Abortions in domestic ruminants cause significant economic losses to farmers. Determining the cause of an abortion is important for control efforts, but it can be challenging. All available diagnostic methods in the bacteriology laboratory should be employed in every case due to the many limiting factors (autolysis, lack of history, range of samples) that complicate the investigation process. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the recovery of diagnostically significant isolates from domestic ruminant abortion cases could be increased through the use of a combination of the existing aerobic culture and Brucella selective method with methods that are commonly recommended in the literature reporting abortion investigations. These methods are examination of wet preparations and impression smears stained by the modified Ziehl–Neelsen method, anaerobic, microaerophilic, Leptospira, Mycoplasma and fungal culture. Samples of placenta and aborted foetuses from 135 routine clinical abortion cases of cattle (n = 88), sheep (n = 25) and goats (n = 22) were analysed by the new combination of methods. In 46 cases, bacteria were identified as aetiological agents and in one case a fungus. Isolation of Brucella species increased to 7.4% over two years compared with the previous 10 years (7.3%), as well as Campylobacter jejuni (n = 2) and Rhizopus species (n = 1). Salmonella species (5.9%) and Trueperella pyogenes (4.4%) were also isolated more often. In conclusion, the approach was effective in removing test selection bias in the bacteriology laboratory. The importance of performing an in-depth study on the products of abortion by means of an extensive, combination of conventional culture methods was emphasised by increased isolation of Brucella abortus and isolation of C. jejuni. The combination of methods that yielded the most clinically relevant isolates was aerobic, microaerophilic, Brucella and fungal cultures.

Abortions in domestic ruminants cause significant economic losses to farmers. Determining the cause of an abortion is important for control efforts, but it can be challenging. All available diagnostic methods in the bacteriology laboratory should be employed in every case due to the many limiting factors (autolysis, lack of history, range of samples) that complicate the investigation process. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the recovery of diagnostically significant isolates from domestic ruminant abortion cases could be increased through the use of a combination of the existing aerobic culture and Brucella selective method with methods that are commonly recommended in the literature reporting abortion investigations. These methods are examination of wet preparations and impression smears stained by the modified Ziehl–Neelsen method, anaerobic, microaerophilic, Leptospira, Mycoplasma and fungal culture. Samples of placenta and aborted foetuses from 135 routine clinical abortion cases of cattle (n = 88), sheep (n = 25) and goats (n = 22) were analysed by the new combination of methods. In 46 cases, bacteria were identified as aetiological agents and in one case a fungus. Isolation of Brucella species increased to 7.4% over two years compared with the previous 10 years (7.3%), as well as Campylobacter jejuni (n = 2) and Rhizopus species (n = 1). Salmonella species (5.9%) and Trueperella pyogenes (4.4%) were also isolated more often. In conclusion, the approach was effective in removing test selection bias in the bacteriology laboratory. The importance of performing an in-depth study on the products of abortion by means of an extensive, combination of conventional culture methods was emphasised by increased isolation of Brucella abortus and isolation of C. jejuni. The combination of methods that yielded the most clinically relevant isolates was aerobic, microaerophilic, Brucella and fungal cultures.

Neospora caninum is a coccidian parasite that occurs worldwide and is one of the most important causes of abortion, especially in cattle. However, no studies have been performed in Namibia to determine the N. caninum status in livestock. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of N. caninum in cattle and the associated risk factors in the Khomas region of Namibia. A total of 736 sera were collected from cows in 32 farming establishments. These comprised 698 beef and 38 dairy cattle sera and were tested using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Questionnaires were concurrently administered to determine possible risk factors associated with N. caninum seropositivity. A total of 42 sera were positive (all beef), giving an animal-level seroprevalence rate of 5.7%. Eight of the 32 establishments had at least one positive animal, giving a herd-level seroprevalence of 25%. There was no significant association between seropositivity and the presence of dogs, jackals, history of abortions, farm size, number of cattle or average annual rainfall. The establishments with moderate to high numbers of Feliformia were 9.8 times more likely to be seropositive to N. caninum than those with none to low levels of the former (p = 0.0245). The authors concluded that the seroprevalence level of N. caninum in the Khomas region was relatively low compared with other parts of the world and that the role of Feliformia in the epidemiology of bovine neosporosis needed to be further investigated.Contribution: Serological evidence of bovine neosporosis and the associated risk factors are reported in Namibia for the first time. This study contributes to the scientific body of knowledge on N. caninum in Africa, which is currently limited.

