of its kind, detailing the anatomy, hormonal endocrinology, molecular biology, and physiology of the intersex Japanese flounder.
Understanding the differences in genetic variation between local Chinese dairy goat breeds and imported breeds can help germplasm innovation and molecular breeding. However, the research is limited in this area. In this study, whole-genome resequencing data from 134 individuals of both local and imported dairy goat breeds were analyzed, and their differences in genomic genetic variation, genetic diversity, and population structure were subsequently identified. We also screened candidate genes associated with important traits of dairy goats such as milk production (STK3, GHR, PRELID3B), reproduction (ATP5E), growth and development (CTSZ, GHR), and immune function (CTSZ, NELFCD). Furthermore, we examined allele frequency distributions for the genes of interest and found significant differences between the two populations. This study provides valuable resources for the study of genetic diversity in dairy goats and lays the foundation for the selective breeding of dairy goats in the future.
Joe S. Smith, Adrien-Maxence Hespel, Jessica D. Garcia
et al.
A one-year-old alpine wether was presented for emergency evaluation of stranguria. Diagnostics identified a moderately distended bladder and mild dehydration. Preliminary lateral radiographs identified two metallic structures consistent with projectile pellets in the pelvic and perineal regions and no evidence of radiopaque uroliths. A tube cystostomy was performed, and a contrast urethrogram revealed one of the pellets in the perineal region was in proximity to the urethral obstruction. Subsequent radiography and ultrasound identified the pellet as being within the lumen of the urethra. Examination of the trichotomized skin revealed two scars, including a scar over the paralumbar fossa in the region of the urinary bladder suggestive of a projectile injury. The pellet was removed by a perineal urethrotomy. The patient was able to spontaneously urinate after urethrotomy, passed a tube cystostomy challenge two weeks after surgery, and was discharged. No complications were reported. While uncommon in the veterinary and comparative medical literature, clinicians should consider the potential for projectile pellets to migrate into the urinary tract after initial injury.
Yusaku Tsugami, Tomoyuki Chiba, Tetsu Obayashi
et al.
AbstractA bacterial culture of milk is the most common test to determine the presence of mastitis‐causing pathogens, which informs appropriate treatment. However, a certain proportion of clinical mastitis milk shows no growth of any mastitis‐causing pathogens. We hypothesized that bacterial culture‐negative clinical mastitis milk is associated with the activity of antimicrobial components contained in the milk. In this study, the differences in antimicrobial components (lactoferrin, transferrin, lysozyme, lactoperoxidase, and lingual antimicrobial peptide [LAP]) between bacterial culture‐positive and culture‐negative bovine clinical mastitis milk were investigated using Holstein cows. Our results showed that 37 out of 71 samples of clinical mastitis milk had negative bacterial cultures. The LAP concentration in bacterial culture‐negative milk was lower than that in positive milk (31.95 ± 1.64 nM vs. 42.85 ± 4.01 nM). In contrast, the lysozyme concentration in bacterial culture‐negative milk was higher than that in positive milk (0.76 ± 0.15 μg/ml vs. 0.42 ± 0.06 μg/ml). In conclusion, the concentration of antimicrobial components was different between bacterial culture‐positive and culture‐negative bovine clinical mastitis milk, which suggests that antimicrobial components are related to bacterial culture results.
Matteo Cerquetella, Andrea Marchegiani, Giacomo Rossi
et al.
The present case report describes the effects of orally administered fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) (frozen capsules) in a dog suffering from relapsing chronic diarrhea, needing a continuous low prednisolone dose to maintain the condition under acceptable control. Through FMT, we aimed at evaluating the possibility of improving the clinical score and/or reducing/suspending steroid administration. During a first period of strict monitoring (21 days), the canine inflammatory bowel disease activity index (CIBDAI) score passed from mild to clinically insignificant disease. Furthermore, two additional gastrointestinal signs that had been reported, bloating and episodes of painful defecation, rapidly improved (bloating) or even resolved (painful defecation). The patient was then followed for 18 months (to the authors' knowledge, the longest follow-up time ever reported in a dog), during which no serious relapses occurred and no increase in prednisolone dose was necessary. No adverse clinical effects were ever reported during monitoring. The present description provides a further experience increasing those already present in the veterinary literature, in which an agreement on how to use FMT has not yet been achieved although strongly needed and recommended.
