Objective: The aim of this study is to detect the prevalence and diagnosis of molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium infection in handlers of domestic pigeons in Baghdad City. Traditional and molecular diagnostic methods were employed to detect and identify Cryptosporidium species. Materials and methods: Sixty stool samples were collected from the handlers of domestic pigeons, and various techniques, including direct smear, flotation concentration, staining methods, and DNA extraction coupled with nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), were utilized. Results: The results obtained from traditional methods indicated an overall infection rate of 55% in handlers of domestic pigeons, while significant variations were noted between male and female handlers. Age group 21–40 years were found to have higher infection rates were found to have higher infection rates. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium also displayed temporal variability throughout the study period. Molecular analysis using nested PCR revealed higher infection rates of 86% in handlers of domestic pigeon samples. Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis identified the presence of Cryptosporidium parvam species in handlers of domestic pigeons, indicating zoonotic transmission potential. Conclusion: These findings underscore the high prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection among handlers of domestic pigeons in Baghdad City. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(4.000): 744-750]

Objective: This research aimed to evaluate potential tropical seaweed from Indonesia as an ingredient or supplement feed for ruminants based on chemical composition and in vitro rumen fermentation parameters. Materials and methods: The seven natural tropical seaweeds (three green and four red species) were collected from Ndrini and Sepanjang Beach, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The experimental design on secondary metabolite profiles used a completely randomized design, and the in vitro gas production test used a randomized complete block design with seven seaweed species variances and four replications (blocks) based on rumen fluid collection time. The data obtained was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Duncan‘s Multiple Range Test was used to test the variation in the analysis. Results: The seven tropical seaweed species have potential as mineral sources for ruminants, except for macromineral (P and S) and micromineral (Cu). The red tropical seaweed has potential as a protein source (Gelidium spinosum (S.G.Gmelin) P.C. Silva, Hypnea pannosa, and Acanthopora muscoides (L.) Bory), and the green seaweed (Chaetomorpha linum (O.F. Mull.) Kutz and Cladopora sp.) has potential as a crude fiber (CF) source for ruminants. As indicated by secondary metabolites and gas production in vitro, the green species (C. linum (O.F. Mull.) Kutz and Enteromorpha compressa) and red species (A. muscoides (L.) Bory and Gelidium amansii (J.V. Lamouroux) J.V. Lamouroux) could be degraded in the rumen and had quite high phenolic compounds. Conclusion: The seven tropical seaweed species have the potential to be an ingredient or supplement feed for ruminants, and there were four species that have the potential to reduce methane emissions. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(4.000): 751-762]

Objective: Cadmium chloride (CdCl2) is an environmentally toxic pollutant that can cause reprotoxicity. Cyperus esculentus and Euterpe oleracea are potent antioxidant plants currently used to counteract the action of harmful pollutants. The present experiment was intended to evaluate and comp are the role of C. esculentus hydroethanolic extract (CHE) and E. oleracea in treating the reprotoxicity induced by CdCl2 in rats. Materials and Methods: Forty adult male rats (160–210 gm) were allocated into five groups equally. Control group: received 5 ml of normal saline (NS); the other treatment groups were injected with CdCl2 as a single dose for two weeks to induce testicular toxicity. After 14 days, the four groups were treated orally daily for two months as follows: The cadmium group (Cd) received NS, the third group (TC) was administered 800 mg/kg BW of CHE, the fourth group (TO) received 500 mg/kg BW of E. oleracea, and the fifth group (TCO) received CHE with E. oleracea. Results: The live sperm and motility, serum testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) were significantly increased in the TCO, TC, and TO groups compared with the Cd group. Testicular nitric oxide and malondialdehyde were elevated significantly in the Cd group compared to the TC, TO, TCO, and control groups. The fold changes of Fshβ, Lhβ, and Gnrh genes were upregulated in the TCO group compared to the Cd and control groups. Conclusion: The combination of CHE with E. oleracea showed improvements in rat testicles affected by cadmium toxicity via upregulated reproductive gene expression and its antioxidant effects. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(4.000): 685-695]