Neospora caninum is a coccidian parasite that occurs worldwide and is one of the most important causes of abortion, especially in cattle. However, no studies have been performed in Namibia to determine the N. caninum status in livestock. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of N. caninum in cattle and the associated risk factors in the Khomas region of Namibia. A total of 736 sera were collected from cows in 32 farming establishments. These comprised 698 beef and 38 dairy cattle sera and were tested using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Questionnaires were concurrently administered to determine possible risk factors associated with N. caninum seropositivity. A total of 42 sera were positive (all beef), giving an animal-level seroprevalence rate of 5.7%. Eight of the 32 establishments had at least one positive animal, giving a herd-level seroprevalence of 25%. There was no significant association between seropositivity and the presence of dogs, jackals, history of abortions, farm size, number of cattle or average annual rainfall. The establishments with moderate to high numbers of Feliformia were 9.8 times more likely to be seropositive to N. caninum than those with none to low levels of the former (p = 0.0245). The authors concluded that the seroprevalence level of N. caninum in the Khomas region was relatively low compared with other parts of the world and that the role of Feliformia in the epidemiology of bovine neosporosis needed to be further investigated. Contribution: Serological evidence of bovine neosporosis and the associated risk factors are reported in Namibia for the first time. This study contributes to the scientific body of knowledge on N. caninum in Africa, which is currently limited.

Clinical signs suggestive of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) involved herds of small ruminants, which were described elsewhere in Sudan. Peste des petits ruminants was confirmed using an Immunocapture ELISA (IC-ELISA) assay in samples of infected and dead animals in areas of outbreaks. Therefore, to update information regarding the current situation and for assessment of the serological prevalence of PPR in small ruminants mingled at Central and Western Sudan during 2018–2019, 368 sera were collected from sheep (325 sera) and goats (43 sera) with different ages and breeds. These sera included 186 sera (173 sheep and 13 goats) from White Nile State and 182 sera (152 sheep and 30 goats) from Kordofan States. Competitive ELISA demonstrated higher prevalence of PPRV antibodies of 88.9%, 90.7% and 88.6% in both sheep and goats, goats, and sheep sera, respectively. Moreover, 100%, 94.7% and 78.5% seroprevalence values were demonstrated in South Kordofan, North Kordofan and White Nile States. The higher seroprevalence values detected in sera of unvaccinated sheep and goats indicated the wide exposure of these animals to PPRV and presence of protection following PPR viral infection. The findings of the study indicated that PPR is endemic in the surveyed areas of Sudan.Contribution: The study will contribute effectively to the global eradication programme of PPR organised by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). To completely eliminate PPR from Sudan by 2030, local efforts should be directed towards effectively and wholly vaccinating small ruminants using PPRV vaccine especially in routes of seasonal animal’s movement and shared grazing areas.

Clinical signs suggestive of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) involved herds of small ruminants, which were described elsewhere in Sudan. Peste des petits ruminants was confirmed using an Immunocapture ELISA (IC-ELISA) assay in samples of infected and dead animals in areas of outbreaks. Therefore, to update information regarding the current situation and for assessment of the serological prevalence of PPR in small ruminants mingled at Central and Western Sudan during 2018–2019, 368 sera were collected from sheep (325 sera) and goats (43 sera) with different ages and breeds. These sera included 186 sera (173 sheep and 13 goats) from White Nile State and 182 sera (152 sheep and 30 goats) from Kordofan States. Competitive ELISA demonstrated higher prevalence of PPRV antibodies of 88.9%, 90.7% and 88.6% in both sheep and goats, goats, and sheep sera, respectively. Moreover, 100%, 94.7% and 78.5% seroprevalence values were demonstrated in South Kordofan, North Kordofan and White Nile States. The higher seroprevalence values detected in sera of unvaccinated sheep and goats indicated the wide exposure of these animals to PPRV and presence of protection following PPR viral infection. The findings of the study indicated that PPR is endemic in the surveyed areas of Sudan. Contribution: The study will contribute effectively to the global eradication programme of PPR organised by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). To completely eliminate PPR from Sudan by 2030, local efforts should be directed towards effectively and wholly vaccinating small ruminants using PPRV vaccine especially in routes of seasonal animal’s movement and shared grazing areas.

