[Co-relation of estrous cycle phases with uterine bacterial and fungal flora in non-pregnant female laboratory rabbits]

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between the estrous cycle phases with uterine bacterial and fungal flora in non-pregnant female rabbits. Thirty laboratory mature multiparous rabbits were used for this purpose. Samples from uterine lavage for culture of bacteria and fungi were collected at different stages of estrous cycle [based on vaginal cytology], and histopathological observations were evaluated based on the scoring system used for defining the infection of the uterus. Various types of bacteria and fungi were isolated from rabbits at all stages of estrous cycle. The widest variety of bacteria and fungi was isolated at Di-estrous stage and the lowest variety was detected at estrous stage. Klebsiella oxytoca as well as yeast have been isolated at all stages of estrous cycle. This study showed that infection with K. oxytoca and yeast had no relationship with different stages of estrous cycle but other bacteria and fungus were associated with one or more stages of the estrous cycle in rabbits

Brucella melitensis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis depict overlapping gene expression patterns induced in infected THP-1 macrophages

Pathogens infecting mammalian cells have developed various strategies to suppress and evade their hosts' defensive mechanisms. In this line, the intracellular bacteria that are able to survive and propagate within their host cells must have developed strategies to avert their host's killing attitude. Studying the interface of host-pathogen confrontation can provide valuable information for defining therapeutic approaches. Brucellosis, caused by the Brucella strains, is a zoonotic bacterial disease that affects thousands of humans and animals around the world inflicting discomfort and huge economic losses. Similar to many other intracellular dwelling bacteria, infections caused by Brucella are difficult to treat, and hence any attempt at identifying new and common therapeutic targets would prove beneficial for the purpose of curing infections caused by the intracellular bacteria. In THP-1 macrophage infected with Brucella melitensis we studied the expression levels of four host's genes, i.e. EMP2, ST8SIA4, HCP5 and FRMD5 known to be involved in pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Our data showed that at this molecular level, except for FRMD5 that was downregulated, the other three genes were upregulated by B. melitensis. Brucella melitensis and M. tuberculosis go through similar intracellular processes and interestingly two of the investigated genes, i.e. EMP2 and ST4SIA8 were upregulated in THP-1 cell infected with B. melitensis similar to that reported for THP-1 cells infected with M. tuberculosis. At the host-pathogen interaction interface, this study depicts overlapping changes for different bacteria with common survival strategies; a fact that implies designing therapeutic approaches based on common targets may be possible

Identification of Helicobacter spp. in gastrointestinal tract, pancreas and hepatobiliary system of stray cats

The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of Helicobacter species in different parts of gastrointestinal tract, hepatobiliary system and pancreas of stray cats. Six different sites at the level of genus, gastric [H. heilmannii and H. felis] and enterohepatic species of Helicobacter were investigated in six cats using species-specific primers by polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. Interestingly, DNA of enterohepatic spp. was detected in 1/6 duodenum, 2/6 colon and 1/6 pancreas specimens. Results of sequencing revealed that all of these four positive samples belong to Helicobacter canis. While cats have not been considered as a potential zoonotic danger for non-pylori Helicobacter infections, the results of current study show prompt re-evaluation of that view. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study about distribution of Helicobcater spp. in gastrointestinal tract of cats

Association between the enterotoxin production and presence of Coa, Nuc genes among Staphylococcus aureus isolated from various sources, in Shiraz

The present study was aimed to identify the frequency of coagulase [Coa] and thermonuclease [Nuc] genes and Staphylococcal enterotoxin A [Sea] production among Staphylococcus aureus isolated from various sources in Shiraz. Moreover, the correlation between the Sea gene and coagulase and thermonuclease enzymes is also considered. A total of 100 S. aureus were isolated from various sources including 40 humans, 30 animals and 30 food samples by the routine biochemical tests. The frequency of Coa, Nuc and Sea genes was evaluated by PCR assay. Correlation among those genes was finally evaluated by statistical analysis. The PCR results showed that the prevalence of Coa, Nuc and Sea genes was 91%, 100% and 14%, respectively. The evaluation of the enterotoxin production indicated that 78.6% of the Sea gene was expressed. The presence of enterotoxin A was not necessarily correlated to the production of toxin. As a final conclusion to detect the enterotoxigenic strains, both genotypic and phenotypic methods are highly recommended

