Background: Fasciola hepatica is a genus of the trematodes which mainly affects the liver of sheep and these livestock are accidentally infected by eating plants or drinking water contaminated with the metacercariae of this parasite. These parasites can cause considerable economic damage by destroying the liver and bile ducts. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of ultrasonographic diagnosis in chronic hepatic fasciolysis of sheep and to provide ultrasonography views of fasciolosis in sheep’s liver. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 256 sheep of the Makoei breed, including 130 male (50.8%) and 126 female (49.2%) with diagnosis of chronic fasciolosis confirmed by the appearance of fluke eggs in feces and using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were referred to the Department of Radiology and Ultrasonography, Doppler ultrasound was performed. Average age of sheep was 2.1 years (minimum age 7 months and maximum age 6 years). Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 11.5) and the statistical test was chi-square test. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: In the results, 55.6% of sheep had ascites in the abdominal cavity and in 5.7% and 11.3%, bile ducts and gallbladder were affected, respectively, and in 4.8% of sheep both the liver and the bile ducts were involved. In 22.6% of sheep, there was no abnormal finding in ultrasound. The most common site of injury was in the posterior part of the right lobe of liver. There was no significant difference between the place of involvement in the liver, age and sex of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, ultrasonography can play an important role in the diagnosis and follow up of sheep’s chronic fasciolosis treatment.

Background: Fasciola hepatica is a genus of the trematodes which mainly affects the liver of sheep and these livestock are accidentally infected by eating plants or drinking water contaminated with the metacercariae of this parasite. These parasites can cause considerable economic damage by destroying the liver and bile ducts. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of ultrasonographic diagnosis in chronic hepatic fasciolysis of sheep and to provide ultrasonography views of fasciolosis in sheep’s liver. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 256 sheep of the Makoei breed, including 130 male (50.8%) and 126 female (49.2%) with diagnosis of chronic fasciolosis confirmed by the appearance of fluke eggs in feces and using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were referred to the Department of Radiology and Ultrasonography, Doppler ultrasound was performed. Average age of sheep was 2.1 years (minimum age 7 months and maximum age 6 years). Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 11.5) and the statistical test was chi-square test. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: In the results, 55.6% of sheep had ascites in the abdominal cavity and in 5.7% and 11.3%, bile ducts and gallbladder were affected, respectively, and in 4.8% of sheep both the liver and the bile ducts were involved. In 22.6% of sheep, there was no abnormal finding in ultrasound. The most common site of injury was in the posterior part of the right lobe of liver. There was no significant difference between the place of involvement in the liver, age and sex of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, ultrasonography can play an important role in the diagnosis and follow up of sheep’s chronic fasciolosis treatment.

Background: Up until now, the effect of thyroid hormones on the male reproductive organ, after puberty, is not well understood. OBJECTIVES: In the present study, the morpho-histometrical effects of thyroid hormone deficiency on the adult-male rat reproductive organs were investigated. MATHODS: Thirty adult male rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=10): control, hypothyroid, and hypothyroid which receives Levothyroxine. After 4-months we examined the number of spermatogonia cells, primary spermatocytes, and Sertoli cells, as well as the seminiferous tubules epithelium thickness, area of seminiferous tubules, and the diameter and thickness of testis artery walls. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between the hypothyroid and control rats in terms of the area of seminiferous tubules, the number of spermatogonia cells, primary spermatocytes, and Sertoli cells. Moreover, the epithelium thickness of seminiferous tubules and the diameter and thickness of artery walls were significantly decreased in hypothyroid group compared with the control rats. CONCLUSIONS: These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that hypothyroidism can affect the male fertility and declare that it may influence male reproduction by reducing the testis blood flow.

Background: Up until now, the effect of thyroid hormones on the male reproductive organ, after puberty, is not well understood. OBJECTIVES: In the present study, the morpho-histometrical effects of thyroid hormone deficiency on the adult-male rat reproductive organs were investigated. MATHODS: Thirty adult male rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=10): control, hypothyroid, and hypothyroid which receives Levothyroxine. After 4-months we examined the number of spermatogonia cells, primary spermatocytes, and Sertoli cells, as well as the seminiferous tubules epithelium thickness, area of seminiferous tubules, and the diameter and thickness of testis artery walls. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between the hypothyroid and control rats in terms of the area of seminiferous tubules, the number of spermatogonia cells, primary spermatocytes, and Sertoli cells. Moreover, the epithelium thickness of seminiferous tubules and the diameter and thickness of artery walls were significantly decreased in hypothyroid group compared with the control rats. CONCLUSIONS: These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that hypothyroidism can affect the male fertility and declare that it may influence male reproduction by reducing the testis blood flow.