Lymnaea natalensis is the only snail intermediate host of Fasciola gigantica, the causative agent of fascioliasis, in Nigeria. The species also serves as intermediate host for many other African trematode species of medical and veterinary importance, and it is found throughout the country. However, there is no detailed information on the factors that influence its distribution and seasonal abundance in the tropical aquatic habitats in Nigeria. This study used the geographic information system and remotely sensed data to develop models for predicting the distribution of L. natalensis in South-Western Nigeria. Both land surface temperature (LST) and normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) were extracted from Landsat satellite imagery; other variables (slope and elevation) were extracted from a digital elevation model (DEM) while rainfall data were retrieved from the European Meteorology Research Programme (EMRP). These environmental variables were integrated into a geographic information system (GIS) to predict suitable habitats of L. natalensis using exploratory regression. A total of 1410 L. natalensis snails were collected vis-à-vis 22 sampling sites. Built-up areas recorded more L. natalensis compared with farmlands. There was no significant difference in the abundance of snails with season (p  0.05). The regression models showed that rainfall, NDVI, and slope were predictors of L. natalensis distribution. The habitats suitable for L. natalensis were central areas, while areas to the north and south were not suitable for L. natalensis.Contribution: The predictive risk models of L. natalensis in the study will be useful in mapping other areas where the snail sampling could not be conducted.

Lymnaea natalensis is the only snail intermediate host of Fasciola gigantica, the causative agent of fascioliasis, in Nigeria. The species also serves as intermediate host for many other African trematode species of medical and veterinary importance, and it is found throughout the country. However, there is no detailed information on the factors that influence its distribution and seasonal abundance in the tropical aquatic habitats in Nigeria. This study used the geographic information system and remotely sensed data to develop models for predicting the distribution of L. natalensis in South-Western Nigeria. Both land surface temperature (LST) and normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) were extracted from Landsat satellite imagery; other variables (slope and elevation) were extracted from a digital elevation model (DEM) while rainfall data were retrieved from the European Meteorology Research Programme (EMRP). These environmental variables were integrated into a geographic information system (GIS) to predict suitable habitats of L. natalensis using exploratory regression. A total of 1410 L. natalensis snails were collected vis-à-vis 22 sampling sites. Built-up areas recorded more L. natalensis compared with farmlands. There was no significant difference in the abundance of snails with season (p  0.05). The regression models showed that rainfall, NDVI, and slope were predictors of L. natalensis distribution. The habitats suitable for L. natalensis were central areas, while areas to the north and south were not suitable for L. natalensis. Contribution: The predictive risk models of L. natalensis in the study will be useful in mapping other areas where the snail sampling could not be conducted.

Brucellosis is a major threat to public health especially in developing countries including Pakistan. This study reveals the characterisation of Brucella species affecting humans and goats in the Swat region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Blood samples were collected from shepherds and goats and analysed by Rose Bengal precipitation test (RBPT), standard plate agglutination test (SPAT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. The findings of the study indicated 24% (36/150) and 11.3% (17/150) positivity for Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis, respectively, in human samples. In samples of goats, 26.66% (40/150) were positive for B. abortus and 16.66% (25/150) samples were positive B. melitensis by SPAT. The species-specific PCR confirmed B. abortus in 24% (36/150) of human samples and 26.66% (17/150) of goat samples by targeting the IS711 locus. The remaining seropositive samples were confirmed as B. melitensis using IS711 M species-specific primer. The sequences of the amplified fragments of the 16S rRNA gene were blasted, and phylogenetic analysis revealed that Brucella species circulating in the Swat district were closely related to B. melitensis and B. abortus reported from India, China, Philippines, and the United States (US) showing the existence of the possible epidemiological linkage among the Brucella species. This study concluded that there was a higher prevalence of B. abortus (26.6%) in humans and goats compared to B. melitensis (16.6%). These results revealed that the Brucella species were circulating in both humans and goats in the study areas. The findings of the study concluded that B. abortus and B. melitensis were circulating in goats and shepherds with a higher prevalence of B. abortus than B. melitensis. Furthermore, the Brucella species identified in Swat were phylogenetically related to the Brucella species reported from India, China, Philippines and the US.Contribution: The proposed study covers the scope of the journal. The species of the genus Brucella affect both animals and shepherds. This study investigates the seroprevalence of brucellosis in shepherds and goats in different geographical areas in the Swat district. The phylogenetic analysis of the Brucella spp. identified in Swat showed close relationships to the Brucella species reported in India, China, Philippines and the US, which shows the possible epidemiological linkages between the Brucella spp.

