Reproductive parameters of buffaloes subjected to pharmacological control of the estrous cycle: lowest cost x best benefit
Madrigal-Valverde, da Silva Cavalcante, Souza Brito, Maggitti Junior, Costa Vasconcelos, Santos Souza Carôso, Freitas Bittencourt, Vinicius Galvão Loiola, Lisboa Ribeiro Filho,This study aimed to evaluate the effects of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), Estradiol benzoate (EB) and Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on follicular dynamics and luteal characteristics of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). The animals were separated into four experimental groups: EB (n=10), EB+eCG (n=10), GnRH (n=10), and GnRH+eCG (n=10). Using B-mode and Power-Doppler ultrasound, follicular characteristics largest follicle, from day 9 until day 11, diameter of the preovulatory follicle, follicular area, total wall area of the preovulatory follicle, growth rate of the ovulatory follicle, vascularization in the wall area of the preovulatory follicle, percentage of vascularization in the wall area of the preovulatory follicle, and moment of ovulation, were evaluated for follicular dynamics. Furthermore, on day 18 of the protocol, diameter of the corpus luteum, total area of the corpus luteum, vascularization of the corpus luteum, percentage of vascularization of the corpus luteum and the serum progesterone levels were also evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed using Tukey's test, Kruskal-Wallis and repeated measures ANOVA with a 5% significance level. Statistically significant differences were found for diameter of the corpus luteum with 1.78±0.12cm in the EB+eCG group and 1.62±0.11cm in the EB group (P=0.047), as well as in the Progesterone dosages between the treatments GnRH+eCG (4.09±0.94ng/mL) and GnRH (2.80±0.70ng/mL), P=0.017. Regarding the variables assessed by Power Doppler, no statistical differences were found between the experimental groups. Finally, the price analysis revealed that the EB+eCG protocol is 19% cheaper than the GnRH+eCG protocol. Therefore, BE offers better cost/benefit on the reproductive parameters of buffaloes subjected to pharmacological control of the estrous cycle.
Novel bivalent mucosal antigen formulation targeting SARS-CoV-2 and influenza: immunogenicity assessment using an in vitro human nasal-associated lymphoid tissue model
Mahallawi, Mahallawi,The development of mucosal vaccines is crucial for controlling the transmission of respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and influenza at their point of entry. This study aimed to validate a human tonsil-derived in vitro model for screening antigen formulation candidates and to evaluate the immunogenicity of a novel bivalent formulation. Mononuclear cells (MNCs) isolated from human palatine tonsils (n=20) were stimulated with full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) glycoprotein, influenza A (H1N1) hemagglutinin (HA), or a combination of both (bivalent) at a concentration of 20 μg/mL. After a 10-day culture, antigen-specific IgG, IgM, and IgA antibody levels were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Stimulation with individual antigens elicited robust polyisotypic antibody responses. The S protein induced significant fold-increases over unstimulated controls for IgG (8.23, p<0.0001), IgM (5.77, p<0.0001) and IgA (4.56, p<0.0001). Similarly, the HA protein induced increases in IgG (7.16, p<0.0001), IgM (4.99, p<0.0001) and IgA (3.97, p<0.0001). Critically, bivalent stimulation resulted in superior additive responses. The anti-S component showed fold-increases of 11.09 (IgG, p<0.0001), 7.61 (IgM, p<0.0001) and 5.97 (IgA, p<0.0001). Similarly, the anti-HA component showed 9.66 (IgG, p<0.0001), 6.58 (IgM, p<0.0001) and 5.27 (IgA, p<0.0001), with no reduction in antigen-specific responses observed in the combined condition. The NALT model is a physiologically relevant platform for preclinical screening. It provides a compelling in vitro rationale for developing a bivalent intranasal antigen formulation to elicit potent mucosal immunity against major respiratory pathogens.
