[Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of feline hemotropic mycoplasmas]

Feline hemotropic mycoplasmas are parasites of erythrocytes and include three species, Mycoplasma haemofelis, Candidatus mycoplasma haemominutum and Candidatus mycoplasma turicensis. Diagnosis of the infection with these microorganisms can be carried out using conventional assays such as blood cytology. However, these assays have a low accuracy and a high rate of false-positive results due to the poor techniques and procedures and high occurrence of artifacts. Therefore, molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction [PCR] are better methods for the diagnosis of infections by these bacteria. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate Feline hemotropic mycoplasma prevalence and phylogenetic analysis in Tehran. Sixty cat blood samples were collected from veterinary clinics in Tehran from 2011 to 2012. Giemsa stained blood smears have been examined by the light microscopes and the positive samples were used for DNA extraction and PCR. Positive PCR samples were sequenced for the differentiation of bacterial species and phylogenetic analysis. Thirty-two samples were positive in direct examination from which two samples were identified as M. haemofelis by the PCR. No positive samples of C. M. haemominutum or C. M. turicensis were found in PCR. Phylogenetic analysis of the isolates showed that these isolates were more similar to the isolates from China and Thailand compared to those from other countries. This study is the first report of phylogenetic analysis of hemotropic mycoplasmas in Iran. Based on the high sequence similarity between Iran, China and Thailand isolates, it can be concluded that these bacteria possibly had the same origin

Molecular detection of Leptospira spp. in the urine of cattle in northern Iran

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis of worldwide distribution, caused by Leptospira interrogans and is considered as an emerging global public health problem. Transmission usually results from direct or indirect exposure to the urine or other body fluids of leptospiruric animals which may become a source of infection for human or other animals. Having a humid climate with plenty of annual rainfall, Guilan province is a suitable environment for maintaining Leptospira spp. Hence, early detection of Leptospira spp. in the host prompts control and protection, and the polymerase chain reaction [PCR] is a suitable method. The present report aimed to demonstrate the PCR analysis of bovine urine for detection of leptospiral DNA. A total of 98 urine samples were randomly collected from cattle bladder in Rasht abattoir of Iran and the presence of leptospiral DNA was assayed by PCR amplification of rrs [16S rRNA] gene and the results confirmed by nested PCR. Out of 98 urine samples in 42 samples leptospires DNA was identified with the frequency of 43%. The high presence of the organism in the urine of carriers is a serious threat to the dairy farms and to the public health which requires an effective control measure in the north provinces of Iran

[ molecular and clinical survey of feline herpesvirus-1 and feline calicivirus prevalence in non-vaccinated cats in Tehran, Iran]

Despite the widespread use of vaccines against feline herpesvirus type1 [FHV_1] and feline calicivirus [FCV], clinical signs are still seen in cat population. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of FHV-1 and FCV in non vaccinated clinically healthy cats and cats with URTD. Oropharyngeal and conjunctival swabs were taken from 16 cats with clinical signs of URTD and 26 clinically healthy cats. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] and polymerase chain reaction [PCR] were performed to diagnose FCV and FHV-1 infections. In cats with URTD, the prevalence rate of FCV [100%] was higher than FHV-1[43%] but in clinically normal cats the prevalence rate of both viruses was about 50%. Clinical signs in cats with FCV was more various than FHV. Also, the prevalence of both viruses co-infection was 30% and half of them showed clinical disease. The results indicated higher rate of both viruses infection especially FCV in domestic cats in Tehran in comparison with other regions. Stomatitis was seen in 50% of cats with URTD. In 50% of cats with corneal ulcers, contrary to our expectations, FCV was detected not FHV-1. It seems that new variants of calicivirus are more virulent and are able to damage other tissues like cornea and conjunctiva. FCV tends to produce more clinical signs than FHV. Also, infection with new variants of FCV and FHV-1 in healthy cats and cats with URTD is much higher than other regions of the world. Therefore, a revision of vaccines and vaccination program, especially for FCV has become a matter of necessity just like other countries

Comparison of immunochromatographic rapid test with molecular method in diagnosis of canine parvovirus