Objective: The principal objective of this research was to examine the influence of zinc-methionine (Zn-Met) addition on feed on the in vitro ruminal enzyme activities, fermentation characteristics, methane production, and digestibilities of feed nutrients. Materials and Methods: The dosage of Zn-Met as a source of organic Zn was added to feed based on dry matter (DM) as follows: 0-without Zn addition (CON), 30 Zn mg/kg-low (LZM), 60 Zn mg/kg-medium (MZM), and 90 Zn mg/kg-high (HZM). Results: The results indicated significant impacts of Zn-Met addition on various parameters. Compared to the CON group, all Zn-Met treatments resulted in increased total volatile fatty acids (VFA) (linear; p < 0.001), carboxymethyl-cellulase activity (linear; p < 0.001), and gas production at 48-h of incubation (linear; p < 0.001, quadratic; p < 0.001). Additionally, the MZM and HZM groups exhibited higher levels of amylase activity (linear; p < 0.001), protease activity (linear; p = 0.006), microbial protein (linear; p = 0.009), DM digestibility (linear; p < 0.001), organic matter (OM) digestibility (linear; p < 0.001), crude protein (CP) digestibility (linear; p = 0.004), and crude fiber (CF) digestibility (linear; p = 0.003) than CON treatment. However, the treatments did not have any noteworthy effects on pH, the individual VFA (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) proportions, NH3-N concentration, and methane production (p > 0.05). Conclusion: It could be summarized that supplementing 60 and 90 Zn mg/kg DM as Zn-Met could improve the in vitro ruminal enzyme activities, fermentation characteristics, and nutrient digestibility without affecting methane production. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(4.000): 696-703]

Objective: This study sought to determine the effectiveness of the cryodehydration technique in preserving the morphologic and morphometric attributes of the anatomical specimens of goats. Materials and methods: Different anatomical parts of a goat, i.e., heart, lungs, spleen, liver, kidney, and musculoskeletal specimens, were collected and fixed in 15% formalin. Later on, the fixed specimens were cryodehydrated by fast freezing (burning process) and repeated freezing-thawing sessions, followed by wood glue coating. Finally, the macroscopic (i.e., weight, color, texture, odor, and durability) and microscopic characteristics (by routine hematoxylin and eosin staining) of the cryodehydrated specimens were studied. Results: The resultant specimens produced excellent color and texture and were lightweight (60%–80% weight loss), soft, dry, odorless, durable, and easy to handle. The histoarchitectural details of the heart and skeletal muscle were well preserved, while some distinctive alterations were observed in the parenchymatous organs, i.e., breach in cellular integrity, loss of cell cytoplasm, loss of cytoplasmic and nuclear clarity, increased sinusoidal space, dilatation of the renal tubules, and reduction in glomerular size. Nevertheless, the basic histoarchitecture of each specimen was yet to be distinctly identifiable. Conclusion: The current study findings suggest that the cryodehydration technique can preserve gross anatomical features as well as histoarchitectural details and can be an effective tool for facilitating veterinary education and research. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(4.000): 720-729]

Objective: The aerolysin (aerA) is a virulence indicator used to identify the pathogenicity of the Aeromonas strain. Targeting a pathogen's crucial virulence gene for detection is essential, as it determines the potential threat to the host. This study aimed to develop a gold nanoparticle (AuNP) probe for detecting the gene aerA in Aeromonas hydrophila among field samples. Materials and Methods: Kidney samples among both healthy and sick Nile tilapias in five provinces of Luzon Island were collected for bacterial analysis. Screening using specific primers targeting aerA was conducted in parallel with testing the AuNPs probe on the same sample set. The positive control provided by BFAR-NFLD, confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, was used as a positive sample containing the target gene. Results: The AuNP probe demonstrated a computed accuracy of 81.32%, sensitivity of 100%, and specificity of 81.26%. Among the 257 reactions, 59 were false positives, while no false negative results were observed. The AuNP probe could detect aerA at levels as low as 30 ng/μl. The low prevalence of the target gene may be attributed to the use of general media instead of specific media like Rimler-Shotts agar. Conclusion: The established colorimetric detection method for A. hydrophila with the aerA gene offers a swift alternative to PCR, negating the requirement for advanced equipment like a thermal cycler. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(4.000): 593-598]

