BACKGROUND: Canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is one ofthe most common causes of infectious gastroenteritis in dogs andis a highly contagious, often fatal disease. The original virus(CPV type 2) has had some mutations since its emergence andnew variants (CPV-2a, 2b and 2c) have been reported from manycountries all around the world. Early diagnosis and treatment canprofoundly affect the disease outcome. OBJECTIVES:To comparethe ability of Immunochromatographic (IC) test to detect CPVinfection in 50 PCR positive samples (n=50) with regard to virusstrains. METHODS: 50 rectal swabs (n=50) were prepared fromsuspicious dogs and subjected to PCR and IC test respectively.RESULTS: The sensitivity of IC test in PCR positive samples was84% (42 out of 50 samples) and the positive predictive value ofthe test was 100%. Using PCR, CPV strains in our study were 2a(18/50, 36%) and 2b (32/50, 64%) with the predominance of 2bstrain. IC test was also able to diagnose 15/18 (83.3%) of CPV-2a and 27/32 (84.3%) CPV-2b strain positive samples, whichmeans IC test can detect CPV infections caused by both virusstrains (2a and 2b), without significant difference. CONCLUSIONS:This study shows that IC test results are relatively reliable fordiagnosing CPVinfection in daily veterinary practice and the testis able to diagnose both CPV-2a and CPV-2b which are prevalentstrains in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin A which is found in different tissuesand organs plays a particular role in detecting clinical signs invarious deficiency conditions. However, sometimes the marginaldeficiency is present in a way that clinical signs are not visible butperformance defects, such as infertility is seen. OBJECTIVES: Inthis study, the normal baseline levels of vitamin Aand β-carotene inclinically healthy camels (Camelus dromedarius) in the Yazdprovince were investigated. METHODS: A total of 168 Iraniancamels of both sexes were sampled from February 2009 to July2010. Spectrophoto-metry was used for measuring the serumvalues. RESULTS: The mean±SE concentration of vitamin Aand β-carotene were 63.9±4.7 and 9±1.1 μg/dL, respectively. Although,the β-carotene concentr-ation was significantly higher in summer,vitamin Awas not influenced by season. No significant differencein the serum levels of the measured parameters was observed indifferent ages and sexes. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study,for the first time, indicate the concentration of vitamin A and β-carotene in the camels in Iran. This finding can be used as a referenceguide for evaluation of the deficiency or excess of vitamin Aand β-carotene in camels in Iran. Furthermore, due to the lower levels ofvitamin A and β-carotene in Iranian dromedaries during winter,supplementary feeding of vitamin A is recommended during thisseason.

BACKGROUND: The plerocercoid stage of Pseudophyllideancestoda infected a wide range of fresh water fish,particularly the members of the Cyprinidae family. The parasitespecies are the most common pathogens that have severe effectson fish. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is todetermine the occurrence and distribution of the plerocercoid ofDiphyllobothriidae in two freshwater fish from north andnorthwest of Iran. Finally, we discuss the role and dynamics ofthese species of fish in the transmission of infection. METHODS:This study was carried out from September 2011 to September2012on a total of 883 A. bipunctatus and 418 A. brama from northand northwest of Iran. The samples were analyzed to find theplerocercoid infection. RESULTS: From a total number of 883 A.bipunctatus and 418 A. brama fish samples, 558 fish (63.19%)of the former and 67 fish (16.02%) of the latter were infected. Therate of infection was significantly lower in winter (p<0.01). Also,the weight of infected fish was significantly lower than noninfectedones (p<0.01). Moreover, the infection in northwest ofIran was significantly higher than north of Iran (p<0.01).CONCLUSIONS: The family of Diphyllobothriidae is an importantcestode and the prevention programs to break the cycleof infection are essential. More suitable solutions to tackle theproblem, further epidemiological studies on other fresh watersources of Iran are needed.

