Objective: This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of daily intake of vitamin C or selenium against deleterious effects of nicotine toxicity on pregnant albino rats. Materials and methods: Forty albino pregnant rats were equally distributed into four groups. Group A was considered as control. Group B was administered with nicotine dosed at 1 mg/kg body weight (bwt) daily for 7 weeks (wks) from 1st day of gestation until the postnatal 4 wks. Group C was treated with nicotine and vitamin C dosed at 1 mg/kg bwt orally for 7 wks, group D was treated with nicotine and sodium selenite dosed at 1 ug/100 g bwt concurrently for 7 wks. The levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), protein carbonyl (PC) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), were estimated in homogenates of the lung, kidney and liver. Histopathological studies using hematoxylin and eosin as well as immunohistochemical studies using p53 antibody were also done. Results: Nicotine significantly elevated the levels of TBARS and PC as compared to control rats. Groups C and D showed decrease in these levels significantly. CAT and SOD activities of group B were decreased significantly. Significant elevation of CAT and SOD activities was detected in both groups C and D. Vitamin C elevated the antioxidant enzymes activities to normal levels, however selenium administration improved these levels but still lower than those of group A. Expression of p53 was decreased in group B as compared to group A. Vitamin C completely reversed the expression of p53 as group A. However, group D did not showed any significant changes in expressions as compared to group B. Conclusion: It is concluded that vitamin C intake was useful than selenium in prevention against nicotine-induced oxidative stress including p53 expression in the lung, kidney and liver of pregnant rats. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(4.000): 321-331]

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify rabies virus in camels and other animals in Sudan. Materials and methods: Four camel samples were collected from Garraht Elzawia, Kab-kabia and North Darfur areas in Sudan. The samples were collected based on clinical signs. In addition, two camel samples were obtained from Khartoum and Tambool, one goat sample was collected from El-Fashir, and one cattle sample was obtained from Atbara. The samples were transported to the Veterinary Research Institute (VRI) at Khartoum, Sudan for further studies. The samples were subjected for nested and hemi nested RT-PCR (hnRT-PCR) along with the gold standard Fluorescent antibody test (FAT) to diagnose rabies. Results: Out of eight samples, seven were found to be positive by both FAT and RT-PCR methods. The remaining one sample was positive by FAT but negative by hnRT-PCR indicating the suitablity of hnRT-PCR along with FAT for accurate diagnosis of rabies in animals. Conclusion: The study concluded that FAT and RT-PCR are useful tools for research and diagnosis of rabies. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(3.000): 274-277]

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the some hematological values and ANAE-positive lymphocyte ratio of Jaydara sheep in Kyrgyzstan. The availability of information on hematological and biochemical parameters is essential to research conducted with an aim to increase yields in animal production. Materials and methods: The investigation was carried out on 60 healthy sheep aged between 2-3 years old. Leucocyte and erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin levels, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), differential leucocyte ratios and ANAE-positive lymphocyte ratios were investigated in blood samples using an automated cell counter machine. Results: The leucocyte count in Jaydara sheep was found to 4.92+/-0.59 x 103/mm3. Similarly, erythrocyte count was 11.73+/-0.65 x 103/mm3. On the other hand, hemoglobin content in blood was 11.70+/-0.51 gm/dL. The hematocrit, MCV, MCH, and MCHC values were 30.02+/-1.70 %, 25.64+/-1.28 and micro;3, 10.68+/-0.59 pg and 41.76+/-2.31% respectively. The differential leucocyte counts in Jaydara sheep were 42.53+/-1.13 (Neutrophil), 52.61+/-1.08 (Lymphocyte), 2.75+/-0.55 (Monocyte), 1.58+/-0.17 (Eosinophil), and 0.52+/-0.52 (Basophil). The ANAE-positive lymphocyte ratios in Jaydara sheep was found to be 65.00+/-2.55. Conclusion: The hematological parameters in healthy Jaydara sheep can be used as reference values for this particular sheep breed in future. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(1.000): 8-12]