Background: The safety evaluations of sunscreens containing Titanium Dioxide-Nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) were done by dermal exposure, acute dermal and eye irritation/corrosion, and skin sensitization according to the guideline for Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was the evaluation of safety and toxicity of TiO2-NPs following acute sunscreen exposure. METHODS: TiO2 and TiO2-NPs (20-40 nm and 98% purity) were purchased in the anatase crystal phase, and five types of concentration for sunscreens were made which were carried out in five different treatment groups in mice and rabbits. RESULTS: In acute eye irritation using rabbits, the only irritation effect was observed in the conjunctivae area within one hour after administration both in TiO2-NPs group and TiO2-Ps. In acute dermal irritation using rabbits did not show a significant difference among groups in different concentrations and durations. Similarly, in a skin sensitization test using mice, contact hypersensitivity (CHS) did not show a significant difference (P<0.05) among groups in 15% concentration of TiO2 in the different durations after application. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding demonstrates that TiO2-NPs and TiO2-Ps in sunscreens are relatively safe and did not induce statistically significant eye and dermal irritation and skin hypersensitivity

Background: The safety evaluations of sunscreens containing Titanium Dioxide-Nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) were done by dermal exposure, acute dermal and eye irritation/corrosion, and skin sensitization according to the guideline for Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was the evaluation of safety and toxicity of TiO2-NPs following acute sunscreen exposure. METHODS: TiO2 and TiO2-NPs (20-40 nm and 98% purity) were purchased in the anatase crystal phase, and five types of concentration for sunscreens were made which were carried out in five different treatment groups in mice and rabbits. RESULTS: In acute eye irritation using rabbits, the only irritation effect was observed in the conjunctivae area within one hour after administration both in TiO2-NPs group and TiO2-Ps. In acute dermal irritation using rabbits did not show a significant difference among groups in different concentrations and durations. Similarly, in a skin sensitization test using mice, contact hypersensitivity (CHS) did not show a significant difference (P<0.05) among groups in 15% concentration of TiO2 in the different durations after application. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding demonstrates that TiO2-NPs and TiO2-Ps in sunscreens are relatively safe and did not induce statistically significant eye and dermal irritation and skin hypersensitivity

Background: Cardiac murmur and subsequently cardiac failure is one of the poor-performance causes in athletic horses. Attention to murmur character is vital during heart examination. Polo is a sport which demands very high stress on horses, which may result in more stress on cardiovascular system. Objectives: In this study we assume that high pressure on polo horses makes them more susceptible to valves insufficiency as a result of high velocity across valves. Methods: 136 polo horses were evaluated in this study, and all participated in polo matches. Both sides of chest were heard carefully by two clinicians and murmur characters recorded in detail. Afterward the accuracy of auscultation finding was proved by echocardiography, in echocardiography examination all the valves were evaluated carefully for any trace of regurgitation or stenosis across valves. Results: Forty-seven horses showed cardiac murmurs during auscultation (34.55%). Thoroughbred had the highest rate of murmur, with 71% of murmurs observed in this breed. Grade 2 murmurs were more frequent than others and 24 horses showed Grade 2 murmurs. And tricuspid had the highest involvement and 24 horses had tricuspid regurgitation. Conclusions: This study is the first report of cardiac murmur in Polo horses, which showed the high presence of tricuspid and aortic murmur. The difference between prevalence of murmurs in this study and other ones was not remarkable