[ relationship between growth hormone polymorphism and growth hormone receptor genes with milk yield and reproductive performance in Holstein dairy cows]

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential association between growth hormone GH/AluI and growth hormone receptor GHR/AluI polymorphisms with milk yield and reproductive performances in Holstein dairy cows in Iran. Blood samples of 150 Holstein cows were collected and their genomic DNA was extracted using Gene-Fanavaran DNA extracting kit. Fragments of the 428 bp of exon 5 growth hormone [GH] gene and the 342 bp of exon 10 growth hormone receptor [GHR] gene were amplified using the polymerase chain reaction [PCR] method. PCR products were digested by the AluI restriction enzyme and electrophoresed on 3% agarose gel. Continuous and categorical data were analyzed using linear mixed models through Proc MIXED and logistic regression models through Proc GENMOD of SAS software, respectively. The results showed no relationship between the examined traits and GH/AluI or GHR/AluI genes. A significant relationship was found between GH/AluI polymorphism and dystocia, but the presence of the GH-L allele reduced the incidence of dystocia. The results suggest that the GH-LL genotype reduces dystocia probably by affecting the release of growth hormone; nevertheless, further studies will be needed to examine the relationship between dystocia and GH genotypes.

Characterization of Salmonellae isolated from different animal and human sources by PCR and resistance trends

Salmonella is one of the most important zoonotic pathogens with many virulence factors playing a major role in its pathogenesis. The aims of this study were to detect spvA, int2 and invC virulence genes of different Salmonella serotypes isolated from various clinical animal and human sources, and to investigate antibiotic resistance patterns among these serotypes. Using a PCR assay, a total of 64 Salmonella isolates were evaluated for the presence of virulence genes. Results revealed that spvA, int2 and invC genes were found in 65.6%, 39.1%, and 76.6% of the Salmonella isolates, respectively. Seven different serotypes were differentiated according to the specific antisera. Antibiotic susceptibility results showed that isolates were susceptible to all tested antibiotics [31.25%], Amikacin [84.4%], Co-Amoxiclav [81.2%], Cefepime [73.4%], Ceftizoxime [76.6%], Ceftriaxone [60.9%], Meropenem [50%], Norfloxacin [82.8%], and Piperacillin [75%]. SpvA is a plasmid gene and the int2 gene has been identified on mobile elements. In addition, the chromosomal invC gene is associated with type III secretion systems [TTSS; not present in all Salmonellae]. Hence, the detection of these genes could be used to identify the Salmonella genus. High prevalence of int2 and spvA genes was also observed in multidrug resistance Salmonella isolates which might play an important role in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in multi-drug resistance [MDR] Salmonella isolates

Comparison of gastric adverse effects of aspirin and celecoxib before and after eradicating Helicobacter spp. infection in dogs

The present study was carried out to determine whether Helicobacter spp. infection in dogs could affect lesions caused by the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], aspirin and celecoxib. Thirty asymptomatic mixed-breed dogs were used for this study. Gastric biopsies were taken via gastroscopy and evaluated by polymerase chain reaction [PCR] and rapid urease tests [RUT]. Helicobacter spp. was detected in all specimens. The infection was completely eradicated in 15 dogs by a three-drug regimen for 21 days [amoxicillin, clarithromycin and omeprazole]. Each Helicobacter-positive and -negative group was then divided into three subgroups treated with aspirin, celecoxib and placebo for 14 days. Dogs in the different subgroups were compared by sequential gastroscopy on days 0, 3, 7, 14 and 21 [a week after drug cessation]. The results show that selective COX-2 inhibitors are better tolerated than conventional non-selective NSAIDs in dogs in terms of their side effects; however, these drugs should be administered with caution. Unlike what is advised in medical practices in humans, it seems that the eradication of non-pylori Helicobacter spp. from the stomach is not necessary prior to administrating NSAIDs in dogs

effect of fluoride-releasing elastomeric chains on streptococcus mutans levels in saliva and dental plaque in orthodontic patients