Objective: The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus in cockroaches (Periplaneta americana), and to assess the antimicrobial resistance profiles of the isolated bacteria. Materials and methods: A total of 150 cockroaches (P. americana) were randomly captured from three households and four restaurants in Chittagong City Corporation, Bangladesh during July to December 2014. The cockroaches were transported to the bacteriology laboratory at the Poultry Research and Training Centre (PRTC), Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. The isolation and identification of Staphylococcus spp. from the external surface wash and gut homogenates by pooling cockroaches were done by following conventional bacteriological examinations followed by biochemical characterization. The antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the isolates were determined using disc diffusion method. Results: In this study, the overall prevalence of S. aureus was 38% (n=57/150). Higher prevalence of Staphylococcus spp. was observed among the cockroaches from restaurant (49.3%; n=37/75) as compared to those of households (26.7%; n=20/75) having a significant difference (P<0.05). Highest level of resistance by the Staphylococcus spp. was found to Penicillin (68%) followed by Erythromycin (60%), Oxacillin (46%) and Clindamycin (31%). On the other hand, the Staphylococci isolates were highly sensitive to Cephalothin (84%) and Kanamycin (65%). Conclusion: The rational use of antibiotics needs to be adopted in both human and animal medicine practices to prevent the emergence of drug resistant Staphylococcus spp. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(3.000): 221-228]

Objective: This research work was conducted for isolation of Salmonella spp. from duck and pigeon and assessment of antibiotic sensitivity patterns of the isolated Salmonella spp. Materials and methods: A total of 48 duck samples comprising of liver (n=16) spleen (n=16) and intestinal content (n=16) were collected from 16 ducks (8 sick and 8 dead). Similarly, 42 pigeon samples comprising of liver (n=14), spleen (n=14) and intestinal contents (n=14) were collected from 14 pigeons (7 sick and 7 dead). The samples were collected from the selected Duck and Pigeon farms at three Upazillas (sub-districts) in Dinajpur district, Bangladesh. The samples were subjected for isolation and identification of Salmonella spp. following standard bacteriological examinations such as cultural and morphological characteristics, biochemical properties and motility test. Commercially available antibiotic discs were used for the assesment of antibiotic resistant patterns by disc diffusion method. Results: Salmonella spp. could be isolated from 39.58% (n=19/48) duck and 28.57% (n=12/42) pigeon samples. The growth of colony with different characteristics in Brilliant Green agar, Nutrient agar, Salmonella-Shigella agar and Mac Conkey agar indicated positive results. Dextrose and mannitol were fermented and in Triple Sugar Iron (TSI) slant media, the isolates produced red color, yellow in butt with slightly black color. Positive result was found in Indole and Methyl Red media. The isolated Salmonella organisms were found to be highly sensitive to Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin. Conclusion: Pigeons and ducks found in the study area may be the carrier of Salmonella spp. The farm should be checked periodically to know the status of Salmonella infection. Further study might be isolation and identification of Salmonella organism with detail genomic analysis and drug resistance. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(4.000): 386-391]

Objectives: This study was designed to assess the contamination of enterovirulent Escherichia coli with table eggs at Mansoura, Egypt. Materials and methods: A total of 100 commercially available table eggs were randomly collected from various groceries and supermarkets at Mansoura, Egypt. The samples were screened for the presence of E. coli through conventional bacteriological and biochemical analyses followed by confirmation by polymerase chain reaction. Results: Overall, 18% (n=18/100) samples were found to be contaminated with one or more E. coli isolates. All possible E. coli colonies (n=52) appeared on MacConkey agar plates during the screening process were picked for further analysis. Among the 52 suspected isolates, 24 were confirmed as E. coli, which were further serotyped using polyvalent E. coli antisera. In this study, 9 different E. coli serotypes namely O78, O114, O2, O44, O1, O125, O128, O124 and O26 were identified. Out of these 9 serological strains, 5 (O78, O2, O44, O125, O124 and O26) were positive for eae gene, and 3 (O44, O1 and O128) were positive for stx2 gene. Two serological strains (O44 and O1) were positive for both stx1 and eae genes, while O125 and O114 were positive for stx2 and eae genes. Two strains (O78 and O128) were found to be positive for all three genes (stx1, stx2 and eae). Conclusion: Ensuring hygienic measures can effectively reduce the microbial load from table eggs. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(1.000): 1-7]