Brucellosis is a major threat to public health especially in developing countries including Pakistan. This study reveals the characterisation of Brucella species affecting humans and goats in the Swat region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Blood samples were collected from shepherds and goats and analysed by Rose Bengal precipitation test (RBPT), standard plate agglutination test (SPAT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. The findings of the study indicated 24% (36/150) and 11.3% (17/150) positivity for Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis, respectively, in human samples. In samples of goats, 26.66% (40/150) were positive for B. abortus and 16.66% (25/150) samples were positive B. melitensis by SPAT. The species-specific PCR confirmed B. abortus in 24% (36/150) of human samples and 26.66% (17/150) of goat samples by targeting the IS711 locus. The remaining seropositive samples were confirmed as B. melitensis using IS711 M species-specific primer. The sequences of the amplified fragments of the 16S rRNA gene were blasted, and phylogenetic analysis revealed that Brucella species circulating in the Swat district were closely related to B. melitensis and B. abortus reported from India, China, Philippines, and the United States (US) showing the existence of the possible epidemiological linkage among the Brucella species. This study concluded that there was a higher prevalence of B. abortus (26.6%) in humans and goats compared to B. melitensis (16.6%). These results revealed that the Brucella species were circulating in both humans and goats in the study areas. The findings of the study concluded that B. abortus and B. melitensis were circulating in goats and shepherds with a higher prevalence of B. abortus than B. melitensis. Furthermore, the Brucella species identified in Swat were phylogenetically related to the Brucella species reported from India, China, Philippines and the US. Contribution: The proposed study covers the scope of the journal. The species of the genus Brucella affect both animals and shepherds. This study investigates the seroprevalence of brucellosis in shepherds and goats in different geographical areas in the Swat district. The phylogenetic analysis of the Brucella spp. identified in Swat showed close relationships to the Brucella species reported in India, China, Philippines and the US, which shows the possible epidemiological linkages between the Brucella spp.

Objective: This study aimed to see if increasing the concentration of nutmeg flesh extract in vitro could increase the growth of Lactobacillus plantarum bacteria and if it had any effect on broiler chicken performance. Materials and Methods: Different concentrations of nutmeg flesh extract (5, 10, 15, and 20/100 ml distilled water) were combined with 10 ml L. plantarum (bacterial concentration 1 × 109 cfu/ ml) to produce synbiotics. A total of 250 unsexed Lohmann broiler chickens were reared together from 0 to 7 days of age in the in vivo study. Beginning on day 8, synbiotics nutmeg flesh extract and L. plantarum were added to the ration in amounts of 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 ml/kg for T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively, while no synbiotics were added to the control diet (T0). Results: The levels of nutmeg flesh extract had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on L. plantarum growth. In the survival test against gastric acid, bile salts, and temperature, the addition of nutmeg flesh extract (20/100 ml distilled water) significantly (p < 0.05) maintained the population of L. plantarum. In vivo studies showed that the T1,T2,T3, and T4 groups gained more body weight (p < 0.05) than the T0 group during the rearing period but had no effect (p > 0.05) on the internal organ weight and carcass of broiler chickens. Conclusions: Nutmeg flesh extract could stimulate the growth of L. plantarum bacteria, and using it as a synbiotic could improve broiler chicken performance. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 10(1): 42–50, March 2023 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2023.j650

