serological survey of Leptospiral infection of cats in Ahvaz, southwestern of Iran

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis with numerous reservoir hosts. The disease is caused by infection with various serovars of Leptospira interrogans sensu lato. This study was conducted to evaluate the seroprevalence of leptospiral infection in stray cats in Ahvaz [south-western Iran] from April 2007 to June 2008. Blood samples were collected from 102 stray cats and screened for leptospiral infection using the microscopic agglutination test [MAT]. Five of the 102 cats [4.9%] were serologically positive for at least one serovar of L. interrogans. The greatest number of reactors was for L. interrogans serovar balum [five serum samples]. Antibodies against more than one serovar [namely, serovars balum and australis] were detected in one sample. All positive titers were detected at 1:100 dilution. The prevalence of leptospiral infection was 5.3% and 4.4% in male and female cats, respectively. There was no significant difference in positive titer prevalence between different sexes but prevalence was significantly different between age groups [P = 0.021], as all cats with positive titers were three years of age or more. This is also the first report of infection with L. interrogans serovars balum and australis from cats in Iran

Antigenic detection of cryptosporidium parvum in urban and rural dogs in Ahvaz district, southwestern Iran

Cryptosporidium parvum is a zoonotic protozoan parasite with a wide range of vertebrate hosts. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum in urban and rural dogs of the Ahvaz area. Faecal samples were collected randomly from 93 dogs between May 2005 and September 2007. The studied dogs were divided into two groups [urban and rural] and based on age into three groups [<6 months, 6 months -3 years and >3 years]. The results were analyzed by using Chi-square analysis and Fischer's exact test. Prevalence to Cryptosporidium parvum antigens was 4.3% [4 of 93] by means of ELISA, indicating that this antigen is present in the ecosystem. The infection was more prevalent in rural dogs [6.4%; 3 of 47] in comparison with urban dogs [2.17%; 1 of 46], nevertheless, there were no significant differences between the different groups [P?0.05], but the infection was more prevalent in diarrheic dogs [17.65%; 3 of 17] compared with non-diarrheic dogs [1.3%; 1 of 76], and the difference was significant [P=0.019]. Infection was not significant in the different age groups [P>0.05]. Concurrent detection of cryptosporidium parvum with canine distemper [one sample] and parvovirus [one sample] were shown in the studied dogs. Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining was also carried out and the prevalence of infection was 2.15% [2 of 93]. The use of ELISA allowed the detection of more positive cases than light microscopy. This study showed that Cryptosporidium parvum can be a risk factor, particularly for those dogs in contact together in the population of urban and rural dogs

Antigenic detection of Feline Panleukopenia virus [FPV] in diarrhoeic companion cats in Ahvaz area

The present study was carried out for the antigen detection of Feline panleukopenia virus [FPV] in diarrhoeic cats referred to the Veterinary Clinic of the School of Ahvaz University, in southwest Iran. Faecal samples were collected from 67 diarrhoeic household cats during 2005 to 2007. According to the age and clinical signs, the cats were divided into two groups; <6 months and >6 months, hemorrhagic and non hemorrhagic diarrhoea, respectively. Faecal samples were tested by immunochromatography assay test and 34% of cats were found positive to FPV antigen. The infection was more prevalent in cats less than 6 months [37%] compared with animals older than 6 months of age [31%]. No significant differences were observed between different clinical signs, age and sex of the animals [P>0.05]. The affected cats had no history of vaccination against Tri-cat, but in the healthy cat population, 18% were vaccinated. The difference between the two groups was significant [P<0.05]

serological survey on Brucella canis in companion dogs in Ahvaz

Canine brucellosis is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by Brucella canis. This bacterium can be transmitted to humans as well as other dogs. It is a significant cause of reproductive failure, predominantly in kennels. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Brucella canis infection in companion dogs referred to the Veterinary Hospital of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz in the southwest of Iran. A total of 102 blood samples were obtained from dogs between 2006 and 2008. Sera were examined by Immunochromatography assay. The studied dogs were divided into two age groups [1-5 years and >5 years] and based on clinical signs [related signs to brucellosis such as scrotum dermatitis, diskospondylitis, lymphadenitis, abortion and infertility] into two groups also. Prevalence to Brucella canis antibodies in these dogs was 4.90% [5 of 102]. The infection had more prevalence in dogs above 5 years [9.3%; 4 of 43] in comparison with dogs less than 5 years [1.69%; 1 of 59], but the difference between the two age groups was not statistically significant [P>0.05]. There was no significant difference between the different sexes either [P>0.05]. Nevertheless, the difference for related signs to brucellosis was significant between the groups [P=0.018]. Three out of 14 cases [21.4%] which had clinical signs and two out of 88 cases [2.3%] which had no clinical signs were seropositive. This study showed that antibody against Brucella canis is present among the companion dog population of the Ahvaz area and preventive measures should be taken to control pathogenic bacteria

[Antigenic detection of Canine Coronavirus in diarrheic dogs in Ahvaz]

The Purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Canine Coronavirus [CCV] in diarrheic dogs of Ahvaz district. Fecal samples were collected from 58 diarrheic dogs between 2005 and 2006. Dogs were grouped by age [less than and above 6 months], sex, breed, geographical location [urban and rural] and quality of diarrhea [hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic] to determine whether these factors were associated with coronavirus infection, using Fischer's exact test. Prevalence to CCV antigens in these dogs was 3.45% [2 of 58] by means of immunochromatography assay [IC] indicating that this virus is present in the environment. Though the infection had more prevalence in dogs less than 6 months, rural dogs and German shepherds, but there were no significant differences between different sexes, age groups, breeds, location and quality of diarrhea [p>0.05]. CBC in 2 dogs that were affected with coronavirus infection was normal. This study that is the first report on prevalence of CCV in Iran showed that CCV infection in the Ahvaz dogs may be attributed as a cause of viral diarrhea in dogs. A vaccine is recommended, especially for open population and kennel dogs that are at a high risk for contacting the virus

first report of concurrent detection of canine parvovirus and coronavirus in diarrhoeic dogs of Iran

Two male dogs at the age of 3 and 5 months of Doberman pinscher and German shepherd breeds were referred to the Veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz University with clinical signs of depression, vomiting, haemorrhagic diarrhoea, profound dehydration, fever and anorexia. The affected dogs had not the history of vaccination. Concurrent infection of canine parvovirus and coronavirus was detected in dogs by means of immunochromatography assay. The haemogram showed lowered white blood cell counts as leukopenia, neutropenia and lymphopenia. The dogs received supportive treatment to correct the life-threatening dehydration and prevention of secondary bacterial infections. Despite treatment, one dog [Doberman pinscher] died within 3 days after the onset of clinical signs, and the second dog recovered after 4 days. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of concurrent infection of canine parvovirus and coronavirus in diarrhoeic dogs in Iran