To investigate the effects of the dietary inclusion of elephant grass on the growth performance, blood profiles, carcass characteristics, ileum and stomach microbiota of fattening pigs, pigs were fed one of seven diets including a basal diet (Control), and six treatments, where the basal diet was supplemented with 10%, 15% or 20% of elephant grass, Cenchrus purpureus cv. Guiminyin (CpGui10, CpGui15, CpGui20) or cv. Purple (CpP10, CpP15, CpP20). Results showed that supplementation of 20% CpGui in the diet significantly increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and gain to feed (G/F) ratio by the end of the experiment. Additionally, pigs fed the CpGui20 diet showed higher (0.01 < P < 0.05) slaughter weight and tended to have increased loin-eye area and lean meat percentage, and, decreased backfat thickness compared with control pigs. Furthermore, 16S ribosomal DNA gene amplicon profiling showed that the inclusion of elephant grass in the diet was associated with modulation of the ileum and stomach microbiota composition at the order level. Relative abundance of the Lactobacillales order in the ileum and stomach increased with different proportions of elephant grass, while that of Enterobacteriales decreased. In conclusion, these results indicate that at up to 20% inclusion in the diet of pigs, elephant grass can promote enhanced growth performance and carcass characteristics, and, modulate the ileum and stomach microbiota composition of the pigs.
Ali Asghar Ahmadi-Sefat, Kamran Taherpour, Hossein Ali Ghasemi
et al.
ABSTRACT: The effects of emulsifier blend (EB) supplementation of diets with various levels of metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) on broiler performance, digestibility, gut morphology, and muscle fatty acid profile were investigated over a 42-d period. Diets were arranged factorially (2 × 2 × 3) and consisted of 2 levels of ME (normal [commercially recommended levels] and low [100 kcal/kg reduction in dietary ME]), 2 levels of CP and limiting amino acids (normal [commercially recommended levels] and low [95% of the normal CP level]), and 3 levels of EB supplementation (0, 1, and 2 g/kg of diet). A total of 1,200 one-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to 12 treatment groups (5 pens/treatment with 20 birds/pen). Supplemental EB linearly improved (P < 0.05) final body weight, overall average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio, but the magnitude of the responses was greater in low-ME and low-CP treatments, resulting in significant ME × CP × EB interactions. Similarly, the inclusion of EB in the diet, particularly at 2 g/kg, increased the ileal digestibility of crude protein and crude fat, as well as the AMEn value (P < 0.05), but the response was greater at lower ME concentration, indicating significant ME × EB interactions. Additionally, there were CP × EB interactions (P < 0.05) for duodenal villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio, indicating that the effect of EB on these responses was more marked at lower dietary CP levels. An increase in dietary EB levels was accompanied by a linear increase in the concentration of total saturated fatty acids and a linear decrease (P < 0.05) in the concentrations of total polyunsaturated fatty acids in both breast and thigh meat. In conclusion, the positive effects of EB supplementation, particularly at a dietary inclusion level of 2 g/kg, were clearly evident in broiler chickens fed with low nutrient diets (−100 Kcal/kg ME and/or −5% CP and limiting amino acids) in terms of growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and gut morphology.
Data on tests of chickens for their immune responses to infection with low pathogenic А/Н9N2 avian influenza virus isolates belonging to Y-280 and G1 genetic lines are presented in the paper. CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratios were determined with flow cytometry for initial immune status examination and for detection of apparent immune system disorders. Quantitative analysis of peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations in chickens revealed changes characteristic of the immune suppression. Analysis of dynamics of T- and B-lymphocyte levels in blood of the infected chickens revealed decrease in relative T-lymphocyte counts and increase in relative B-lymphocyte counts. T-lymphocyte subpopulation composition expressed as CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio (%) changed after the infection: CD4⁺ cell proportion was found to decrease whereas CD8⁺ cell proportion increased. According to literature data, immune response activated by vaccination induces the reverse dynamics towards to increase in CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio. Both cell-mediated immunity and humoral immunity play role in development of the immune response in chickens infected with avian influenza viruses. Apparent humoral immune response was detected by serological tests of sera taken from chickens on day 14 after infection. Mean specific anti-A/H9N2 AIV antibody titre in all groups of test chickens infected with low pathogenic avian influenza virus isolates was higher than 6 log₂ . High level of specific antibodies to avian influenza virus was indicative of postvaccinal humoral immune response development.
Baaissa Babelhadj, Claude Guintard, Atika Benaissa
et al.