Objective: This case report describes a clinical case of Johne's disease (JD) in a Friesian calf aging one and half years. Materials and methods: Physical examination of the calf was carried out, history of the farm as well as samples for laboratory examinations were obtained. The laboratory examinations included hematological examinations by direct wet mount, hematocrit centrifugation technique and Giemsa stain, biochemical evaluation of serum, bacterial culture and isolation from feces and aspirate from the swollen jaw. Results: Clinical history showed that the farm had a history of JD, and routine health screening revealed that one of the calves had clinical signs suggestive of Johne's disease. Physical examination of the calf revealed a lumpy jaw, enlarged bilateral pre-scapular and pre-femoral lymph nodes, while hematological and biochemical findings showed a normocytic normochromic anemia, severe leukocytosis with neutropilic left shift and lymphocytosis with hyperproteinemia characterized by hyperglobulinemia. Fecal bacterial tests showed the presence of acid fast bacilli. Based on the history and laboratory findings, the cow was diagnosed with JD. In order to ensure effective control measures, the calf was culled from the heard. Postmortem examination revealed inflamed pre-scapular and pre-femoral lymph nodes with the presence of paramphistomes in the rumen mucosa. Conclusion: Since JD is a chronic disease that lingers in livestock farms, there is need for early identification and culling of infected animal in order to limit its devastation on the farm. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(3.000): 292-296]

Objective: This study was aimed at elucidating the association between Para influenza virus 3 (PIV3) and respiratory infections in domestic ruminants in different areas of Sudan. Materials and methods: During 2010-2013, five hundred sixty five lung samples with signs of pneumonia were collected from cattle (n=226), sheep (n=316) and goats (n=23) from slaughter houses in different areas in Sudan. The existence of PIV3 antigen was screened in the collected samples using ELISA and Fluorescent antibody technique. PIV3 genome was detected by PCR, and sequence analysis was conducted. Results: Positive results were found in 29 (12.8%) cattle, 31 (9.8%) sheep and 11 (47.8%) goat samples. All the studied areas showed positive results. Highest prevalence (66.7%) was detected in the sheep and goats in Khartoum, followed by in goats in Nyala (33.3%) at western Sudan. Sequence analyses of PIV3 of different regions of Sudan indicated that these were similar in sequence and length. The BLAST analysis indicated that the test sequences were closely related to the available annotated sequences at the GenBank. All these sequences matched with Bovine parainfluenza virus 3 except two those were matching with Swine parainfluenza virus 3. Conclusion: The results prove the existence of PIV3 infection in cattle, sheep and goats in the studied areas in Sudan and suggest its possible role in the respiratory infections. Genetic analysis indicate that the virus is mostly similar with bovine PIV3. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(3.000): 236-241]

Objective: The study was undertaken with an objective to determine the seroprevalence of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in goats of different age groups. Materials and methods: A total of 606 goats (414 vaccinated and 192 unvaccinated) were randomly selected from Rajshahi, Sirajganj and Gazipur districts. The goats were categorized into different age gropus; (i) 0-6 months, (ii) 12-24 months, and (iii) >24 months. Blood samples were collected from the goats and sera were prepared. The sera were examined for the presence of antibodies against PPR virus (PPRV) by competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA). Results: In the unvaccinated goats, overall seroprevalence was 8.70% (n=36/414). The highest seroprevalence was recorded in Rajshahi (28.57%; n=18/63) which was followed by Gazipur (16%; n=12/75) and Sirajganj (2.17%; n=6/276). The age-based overall seroprevalence in the unvaccinated samples from 0-6 months age group was 9.43% (n=15/159). Similarly, 12-24 and >24 months age groups of goats revealed the presence of 6% (n=9/150) and 11.43% (n=12/105) seroprevalence against PPRV. Of the vaccinated samples, overall 76.04% (n=146/192) were seropositive against PPRV. Within the age group of 0-6 months, vaccinated samples had the highest seroprevalence (80.25%; n=65/81) as compared to 12-24 (70.83%; n=34/48) and >24 months (74.60%; n=47/63) age groups of goats, respectively. Conclusion: The seroprevalence in the unvaccinated samples indicates that PPRV is circulating in Bangladesh which is inducing to produce natural antibody in goats. This study also states that the field level vaccination against PPRV could give protection to the goats. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(2.000): 127-133]

The livestock sector contributes largely to the economy of India. Different systemic diseases like renal diseases, neurological and cardiovascular diseases cause huge loss in production and productive potential of livestock in India, which is considered as a major concern for both small and large ruminants. Early detection of diseseses is essential to combat the economic loss. An efficient biochemical marker can be developed which would provide more specific, sensitive and reliable measurement of functions of different organs. Determination of endogenous marker Cystatin C may fulfill the above need which can provide a detection platform not only for Kidney function but also for assaying other organs' function. Cystatin C is a low molecular weight protein which is removed from the bloodstream by glomerular filtration in the kidneys. Thus, it may act as a potential biological tool in diagnosis of renal and other systemic diseases in livestock. This mini-review focuses on the Cystatin C and its clinical importance which can be extensively employed in the livestock sector. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(3.000): 200-205]