Novel capsular diversity and antimicrobial resistance determinants of Staphylococcus aureus associated with bovine and bubaline
Ghafoor, Saqib, Ashfaq, Rehman,In Pakistan, bovine mastitis has been identified as one of the biggest limitations to dairy production, and Staphylococcus aureus has been identified as one of the most enduring and economically relevant mastitogens. The current study was conducted to examine the capsular genotype and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of S. aureus isolated from cases of clinical and subclinical mastitis in cows and buffaloes of the Punjab and Sindh provinces. One hundred and fifty S. aureus isolates (109 from cows and 41 from buffaloes) were isolated out of 87 dairy herds and verified using nuc gene-based PCR. Genotyping of capsular polysaccharide (CP) demonstrated that there were only cap5 (56%) and cap8 (44%) loci, but no cap1 and cap2. The cap5 was the most common among clinical (20.66%) and subclinical (35.33%) isolates, whereas cap8 had a frequency of 12.66% and 31.33% in clinical and subclinical isolates, respectively, suggesting that CP5 and CP8 are the common circulating types of capsular pathogens in the study areas. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing involving 13 routine antimicrobial agents revealed that 92% of isolates were resistant to one or more antimicrobials, and 63.3% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR). The greatest resistance was found with penicillin (72.66%), then amoxicillin (53.33%), and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (37.33%). Those resistant to methicillin (3.33%) were mecA-positive MRSA, but no isolate was positive for mecC. Molecular screening showed that the prevalence of the blaZ gene (95.33%) was high and in line with the prevalence of resistance mediated by β-lactamase. The tetM (92.10%) and tetK (84.21%) were most common among the tetracycline-resistant isolates. The determinants of macrolide resistance were msrC (87.5%), ermB and ermC, and the aac-aphD aminoglycoside resistance gene was also present in 17.64% of resistant isolates. There was little resistance to antimicrobials that are critically important, like vancomycin and linezolid, and optrA was not identified. Strong genotype-phenotype concordance was shown by correlation analysis to occur in 22 cases where 2 beta-lactam, tetracycline, and macrolide resistance determinants were genotyped and phenotyped, indicating the occurrence of co-selection and possible horizontal gene transfer. The paper offers the initial comprehensive molecular epidemiological understanding of bovine and bubaline S. aureus capsular diversity, as well as AMR determinants of S. aureus, in Punjab and Sindh. Their prevalence in CP5/CP8 is in favor of their inclusion in vaccine development, whereas the high rate of MDR burden evidences the urgency of antimicrobial stewardship and long-term molecular surveillance in one health paradigm.
Dynamic radiographic measurements of the lumbosacral junction width in cats.
Kowalczyk, Dolska, Czopowicz, Sterna, Galanty,Lumbosacral instability (LSI) in cats is an important condition which may precede development of degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS). Pain in the lumbosacral region often causes discomfort, changes in physical activity, behavioral disturbances, and defecation problems. The disease may be missed in its early stages in both two- and three-dimensional static examinations. Dynamic radiographic examination may reveal excessive mobility of the lumbosacral junction (LSJ) but is rarely used in feline medicine. This study aimed to determine LSJ width and its change depending on the radiographic position in healthy adult cats and to develop reference intervals (RIs). The study included 60 clinically healthy cats (23 males and 37 females) of several breeds (including 47 domestic shorthair cats), aged from 9 months to 18 years (median 17 months), weighing from 2.5 to 7.4 kg (median 3.5 kg). Dynamic plain radiography was performed in general anesthesia in three lateral positions (neutral, flexed, and extended), simulating the behavior of the LSJ during cat’s movement. RIs were determined using both parametric and non-parametric method. LSJ width was 2.0±0.2 mm in the neutral position, 2.3±0.2 mm in the flexed position, and 1.7±0.1 mm in the extended position. LSJ width measurements were not significantly different between males and females, were not significantly correlated with the cat’s age or body weight, and did not appear to differ between breeds. The RIs obtained with the two methods were almost perfectly consistent. This study provides practical grounds for the interpretation of radiographic images of the LSJ in cats and in the future may also turn out to be useful in diagnosing LSI in this species.