Objective: This study aimed to see if increasing the concentration of nutmeg flesh extract in vitro could increase the growth of Lactobacillus plantarum bacteria and if it had any effect on broiler chicken performance. Materials and Methods: Different concentrations of nutmeg flesh extract (5, 10, 15, and 20/100 ml distilled water) were combined with 10 ml L. plantarum (bacterial concentration 1 × 109 cfu/ ml) to produce synbiotics. A total of 250 unsexed Lohmann broiler chickens were reared together from 0 to 7 days of age in the in vivo study. Beginning on day 8, synbiotics nutmeg flesh extract and L. plantarum were added to the ration in amounts of 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 ml/kg for T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively, while no synbiotics were added to the control diet (T0). Results: The levels of nutmeg flesh extract had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on L. plantarum growth. In the survival test against gastric acid, bile salts, and temperature, the addition of nut¬meg flesh extract (20/100 ml distilled water) significantly (p < 0.05) maintained the population of L. plantarum. In vivo studies showed that the T1,T2,T3, and T4 groups gained more body weight (p < 0.05) than the T0 group during the rearing period but had no effect (p > 0.05) on the internal organ weight and carcass of broiler chickens. Conclusions: Nutmeg flesh extract could stimulate the growth of L. plantarum bacteria, and using it as a synbiotic could improve broiler chicken performance. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(1.000): 42-50]

Objective: The study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of Gastrodia elata rhizome (GR) on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver injury in dogs. We evaluated serum biochemical and hematological parameters, with emphasis on alanine transaminase (ALT), alanine phosphates (ALP), and nitric oxide (NO) levels, in dogs with TAA-induced liver injury. Materials and Methods: The animals were divided into a control group (Con), TAA group, Silymarin group (Sil, 50 mg/kg), Gastrodia rhizome low dose (GRL) (low) + TAA, GRH (high) + TAA, and GR high-dose group (GRH) control group. GRL and GRH were given daily at 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively. TAA was given on days 1, 4, and 7 at a dose of 300 mg/kg. Results: GR significantly reduced liver injury in treated animals, as indicated by lowered levels of ALT (about 32% at day 21 in both GRL + TAA and GRH + TAA groups), ALP (about 17% and 21% at day 21 in both GRL + TAA, GRH + TAA groups, respectively), and NO (about 36% at day 21 in both GRL + TAA, GRH + TAA groups) compared to the TAA control group. Hematological parameters showed mild changes during the experiment. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed gastrodin, a major component of the GR extract, constitutes 2.6% of the extract. Conclusion: The GR demonstrated significant hepatoprotective effects against TAA-induced liver injury in dogs. The study provides evidence for the potential therapeutic use of GR in the management of liver diseases.    J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 10(2): 144–150, June 2023 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2023.j663

Objective: The study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of Gastrodia elata rhi¬zome (GR) on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver injury in dogs. We evaluated serum biochemical and hematological parameters, with emphasis on alanine transaminase (ALT), alanine phosphates (ALP), and nitric oxide (NO) levels, in dogs with TAA-induced liver injury. Materials and Methods: The animals were divided into a control group (Con), TAA group, Silymarin group (Sil, 50 mg/kg), Gastrodia rhizome low dose (GRL) (low) + TAA, GRH (high) + TAA, and GR high-dose group (GRH) control group. GRL and GRH were given daily at 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively. TAA was given on days 1, 4, and 7 at a dose of 300 mg/kg. Results: GR significantly reduced liver injury in treated animals, as indicated by lowered levels of ALT (about 32% at day 21 in both GRL + TAA and GRH + TAA groups), ALP (about 17% and 21% at day 21 in both GRL + TAA, GRH + TAA groups, respectively), and NO (about 36% at day 21 in both GRL + TAA, GRH + TAA groups) compared to the TAA control group. Hematological parameters showed mild changes during the experiment. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed gastrodin, a major component of the GR extract, constitutes 2.6% of the extract. Conclusion: The GR demonstrated significant hepatoprotective effects against TAA-induced liver injury in dogs. The study provides evidence for the potential therapeutic use of GR in the man¬agement of liver diseases. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(2.000): 144-150]