Cette étude a été menée sur des dromadaires vivants algériens Naili encore appelés Chameaux de la steppe. L’objectif était de caractériser les mensurations et la barymétrie de cette population qui n’a pas encore été étudiée et de les comparer à deux autres populations algériennes, la Sahraoui et la Targui. L’échantillon comprenait 60 dromadaires, 30 mâles et 30 femelles adultes de plus de cinq ans qui pâturaient dans les régions semi-arides du nord de Biskra en Algérie. Cinq mensurations ont été faites, puis l’indice (de vide) sous-sternal et le poids vif ont été calculés. Les valeurs moyennes ont été respectivement chez les mâles et chez les femelles de 551,2 kg ± 58,7 kg et 482,6 kg ± 60,0 kg pour le poids vif, de 0,92 m ± 0,05 m et 0,83 m ± 0,08 m pour le vide sous-sternal, de 0,92 m ± 0,05 m et 0,88 m ± 0,04 m pour la profondeur thoracique, et de 1,02 ± 0,09 et 0,94 ± 0,11 pour l’indice sous-sternal. Une analyse multivariée a permis de séparer les mâles des femelles et de les comparer aux populations Sahraoui et Targui. Le Chameau de la steppe se différencie nettement de ces populations par sa plus petite taille. Cette étude montre également que les chamelles sont un peu plus petites et moins élancées que les mâles. Cette population rustique est associée à un ensemble de pratiques alimentaires, elles-mêmes liées à la qualité des parcours dont l’influence sur le développement morphologique des animaux a été largement décrite.
Lipid oxidation is the main cause of quality deterioration in meat and meat products. To facilitate the identification of candidate molecular biomarkers that are linked to lipid oxidation, we performed the proteomic analysis of duck muscle using isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ), followed by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) to confirm the iTRAQ results. Pectoralis major muscles were divided into 2 groups in accordance with lipid oxidation, and iTRAQ-based analysis identified a total of 301 differentially expressed proteins, of which 15 proteins were examined by PRM assay. Proteins involved in lipid binding and metabolism, lipolysis, stress response, oxidative respiratory chain, and redox regulation were found to be differentially expressed between 2 groups and might affect lipid oxidation in muscles. The findings could contribute to the improved understanding of key proteins and processes engaged in lipid oxidation of meat.
Salvatore Pelligra, Lisa Guardone, Francesca Riggio
et al.
<i>Pearsonema</i> spp. nematodes infect the urinary bladder of domestic and wild carnivores. The red fox is considered a reservoir of <i>Pearsonema plica</i>, while the prevalence of <i>Pearsonema</i> spp. in domestic carnivores is still poorly known. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of <i>Pearsonema</i> spp. infection in privately owned cats (26) and dogs (83) from central and northern Italy alongside occurrence in red foxes (42) from central Italy. In positive dogs and cats, associated clinical signs were also evaluated. Urine samples were first examined under a stereomicroscope; then, they were centrifuged and microscopically examined after a flotation test. As for foxes, the urinary bladders were opened and urine was collected and processed as above, while collected nematodes were identified at the species level. Among examined animals, 2/26 cats (7.7%), 1/83 dogs (1.2%), and 38/42 foxes (90.5%) scored positive. Recurrent cystitis, pollakiuria, and hematuria were the main clinical signs in symptomatic dogs and cats. This is the first study on <i>Pearsonema</i> spp. infection in domestic carnivores examining a large number of privately owned pet animals. Obtained results confirm the role of the red fox as a reservoir for <i>P. plica</i> and suggest a possible high occurrence of <i>Pearsonema</i> spp. infection in domestic cats of central Italy.