Influence of Melatonin on Reproductive Performance and Some Blood Parameters in Rabbits
Akbulut, Yıldız, Yılmaz,Melatonin not only regulates circadian rhythms in animals but also supports reproductive health through its potent antioxidant properties and immunomodulatory effects. In this study, the effects of exogenous melatonin administration on blood total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), Immunoglobulin G (IgG), Immunoglobulin (IgM) and prolactin (PRL) concentrations as well as pregnancy rates and litter size were investigated in rabbits. A total of 26 New Zealand rabbits were divided into two groups for the study. Melatonin implants were administered subcutaneously (SC) to group 1(n=13) (MEL). Saline injections were administered to group 2 (n=13) (CON). Samples were collected from all rabbits before mating, on the 15th day of gestation and after parturition from the ear marginal vein and TAS, TOS, IgG, IgM, PRL concentrations and hemogram parameters were analyzed. Pregnancy rates were 77% in the CON group and 92.3% in the MEL group, while litter size was 5.2 in the CON group and 6 in the MEL group. TOS levels were found to be statistically lower (P<0.05) in the MEL group compared to the CON group just after parturition, however there was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of TAS values at different times (P>0.05). IgG and IgM levels before mating and after parturition did not differ statistically significantly between the experimental groups when melatonin was administered . However, a statistically significant increase in both IgG and IgM levels was observed in the MEL group on the 15th day of gestation. In conclusion, it can be stated that exogenous melatonin administration did not alter reproductive parameters in New Zealand rabbits; however, it exhibited immunomodulatory effects on the 15th day of gestation and reduced oxidative stress after parturition.
The influence of Ross 308 breeder flock age on serum Newcastle Disease Virus and Infectious Bursal Disease Virus antibody levels and their transfer to offspring
Wegner, Gesek,An effectively immunized parent flock forms the foundation for the proper development of healthy chicks, largely due to the mechanism of vertical transfer of maternal antibodies (MatAb), which provides passive immunity during the early life stages of the chicks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the age of the Ross 308 parent flock on antibody levels in the serum of the hens and their chicks during the same period with regard to IBD and ND, as well as to analyses the transfer of antibodies from the hens to their offspring. The study was conducted on a farm with 6,500 hens. Blood samples for serological analysis were randomly collected from 84 hens of a single flock and 84 one-day-old chicks hatched from eggs laid by this flock at 30, 40, 50, and 60 weeks of age. In the laboratory, antibody levels in the hens' blood serum against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) were determined using the ELISA test. At the same time, maternal antibody titers (MatAb) in chicks against the same pathogens were measured. The percentage (%) of maternal antibody transfer to the offspring was then assessed. The study demonstrated the impact of parent flock age on antibody levels against the tested pathogens, expressed as geometric mean titers (GMT). During the laying period, GMT values for antibodies against NDV increased with flock age—the highest values were observed at the end of the reproductive period (GMT₆₀=20456), and the lowest at the beginning (GMT₃₀=12631). An opposite trend was observed for IBDV antibodies, whose levels decreased with increasing hen age. The highest values (GMT₃₀=10759) occurred at the beginning of the laying period, and the lowest at its end (GMT₆₀=7421). The highest vertical antibody transfer to offspring was observed for IBDV antibodies (97.7%) at 40 weeks of age, while the lowest was for NDV antibodies (59.7%) at 60 weeks of age. The analysis of results showed significant variation in antibody levels in hen serum during the laying period, as well as in the amount of ma-ternal antibodies transferred to offspring. The obtained data suggest that the effectiveness of passive immunity transfer to chicks is closely related to both the age of the parent flock and the nature of the pathogen targeted by vaccination.
The ability to detect wild boars with increased body temperature in the natural environment with the use of unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with thermovision in two province in Poland
Wojcicka, Zakowska, Glowacka, Adamczyk, Graniak, Rutyna, Bijak, Podogrocki, Niemcewicz,African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious disease affecting both free-living wild boars (Sus scrofa) and domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus). In accordance with EU regulations, an ASF outbreak in pig farms necessitates immediate herd culling, leading to severe economic losses and restrictions on pork exports. Therefore, effective epidemiological surveillance of wild boar populations is crucial for monitoring the spread of the disease in the natural environment and preventing transmission to domestic pig farms. This study assessed the effectiveness of an ASF surveillance system consisting of the AtraxASF (unmanned aerial vehicle) and the NeoxASF (fixed-wing aircraft), both equipped with thermal imaging cameras. The study was conducted in Mielec County, Subcarpathian Province, an area with confirmed ASF outbreaks. The proposed surveillance system was used to observe wild boars and identify individuals exhibiting elevated body temperature, which is the earliest detectable symptom of ASF infection. The thermal imaging technology allowed for real-time detection and mapping of potentially infected animals. The system successfully detected wild boars with increased body temperature, demonstrating its potential utility for early detection of ASF in wildlife populations. The application of drone- and aircraft-based monitoring significantly enhanced surveillance efficiency by providing a rapid, non-invasive approach to assessing the health status of wild boar populations in affected areas. The implementation of drone-based surveillance systems and thermal imaging technologies offers a highly effective alternative to traditional epidemiological monitoring methods. The system enhances early detection capabilities, enabling quicker response measures to prevent the spread of ASF to pig farms. Integrating such technologies into existing biosecurity strategies could play a key role in controlling ASF outbreaks and minimizing economic losses in the pig farming sector.
The Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on Cardiac Aquaporins in Adolescent Rats under a Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Model
BAKSI, Gokdemir, ARKAŞ ALKLAY, Karakoç,Adolescent depression is a prevalent and serious mental health issue that can negatively impact multiple organ systems, including the cardiovascular system. This study investigates the effects of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), a validated animal model of depression, on the expression of Aquaporins (AQP1, AQP2, and AQP3) in the cardiac tissue of adolescent rats and evaluates the potential therapeutic role of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal). Twenty-eight male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: Control, CUMS, CUMS+SERT, and CUMS+ASHW. Treatments were administered via oral gavage for 28 days, and cardiac tissues were evaluated histologically, immunohistochemically, and biochemically. While serum levels of CK, Na, Cl, and K showed no significant differences across groups, histological examination revealed myocardial damage (edema, hemorrhage, vacuolization) in CUMS rats. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated strong AQP1 expression across all groups, while AQP2 and AQP3 showed increased expression in treatment groups compared to the control. These findings suggest that Ashwagandha may mitigate stress-induced cardiac changes and influence aquaporin expression, particularly AQP2 and AQP3, which could be relevant to cardiac water balance and function in depression. Further studies are warranted to explore the molecular mechanisms linking aquaporin modulation and cardioprotection in stress-related pathologies.
First characterization of some adhesion-related virulence genes and antimicrobial resistance in Lactococcus garvieae from bovine mastitis in Türkiye
NUHAY, ÇELİK, Yalçın,This study investigated adhesion-associated virulence genes and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Lactococcus garvieae isolated from bovine mastitis milk samples in Türkiye. A total of 308 bovine mastitis milk samples obtained from 308 cows and submitted to the Bornova Veterinary Control Institute between 2020 and 2025 were analyzed, and Lactococcus garvieae was identified in 10 samples originating from 10 cows (3.25%). Isolates were identified phenotypically using the VITEK 2 GP system and sucrose fermentation testing and were subsequently confirmed by species-specific PCR. Nine adhesion-associated virulence genes were screened by PCR, and antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the disk diffusion method. All isolates carried the pav, psaA, LP3, AC1, and AC2 genes (100%), whereas LP1, LP4, and AF were each detected in two isolates (20%) and LP2 in one isolate (10%). All isolates were susceptible to florfenicol and ampicillin (100%), while the highest resistance rate was observed against ciprofloxacin (90%). Multidrug resistance was detected in nine isolates (90%). This study provides the first data on the virulence characteristics of L. garvieae strains isolated from bovine mastitis milk samples in Türkiye. The findings demonstrate that these isolates harbor adhesion-related virulence genes and exhibit a high prevalence of multidrug resistance. These results highlight the pathogenic potential of Lactococcus garvieae in bovine mastitis.
Epidemiological Investigation of Streptococcus bovis in Yaks in Different Regions of Tibet
Mehmood,Streptococcal diseases critically harm the health and productivity of animals as well as humans, and are generally considered an obstacle in the development of the breeding industry. However, there is little data on Streptococcus bovis in different seasons in different regions of Tibet. In this study, a total of 964 yak serum samples from three different cities in Tibet Autonomous Region, comprising of 326 samples from Lhasa city, 522 samples from Naqu City, and 116 samples from Xigatse city, were collected randomly. Enzyme-linked S. bovis i.e., ELISA kit (YJ233340) was employed for detection. An overall seroprevalence of 1.87% was revealed in Tibet during 2021-2024, in which the seroprevalence of Lhasa city was 3.99%, followed by Naqu City (0.96%), and Xigatse city (0%), respectively. Seroprevalence was more frequent in the Spring season (6.42%) and in 2024 (11.36%). The results of this study serve as a reference for the development of sustainable policies regarding cattle raising industry and the preventive measures of S. bovis in Tibet Autonomous Region.
