Objective: The present research work was undertaken with the objectives to investigate the prevalence and molecular detection of the causal agents of sub-clinical mastitis (SCM) in cows at milk shed areas in Sirajganj and Pabna districts, Bangladesh.Materials and methods: A total of 300 milk samples were randomly collected from Baghabari milk shed areas of Sirajganj and Pabna districts. The milk samples were subjected for California Mastitis Test (CMT) for identifying SCM. Total 81 positive samples were then used for the isolation and identification of associated bacteria and fungi using conventional microbiological examination and biochemical tests, followed by confirmation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers. Besides, universal primers were used for amplification and sequencing of PCR products where specific primers were not used. Results: The overall prevalence of SCM was 51% (n=153/300). Based on bacteriological examination and biochemical tests, several bacteria were identified in this study; the orgnaisms included Staphylococcus sp. (45.68%), Streptococcus uberis (14.81%), Escherichia coli (9.88%), Proteus sp. (19.75%), Salmonella sp. (1.23%), Acinetobacter sp. (7.41%), and fungus (1.23%). PCR technique confirmed the bacteria as Staphylococcus aureus (279-bp), Streptococcus uberis (884-bp), E. coli (16SrRNA 585-bp, stx1 606-bp, rfbO157 497-bp) and Salmonella sp. (Inv-A gene796-bp).Conclusion: This study reveals that SCM in dairy cattle is persisting in Sirajganj and Pabna districts of Bangladesh. Hygienic practices should be improved, and providing technical intereventions may reduce the rate of SCM in the study areas. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(4.000): 378-384]

Pasteurella multocida type A is the etiologic agent of fowl cholera, a highly contagious and fatal disease of chickens. The present research work was performed for the isolation, identification and molecular detection of P. multocida Type A from chickens. Liver, heart and spleen of suspected dead chicken (n=35) were collected from Gazipur and Pabna districts in Bangladesh. The targeted bacteria from the samples were isolated, identified and characterized based on their morphology, staining, cultural, biochemical characters, pathogenicity test, histopathological study and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The P. multocida organism was isolated from 11.42% (n=4/35) samples. The organisms were gram negative, non-spore forming rod, non-motile, occurring singly or pairs in Gram staining, whereas in Leishman's stain, bipolar shaped organisms were observed. All the isolates were found positive for oxidase and catalase tests, produced indole, and fermented glucose, mannitol and sucrose. Necrotic foci in liver and congestion with hemorrhages in heart were found on necropsy. After pathogenicity test, the pathological changes were reconfirmed by histopathology depicting congestion, hemorrhage and lymphocyte infiltration in heart, liver and spleen tissues. In type specific PCR reaction, the organisms were confirmed as P. multocida Type A. In conclusion, P. multocida type A is prevalent among poultry in the studied regions; thus, care must be taken to control of the disease. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2015; 2(3.000): 338-345]

Objective: Present research aims to isolate, identify, and determine the virulence of the Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus; GBS), isolated from popped eye disease affected Tilapia and Vietnamese Koi (V. Koi) fishes. Materials and Methods: A total of 330 fish samples were collected, of which Tilapia (n = 180) and V. Koi (n = 150), were collected from 35 affected ponds of four selected districts of Bangladesh. Isolation of the bacterium was done using different culture media (Nutrient broth, Plate count agar, Tryptic Soy Agar, and Blood agar), and identification by using various biochemical tests (con¬ventional and using API 20 Strep kit) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers against 16S rRNA gene of S. agalactiae. Antibiotic susceptibility of the bacteria was performed using seven different antibiotics disc (Tetracycline, Oxytetracycline, Chlortetracycline, Streptomycin, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin, and Neomycin). Virulence of the isolated S. agalactiae was determined by infecting healthy Tilapia and V. Koi fishes through experimental infection. Results: Isolated bacteria were found Gram-positive paired and chained cocci, β-hemolytic and non-motile. Findings of biochemical and serological tests indicate that the isolated bacterium belongs to Group B Streptococcus of Lancefield classification. PCR result also confirmed that the bacteria were S. agalactiae. The bacterial isolates possessed resistance property against all the seven antibiotics used in this study. The isolated GBS was found highly virulent and showed 80%90% mortality for Tilapia and V. Koi fishes in experimental infection within 16 days of post-infection. Conclusion: From the findings of this study, it may be concluded that isolated GBS from the Tilapia and V. Koi fishes were highly virulent and possessed multidrug-resistance properties. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(1.000): 14-23]