Objective: The human gut microbiota is crucial to maintaining health and preventing diseases. The general population‘s knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding microbiota composition and the factors affecting it remain poorly understood in Saudi Arabia. The present cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the general population in the Jazan Province of Saudi Arabia regarding the gut microbiota and its main influencing factors. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was employed, utilizing a validated self-administered online questionnaire to collect data from participants aged 18 years and older. The study population excluded nonresidents of the Jazan region, individuals below 18, and those who declined to participate. Nonrandomized convenience sampling was used to recruit participants from the Jazan Province, targeting the general population. Results: One thousand one hundred twenty-six participants completed the survey, resulting in a response rate of 93%. Most participants (50.4%) had average microbiota knowledge, 14.7% demonstrated good understanding, and 34.9% had poor knowledge. Regarding probiotics, the findings indicated that 76.4% of participants exhibited insufficient knowledge, 21.1% had average knowledge, and 2.5% displayed good knowledge. Most participants (65.7%) held a neutral attitude toward antibiotics and probiotics. Conclusion: This study highlights a significant gap in understanding probiotics among the general population in the Jazan Region. Comprehensive education and awareness campaigns are urgently needed to promote a better understanding of microbiota composition, its significance for health, and the potential benefits of probiotics. Effective public health initiatives should be developed to provide accurate and up-to-date probiotic information, fostering positive health outcomes. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(4.000): 773-781]

Objective: Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of Aeromonas veronii Alim_AV_1000 isolated from ulcerative lesions of Shing fish (stringing catfish; Heteropneustes fossilis) was performed during the outbreak year 2021. Materials and Methods: Using next-generation sequencing (Illumina) technology, WGS was accomplished, resulting in the sequencing, assembly, and analysis of the entire genome of the A. veronii strain. Moreover, the genomic features, virulence factors, antimicrobial resistome, and phylogenetic analysis for the molecular evolution of this strain were also examined. Results: The genome size of the A. veronii Alim_AV_1000 strain was 4,494,515 bp, with an average G+C content of 58.87%. Annotation revealed the known transporters and genes linked to virulence, drug targets, and antimicrobial resistance. Conclusion: The findings of the phylogenetic analysis revealed that the strain of the present study has a close relationship with the China strain TH0426 and strain B56. This study provides novel information on A. veronii isolated from Shing fish in Bangladesh.

Objective: The research aimed to isolate, adapt to cell culture, and characterize the lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) from clinically infected cattle in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: From September 2019 to June 2020, 37 skin nodules and skin swabs were aseptically collected from afflicted cattle in the outbreak regions of Jhenaidah and Kishoreganj in Bangladesh. The LSDV was isolated from embryonated specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicken eggs along the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) route and the Vero cell line after several blind pas¬sages. The viral attachment protein was targeted for molecular detection using polymerase chain reactions (PCR). For phylogenetic analysis, PCR-positive products were partially sequenced. Results: The virus was evident in the cell line, showed cytopathic effects after the 13 blind pas¬sage, and on the CAM of SPF chicken eggs, exhibited thickening of the CAM with pock-like lesions. A total of 12 samples (32.43%) tested positive for LSDV by PCR. Phylogenetic analysis of the present isolates (accession numbers MN792649 and MN792650) revealed 100% similarity with strains from India (MN295064), Kenya (AF325528, MN072619, KX683219), Greece (KY829023), Serbia (KY702007), and Kazakhstan (MN642592); moreover, 99.43% to 100% similarity to the sheep pox virus. Conclusion: Partially sequenced LSDV was developed as a vaccine seed and was first isolated in Bangladesh and characterized at the molecular level.

Objective: The present study analyzed the seminal plasma proteome and possible relationships between proteins and semen quality in azoospermic and normal Simmental bulls. Materials and Methods: Fresh semen plasma samples from the Lembang Artificial Insemination Center were used for this study, including one bull (76´ ejaculate) with very poor semen quality/ azoospermia (poor fresh semen/infertile; PFS) and three bulls with normal semen quality (normal fresh semen; NFS) for proteomic analysis using a pooled system (NFS-Stud) (60´ ejaculate). The only males obtained with very low quality or azoospermia (PFS) had sperm motility of