Serum and synovial lactate dehydrogenase levels after allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell implantation in rabbit cartilage defects
Anatolitou, Sideri, Mavrogenis, Psalla, Markou, Prassinos,Cartilage defects have limited regenerative potential and remain a significant clinical challenge. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy offers promise in tissue engineering, yet monitoring post-implantation responses remains difficult. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), a biomarker of cell damage and inflammation, may provide insight into systemic and local tissue reactions. This study aimed to assess the levels of serum and synovial fluid LDH following the implantation of allogeneic MSCs into cartilage defects in a rabbit model. A total of 56 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: control (Group A), and groups receiving fibrin glue with adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs), or synovial-derived stem cells (SDSCs). Serum and synovial fluid samples were collected at baseline and 12 weeks post-surgery to measure serum and synovial fluid LDH levels. Serum LDH levels were significantly elevated in all MSC-treated groups relative to controls (p=0.019), potentially due to high anaerobic metabolism or implantation-related toxicity, systemic response and apoptosis. However, no additional adverse effects were observed, making toxicity or further articular damage unlikely. No significant changes were detected in synovial fluid LDH across groups (p=0.070), suggesting limited value as a biomarker for cartilage repair.
Molecular surveillance of small ruminant anaplasmosis and phylogenetic investigations on zoonotic Anaplasma capra from distinct agro-ecological regions of Pakistan
Azam, Atif, Kashif, Zaman, Imran,Anaplasma infects diverse cell types in animals and humans, worldwide. The current study was aimed to evaluate the occurrence, risk parameters and phylogeny of Anaplasma capra in small ruminants from three agro-climatically distinct regions of Pakistan. A total of 600 blood samples were randomly gathered from asymptomatic sheep and goats from Toba Tek Singh, Khushab, and Dera Ismail Khan districts of Pakistan using a multistage cluster sampling technique from January 2023 to May 2024. The blood samples were analyzed for Anaplasma infection targeting 16S rRNA gene using the PCR followed by sequencing. A pre-tested questionnaire was utilized to gather information regarding risk factors. The prevalence of anaplasmosis was revealed as 27.83% (167/600). The data suggested a higher frequency of disease in goats (30.37%) compared to sheep (24.82%). The analysis of multivariate logistic regression expressed that cracks in walls (p<0.0001, OR=2.240, CI=1.439-3.487) and grooming practice (p<0.01, OR=1.793, CI=1.235-2.604) were the significant risk factors. The phylogeny of 16S rRNA gene identified two separate clusters of A. capra exhibiting 99-100% similarity with various geographic isolates. The isolates of the current study exhibited higher homology with isolates from France, Ghana, South Korea, Turkey, China, and Pakistan traced from ticks, sheep, water buffalo, cattle, and water deer, respectively. In conclusion, anaplasmosis is widespread in the study regions with indication of genetic diversity. Additional research is required on the clinicopathological and potential vectors of zoonotic A. capra for devising better treatment and control measures.
How toxic environments influence well-being of cervids, and further perspectives for cervid monitoring in Europe
Korzekwa, Kowalik, Boztepe, Gogola-Mruk, Ptak,This review provides an exhaustive overview of the main cervid species in Europe, including the red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), fallow deer (Dama dama), moose (Alces alces) and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) regarding the geographic distribution of the species, population trends, habitat preferences, and key biological traits. The review focuses on the environmental factors that influence the well-being of cervids, such as habitat quality, competition, food availability, climate change, contamination and anthropopression. Cervids are considered effective bioindicators of ecosystem stability and environmental contamination due to their status as large herbivores with wide-ranging territories and sensitivity to biotope changes. In addition, the impact of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on the well-being of this taxonomic family is characterized. It is imperative to emphasize the significance of incorporating prey, predators, and humans as a comprehensive ecosystem within which cervids reside. The significance of habitat sharing is well documented, particularly in regard to the definition of predator–prey mechanisms. The insights derived from this research are of particular relevance when seeking to define solutions that optimize human-wildlife coexistence, especially within the context of European highly anthropogenic systems. The review concludes with a view on future perspectives for cervid well-being in Europe and emphasizes the necessity of sustainable land use, pollution mitigation, and the establishment of conservation programs for cervid populations and the ecosystems they represent. Effective management requires long-term monitoring, including significant fluctuations and behaviour of the species.