Background: Cardiac murmur and subsequently cardiac failure is one of the poor-performance causes in athletic horses. Attention to murmur character is vital during heart examination. Polo is a sport which demands very high stress on horses, which may result in more stress on cardiovascular system. Objectives: In this study we assume that high pressure on polo horses makes them more susceptible to valves insufficiency as a result of high velocity across valves. Methods: 136 polo horses were evaluated in this study, and all participated in polo matches. Both sides of chest were heard carefully by two clinicians and murmur characters recorded in detail. Afterward the accuracy of auscultation finding was proved by echocardiography, in echocardiography examination all the valves were evaluated carefully for any trace of regurgitation or stenosis across valves. Results: Forty-seven horses showed cardiac murmurs during auscultation (34.55%). Thoroughbred had the highest rate of murmur, with 71% of murmurs observed in this breed. Grade 2 murmurs were more frequent than others and 24 horses showed Grade 2 murmurs. And tricuspid had the highest involvement and 24 horses had tricuspid regurgitation. Conclusions: This study is the first report of cardiac murmur in Polo horses, which showed the high presence of tricuspid and aortic murmur. The difference between prevalence of murmurs in this study and other ones was not remarkable

Background: Soil and plant contamination in copper exposure causes chronic copper poisoning (CCP) in animals following the consumption of plants in these soils. Objectives: The present study was carried out on 10 clinically affected copper poisoned cases (in each season) from autumn 2015 to the end of summer 2016, in four seasons in Kerman province to evaluate the seasonal effects of CCP in sheep. Methods: All samples were taken from clinically affected cases of copper poisoning that were then necropsied and the poisoning was confirmed by pathognomic pathological findings and serum copper concentration. Samples from liver, lung, kidney, heart and spleen were collected immediately after death and their copper concentration was measured. Results: The highest levels of copper in lung, heart, spleen and kidney were observed in the summer. Liver had the highest amounts of copper in spring and the levels of copper in wool and serum were detected in winter. The copper levels of liver and kidney were positively correlated in autumn, but the copper levels in these tissues were negatively correlated in both spring and winter. Conclusions: Severity of the copper toxicity (judged by the liver copper concentration) is season-dependent in sheep and seasonal variations affect this toxicity. Environmental climate and stressors may be the main causes of copper contents of different tissues and the liver is the main organ to reserve copper in poisoned sheep.

Background: Soil and plant contamination in copper exposure causes chronic copper poisoning (CCP) in animals following the consumption of plants in these soils. Objectives: The present study was carried out on 10 clinically affected copper poisoned cases (in each season) from autumn 2015 to the end of summer 2016, in four seasons in Kerman province to evaluate the seasonal effects of CCP in sheep. Methods: All samples were taken from clinically affected cases of copper poisoning that were then necropsied and the poisoning was confirmed by pathognomic pathological findings and serum copper concentration. Samples from liver, lung, kidney, heart and spleen were collected immediately after death and their copper concentration was measured. Results: The highest levels of copper in lung, heart, spleen and kidney were observed in the summer. Liver had the highest amounts of copper in spring and the levels of copper in wool and serum were detected in winter. The copper levels of liver and kidney were positively correlated in autumn, but the copper levels in these tissues were negatively correlated in both spring and winter. Conclusions: Severity of the copper toxicity (judged by the liver copper concentration) is season-dependent in sheep and seasonal variations affect this toxicity. Environmental climate and stressors may be the main causes of copper contents of different tissues and the liver is the main organ to reserve copper in poisoned sheep.

Background: Recently, tendency to use veterinary specific Portable blood glucose meter (PBGMs) has increased. However, assessment of their analytical and clinical accuracy is a matter of concern. OBJECTIVES: To assess accuracy of two veterinary (AlphaTRAK2 and CERA-PET) and one human-based (Bionime) PBGMs for canine blood samples. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 160 client-owned dogs with various signalment and disease were included. Venous blood samples were obtained from a peripheral vein of each dog and blood glucose was measured with the three PBGMs. Immediately afterward, serum was harvested and sent to laboratory until analysis with reference methods. RESULTS: Blood glucose measured with the reference method was 21 to 650 mg/dl. There was a significant correlation between results of the reference method and PBGMs. Both of the veterinary specific PBGMs showed significant proportional and constant bias, nevertheless, no proportional and constant bias were recorded for human-based one. Mean deviation from reference methods was -7.4, 9.8, and -3.9 for AlphaTRAK2, CERA-PET, and Bionime respectively.  Although most of the PBGMs readings lay in the calculated 95% limits of agreement, none of the devices completely satisfied the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 15197:2013) criteria. Error grid analysis revealed all measurements for AlphaTRAK2 in zone A and B, while CERA-PET demonstrates one measurement in zone D. Bionime showed two  measurements in zone C and D. CONCLUSIONS: Only the result of AlphaTRAK2 could be interpreted without any hazardous outcome on medical decision making.