Canine parvovirus [CPV] infection is one of the most common causes of infectious gastroenteritis in dogs and is a highly contagious, often fatal disease. The original virus[CPV type 2] has had some mutations since its emergence and new variants [CP V-2a, 2b and 2c] have been reported from many countries all around the world. Early diagnosis and treatment can profoundly affect the disease outcome. To compare the ability of Immunochromatographic [1C] test to detect CPV infection in 50 PCR positive samples [n=50] with regard to virus strains. 50 rectal swabs [n=50] were prepared from suspicious dogs and subjected to PCR and 1C test respectively. The sensitivity of 1C test in PCR positive samples was 84% [42 out of 50 samples] and the positive predictive value of the test was 100%. Using PCR, CPV strains in our study were 2a [18/50,36%] and 2b [32/50,64%] with the predominance of 2b strain. 1C test was also able to diagnose 15/18 [83.3%] of CPV-2a and 27/32 [84.3%] CPV-2b strain positive samples, which means 1C test can detect CPV infections caused by both virus strains [2a and 2b], without significant difference. This study shows that 1C test results are relatively reliable for diagnosing CPV infection in daily veterinary practice and the test is able to diagnose both CP V-2a and CP V-2b which are prevalent strains in Iran

[Incidence rate of bovine and human tuberculosis in five regions of Iran during one decade [1999-2009]: an ecological study]

Mycobacterium bovis is responsible for 5-10% human tuberculosis all around the world. It especially infects children and people living in weak health-care regions. Currently, 25% of people with tuberculosis in Iran are afflicted by extrapulmonary tuberculosis [often related to M. bovis] that has exceeded standard amount. This investigation is an effort for studying human tuberculosis and bovine tuberculosis in Sistanobalouchestan province that has the maximum incidence rate of human tuberculosis in Iran. In this ecological study, human tuberculosis data were provided from Tuberculosis and Leprosy Office of Ministry of Health and Medical Education. The bovine tuberculosis data were received from Veterinary Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Among all studied towns in Sistanobalouchestan province, "Zabol" had the highest amount of extrapulmonary tuberculosis and total human tuberculosis for each year and "Zahedan" had the highest incidence rate of bovine tuberculosis. Meanwhile, all types of tuberculosis have been decreased within this ten years period. This study has shown in all towns of Sistanobalouchestan province human tuberculosis has a high incidence rate. Bovine tuberculosis had an indeterminate way and in last 4 years, the incidence rate has not been reported. Further studies including microbiological experiments and detection of precise species of infecting bacteria are strongly recommended for upcoming researches

[Seroepidemiology of Neospora caninum in Iranian native and crossbreed cattle: a cross sectional study]

Neospora caninum, a pathogenic protozoan parasite, has been considered as a major cause of infectious bovine abortion throughout the world . The aim of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence of N. caninum antibodies in native and crossbreed cattle of Hamedan province, Iran . Serum samples of native [n=139] and crossbreed cows [n=261] were examined using ELISA method values were analyzed by description analysis. The frequency of prevalence for N.caninum antibodies was shown as much as 20% . Furthermore, the most and the least frequency rates were shown in cattle over 4 years old [32.33%] and less than 2 years old [7.32%], respectively [p<0.05] . Meanwhile, 64% of cows which had abortic chain were seropositive [p<0.05]. It can be concluded that N.caninum should be considered as a causative agent for abortion in native and crossbreed cattle in Hamedan province

[Glanders, a new vision on an old biological weapon]

Death of one imported tiger from Russia in Tehran Eram zoological garden in winter of 2010 from Glanders opened the new series of discussion about this old zoonosis. After this incident, all the lions of the zoo were euthanized due to the probable contamination with glanders. In present systematic review manuscript, several scientific data banks and websites including ISI, Scopus, Medline, Embase, OIE, CDC, WHO, SID and MAGIRAN had been searched. Also all the books, journals and available congress proceedings in libraries were searched about this issue. As if many epidermis and also zoonotic and infectious diseases may be a biological threat, so having a good knowledge of these kinds of diseases is a necessity for all physicians, veterinarians and public health staffs especially whom they work in Armed Forces. Collaboration between Iran Veterinary Organization [IVO], Ministry of Health and Medical Education [MOHME] and Armed Forces is necessary for controlling the probable biological threat like glanders