Objectives: Recent clinical studies suggest that oxidative stress is one of the key players in the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a potent antioxidant, has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature published on the therapeutic intervention of NAC on COVID-19 infection. Methods: We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. We identified and screened eight studies with 20,503 participants, including 2,852 in the NAC-treated group and 17,651 in the placebo group, which reported the effect of NAC on COVID-19 infection. A meta-analysis was performed using forest plots under fixed effect estimates based on the standardized mean difference (SMD) and risk ratio (RR). Results: Pooled analysis showed that NAC was associated with lower mortality in patients with COVID-19 compared with the placebo group [RR, 0.65; (95% CI: 0.56 to 0.75); p < 0.0001]. Similarly, C-reactive protein (CRP) [SMD, −0.32; (95% CI: −56 to −0.09); p = 0.0070] and D-dimer [SMD, −0.35, (95% CI: −0.59 to −0.10; p = 0.0062] levels were significantly decreased, and the oxygenation marker, PaO2 /FiO2 ratio, was increased in the NAC-treated group compared with the placebo group [SMD, 0.76; (95% CI: 0.48 to 1.03); p < 0.0001]. Conclusion: Although the number of included studies was minimal, this meta-analysis suggests that NAC may have a positive effect on COVID-19 outcomes, specifically, a significant decrease in CRP and D-dimer levels and a significant increase in oxygen saturation, which decreased mortality. We have also presented a comprehensive review of the role and mechanisms of NAC in patients with COVID-19. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 10(2): 157–168, June 2023 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2023.j665

Objectives: Recent clinical studies suggest that oxidative stress is one of the key players in the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a potent anti¬oxidant, has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature published on the therapeutic intervention of NAC on COVID-19 infection. Methods: We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. We identified and screened eight studies with 20,503 participants, including 2,852 in the NAC-treated group and 17,651 in the placebo group, which reported the effect of NAC on COVID-19 infection. A meta-analysis was performed using forest plots under fixed effect estimates based on the standardized mean difference (SMD) and risk ratio (RR). Results: Pooled analysis showed that NAC was associated with lower mortality in patients with COVID-19 compared with the placebo group [RR, 0.65; (95% CI: 0.56 to 0.75); p < 0.0001]. Similarly, C-reactive protein (CRP) [SMD, −0.32; (95% CI: −56 to −0.09); p = 0.0070] and D-dimer [SMD, −0.35, (95% CI: −0.59 to −0.10; p = 0.0062] levels were significantly decreased, and the oxygenation marker, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, was increased in the NAC-treated group compared with the placebo group [SMD, 0.76; (95% CI: 0.48 to 1.03); p < 0.0001]. Conclusion: Although the number of included studies was minimal, this meta-analysis suggests that NAC may have a positive effect on COVID-19 outcomes, specifically, a significant decrease in CRP and D-dimer levels and a significant increase in oxygen saturation, which decreased mortality. We have also presented a comprehensive review of the role and mechanisms of NAC in patients with COVID-19. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(2.000): 157-168]

Objective: This study was conducted to establish a rat model of acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF) using the combination of bleomycin (BLM) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Materials and Method: Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats were allocated into two equal groups: the sham or the bleomycin and lipopolysaccharides-induced AE-IPF group (BLM-LPS). On Day 7, BLM intratracheally and LPS intraperitoneally were both used to administer AE-IPF. The BLM-LPS group and its respective sham group were terminated on Days 8, 14, or 21. Samples of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lungs were taken and investigated for cell count and histopathology. Results: On Day 8, histological analysis revealed inflammatory cell infiltration with edema and hyaline membrane, and the BALF differential cell count revealed high neutrophil counts. By having a higher collagen density area and Ashcroft modified score than the sham group on Day 14, the BLM-LPS group displayed significantly lower oxygen saturation, alveolar air area, and a fibrotic appearance. However, there was a spontaneous resolution in inflammation and fibrotic appearance on Day 21 after the BLM administration. Conclusions: By combining BLM and LPS, it was possible to create a successful rat model of AE-IPF. The present model showed the peak exacerbation on Day 8 and the fibrotic peak on Day 14, which gradually improved. The optimal time for the new AE-IPF therapeutic intervention was determined to be between Days 8 and 14.   J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 10(2): 196–204, June 2023 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2023.j669