Background: Recently, tendency to use veterinary specific Portable blood glucose meter (PBGMs) has increased. However, assessment of their analytical and clinical accuracy is a matter of concern. OBJECTIVES: To assess accuracy of two veterinary (AlphaTRAK2 and CERA-PET) and one human-based (Bionime) PBGMs for canine blood samples. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 160 client-owned dogs with various signalment and disease were included. Venous blood samples were obtained from a peripheral vein of each dog and blood glucose was measured with the three PBGMs. Immediately afterward, serum was harvested and sent to laboratory until analysis with reference methods. RESULTS: Blood glucose measured with the reference method was 21 to 650 mg/dl. There was a significant correlation between results of the reference method and PBGMs. Both of the veterinary specific PBGMs showed significant proportional and constant bias, nevertheless, no proportional and constant bias were recorded for human-based one. Mean deviation from reference methods was -7.4, 9.8, and -3.9 for AlphaTRAK2, CERA-PET, and Bionime respectively.  Although most of the PBGMs readings lay in the calculated 95% limits of agreement, none of the devices completely satisfied the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 15197:2013) criteria. Error grid analysis revealed all measurements for AlphaTRAK2 in zone A and B, while CERA-PET demonstrates one measurement in zone D. Bionime showed two  measurements in zone C and D. CONCLUSIONS: Only the result of AlphaTRAK2 could be interpreted without any hazardous outcome on medical decision making.

BACKGROUND: Stem cells have great effects in clinical cell-based therapy. Accordingly, controlling the behavior and directing the fate of stem cells cultured in the laboratory is an important issue. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate osteogenic properties of adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) which differentiated toward osteogenic linage by osteoblast-imprinted substrate. METHODS: Rat ADSCs seeded on osteoblast-imprinted substrates, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured in cellular supernatant of days 7 and 14. Alizarin Red staining of mineral matrix production in day 17 was performed. In order for in vivo evaluation, after seeding differentiated cells on a simple collagen scaffold, samples were implanted in an 8mm critical size calvarial defect. After 4 weeks defect site was harvested and prepared for histopathological examination. RESULTS: ALP in both time points was significantly more than in undifferentiated ADSCs. (p<0.05). Alizarin red staining of differentiated cells showed a great production of mineral matrix nodules in cell culture plate. Histopathological investigations revealed greater amount of new bone formation and mostly in the center of defect, indicate osteoinductive effect of differentiated cells in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: The osteoblast-imprinted substrate can mimic the topography and shape of natural osteoblast, which can mechanically direct ADSCs toward osteogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Stem cells have great effects in clinical cell-based therapy. Accordingly, controlling the behavior and directing the fate of stem cells cultured in the laboratory is an important issue. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate osteogenic properties of adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) which differentiated toward osteogenic linage by osteoblast-imprinted substrate. METHODS: Rat ADSCs seeded on osteoblast-imprinted substrates, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured in cellular supernatant of days 7 and 14. Alizarin Red staining of mineral matrix production in day 17 was performed. In order for in vivo evaluation, after seeding differentiated cells on a simple collagen scaffold, samples were implanted in an 8mm critical size calvarial defect. After 4 weeks defect site was harvested and prepared for histopathological examination. RESULTS: ALP in both time points was significantly more than in undifferentiated ADSCs. (p<0.05). Alizarin red staining of differentiated cells showed a great production of mineral matrix nodules in cell culture plate. Histopathological investigations revealed greater amount of new bone formation and mostly in the center of defect, indicate osteoinductive effect of differentiated cells in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: The osteoblast-imprinted substrate can mimic the topography and shape of natural osteoblast, which can mechanically direct ADSCs toward osteogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Clostridium septicum has played a significant role as a causative agent of many acute fetal diseases in man and animals. Alpha- toxin is the main factor in the pathogenesis of C. septicum with hemolytic, necrotic and lethal activities. OBJECTIVES: The study was designed to evaluate alpha-toxin purification and antibody production rate against a local strain of C. septicum NH2 which could be applied in diagnosing kits, potency test of the vaccines, and other related applications. METHODS: Local strain of C. septicum NH2 was cultured in liver broth. Alpha-toxin in supernatant purified by three steps: the first step was done by 25% and 60% of ammoniums sulfate precipitation and continued by DEAE-Sephadex ion exchange chromatography, and finally finished in gel filtration on Sephadex G-50. Alpha-toxin was assayed in all steps and purification procedures were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. After immunization of rabbits with alpha- toxin and serum collection, immunoglobulin was separated by three purifying steps: ammoniums sulfate, ion exchange chromatography, and gel filtration. Serum purification process was evaluated by electrophoresis, double immunodiffusion (DID), single radial immunodiffusion (SRID), western blot, and SDS-PAGE. RESUTLS: SDS-PAGE results showed the alpha-toxin and anti-alpha-toxin were purified partially. Double immunodiffusion and single radial immunodiffusion methods detected the specific antibody. Heavy and light chains of anti-alpha-toxin separated by 2ME in electrophoresis reacted with 48 kDa alpha-toxin during the western blot without any reaction to other proteins in nitrocellulose paper. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed a modified protocol for C. septicum alpha-toxin and anti-alpha-toxin production. The purification method is more economical and faster than previously reported procedures, and anti-alpha-toxin production is  an advantage in detection of C. septicum infection

