Background: The pharmacologic and toxicological response to different drugs vary according to the type and breed of the animal.Objectives: This investigation was carried out to compare the toxic effects of azithromycin on chickens and quails.Methods: The animals of each kind were divided into 3 groups; the first group served as the control and received just distilled water; the second and third groups received different doses of azithromycin (5% and 10% of the median lethal dose) over 5 days.Results: Compared to quails, the LD50 in chicks was substantially higher. Both chicks and quails treated with high doses of azithromycin showed a substantial difference in neurobehavioral and motor measures. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glutathione decrease in chicks receiving the high dose of azithromycin, whereas, in quail, the prior impact was present in both doses. With the cholinesterase activity in quails and chicks being inhibited, a high dose of azithromycin dramatically raised the level of caspase-3 in the quail. We observed severe diffuse vacuolar degeneration in hepatocytes with infiltration of inflammatory cells in quails and chicks in the high dose and less severe effects in quail and chicks in the lower dose. In quails’ livers, tumor necrosis factor-(TNF)-α was strongly expressed at high and weakly at low doses. Still, in chickens’ livers, TNF-α expression was moderate at high and low at low doses.Conclusion: At the same percentages and dose of the LD50 in both quails and chicks, azithromycin causes severe toxic effects in quails but less toxic effects in chickens.

Background: The immune system of the dromedary has remained a subject that has not been extensively researched in immunology. Researchers in morphology and immunology have long sought to delve into the structure and function of the dromedary’s immune system to gain a deeper understanding of its mechanisms and potential applications in human and animal health.Objectives: This study aims to elucidate the histological architecture and cellular composition of the lymph nodes in the indigenous dromedary breed of the El Oued region in Algeria and to compare the results with those of prior investigations of lymph node structures in other mammalian species.Methods: Hematoxylin, eosin stain, and Masson’s trichrome stain techniques were used for histological analysis. In contrast, methylene blue, eosin, and May-Grünwald Giemsa staining techniques were used for cytological analysis. The study data were collected and analyzed using qualitative and quantitative methods to identify the histological and cellular features of the lymph nodes.Results: Our study revealed that the lymphatic follicles in the dromedary’s lymph nodes have a higher concentration of lymphocytes within the follicles’ germinal center than other species. The lymph nodes were observed to be divided into conglomerates. The cytological study showed that the major cellular population consisted of lymphocytes, followed by macrophages and reticulocytes according to the localization and the functional zone.Conclusion: The study provided novel insights into the architecture and cellular composition of the lymph nodes of dromedaries, distinct from those of other species. These findings may have implications for the understanding and treatment of immune-related conditions in dromedaries.

Background: Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK or “pink eye”) is the most common infectious ocular disease in cattle worldwide. In addition to Moraxella bovis as the principal causative agent, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (BHV-1) and Mycoplasma species probably act as risk factors for IBK.Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the association between the detection of Mycoplasma sp., bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1), and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in the conjunctival sac of the eye and IBK.Methods: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect Mycoplasma sp., BHV-1, and BVDV in samples collected from IBK-affected and healthy eyes.Results: Based on the PCR results, Mycoplasma sp. was detected in 63.6% and 47.2% of IBK-affected and healthy eyes, respectively. BHV-1 was detected in 59.1% and 36.1% of affected and healthy eyes, respectively. BVDV was detected in 65.9% and 58.3% of affected and healthy eyes, respectively. BHV-1 was the only agent significantly (P<0.05) associated with IBK lesions (isolated from 59.1% of affected vs 36.1% of healthy eyes). Conclusion: Based on the study results, BHV-1 may be a risk factor in the pathogenesis of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis, and mechanisms other than immune depression might be involved in its pathogenicity.

Background: Salmonellosis is increasingly recognized as a worldwide public health concern. Salmonella Infantis can infect both humans and animals, including poultry. It has been one of the most reported isolated serovars from different parts of the world. Although some research has been carried out on the pathogenesis of S. Infantis, little scientific understanding of its pathogenesis is available.Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the virulence genes of S. Infantis recovered from different sources of poultry in Iran.Methods: Six virulence genes of 54 S. Infantis strains originated from broiler feces, poultry processing, and broiler carcasses were examined. Gene-specific polymerase chain reactions were designed and employed to detect the presence or absence of 6 important virulence genes (sopB, sopE, sitC, pefA, sipA, and spvC) in 54 S. Infantis isolates.Results: In this study, sopE, sitC, pefA, sipA, and sopB virulence genes were detected in 51(94.4%), 49(90.7%), 26(48.1%), 15(27.7%), and 5(9.2%) isolates, respectively. The spvC gene was not detected in any of the isolates. Conclusion: In the present study, a remarkably identical profile was found on virulence genes’ presence in isolates recovered from broiler feces and poultry processing plant sources, that is a public health concern. However, more S. Infantis isolates from various poultry sources, and human origin should be examined and analyzed. The findings of this survey can help the health researchers better understand the pathogenesis and epidemiology of S. Infantis in Iran.

