Investigation of the Prevalence of Fasciola hepatica in Small Ruminants in the Siirt Region, Turkey

Background: Fasciolosis is a disease of the liver caused by trematodes in the family of Fasciolidae, particularly by Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of F. hepatica in sheep using the ELISA method, and in hair goats by post-mortem liver examination in the Siirt region, Turkey. Methods: This study was conducted between Feb-Sep 2018. Five ml of blood samples were taken from the jugular veins of 320 sheep, which were selected from various locations of Siirt region by random sampling method. Fasciolosis seroprevalence in sheep was investigated by the ELISA method, using commercial kits (BIOK 211-Monoscreen AB ELISA F. hepatica test). In order to determine the prevalence of fasciolosis in hair goats, 580 slaughtered goats were examined for F. hepatica by incisions in the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts. Results: While 24 (7.50%) sheep were seropositive, 296 (92.50%) were seronegative. Regarding the hair goats, on the other hand, 82 (14.14%) were positive, while 498 (85.86%) were negative. Conclusion: F. hepatica infection causes significant economic losses due to the destruction of the liver in small ruminants. Considering zoonotic properties of the disease, it has been concluded that the necessary measures should be taken and anti-helminthic drugs should be applied to the animals that come out of the pasture. Furthermore, periodic examinations should be conducted, and the breeders should be informed about the disease to raise awareness

Sağlıklı boer x kıl keçisi melez ırklarında cinsiyetin bazı hematolojik ve biyokimyasal parametreler üzerine etkisi

The aim of this study was to determine some hematological and biochemical parameters in male and female Boer x hair goat crossbreed (n=34). Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein in sample tubes with and without anticoagulants. A Mindray BC2800 fully-automated device was used to measure the WBC, RBC, Hgb, Hct, MCV, and MCH values and ADVIA 1800 brand auto-analyzer was used to obtain Na, K, Cl, Mg, Ca, Crea, Tp, Alb, Gluo, Chol, Trig, AST, ALT, and ALP values. WBC (p<0.01), RBC (p<0.05), HCT (p<0.01) and MCV (p<0.05) levels were found to be statistically higher in female specimens, while HGB and MCH levels were found to be statistically identical for both sexes. Meanwhile, males had statistically higher levels of K (p <0.001) and Mg (p<0.01) levels compared to females. Crea (p<0.001), Tp (p <0.05), Alb (p<0.05), Gluo (p<0.001) levels were also statistically higher in males, while Chol level was statistically higher in females (p<0.001). No statistically significant variation was detected between the Trig values of the sexes. ALT, ALP activities of males were found to be statistically higher in males than in females (p<0.05). The results of the study revealed that some hematological and biochemical parameters of Boer x hair goat crossbreeds are affected by sex.Bu çalışmada, erkek ve dişi Boer x Kıl keçisi melezlerinde bazı hematolojik ve biyokimyasal parametrelerin belirlenmesi amaçlandı. Hayvanların vena jugularisinden antikoagulanlı ve antikoagulansız tüplere kan örnekleri alındı. WBC, RBC, Hgb, Hct, MCV, MCH değerleri Mindray BC2800 tam otomatik kan sayım cihazında, Na, K, CI, Mg, Ca, Crea,Tp, Alb, Gluo, Chol, Trig, AST, ALT ve ALP analizleri ADVIA 1800 marka otoanalizörde yapıldı. WBC (p<0.01), RBC (p<0.05), HCT (p<0.01) ve MCV (p<0.05) düzeylerinin dişilerde erkeklere göre istatistiksel olarak daha yüksek olduğu, HGB, MCH düzeyleri karşılaştırıldığında ise istatistiksel olarak iki cinsiyet arasında fark olmadığı belirlendi. K (p <0.001) ve Mg (p <0.01) seviyeleri erkeklerde dişilere göre daha yüksek tespit edildi. Erkeklerde Crea (p <0.001), Tp (p <0.05), Alb (p <0.05), Gluo (P<0.001), düzeyleri dişilere göre yüksek, Chol seviyesi ise dişilerde erkeklerden istatistiksel olarak yüksek bulundu (p <0.001). Cinsiyetler arasında Trig değerleri bakımından fark tespit edilmedi. ALT (p <0.05), ALP (p <0.05) aktiviteleri karşılaştırıldığında erkek hayvanların dişilere göre daha yüksek değerlere sahip olduğu belirlendi. Sonuç olarak, Boer x Kıl keçisi melezlerine ait bazı hematolojik ve biyokimyasal parametrelerin cinsiyetten etkilendiği, bazılarında ise cinsiyet faktörünün etkili olmadığı belirlendi