BACKGROUND: Clostridium septicum has played a significant role as a causative agent of many acute fetal diseases in man and animals. Alpha- toxin is the main factor in the pathogenesis of C. septicum with hemolytic, necrotic and lethal activities. OBJECTIVES: The study was designed to evaluate alpha-toxin purification and antibody production rate against a local strain of C. septicum NH2 which could be applied in diagnosing kits, potency test of the vaccines, and other related applications. METHODS: Local strain of C. septicum NH2 was cultured in liver broth. Alpha-toxin in supernatant purified by three steps: the first step was done by 25% and 60% of ammoniums sulfate precipitation and continued by DEAE-Sephadex ion exchange chromatography, and finally finished in gel filtration on Sephadex G-50. Alpha-toxin was assayed in all steps and purification procedures were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. After immunization of rabbits with alpha- toxin and serum collection, immunoglobulin was separated by three purifying steps: ammoniums sulfate, ion exchange chromatography, and gel filtration. Serum purification process was evaluated by electrophoresis, double immunodiffusion (DID), single radial immunodiffusion (SRID), western blot, and SDS-PAGE. RESUTLS: SDS-PAGE results showed the alpha-toxin and anti-alpha-toxin were purified partially. Double immunodiffusion and single radial immunodiffusion methods detected the specific antibody. Heavy and light chains of anti-alpha-toxin separated by 2ME in electrophoresis reacted with 48 kDa alpha-toxin during the western blot without any reaction to other proteins in nitrocellulose paper. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed a modified protocol for C. septicum alpha-toxin and anti-alpha-toxin production. The purification method is more economical and faster than previously reported procedures, and anti-alpha-toxin production is  an advantage in detection of C. septicum infection