Background: Brucellosis is one of the most important and common diseases among humans and animals, with great health and economic significance.Objectives: This study aimed to investigate some risk factors of brucellosis infection in Iranian dairy farms.Methods: This study is a herd-level case-control study on dairy farms. Case dairy farms (95 dairy farms) included all registered cases of disease during 14 months of studying with at least one positive serum cow (Rose Bengal, Wright, and 2-mercaptoethanol tests consecutively) and control dairy farms (95 dairy farms) in the condition of at least two disease-free years were selected and matched due to the capacity, and geographical area with case dairy farms. The obtained data were analyzed by the multivariate conditional logistic regression test and SPSS software, version 20.Results: According to the statistical relationship between studying independent variables and brucellosis infection in herd, the hygiene and disinfection of watering points (washing at least three times a week and using detergent or disinfectant) reduce the risk of brucellosis infection (OR=0.04, 95% CI, 0.003%-0.499%) and factors such as the history of abortion (OR=7.01, 95% CI, 1.51%-32.59%), the replacement of livestock from outside (OR=7.87, 95% CI, 1.07%-58.07%) and introducing new livestock during last 12 months (OR=7.27, 95% CI, 1.20%-43.90%) increase the risk of brucellosis infection.Conclusion: More serious attention to rancher training, the observance of hygienic principles, and legal restriction of livestock displacement are among the recommended strategies to prevent brucellosis infection on the farm.

Background: Oxidative stress and inflammation are strictly connected, and both perform an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus (DM).Objectives: This research aimed to investigate the potential protective effect of kudzu root against oxidative stress and inflammation in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM animal model.Methods: DM was induced in male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (50 mg/kg body weight). The kudzu root (100 mg/kg BW) was administered orally after 1 week of STZ administration in diabetic animals (for 6 weeks).Results: The diabetic animals exhibited a significant increase in fasting blood glucose, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and malondialdehyde levels. However, they exhibited a significant decrease in plasma insulin level, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activity. Administration of kudzu root to diabetic animals reversed these effects.Conclusion: The current study indicated that kudzu root has potent antidiabetic properties, likely through its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties in the STZ-diabetic rat model.

Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) is a tiny colorful parrot and one of the most popular pets worldwide. This study was performed on a 5-year-old male budgerigar with a large and fluid-filled mass in the anterior part of the neck. Fine needle aspiration was accomplished to determine tumor origin, and the tumor content was cultured on blood and MacConkey agars (aerobic and anaerobic conditions). Besides, tumor ultrasonography and whole-body radiographs were done in the lateral and ventrodorsal positions. Finally, the tumor was removed, fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H &amp; E). The radiology and ultrasonography results showed that the tumor (5.2×4×3.7 cm) had a homogenous structure filled with echogenic fluid content. The tumor content culture revealed no bacterial growth. Histopathologically, the mass was composed of cystic spaces with invagination of the lining epithelial cells, forming intraluminal papillae. The tumor was diagnosed as a papillary cystadenocarcinoma.

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important healthcare-associated pathogen that is also an emerging zoonosis. Objectives: A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of MRSA in dairy cattle farms in Kebbi, North-Western Nigeria.Methods: A total of 200 milk samples, consisting of 50 samples each from lactating cows, were collected and used. The samples were analyzed using bacterial culture and isolation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Suspected MRSA isolates were identified via PCR detection of the mecA gene, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the isolates were assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method.Results: Of the two hundred milk samples examined, the prevalence of MRSA was recorded at 18% (36/200) using phenotypic and genotypic characterization methods. The susceptibility to vancomycin was observed in all isolates, and they had a multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of >0.4.Conclusion: This investigation showed the colonization of healthy dairy cows by multidrug-resistant MRSA.

Background: Experiments using animal models have indicated that maternal diet during the perinatal period can drastically impact the life-long susceptibility of offspring to chronic disease.Objectives: This study aims to determine the impact of perinatal consumption of Hibiscus sabdariffa to feed restriction on offspring heart development. Methods: In this study, we used 25 pregnant rats. They were grouped as follows: group 1 (normal control), group 2 (70% feed restriction), group 3 (70% feed restriction and 5mg/kg body weight of H. sabdariffa administration), group 4 (70% feed restriction, and 10mg/kg body weight of H. sabdariffa administration), and group 5 (70% feed restriction and 20mg/kg body weight of H. sabdariffa administration). Dams were only allowed to nurse 8 pups. Pups were weaned and observed daily for puberty onset. Blood samples were collected to determine serum levels of creatine kinase, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde. The hearts were excised, weighed, and prepared for histological examination. Results: The result showed a significant increase in absolute and relative weights of the heart with alterations in the histology of the heart. There was a significant change in serum levels of creatine kinase and malondialdehyde.Conclusion: Maternal consumption of H. sabdariffa during pregnancy and lactation may increase the development of cardiovascular diseases in offspring during postnatal growth.

Background: Detecting Döhle body inclusions in cat neutrophils is one of the most relevant toxic changes with clinical significance. It is necessary to study pre-analytical factors such as temperature and blood storage time on the formation of these toxic changes.Objectives: The present study sought to investigate the impact of blood storage time and temperature on Döhle or Döhle-like inclusions in cat neutrophils.Methods: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) blood samples were obtained from 8 cats without evidence of Döhle inclusions on fresh blood smears (T0). Samples were stored at room temperature (RT) and 4°C as routine storage temperatures of samples in the laboratory. Smears were prepared 2 (T2), 4 (T4), 8 (T8), and 24 (T24) hours following the blood draw for each storage condition. Döhle or Döhle-like inclusions were assessed on each smear randomly selected.Results: The percentages of neutrophils with Döhle or Döhle-like inclusions in T8 and T24 increased significantly at RT and 4°C, respectively (P<0.001) compared to T0. The smears prepared from blood samples stored at RT contained more neutrophils with Döhle or Döhle-like inclusions than 4°C. A significant difference was not found in the percentages of neutrophils with these inclusions between the two temperatures at any storage times.Conclusion: The development of Döhle body-like in cat neutrophils occurs when the analysis is delayed, especially at higher storage temperatures. This condition may affect diagnosis and clinical decisions. Therefore, the blood smears should be prepared as soon as the blood is drawn to reduce pre-analytical changes.