Objective: Emergence of colistin-resistant Escherichia coli (CREC) has generated a sense of public alarm. The objective of this study was to detect the CREC and identification of the gene responsible for such resistance.Materials and Methods: A total of 150 samples comprising poultry cloacal swab, house flies (Musca domestica), and pond water were collected randomly from Mymensingh, Bangladesh and analyzed. Isolation and identification of E. coli were done based on culture and E. coli 16S rRNA gene-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Phenotypic detection of CREC was done by disk diffusion method. Finally, colistin resistance genes were detected by PCR by using colistin resistant gene mcr3 specific primers.Results: Among the 150 samples, phenotypically 18.00% (n = 27/150) isolates were found as colistin resistant. By PCR, 8.00% of the E. coli isolates were found positive for the presence of mcr3 gene.Conclusions: Colistin resistant E. coli carrying mcr3 are detected in poultry, house flies and water that are of great public health concern. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2019; 6(1.000): 50-53]

Objective: The present study was performed for isolation, identification, and molecular detection of Avipoxvirus [Turkeypox virus (TPV), Fowlpox virus (FPV), and Pigeonpox virus (PPV)] from field outbreaks in some selected areas of Mymensingh division, Bangladesh.Materials and Methods: A total of 60 suspected cutaneous nodular samples (10 TPV, 20 PPV, and 30 FPV) were collected. The samples were then subjected to isolation and identification by chicken embryo propagation followed by confirmation using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results: The TPV, FPV, and PPV were successfully isolated and identified from the nodular samples using embryo propagation and PCR technique targeting pox virus p4b gene. Out of 10 Turkeypox suspected field samples, five (50%) were positive for TPV. Similarly, among 30 Fowl pox suspected field samples, 12 (40%), and out of 20 Pigeonpox suspected field samples, eight (40%) were found to be positive for FPV and PPV, respectively. The overall prevalence of avipox (TPV, FPV, and PPV) virus infections in Mymensingh division was 41.67% (n = 25/60).Conclusion: This study has shown that TPV, FPV, and PPV are circulating in Mymensingh division. The isolated TPV, FPV, and PPV field isolates can be used as vaccine candidates to develop an effective vaccine for effective controlling of the avipox in Mymensingh division and surrounding areas. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2019; 6(1.000): 54-59]

Objectives: Here we determined the prevalence of Salmonella in cloacal swabs and pharyngeal swabs of apparently healthy pigeons sold in the live bird markets and villages in and around Bangladesh Agricultural University Campus, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Materials and methods: A total of 50 samples, comprised of cloacal swabs (n=24) and pharyngeal swabs (n=26) were collected. The samples were processed, and Salmonella was isolated through a series of conventional bacteriological techniques and biochemical tests followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The prevalence rate of Salmonella was found to be 37.5% (n=9/24) in cloacal swabs and 30.77% (n=8/26) in pharyngeal swabs with an overall prevalence rate of 34% (n=17/50). The prevalence rate of Salmonella pigeon varied slightly among locations; 34.62% (n=9/26) in live bird markets, and 33.33% (n=8/24) in villages. Molecular detection of 17 Salmonella isolates obtained from biochemical test was performed by genus specific PCR, where all of them amplified a region of 496-bp segment of the histidine transport operon gene. Antibiogram study revealed multi-drug resistant traits in most of the isolates tested. The highest resistance was found against Ampicillin (88.23%) followed by Cephalexin (82.35%). The rate of sensitivity of the isolates to Ciprofloxacin was 100% followed by Azithromycin (82.35%), Gentamicin (76.47%) and Nalidixic acid (76.47%). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that pigeons carry multi-drug resistant Salmonella that may transfer to the humans and animals. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(1.000): 51-55]

Objectives: Migratory birds play a major role in the transmission of pathogens globally, but still their role in the transmission of fungi in Bangladesh is not known. The present study was carried out for the isolation and molecular detection of fungi including Aspergillus from migratory birds traveling to Bangladesh. Materials and methods: A total of 50 fecal samples were collected from BaojaniBaor, Magura, and areas close to Jahangirnagar University, Savar. The isolation of fungus was based on culture on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), followed by staining, morphology, and molecular detection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Among 50 samples, 40 showed positive for fungal growth on PDA, of which 30 yield only yeast-like colonies, five only molds, and five yielded both yeast and molds. The isolated molds produced various pigmented colonies, namely, black, whitish, grayish, olive green, and yellow. Among 10 molds, six were confirmed as fungi by PCR using genus-specific primers such as ITS1 and ITS4. Later, of these six fungi, five were confirmed as Aspergillus by PCR with primers such as ASAP1 and ASAP2 specific for Aspergillus genus. Therefore, the overall occurrence of Aspergillus was 10% (5/50). PCR specific for Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger failed to produce specific PCR amplicon, suggesting that the isolated Aspergillus belongs to other groups. Conclusion: This is the first report describing the isolation and molecular detection of Aspergillus from fecal samples of migratory birds in Bangladesh. The present findings confirm that migratory birds are potential source for Aspergillus and other fungus in Bangladesh. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(2.000): 338-344]