Contagious agalactia (CA), an infectious disease of small ruminants, caused by <i>Mycoplasma agalactiae</i>, is responsible for severe losses to dairy sheep production with substantial socioeconomic impacts on small-scale farmers. The diagnosis of CA is still problematic, time-consuming and requires well-equipped labs for confirmation of outbreaks. Therefore, rapid, accurate and cost-effective diagnostic tests are urgently needed. This work aims to validate a novel Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) test, based on the <i>p40</i> target gene, for the detection of <i>M. agalactiae</i> in dairy sheep in order to confirm its potential practical use as a rapid and cheap field test. The LAMP system proposed in this study consists of a portable device composed of real-time fluorometer with the automatic interpretation of results displayed in a tablet. A total of 110 milk samples (90 positives and 20 negatives) were analysed to optimise the analysis procedure and to investigate the efficacy and robustness of the LAMP method. All samples were analysed using LAMP and conventional real-time PCR to compare the diagnostic sensitivity of the methods. The sensitivity of the LAMP was 10-fold higher than that of real-time PCR, with a detection limit up to 10<sup>3</sup> CFU/ml. The LAMP assay was able to detect <i>M. agalactiae</i> in 81 of 90 (90%, 95%CI 0.84−0.96) positive milk samples compared to 69 (77%, 95%CI 0.59−0.95) positive samples detected by real-time PCR; no positive signal occurred for any of the negative milk samples in either test. Therefore, the LAMP assay was found to be more sensitive than real-time PCR, low-cost, easy to perform, fast and not affected by contamination, indicating its potential as an effective diagnostic tool in the field level for the diagnosis of CA.
Background and Aim: Canine babesiosis, a tick-borne parasitic disease, is caused by the hemoprotozoa, Babesia vogeli, and Babesia gibsoni. Infection with these parasites, which is endemic globally, leads to life-threatening immunosuppression in dogs. The merozoites invade the red blood cells (RBCs) of infected dogs. Ehrlichia canis, an intracellular bacterium that infects monocytes, is transmitted by the same tick species (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) during blood consumption and coinfection with B. vogeli and E. canis has been reported. Although the hematology and biochemistry of canine babesiosis have been studied, more studies are needed to develop a better understanding of the hematobiochemical and molecular profiles associated with cases of single infection and coinfection of canine babesiosis in Thailand. This study aimed to investigate the hematological, biochemical, and molecular profiles of B. vogeli infection and E. canis coinfection.
Materials and Methods: The study included 33 B. vogeli–positive blood samples and 11 E. canis–coinfected blood samples. To exclude coinfection with Hepatozoon canis and Anaplasma platys, only dogs with B. vogeli infection and B. vogeli–E. canis coinfection were included in the study. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was conducted to detect B. vogeli, E. canis, and H. canis, and a conventional PCR assay was conducted for the detection of A. platys. Besides, the PCR assay and sequencing, comprehensive data analysis was conducted, including a microscopic blood parasite examination and hematological and biochemical data analysis.
Results: The comparison of the hematobiochemical data between the B. vogeli–positive and E. canis coinfection groups identified that there were statistically significant differences in the RBC parameters, including RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and RBC distribution width (p=0.001). Neither B. vogeli infection nor coinfection with E. canis was associated with the sex, breed, recorded clinical signs, geographic origin of the dog and also B. vogeli 18S rRNA gene sequencing results.
Conclusion: Coinfection with E. canis increased the severity of babesiosis. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying this infection, such as destruction of RBCs, require further investigation. This study may enhance diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of canine babesiosis.
A total of 40 imported cream, butter, cheese and yoghurt samples were collected randomly at weekly intervals (1samples/ product/ week) from various supermarkets inside the Baghdad province during the summer period. A total of 84 samples of locally produced cream, Butter, soft cheese and yoghurt that belonged to buffaloes, cows and ewes were collected randomly at weekly intervals (1 sample/ product/ week) from three different townships (Al-mahmudiyah, Al-Rasheed and Al-latifiyah) and were examined on two periods, the first was the period that extended from the beginning of September to the end of November 2015 while the second was the period that extended from the beginning of January to the end of march 2016. Besides that 12 Buffalos̓ raw whole and skimmed milk samples (6 samples each) and 6 samples of locally produced ewes̓ ghee (Samna) were examined during the summer period. Each dairy product sample was tested for the occurrence of Deltamethrin residues by using the High Performers liquid Chromotography and for fat content by using Gerber method. From the obtained results, data revealed that all of the imported cheese, cream and butter samples were 100% positive and yoghurt samples were 60% positive for the occurrence of Deltamethrin residues during the summer season. The results of this study established the statistically significant (P<0.05) influence of the season on the concentrations of the Deltamethrin residues in all of the examined locally produced dairy products where it was found that each of the 7 locally produced dairy products samples (6 samples/ each product) had significantly (P<0.05) higher concentrations of Deltamethrin residues in summer than in winter seasons. All the examined locally produced dairy products except yoghurt during the summer season presented high contamination levels with Deltamethrin residues and were 100% above the Maximum Residue Limits of 0.05 ppm that recommended by the WHO, FAO and European legislation.