Gastric pH and Fusobacterium gastrosuis detection in relation to gastric lesions in fattening pigs
Krepelková, Karaffová, Bárdová, Zigo, Novotný,The development of gastric ulcers in fattening pigs is a multifactorial process influenced by gastric acidity and bacterial colonization. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between gastric pH and the presence of Fusobacterium gastrosuis in different regions of the stomach in relation to ulcer formation. Gastric pH in the pars oesophagea was measured in 112 fattening pigs and showed a negative correlation with lesion severity. Qualitative real-time PCR detected F. gastrosuis in 70% of samples from the glandular region and in 50% of pars oesophagea samples, with detection based on the 16S rRNA gene being more sensitive than gyrB. Although ulcers occurred predominantly in the pars oesophagea, colonization by F. gastrosuis was more pronounced in the glandular region of the stomach, suggesting that the bacterium may act as an opportunistic pathogen and, in combination with low gastric pH, indirectly contribute to mucosal damage. These findings support the hypothesis of a multifactorial pathogenesis of gastric ulcers in pigs and highlight the importance of combined monitoring of gastric pH and bacterial colonization in ulcer prevention.
Cellulolytic bacteria associated with gut of yellow mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor, Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) - isolation and molecular identification
Pastuszka, Guz, Ziętek, Torbicz, Oszust, Szarek,The study aimed to isolate and identify cellulolytic bacteria associated with the gut of yellow mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) and to assess their main phenotypic and enzymatic features. Bacteria capable of utilizing cellulose as the sole carbon source were cultured on CMC medium under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Molecular identification based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed two isolates: Mammaliicoccus lentus (ML01) and Pseudocitrobacter vendiensis (PV02), both showing high sequence similarity to GenBank references (≥ 99.4%). Phylogenetic analysis confirmed their close relationship with corresponding species. Microscopy and biochemical tests indicated that ML01 is a Gram-positive, oxidase-positive coccus, whereas PV02 is a Gram-negative, oxidase-negative rod. Both strains exhibited γ-hemolysis and strong growth on TSA and LB media. API 20E profiling showed that ML01 could ferment several carbohydrates and produce β-galactosidase and arginine dihydrolase, while PV02 also expressed β-galactosidase activity. Cellulolytic activity, confirmed by Congo red and iodine staining, was observed in both isolates, with PV02 demonstrating the highest hydrolytic capacity. These findings indicate that the gut of T. molitor harbors cellulolytic bacteria with potential zoonotic risk, highlighting the need for their further monitoring.
Development of a rapid and highly accurate diagnostic test for detecting Theileria equi in horses using recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) combined with nucleic acid lateral flow immunoassay
Mohammed Abdulrazaq Al-khafaji, Alsallami, Alsultan,Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a protozoan disease in horses, mainly caused by Theileria equi, and is associated with non-specific signs such as fever, anemia, and edema. The lack of specific clinical signs, coupled with the high prevalence of carrier horses, highlights the critical need for a rapid and highly accurate diagnostic test for the detection of Theileria equi. Existing methods, including molecular, serological, and microscopic techniques, require specialized equipment, skilled personnel, and considerable time. The current study aims to develop a rapid and accurate assay for the detection of Theileria equi in horses by using pre-labeled DNA in combination with recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and a lateral flow device (LFD). The proposed assay was evaluated in terms of time efficiency, sensitivity and specificity. Of the 30 samples tested, 23 were positive for Theileria equi, with no false positives observed. Moreover, the assay demonstrated a detection limit as low as 5 ng per microliter of input DNA, and the entire process from sample preparation to result interpretation was completed within 25 minutes without the need for specialized equipment. The findings demonstrate that the proposed assay exhibits 100% specificity, high sensitivity, and strong potential for clinical application. However, further studies are required to optimize the assay for direct pathogen detection from samples, eliminating the need for DNA extraction.
Prevalence, antibiotic resistance, enterotoxin genes, biofilm formation, and agr typing of Staphylococcus aureus from raw milk and cheese
Yüksel Yence,In this study, Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 46% of raw milk and 10% of cheese samples collected in Edirne, Türkiye. All isolates carried the sec and seg enterotoxin genes, while 39% harbored sed, 7% seh, and only 4% of isolates carried either sea or sei. A total of 25% of the isolates exhibited multidrug resistance. The highest resistance rate was observed against penicillin (39%), followed by kanamycin (18%), tetracycline (14%), clindamycin (11%), chloramphenicol and rifampin (7%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and gentamicin (4%). Methicillin resistance was found in 11%, and mecA was identified in two isolates. All isolates formed biofilms at 22°C and 37°C, and 82% also at 4°C. Agr typing showed that 21% of isolates belonged to group I, 21% to group II, and 11% to group III, while no group IV isolates were detected. These findings demonstrate that enterotoxigenic, antimicrobial-resistant, and biofilm-forming S. aureus isolates from dairy products may persist along the food chain and represent a potential public health risk, underscoring the importance of continuous microbiological monitoring and preventive strategies within a One Health framework.
