Studies on some bacterial causes and blood serum biochemical changes of respiratory affections in lambs [with 6 tables]

This study was carried out on 36 lambs in private farm at Dakahlia governorate, 7 of them apparently healthy, 11 clinically diseased suffering from respiratory affections and 18 slaughtered lambs. Bacteriological examination of the samples revealed that 35 samples were positive for bacterial isolates, distributed as 6 [85.71%], 11 [100.00%] and 18 [100.00%] of apparently healthy, clinically diseased and slaughtered lambs respectively. 66 bacterial isolates identified biochemically into P. multocida 19 [28.79%], P. heamolytica 5 [7.58%], E. coli 15 [22.73%], Klebsiella pneumonia 8 [12.12%], Pseudomonas aeruginosa 7 [10.61%] and staph. aureus 12 [18.18%]. Pathogenicity test for P. multocida isolates indicated that all isolates were pathogenic. Blood samples were collected from the clinically healthy and diseased groups of lambs. Two blood samples were obtained from each animal, one as a whole blood and the other in the form of blood for obtaining clear non-haemolysed serum. Haematological studies revealed that presence of high significant decrease in the total erythrocytic count, haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and blood lymphocytes [per mm[3] blood] in diseased animals when compared with clinically healthy ones. Also high significant increase in total leucocytic count, significant increase in neutrophil, oesinophil and monocyte cells were recorded in diseased cases. The studied biochemical parameters revealed high significant elevation in the values of AST, ALT, GGT and blood urea in diseased animals. Also creatinine showed marked elevation. Presence of high significant decrease in the level of albumin, while total protein, sodium chlorides and calcium levels were significantly decreased. On contrary, presence of significant increase in the glucose and potassium levels. From previously mentioned data, it was cleared that respiratory affections in lambs especially those of bacterial origin cause significant changes in blood picture, liver and kidney functions and the level of both sodium, potassium, chloride and calcium

Acute toxicity of some organic solvents in albino rats

In a trial to verify the cause of Volatile Solvent Abuse [VSA] the acute toxicity of some commonly abused organic solvents were studied in albino rats exposed to the LD 50 of either acetone, toluene or xylene. Blood lipids and histopathological changes were studied in both dead and lwing animals. Electro-Cardiographic tracing was done to the control and survived intoxicated rats. The results obtained suggested profound hyperlipemia, structural damage and myocardial disturbances. Strict legislative measures are recommended

Neuropsychiatric and haematologic manifestations in workers occupationally exposed to lead [Pb], mercury [Hg] and trinitrotoluene [TNT]

One hundred and four exposed workers to Pb, Hg and TNT in explosives industry and fifty non-exposed workers were subjected to this study. Environmental analysis for the level of atmospheric Pb concentration in workplace is double [280 ug/m] the TWA level. The Pb-B level of exposed workers ranged between 30.2 to 74.6 ug% [mean 43.14 +/- 10.14] and for the nonexposed between 15 to 35.5 ug% [mean 22.51 +/- 7.19]. More than 3/4 [78.8%] of exposed workers presented with more than one neuropsychiatric symptom in comparison to 16% among the non-exposed group. Numbness [60.5%], impotence [45.1%], muscle weakness [36.5%] and headache [15.4%] were the main symptoms of exposed workers. Neuropsychiatric signs were manifested among 71.2% of exposed and 10% among non-exposed workers. The main signs were peripheral neuritis, muscle weakness and mental changes. EEG tracing and fundus examination were normal for exposed and non-exposed workers. Haemoglobin concentration and RBCs and WBCs counts were significantly decreased among exposed workers