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the prevalent debilitating neurodegenerative disor- ders. Accordingly, researchers are working on methods to modify PD progression. Previously, the neuro- protective effects of betaine, as a methyl donor agent in homocysteine metabolism, have been demonstrated in animal models of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion and memory deficits. OBJECTIVES: It was aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of betaine in an animal model of PD. METHODS: In male Wistar rats under two-week course of oral betaine administration (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg per day), the behavioral, biochemical, and histological evaluations were conducted one week follow- ing unilateral nigral 6-OHDA injection. RESUTLS: Betaine administration with dose of 200 mg/kg, one week before and after 6-OHDA lesioning, was associated with a meaningful reduction in the plasma levels of homocysteine (Hcy) in comparison with the control and sham groups (P < 0.05). Our evaluations revealed a remarkable improvement in motor asymmetry induced by apomorphine in the rats under treatment of betaine 200 mg/kg. Moreover, in this group, a significant decrease of malondyaldehyde (MDA) concentrations was detected in the brain tissues, as well as a significantly diminished neuronal cell loss (percent) in substantia nigra pars compacta (P < 0.05). The results of 50 and 100 mg/kg betaine groups were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, our findings indicate the antioxidant neuroprotective effects of betaine in this animal model of PD and it is in concordance with betaine properties in decreasing the plasma levels and possible neurotoxic effects of Hcy.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the prevalent debilitating neurodegenerative disor- ders. Accordingly, researchers are working on methods to modify PD progression. Previously, the neuro- protective effects of betaine, as a methyl donor agent in homocysteine metabolism, have been demonstrated in animal models of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion and memory deficits. OBJECTIVES: It was aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of betaine in an animal model of PD. METHODS: In male Wistar rats under two-week course of oral betaine administration (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg per day), the behavioral, biochemical, and histological evaluations were conducted one week follow- ing unilateral nigral 6-OHDA injection. RESUTLS: Betaine administration with dose of 200 mg/kg, one week before and after 6-OHDA lesioning, was associated with a meaningful reduction in the plasma levels of homocysteine (Hcy) in comparison with the control and sham groups (P < 0.05). Our evaluations revealed a remarkable improvement in motor asymmetry induced by apomorphine in the rats under treatment of betaine 200 mg/kg. Moreover, in this group, a significant decrease of malondyaldehyde (MDA) concentrations was detected in the brain tissues, as well as a significantly diminished neuronal cell loss (percent) in substantia nigra pars compacta (P < 0.05). The results of 50 and 100 mg/kg betaine groups were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, our findings indicate the antioxidant neuroprotective effects of betaine in this animal model of PD and it is in concordance with betaine properties in decreasing the plasma levels and possible neurotoxic effects of Hcy.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus is a highly versatile pathogen of a large number of domestic ani- mals, including avian species. There is limited information about S. aureus isolated from companion and wild birds in Iran. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine drug resistance and random-amplified polymorphic DNA-PCR (RAPD-PCR) pattern of S. aureus isolated from birds referred to the pet birds’ clinic of University of Tehran. METHODS: During the study period, 53 isolates of S. aureus were recovered from companion birds of var- ious species using standard bacteriologic procedures and the respective drug resistance patterns were deter- mined for a panel of 30 antimicrobial agents by agar disk-diffusion method. RAPD-PCR was performed with two different 10-bp oligonucleotide primers in a duplex-PCR procedure. RESULTS: The findings of this study demonstrated that S. aureus resistance to oxacillin, clindamycin and methicillin were 58, 53 and 53%, respectively. The multi-drug resistance (MDR) was found among all isolates. The MDR pattern was variable and ranged from 0 to 17 drugs. In total, all 53 isolates generated 43 different resistance patterns. In RAPD-PCR, five different patterns of A, B, C, D and E were found. Among 53 isolates, 20, 62, 3, 9 and 3% belonged to RAPD patterns of A, B, C, D and E, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the widespread antimicrobial resistance among S. aureus isolated from pet birds; in particular, the presence of MRSA isolates. The value of RAPD-PCR for epidemiologic monitoring of S. aureus in pet birds also was noticed

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus is a highly versatile pathogen of a large number of domestic ani- mals, including avian species. There is limited information about S. aureus isolated from companion and wild birds in Iran. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine drug resistance and random-amplified polymorphic DNA-PCR (RAPD-PCR) pattern of S. aureus isolated from birds referred to the pet birds’ clinic of University of Tehran. METHODS: During the study period, 53 isolates of S. aureus were recovered from companion birds of var- ious species using standard bacteriologic procedures and the respective drug resistance patterns were deter- mined for a panel of 30 antimicrobial agents by agar disk-diffusion method. RAPD-PCR was performed with two different 10-bp oligonucleotide primers in a duplex-PCR procedure. RESULTS: The findings of this study demonstrated that S. aureus resistance to oxacillin, clindamycin and methicillin were 58, 53 and 53%, respectively. The multi-drug resistance (MDR) was found among all isolates. The MDR pattern was variable and ranged from 0 to 17 drugs. In total, all 53 isolates generated 43 different resistance patterns. In RAPD-PCR, five different patterns of A, B, C, D and E were found. Among 53 isolates, 20, 62, 3, 9 and 3% belonged to RAPD patterns of A, B, C, D and E, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the widespread antimicrobial resistance among S. aureus isolated from pet birds; in particular, the presence of MRSA isolates. The value of RAPD-PCR for epidemiologic monitoring of S. aureus in pet birds also was noticed