Effects of melatonin treatment on twin pregnancy and fetal mortality in sheep
Lakatos, Vincze, Vass, Dobos,This study was the first to examine the effects of melatonin implants on the litter size and fetal mortality rate of Blanc du Massif Central ewes in Hungary. Ewes were divided into two experimental groups: group A (n=96) was treated with melatonin implants and group B (n=114) was the control group. The number of twin litters were significantly larger in group A than in group B, meanwhile the fetal mortality rate was significantly lower in the melatonin treated group than in the control group. These findings suggest that melatonin implants may provide significant benefits for sheep production in continental regions; however, their application requires careful consideration due to potential adverse effects on flock management associated with an increased incidence of twin pregnancies.
Tilapia aquaculture as a reservoir of antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic bacteria: evidence from Makassar, Indonesia
Mursalim, Raharjo, Kholilulloh, Azis, Nurdin, Mar’ah, Hartanti, Amalia, Sari, Mabrok, Aljasir,A total of 69 bacterial isolates representing 13 species were recovered from 60 tilapia and 14 water samples. Isolates were identified via phenotypic characterization, biochemical assays and VITEK MS, and antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method, followed by calculation of the multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index. Dominant taxa included Bacillus cereus (21.7%), Plesiomonas shigelloides (17.4%) and Enterobacter spp. (15.9%), while 11.6% remained unclassified, likely reflecting limitations of the VITEK MS reference database or insufficient spectral matching. Zoonotic species such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter johnsonii were also detected. Species distribution did not differ significantly between fish and water, indicating uniform microbial dissemination. Gram-negative isolates showed higher resistance than Gram-positive isolates, with multidrug resistance, particularly against erythromycin–penicillin combinations, most prevalent in Aeromonas spp. MAR indices ≥ 0.2 suggest possible exposure to environments associated with antimicrobial contamination. While water quality was generally suitable for tilapia, localized hypoxia and acidic pH may promote pathogen persistence. The coexistence of multidrug-resistant and zoonotic bacteria highlights the need for integrated health management and responsible antimicrobial use in urban aquaculture.
A Comparative Analysis of Ultrasound-Guided Quadratus Lumborum Block and Intraperitoneal Ropivacaine for Multimodal Pain Management in Dogs Undergoing Ovariohysterectomy
BHARALI, BAYAN, Konwar, Saikia, G.E., Kalita, Chaudhary,Modern anesthesia practices are shifting to minimized opioid use by employing multimodal pain management strategies. Intraperitoneal (IP) analgesia has been incorporated as a potential method for managing visceral pain, complemented by preemptive analgesics. Among newer techniques, the quadratus lumborum block (QLB) has gained attention for its effectiveness in providing somatic and visceral analgesia when performed in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy, at the level of the first lumbar vertebra (L1). This study compared the intraoperative and postoperative analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided bilateral QLB and IP ropivacaine. Twenty-four female dogs were randomly divided into three groups: Group RQ (bilateral QLB 0.5% ropivacaine, 3 mg kg-1 total dose), Group RP (IP ropivacaine 0.5%, 3 mg kg-1 mixed with equal volume of normal saline), and Group M (control, preemptive meloxicam only). Anesthetic protocol included premedication with IM glycopyrrolate (0.01 mg kg-1) and meloxicam (0.2 mg kg-1), followed by IV diazepam (1 mg kg-1), induction achieved with propofol (3–5 mg kg-1, IV or till effect) and maintained by continuous rate infusion of propofol (0.2-0.5 mg kg-1min-1, IV). Pain levels were assessed using cumulative pain scale and the Short Form of the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale intraoperatively and postoperatively, respectively. Results showed that Group RQ exhibited lowest pain scores and reduced serum cortisol and blood glucose levels, followed by Group RP and Group M. The alterations in the physiological parameters were within the physiological limit. The findings suggested that QLB provides better intraoperative and early postoperative analgesia than IP ropivacaine and meloxicam alone, highlighting QLB as a promising option for multimodal analgesia in canine ovariohysterectomy.