[Evaluation of published articles in the journal of the faculty of veterinary medicine, University of Tehran between 2000 and 2009]

Designing and application of experimental studies in veterinary medicine have been given paid more attention in recent years. This review aimed to evaluate the methodological quality of all published articles in Journal of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran between 2000 and 2009.Evaluation studies with experimental designs were identified by reviewing titles and abstracts. Two reviewers coded reporting quality of articles. Of the 738 total published articles, 289 [39.16%] articles had experimental designs. Sample size was reported in 93.4% of studies, only 36% of studies explained their study design clearly and randomization was reported only in 33. 6%. The ethical approval was mentioned in only two percent. Seventy six percent studies had comparison group. The quality of reporting of experimental studies in the Journal of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine was not generally acceptable. Therefore it is felt that authors should consider more necessary criteria for standard publication in veterinary journals

[ primordial survey of phenylbutazone, dexamethasone and estradiol residues in pasteurized milks of Tehran, Iran as a potential risk for citizens]

Hormones are used in veterinary medicine for different purposes such as treatment, improving animal products, obstetrical cycles, breed performances and enhancing acceptability of feed. The most dangerous drug residues presented in food of animal origin are because of neglecting withdrawal time, masking the sign of diseases in slaughterhouse and using unapproved drugs. Hormone residues in food of animal origin have health impacts on consumers. This survey have been done for determining the probable presence of the most used and dangerous hormones in pasteurized milk distributed in Tehran, capital of Iran. 50 samples of pasteurized milk were randomly collected from Tehran market from different brands and fats [low, standard and full]. Residues of phenylbutazone [PBZ] and Dexamethasone [DXM] were detected by HPLC-UV method according to AOAC instructions. ELISA was applied for measuring of 17- beta Estradiol residues. Minimum detectable residue of PBZ in milks was 2.5 ng/ml. 45 samples [90%] had PBZ from 1 to 58 ng/ml [Minimum Residues Level [MRL] for PBZ in cow milk must be zero per milliliter]. Minimum detectable residue of DXM in milks was 5 ng/ml, which in 30 [60%] samples was more than 5 ng/ml [MRL for DXM in cow milk must be 0.3 ppb]. In 8 samples out of 50 [16%] residues of 17- beta Estradiol was more than natural hormone residue [natural residues of 17- beta Estradiol in milk is 10-30 pb/ml]. Although hormones are vital for many physiological functions of humand beings, but exceeding of them in the body make many health problems. PBZ residue in 90%, DXM in 60% and 17- beta Estradiol in 16% of milk samples pointing a dangerous situation of using veterinary drugs in food animals and their milks

Cryptosporidia infection and associated bacterial entropathogens in diarrheic calves and cows in dairy farms around Tehran

Determination the effects of the bacterialentropathogens to increase infection of calves and cows tocryptosporidium. Descriptive study. A total of 152 calves and 300 cows. Microscopic detection of cryptosporidium inthe direct smears of feces samples from 3 farm in aroundTehran, using smears, fixing with methanol, staining withmodified zeal-nielson, detecting oocysts under a lightmicroscope with objective magnification of 40 X [at leastin 20 microscope field], confirming the observation usingmagnification of 100 X. on the other hand, feces sampleswere cultured for detection of bacterial agents such as:Salmonella, E. coli, Proteus, Klebsiella, Campylobacterand Pseudomonas as well as microscopic observation forpresence of acid-fast bacteria in the direct smears of feces. Descriptive statistics.In this study, Cryptosporidium was detected in40.78% of diarrheic calves of which 10.52% of cases hadcryptosporidium alone, and in 30.26% of casescryptosporidium was accompanied with at least one otherpathogenic bacteria. In 3.28% of cases acid-fast organismwas isolated alone. Target pathogens of this study wasisolated at least in 34.33% of feces samples of cows. In28% of cases Cryptosporidium was confirmed and in 5%acid-fast organism was observed. The results of the present study showed thatthe infection rates are significantly higher in calves than incows which may be the due to the age susceptibility toCryptosporidium. It is suggested that hygiene of calf den isof great importance