BACKGROUND:There is no comprehension data on anatomicalindices of Nigerian goats. OBJECTIVES: To show osteometricvalues of some cranial indices in Nigerian goats. METHODS:Sixty (60) goat skulls that were found around Makurdi, Kwande,Katsina-ala and the neighbouring Adamawa state of Nigeria,were studied by investigating the 30 craniometric values.RESULTS: The measured distance from the facial tuberosity tothe infraorbital foramen was 2.33±0.29 Cm and 1.80±0.14 Cmfor females and males, respectively. In addition, the distancefrom the medial canthus to the supraorbital foramen was 27±0.31Cm for females and 2.83±0.24 Cm for males; from the lateralalveolar root to the mental foramen was 2.05±0.07 Cm forfemales and 5.10±7.28 Cm for males; and from the mandibularforamen to the ventral border of mandible was 5.90±0.14 Cm forfemales and 5.48±0.43 Cm for males. CONCLUSIONS: Thisbreed of goat might be a different phenotype of the breeds that isavailable in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Influenza outbreak has become a great lifethreateningdisease in the world. Nasal vaccines can inducesystemic IgG and mucosal IgA antibody responses, whichestablish two layers of immune defense against the infectiouspathogens like influenza. Mucosal vaccines must overcomeseveral limitations, including the mucociliary clearance andinefficient uptake of soluble antigens. Therefore, nasal vaccinesrequire potent adjuvants and delivery systems. OBJECTIVES: Inthis study we evaluated the effect of N-trimethyl chitosan (TMC)as a potent vehicle for DNA encoding M2e/HSP70c in order forintranasal administration in mice. METHODS:Ectodomain of theconserved influenza matrix protein 2 (M2e), which has beenfound to induce heterosubtypic immunity, was fused toHSP70359-610 or C-terminus of Mycobacterium tuberculosisHSP70 (HSP70c) in pcDNA3.1 vector (pcDNA/M2e-HSP70c)and then encapsulated into a derivative of chitosan, N-trimethylchitosan (TMC). After encapsulation of the plasmid, physicalproperties of the particles were investigated using Zetasizer®3000 the particles were then administered through the intranasaldelivery in BALB/c mice. RESULTS: It was found that theparticles had a size ranging between 90-120nm and positivesurface charge. The intranasal immunization with M2e-HSP70c+TMC in BALB/c mice significantly induced higherM2e specific IgG than those induced in control groups(pcDNA/M2e-HSP70c without TMC, pcDNA/M2e, bearingM2e alone, and PBS).CONCLUSIONS: The present study showedthat the encapsulation of M2e/ HSP70c into N-trimethylchitosan (TMC) could strongly induce the humoral immuneresponse against the M2e-HSP70c plasmid without lowering theadjuvant efficacy of HSP70c.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic steatosis due to estrogen therapyincreases the activity of inflammatory markers, particularly theactivity of TNFα which in turn induces more lipogenesis.Omega-3 fatty acids are among the negative regulators of hepaticlipogenesis. OBJECTIVES: In this research, the preventive effectof omega-3 fatty acids on estrogen-induced steatosis in rats wasevaluated. METHODS:2 mg/kg. BW/SC of 17α-ethiny-lestrasdiolwere injected into 25 female wistar rats in 5 equal groups(excluding the control group) over 10 consecutive days.Simultaneously, 3 of estradiol-treated groups were orally given250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg. BW omega-3 fatty acids, respectively.At the end of the experiment, plasma ALT, AST, and TNFαlevel were determined. Histopathological changes in the liverwere also identified by the evaluation of samples stained withH&amp;E and Oil Red O. RESULTS: The histological findingsrevealed hepatic microvesicular steatosis and fat deposit inethinylestradiol and, to a lesser extent, in the 250 mg/kg BWomega-3 fatty acids groups. The plasma levels of AST, ALT, andTNFα significantly increased in the ethinylestradiol groupcompared to the control (p<0.05) and 1000 mg/kg. B.W omega-3 group. Omega-3 fatty acids reduced these parameters incomparison to the estradiol group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Itwas concluded that 1000mg/kg.BW of omega-3 protects theliver against steatotic injuries.

BACKGROUND:Avian reoviruses (ARVs) are members of theOrthoreovirus genus; one of the 12 genera of the Reoviridaefamily. The ARVs are the cause of some important diseases inpoultry such as reovirus-induced arthritis, tenosynovitis,chronic respiratory disease, and mal-absorption syndrome.OBJECTIVES: In this study, the presence of ARVs in the Iranianbreeder flocks was investigated through reverse transcriptionpolymerasechain reaction (RT-PCR) and restriction enzymefragment length polymorphism (RFLP). METHODS: A total of800 fecal swab samples were initially collected from breederflocks (older than 45 weeks of age). They were then sent to thelaboratory in containers with PBS, and after that they werepooled and finally to 120 samples were obtained. The total RNAextracted from the pooled fecal samples were used to amplify theselected parts of the S1 (1023 bp) and S4 (437 bp) genes from theARV field isolates using RT-PCR. The positive RT-PCRamplified products were further analyzed by RFLP using fiverestriction enzymes. RESULTS: Based on the findings, 5 sampleswere positive with the S1 primer and 6 samples were with the S4one. The patterns observed after the digestion of PCR productsrevealed that the isolates of this study were identical to both theS1133 vaccine and standard strains. CONCLUSIONS: Thefindings suggested that the RT-PCR/RFLP analysis might beconsidered as a simple and rapid approach for the differentiationof ARVisolates. This study was the first molecular detection ofthe ARVs presence in the Iranian breeder flocks using the RTPCRamplification of the S1 and S4 genes and RFLP analysis.

