BACKGROUND: Chlamydia abortus is a zoonotic bacteriumthat commonly causes abortions in ruminants. This microorganismis one of the most important infectious agents causingabortion and major economic losses in sheep and goats worldwide.OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was investigatingthe status of C. abortus infection among small ruminantflocks of some regions in Iran. METHODS: A total of 1440 serasamples from sheep and goats were collected from 113 flocksof 7 provinces and tested with CHEKIT®-ELISA for antibodiesagainst C.abortus. RESULTS: The study detected overall seroprevalencelevels of 25.6% for the individual animals, and81.4% flocks had at least one positive animal. Analysis of differentsheep groups based on their age revealed that the highestnumbers of infected animals were registered in the 2 yearsage group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate thatthe seroprevalence of C.abortus infection in sheep and goats isvery high in Iran. Therefore, it is necessary that Iran’s veterinaryorganization set up appropriate surveillance and controlprograms to reduce economic losses of this disease.

Background: Some species of grass cause poisoning and hepatogenous photosensitization in animals. OBJECTIVES: Feeding trials were conducted in sheep and goats to evaluate the hepatotoxic effects of Setaria italica (S. italica). METHODS: Twelve indigenous male sheep and goats were used in this study. The animals were kept outdoors against prevailing climatic conditions. They were fed with S. italica freely for 50 days. Some biochemical factors associated with liver function, such as total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (BC), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma  glutamyltransferase (GGT) activities, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total protein (TP), and albumin (ALB), were measured on day 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, and 49 of the experiment. On the 50th day, the animals were sacrificed and necropsied,  then the gall bladder and livers were removed for pathological study. Blood samples on day 0 (prior to feeding with S. italica) were set as the control group.                 RESULTS: Three sheep and 3 goats showed signs of intoxication, including facial edema, mucus hyperemia, runny nose, lacrimation, and icterus. Post-mortem examination revealed varying degrees of generalized icterus, degeneration, necrosis and cell swelling of hepatocytes, formation of acidophilic bodies, and mild hyperplasia in biliary ducts. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical signs, laboratory findings, and necropsy findings, support the potential of S. italica in the induction of hepatotoxicity and secondary photosensitivity in sheep and goats.

Background: The American foulbrood disease (AFB), caused by Paenibacillus larvae subsp. larvae, is one of the main plagues affecting honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies, and it has a high negative impact on beekeepers worldwide. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research was to describe the evidence of Paenibacillus larvae larvae contamination of honey bee colonies, in the East Azerbaijan Province. METHODS: In this study, samples from honey bee colonies of North West Iran were studied for their respective ability to detect the presence of bacterial contamination, using microbiological methods. For this purpose, 10 ml of the suspension from live bees, larva, honey, pollen and wax were incubated in modified MYPGP agar (Muller-Hinton broth-yeast extract-glucose-sodium pyruvate and PO4HK2) plates. Bacterial colonies were identified by colony, bacteria morphology and biochemical tests for Paenibacillus larvae larvae. RESULTS: The results of this study indicated a low level of contamination with Paenibacillus larvae larvae in the East Azerbaijan Province. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the distribution of P.l.larvae spores in all samples of the East Azerbaijan Province, showed a clear pattern and may provide useful data for the control and prevention of American foulbrood.