During fixed orthodontic treatments the absolute number and percentage of salivary Streptococcus mutans increase. This will cause increase of enamel demineralization and dental caries. The purpose of present study is to evaluate the effect of fluoride-releasing elastomeric chains in the streptococcus mutans levels in saliva and bacterial plaque. In this randomized clinical trial sixty patients, who were under fixed-orthodontic appliance treatments were selected and randomly divided into two groups of 30 each. Conventional elastomeric chains were used in group 1. As for the second group fluoride-releasing elastomeric chains were utilized. Four samples of saliva collected on days 0, 7, 14 and 28, and two plaque samples were collected on the beginning and finishing days in both groups. The fluoride-releasing and conventional elastomeric chains were removed on day 28. All samples were then used for microbial culture to count the Streptococcus mutans colonies. The results were analyzed statistically with the repeated measures Analysis of Variance [ANOVA] and Student t-tests. The result of Streptococcus mutans [CFU] in saliva at each time point in the study showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups [p >/= 0.301]. Comparison of the effect of elastomeric chains on the Streptococcus mutans colonization in dental plaque and elastomeric chains surface, also did not show any statistically significant difference between the two groups [p= 0.3 Hand 0.803 respectively]. There was no clinical evidence that fluoride-releasing elastomeric chains were effective in reducing the formation and colonization of Streptococcus mutans in saliva and dental plaque

Probable occurrence of black leg in a sucker dairy calf: the necessity of providing sufficient maternal antibody in endemic regions

Black leg has been reported in a variety of animals, but is of the most importance in cattle and sheep. A 20 days old Holstein dairy calf was examined because of anorexia and lameness from 2 days ago. The calf was depressed, tachypneic, tachycardic, and had a body temperature of 38.5°C. Both hind limbs proximal to the tarsal joint were markedly swollen, firm and painful. No crepitation was noted on palpation. The calf had bruxism, stiffness of gait and unwillingness to move. At necropsy, massive necrosis of thigh muscles which caused dark discolorated tissue with metallic sheen, large amount of thin sanguineous exuda and abundant gas bubbles were evident in the underlying tissues. Histopathologic examination revealed extensive degeneration and coagulative necrosis of muscle fibers and supported a diagnosis of black leg. No vaccination against Clostridium chauvoei was applied in the herd and the calf did not receive notable maternal antibody. Providing sufficient maternal antibody or early vaccination of the susceptible newborn calves should be considered in the endemic regions

Exon 2 Ovar-DRB1 gene polymorphism in the Iranian Sangsari sheep

The major histocompatibility complex [MHC] plays a central role in the control of disease resistance and immune response. Extensive genetic diversity in MHC genes provides a valuable source for genetic improvement, via selection, in many domestic animals. Exon 2 of the class II MHC, termed Ovar-DRBl in domestic sheep [Ovis aries] has been suggested as important disease resistance and immune response gene. We characterized Ovar-DRBl in DNA samples from 138 individuals of a population of the Iranian Sangsari sheep breed using PCR-RFLP. Eight DRB1 alleles were identified among Iranian Sangsari sheep, including one previously unrecognized allele. Eight homozygous genotypes were observed: a, b, c, d, f, g, h andN. Genotype bb was the most common pattern [46 of 138]. Heterozygous genotypes [ag, cb, cd, bf, and bN] were also observed. The observed homozygosity and heterozygosity values were 0.6377 and 0.3623, respectively, vs expected values of 0.220 and 0.779. Iranian Sangsari population deviate significantly from the theoretical proportions [FIS = 0.5283; p = 0.0005]. In conclusion, PCR-RFLP analysis allows rapid identification of Ovar-DRBl types and discrimination of homozygous and heterozygous genotypes. This study indicates that the exon 2 region of the Ovar-DRBl gene is highly polymorphic in the Iranian Sangsari sheep breed