Objectives: The objective of this study was to isolate and identify Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli from raw milk samples of cattle and buffalo, and to evaluate the antibiotic sensitivity pattern. Materials and methods: A total of 34 milk samples were collected twice from 17 different healthy cattle (n=14) and buffaloes (n=3) at one-month interval, and analyzed in laboratory by staining, cultural and biochemical characteristics followed by polymerase chain reaction targeting nuc gene of S. aureus and 16 S rRNA of E. coli. Antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the isolated bacteria was assessed using the disc diffusion method. Results: Confirmation of the isolates as S. aureus and E. coli were carried out by PCR using nuc gene, 16S rRNA gene specific primers specific for S. aureus and E. coli respectively. A total of 12 samples (35.29%; 11 from cattle, 1 from buffalo) were found to be positive for S. aureus; 5 and 7 during first and second month, respectively. The E. coli were found in three samples (2 from cattle, 1 from buffaloe); one in first month and two in the second month. The antibiotic sensitivity test using 4 commonly used antibiotics indicated that the most of the isolates were resistant to Gatifloxacin and one isolate showed intermediate resistance to Ofloxacin while sensitive to Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin.Conclusion: Two different species of bacteria i.e., S. aureus and E. coli are contaminating with milk samples. The pathogenic bacteria can be controlled effectively by using Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin in the case of mastitis in cattle and buffaloes in Bangladesh. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(1.000): 62-67]

Objective: To determine the prevalence of Schistosoma infection in cattle in Maiduguri Metropolis (MMC) and Jere Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Borno State, Nigeria.Materials and Methods: Blood samples (n=200) were collected from cattle consisting of one hundred (100) each from five (5) ward levels each of MMC and Jere LGAs. DNA samples were extracted from the serum samples, analysed and quantified using a Nano-drop machine. The extracted DNA were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results: The overall prevalence of Schistosoma infection was 2% (n=200). Jere LGA had 3% (n=100) while MMC had 1% (n=100). There was no statistical significant association in prevalence rate in the two LGAs studied (P=0.621) (P>0.05). At the ward levels, Custom Area in Jere LGA had 15%, Jiddari ward in MMC had 5%, and the remaining ward levels had no cases. Of the 103 female and 97 male cattle screened, the prevalence in female was 1(0.97%) and 3(3.09%) in the male. Of the 177 serum samples from above 1year (adult) examined, 4 (2.26%) were positive and none in the young. There was no statistical significant association in prevalence rate among ward levels, sex groups and age groups in the study areas (P=0.621) (P>0.05), (P=0.356) (P>0.05) and (P=1.000) (P>0.05) respectively. Of the eight (8) breeds screened, Kuri had 2.7%, Sokoto Gudali (1.82%), Abore (2%), Red Bororo (2.63%), White Fulani, Porland, Mbala and Wafara recorded no cases. The difference in prevalence rates among the breeds based on the trend of occurrence of Schistosoma infection were not significantly associated statistically (P=1.000) (P>0.05). Conclusion: There is a prevalence of Schistosoma infection in cattle in the two LGAs of Borno state. It is recommended that a system be established to maintain preventive and control programs. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(2.000): 92-98]

Duck plague (DP) is the most feared duck disease in the world. For isolation, identification, molecular detection and characterization of DP virus (DPV), a total of 94 samples were collected from commercial farms (n=6) and households (n=13) from Rajshahi (n=37), Netrokona (n=35) and Mymensingh (n=22) districts of Bangladesh. The samples were processed and inoculated into 11-13 days old embryonated duck eggs for virus propagation. Virus was identified using agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGIT) and passive hemagglutination (PHA) test, and was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting DNA polymerase and gC genes, followed by sequencing. Pathogenicity tests were performed using duck embryos, ducklings and ducks. Among the 94 samples, 17 isolates were confirmed as DPV by PCR amplification of partial DNA polymerase (446-bp) and gC genes (78-bp), respectively. One of the isolates (Anatid herpes 1 BAU DMH) was sequenced and found to be closely related with a Chinese variant of DPV (GenBank: JQ647509.1). Thus, we assume that both Bangladeshi and Chinese isolates of DPV may have a common ancestor. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2015; 2(3.000): 296-303]