Background: Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli are zoonotic bacteria which are frequently associated with human diarrhea. Sharing of the cytolethal distending toxin (cdt) genes in Campylobacter is common and is considered species specific. OBJECTIVES: In this study we focused on detecting the presence of cdt gene in C. jejuni and C. coli isolated from broilers, turkeys and quails of Iran. METHODS: Cecal samples were randomly collected from 240 broiler chickens, 100 meat type turkeys and 100 quails after slaughtering. We used PCR as a method for detecting cdt genes. RESULTS: In broilers, 93% of 58 C. jejuni positive samples possessed cdt gene and in all cases the three different subunits of cdt genes were present. However, only 56% of 14 C. coli isolates in broilers had contained cdt genes, while one fourth having all three subunits present. In turkeys, around 65% of 34 C. jejuni positive samples had cdt gene present with 38% possessing all three subunits of cdt genes. But all 5 C. coli isolates had all three subunits cdt gene. In quails, 67% of 30 C. jejuni positive samples were identified by cdt gene, 20% of those possessed all three gene subunits. On the other hand, all 28 C. coli isolates of quails had cdt gene present while 36% of those held all three gene subunits. CONCLUSIONS: Our data is indicating the isolation, culture and cdt PCR amplification approaches in this study seemed to be efficient. However, the presence of different variation of Campylobacter cdt gene types in our sample isolates signifies the necessity of further functional gene studies to elucidate which gene type combinations result in encoding effective toxins.

Background: Traditionally, morphological features of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus from closely-related ticks have been considered for their identification and differentiation. However, it is difficult and requires expertise in order to accurately identify and differentiate engorged female ticks and some developmental stages such as larva and nymph from other similar ticks. Hence, molecular markers may be a suitable alternative. OBJECTIVES: Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) fragments of Rh. (Bo.) annulatus were sequenced to assess the use of molecular techniques for identifications and phylogenetic studies of these ticks. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was performed based on the analyses of COI and ITS2 sequences of ticks collected from two different regions in Iran (Golestan and Mazandaran). RESULTS: The length of COI and ITS2 sequences were 1539 and 1158bp, respectively. The nucleotide similarity of COI gene was 91.3% between the ticks examined from the two different regions. The deduced amino acid sequences from COI showed 98.6% similarity between the ticks studied and showed 98.2 and 99.6% similarity with the only complete sequence of Rh. (Bo.) annulatus (AGH19677) registered in GenBank. The obtained complete nucleotide sequences of ITS2 from Rh. (Bo.) annulatus from Golestan and Mazandaran revealed 99.9% similarity, while the other ticks registered in GenBank 95 to 99% similarity (KC503267, AF271270, AF271272, JQ412126). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that COI and ITS2 sequences could provide suitable genetic markers for discrimination and genetic characterization of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus.

Background: The Lori-Bakhtiari sheep breed is one of the most common native breed in the south-western parts of Iran. The peri-parturition period (2 weeks before to, 2 weeks after parturition), is generally of critical importance regarding the health, production and profitability of the ewes. OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to compare the serum concentrations of glucose, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and calcium (Ca) during peri-parturition period in 30 single and 30 twin-bearing Lori-Bakhtiari ewes. METHODS: All blood profiles were determined in healthy ewes on days 14, 7 prepartum, and days 7 and 14 postpartum. RESULTS: Serum glucose levels were lower in twin-bearing ewes, compared to single-bearing ewes on prepartum and day 7 after lambing. Serum NEFA, BHBA and cholesterol levels were higher in twin-bearing ewes compared to single-bearing ewes during the peri-parturition period. Lower serum Ca levels were recorded 7 days before and after parturition in twin-bearing ewes, compared to single-bearing ewes. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that NEFA and BHBA recorded significant (p<0.05) changes during the peri-parturition period in twin-bearing ewes. These significant differences could be related to increased metabolic demands of the fetuses in twin-bearing ewes.

Background: In vitro model studies are becoming increasingly popular for experimental research designs. They include isolation and expansion of cells of a particular tissue, such as the nervous tissue which contributes to understanding the underlying mechanisms in many pathologies. It enables  the scrutinization of intracellular signaling pathways responsible for cell death. OBJECTIVES: In the literature, there are different methods for the isolation and culture of rat embryonic cortical neurons. However, this study developed a feasible, rapid and easily performable method. METHODS: Isolation of neurons was performed without using enzymatic digestion. Primary cortical cultures neurite outgrowth and neuron numbers per field of common mediums were compared for neuronal cells isolation and expansion. In this study, three different culture mediums were considered: Medium I: Neurobasal medium, B-27 and L-glutamine; Medium II: DMEM, FBS and L-glutamine; and Medium III: DMEM/F-12, FBS and L-glutamine. RESULTS: High survival rate and number of neurons was obtained with the current method. The best neuronal growth was achieved by Medium I, while Medium II and III had moderate effect on the neurite outgrowth. CONCLUSIONS: Enzyme-free treatment was introduced and Medium I was used as an alternative method for optimal neuron isolation and expansion. The neuronal cultures are similar to nervous tissue in physiological aspects. Hence, Medium I is more similar to the in vivo condition compared to Mediums II and III.