BACKGROUND:The bacterial contamination of fertile eggs isthe most common cause of embryonic death in ostrich hatcheryunits leading to financial loss in ostrich industry. OBJECTIVES:The aim of this research was to investigate the bacterialcontamination status, with emphasis on Escherichia coli, ofostrich hatcheries and the antimicrobial resistance profile ofisolated Escherichia coli. METHODS:Atotal of 120 ostrich eggswith dead embryos, at weekly intervals, were collected fromthree ostrich hatcheries. The dead embryos were sent tolaboratory and samples were collected aseptically from differentorgans. Bacterial detection and identification were performed byusing standard bacteriological and biochemical techniques.Antimicrobial susceptibility test was carried out by agar diskdiffusionmethod against 27 antimicrobial agents. RESULTS:Different types of bacteria were isolated from 56 eggs (46.7%).Twenty-four ostrich eggs were shown to carry E. coli. In someeggs, in addition to yolk sac, E. coli was also isolated frommeconium, liver, or heart blood which increased the total numberof E. coli isolates to 32. All E. coli isolates were susceptible totrimethoprim + sulphamethoxazole, danofloxacin, and flumequine,whereas all were resistant to carbenicillin and erythromycin.Resistance to other agents was variable. Multi-drugresistance pattern was found among all E. coli isolates andincluded 2 to 12 drugs. Thirty-two E. coli isolates generated 30different resistance profiles against 27 antimicrobial drugs.CONCLUSIONS: This was the first comprehensive reportregarding the bacterial, particularly Escherichia coli, contaminationof dead-in-shell ostrich embryos and antimicrobial resistancestatus of the Escherichia coli isolates from ostrich eggs inIran.

BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis causedby Leptospira interrogans. Leptospirosis results in decreasedmilk production, abortion, stillbirth, infertility and mortality,which causes financial loss in the cattle industry. OBJECTIVES:The aim of this research was to perform a serological andbacteriological study of leptospirosis in 6 industrial dairy herdsand 3 feedlots with previous records of leptospirosis in Tehransuburbs in 2011-2012. METHODS: For the purpose of this study,408 blood samples from dairy cattle and 154 blood samples fromfeedlots were collected using sterile 10ml venoject vacutainersfrom tail vein. Two months later, 118 urine samples werecollected from 20% of the two groups of serological negative andpositive animals. All serum samples were serologically tested bymicroscopic agglutination test (MAT), a standard method forserological diagnosis of leptospirosis. The serum samples weretested for antibodies against five live antigens of Leptospirainterrogans serovars: Pomona, Grippotyphosa, Hardjo, Icterohaemorrhagiaeand Canicola. Urine samples were used forbacteriological isolation of Leptospira spp. RESULTS: Serologicalresults showed that 228 (40.6%) of animals had a positivereaction against one or more serovars. The most prevalentLeptospira serovars was Pomona 118 (40.3%) and the leastprevalent was Canicola 4 (1.4%). The most prevalent titer was1:100, and the highest titer was 1:1600. Also the mostseropositive cases were observed in 3 to 4-year-old cows.Bacteriological results revealed that in 11 (9.3%) urine samplesLeptospira spp. were isolated, all taken from one feedlot farm.According to the history taken from each farm, the main riskfactors were the presence of rodents and low hygienic conditionsof the farms. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study revealedthat cows could have a major role in maintaining Pomona,Grippotyphosa and Hardjo serovars; indeed, they are a potentialzoonotic risk to slaughter house workers, meat inspectors,milkers and farmers.

BACKGROUND: West Nile virus (WNV) is a vector-borneagent that is maintained within a bird-mosquito cycle. In humansand equids, infection by this agent is usually asymptomatic, orcharacterized by a mild febrile illness. However, fatal meningoencephalitisor encephalitis may occur. OBJECTIVES:The aim ofthis study was to evaluate the prevalence of WNVinfection andcorrelation of this organism with host and environmentaldeterminants in horses in Khuzestan province. METHODS: In2011-2012, serum samples of 155 horses were randomly collectedfrom 7 zones of Khuzestan province and were examined byELISAassay. RESULTS: Seroprevalence of WNVinfection was70.3% (95% CI: 63.1-77.5%). Statistical analysis showed thatage, zone, presence of lake, type of bed, time of sampling, stayingout of the stable after sunset and the method of insect control aresignificantly associated with infection (p<0.05) but sex, presenceof river, wall condition, presence of rubbish dump and history ofdisease are not significantly associated with infection (p>0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study confirm that theWNV infection exists in Khuzestan province. Considering thelocal weather conditions and the facility of vector-bornetransmission, the health authorities should take measures toprevent and control the infection.