Objective: This study was conducted to establish a rat model of acute exacerbation of idiopathic pul¬monary fibrosis (AE-IPF) using the combination of bleomycin (BLM) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Materials and Method: Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats were allocated into two equal groups: the sham or the bleomycin and lipopolysaccharides-induced AE-IPF group (BLM-LPS). On Day 7, BLM intratracheally and LPS intraperitoneally were both used to administer AE-IPF. The BLM-LPS group and its respective sham group were terminated on Days 8, 14, or 21. Samples of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lungs were taken and investigated for cell count and histopathology. Results: On Day 8, histological analysis revealed inflammatory cell infiltration with edema and hyaline membrane, and the BALF differential cell count revealed high neutrophil counts. By having a higher collagen density area and Ashcroft modified score than the sham group on Day 14, the BLM-LPS group displayed significantly lower oxygen saturation, alveolar air area, and a fibrotic appearance. However, there was a spontaneous resolution in inflammation and fibrotic appearance on Day 21 after the BLM administration. Conclusions: By combining BLM and LPS, it was possible to create a successful rat model of AE-IPF. The present model showed the peak exacerbation on Day 8 and the fibrotic peak on Day 14, which gradually improved. The optimal time for the new AE-IPF therapeutic intervention was determined to be between Days 8 and 14. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(2.000): 196-204]

Objectives: Ducks suffer a huge economic loss as a result of infections with Pasteurella multocida and Riemerella anatipestifer, which cause high morbidity and mortality. Because these pathogens induce similar clinical symptoms when coinfections occur, it is very difficult to differentiate between them based just on clinical signs. Hence, these major pathogens must be quickly and accurately detected. Materials and Methods: A total of 104 birds ranging from 2 days to 4 weeks old were collected from Egyptian farms, and the outcomes were compared statistically. Conventional cultural identification procedures and a direct multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay were utilized to recognize both pathogens in a single tube reaction simultaneously. Then, the obtained isolates were characterized phenotypically and genotypically. Results: Clinical signs appear at 2–4 weeks of age with respiratory distress (dyspnea), white fluid feces, and stunting. The scrutinized data demonstrated a significantly higher detection rate by PCR directly compared to classical culture procedures. Pasteurella multocida was detected only by PCR. The disc diffusion technique against ten antibiotics showed absolute susceptibilities to amikacin, doxycycline, and florfenicol. High levels of beta-lactam resistance were observed. Riemerella anatipestifer isolates were screened for pathogenicity and plasmid-borne blaTEM genes. All six isolates harbored five virulence genes: aspC, RA46, m28, pstS, and Nlp/P60. Moreover, blaTEM was identified into four isolates and deposited to GenBank with accession numbers OP347083, OP347084, OP347085, and OP347086. Conclusion: These results suggest advanced PCR assays can be applied to the field for rapid and valuable diagnosis of two significant pathogens and focus on the worth of ducks in the propagation of transferable antibiotic resistance genes into the environment.  J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 10(2): 211–221, June 2023 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2023.j671

Objectives: Ducks suffer a huge economic loss as a result of infections with Pasteurella multocida and Riemerella anatipestifer, which cause high morbidity and mortality. Because these patho¬gens induce similar clinical symptoms when coinfections occur, it is very difficult to differentiate between them based just on clinical signs. Hence, these major pathogens must be quickly and accurately detected. Materials and Methods: A total of 104 birds ranging from 2 days to 4 weeks old were collected from Egyptian farms, and the outcomes were compared statistically. Conventional cultural iden¬tification procedures and a direct multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay were utilized to recognize both pathogens in a single tube reaction simultaneously. Then, the obtained isolates were characterized phenotypically and genotypically. Results: Clinical signs appear at 2–4 weeks of age with respiratory distress (dyspnea), white fluid feces, and stunting. The scrutinized data demonstrated a significantly higher detection rate by PCR directly compared to classical culture procedures. Pasteurella multocida was detected only by PCR. The disc diffusion technique against ten antibiotics showed absolute susceptibilities to amik¬acin, doxycycline, and florfenicol. High levels of beta-lactam resistance were observed. Riemerella anatipestifer isolates were screened for pathogenicity and plasmid-borne blaTEM genes. All six isolates harbored five virulence genes: aspC, RA46, m28, pstS, and Nlp/P60. Moreover, blaTEM was identified into four isolates and deposited to GenBank with accession numbers OP347083, OP347084, OP347085, and OP347086. Conclusion: These results suggest advanced PCR assays can be applied to the field for rapid and valuable diagnosis of two significant pathogens and focus on the worth of ducks in the propaga¬tion of transferable antibiotic resistance genes into the environment. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(2.000): 211-221]