Background: The northern pike Esox lucius is a fresh water species belonging to the Esocidae family. It is a carnivorous fish which mostly feeds on invertebrates and fishes. The morphology of its intestine is very useful for understanding the fish’s digestive physiology, diagnosing some intestinal diseases and formulating suitable feeds. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to determine the anatomical, histological and histomorphometric properties of the intestine of E. lucius. METHODS: The intestines of five E. lucius were examined in this study. After anatomical dissection, the histological specimens were taken and fixed in 10% formalin. Then, tissue passages were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and Masson’s trichrome. RESULTS: The anatomical examination showed the short intestine with intestinal coefficient 0.68±0.09 in E. lucius which is a characteristic of the carnivorous species. The histological study revealed that the intestinal wall of E. lucius is composed of tunica mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa. The muscularis mucosa was not visible in the intestine. The stratum compactum is present between tunica mucosa and tunica submucosa. The histomorphometric results differentiated between three parts in the intestine of E. lucius namely anterior, middle and posterior. The maximum height of mucosal folds was observed in the anterior intestine due to its role in nutrient absorption. The mucosal fold’s height then decreased towards the posterior intestine. The tunica muscularis is significantly thicker in the anterior intestine, and the circular muscle layer is thicker than the longitudinal muscle layer throughout the entire length of the intestine. The posterior intestine possessed large numbers of goblet cells in comparison with other parts of the intestine, to promote elimination of unabsorbed particles. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study revealed adaptation for the species feeding habits, so as to protect the intestine and increase absorptive processes.

Background: Determination of digestive enzymes activity would provide critical information in the design of appropriate diet. Sobaity, Sparidentex hasta is found in the Persian Gulf and  cultured in countries adjacent to it. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated proteolytic, amylase and lipase activities in the intestine of Sparidentex hasta captured from the  Persian Gulf. METHODS: 60 immature S. hasta (mean weight: 520 ± 50g) were captured during summer and autumn of 2012 from Mussa Creek, North West of the Persian Gulf. After euthanization, fish were dissected and the complete digestive tracts (from stomach to anus) were removed. The intestines were separated for each fish and divided to 3 parts; proximal, mid portion and distal. After homogenization, supernatants were removed and enzymes activities were assayed chemically. RESULTS: The highest activity of protease (395.2 ± 32.6 mU mg-1 protein) was recorded in the proximal portion of the intestine compare to the 2 other parts (p<0.05) but amylase and lipase activities did not show a significant difference in 3 parts of the intestine (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the pattern of activity of digestive enzymes in S. hasta is consistent with the overall pattern of digestive enzymes activity in carnivorous fish. These data can be used to design special diets for this species.

In the present report, diagnosis and treatment of a case with follicular ovarian cysts in a 5-year-old Persian queen cat is described. In response to palpation of spines, the queen cat presented herself in lordosis and danced up and down with her rear legs. Trans-abdominal ultrasonography examination showed 2 cysts  in the left ovary of the queen. Serum estrogen assay indicated elevated level of 17 β-estradiol concentration (105 pg/ml). However, progesterone concentration was normal (0.3 ng/ml). Accordingly, the queen was diagnosed with functional follicular cysts. The queen was treated with an administration of hCG intra-muscularly. Thirty (30) days after the administration of hCG, an injection of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) (50 IU) was given intra-muscularly. Natural mating was done with a fertile Persian tom cat. In conclusion, it seems that treatment of functional follicular cysts can be applied to preserve fertility in cats.