ABSTRACT
Background: strangles is caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. The bacteria typically infect the upper respiratory system and lymph nodes of the head and neck in equidae
Objectives: the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of strangles and association of this infection with host age and geographical determinants in horses in Khuzestan province
Methods: serum samples from 184 horses were randomly collected in Ahvaz, Shoushtar, Baghmalek, Shoush, Abadan, Ramhormoz and Dezfool cities and were examined by ELISA assay. Also, 85 swab samples were randomly taken from nasal swab of horse and evaluated for Streptococcus equi subspecies equi by bacterial culture
Results: seroprevalence rate of strangle was 37.5% [95% CI: 30.5-44.5%]. Logistic regression mshowed that the odds of infection between the age based on year and disease was 1.1 [95% mCI: 1.04-1.17] [p<0.001], and with increase of 1 year-old, odds of infection increase 10%. Relative frequency of infection in male and female horses was 32.73 and 39.53%, respectively [p>0.05] and odds of infection in female compared with male horses was 1.34 [95% CI: 0.69-2.61]. Prevalence rate in horses with and without history of respiratory disease was 94.1% and 31.74%, respectively [p<0.001]. The odds of infection in horses with history of respiratory disease compared with healthy horses was 34.42 [95%CI: 4.45-266.37]. Prevalence rate in Ahvaz, Shoushtar, Baghmalek, Shoush, Abadan, Ramhormoz and Dezfool was 33.3%, 34.62%, 5.26%, 69.23%, 13.04, 22.22% and 75%, respectively [p<0.001]. Geographical location explained 29.6% of infection's fluctuations. No isolate of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi was obtained in culture of nasal swab samples
Conclusions: this study determined that seroprevalence of strangles should be deleted in khuzestan province is high and Prevention and control measurements should be considered by health authorities
ABSTRACT
Background: Negative energy balance in cow occurs in transitional period, highyielding dairy cows immediately after calving and feed restriction. In response to energy demand cow mobilizes fatty acids from adipose tissue causing an increase in the circulation of NEFA. Increased blood NEFA is associated with low glucose, high free fatty acids and ketone bodies as well as lipid and lipoprotein disturbances in the blood. Does buffalo follows the same as cow, is not yet cleared
Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of starvation on some lipid parameters in serum and liver of buffalos in Ahwaz
Methods: Five two-year-old male buffalos with average body weight of 200 kg were fattened with a diet containing alpha, barely, wheat, and maze for 8 weeks and then they were fastened for 8 days. During fasting period the animals had free access to barely and water. After fasting period the buffalos were again fattened for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vein during the first and second fattening period with 20 days intervals and every day in the fasting period. Plasma samples were obtained, stored, and analyzed for glucose, BHBA and NEFA using standard kits. The liver of each buffalo was sampled at the beginning and end of feed restriction period and sent to the laboratory for the measurement of the liver TG content. Analyses of variance were carried out to compare mean values in fed and fasted periods
Results: The results of present study revealed that there were no significant differences in plasma NEFA,BHBA and liver TG concentration before and after feed restriction [p>0.05], but there was significant difference in plasma glucose [p
Conclusions: It appears that in the period of food depravation, buffalos are essentially able to cope with these hard conditions probably through control of lipolysis and gluconeogenesis at the aim of preventing metabolic disorders particularly fatty liver. The results of the present research reveal probably for the first time, this inheritance phenomenon with the emphasis of further research
ABSTRACT
West Nile virus [WNV] is a vector-borne agent that is maintained within a bird-mosquito cycle. In humans and equids, infection by this agent is usually asymptomatic, or characterized by a mild febrile illness. However, fatal meningoencephalitis or encephalitis may occur. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of WNV infection and correlation of this organism with host and environmental determinants in horses in Khuzestan province. In 2011-2012, serum samples of 155 horses were randomly collected from 7 zones of Khuzestan province and were examined by ELISA assay. Seroprevalence of WNV infection was 70.3% [95% CI: 63.1-77.5%]. Statistical analysis showed that age, zone, presence of lake, type of bed, time of sampling, staying out of the stable after sunset and the method of insect control are significantly associated with infection [p<0.05] but sex, presence of river, wall condition, presence of rubbish dump and history of disease are not significantly associated with infection [p>0.05]. The results of the present study confirm that the WNV infection exists in Khuzestan province. Considering the local weather conditions and the facility of vector-borne transmission, the health authorities should take measures to prevent and control the infection