Cryptosporidium spp. in Dogs - Prevalence and Genotype Distribution

Background: Cryptosporidium spp. is a zoonotic protozoan parasite that affects the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. The disease can cause acute and chronic diarrhoea and even death in both humans and animals. In this study, it was aimed to determine the prevalence and genotype distribution of Cryptosporidiosis in shelter dogs in Diyarbakır province located in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey. Materials, Methods &amp; Results: The animal material of the study consisted of 100 dogs of different breeds and sexes. Faecal samples were collected from the rectum with disposable latex gloves and placed in individual sample containers.  All of the samples were examined for Cryptosporidium  spp. by Kinyoun Acid Fast and Nested PCR methods. In the Kinyoun Acid Fast staining method, firstly, smear preparations were prepared from fresh faecal samples, fixed in pure methanol for 1 min and allowed to dry. The slides were kept in Kinyoun Carbol-Fuxin for 5 min, dipped in 50% ethyl alcohol, shaken, washed in tap water, kept in 1% sulphuric acid for 2 min and washed in tap water.  The slides were kept in methylene blue for 1 min, washed in tap water and allowed to dry. After drying, immersion oil was dripped and examined under a microscope at 100 magnification. DNA extraction was performed from all samples using GeneMATRIX Stool DNA Purification Kit according to the manufacturer's protocol. After Nested PCR analysis was performed. In the PCR step, primers 5'-TTCTAGAGCTAATACATGCG-3' and 5'- CCCATTTCCTTCCTTCGAAACAGGA-3' were used to amplify the 1325 bp gene region. In the nested PCR step, primers 5'- GGAAGGGTTGTATTTATTTATTAGATAAAG-3' and 5'-AAGGAGTAAGGAACAACCTCCA-3' were used to amplify the 826-864 bp gene region. As a result of both methods, a prevalence of 3% was determined. The infection rate was higher in males (3.57%) than females (2.27%) and in younger than 1 year (5.56%) than in older than 1 year (1.56%). The DNA sequences obtained from the sequence analysis of 3 positive PCR samples were analysed in BioEdit software. A phylogenetic tree was constructed with the data set created by using the 18s rRNA gene sequences obtained from the NCBI genbank database and the DNA sequences obtained as a result of the study, and it was shown which Cryptosporidium species the study samples were related to. Today, many Cryptosporidium species have been identified and most of these species have host adaptation. Although C. canis is the most common species in dogs, C. muris, C. meleagridis, and C. parvum have also been detected. Among these species, C. parvum is recognized as a zoonotic species infecting a wide range of mammals. In this study, DNA sequencing of nested PCR positive samples revealed that 3 samples were zoonotic C. parvum. Discussion: This suggests that dogs may be a reservoir for zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium.  Consequently, it is recommended that people should be informed about the potential for transmission of this protozoan to humans and animals and that control programmes should be implemented, including the prevention of free entry of stray dogs into public places and homes. Keywords: Cryptosporidium  parvum, molecular analysis, canine, Diyarbakır, Turkey

Oxidant/Antioxidant Status, PON1 and ARES Activities, Trace Element Levels, and Histological Alterations in Sheep with Cystic Echinococcosis

Background: Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI), nitric oxide (NO), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) levels, paraoxonase (PON1), arylesterase (ARES) activities, and biochemical changes were studied on sheep with cystic echinococcosis. Methods: The materials were taken from 2-3 yr old sheep slaughtered in Van Province, Turkey in 2017. Before the slaughter, blood samples were collected from the healthy sheep, while various organs of animals were examined for hydatid cysts after the slaughter. Thirty sheep were protoscolex positive, hydatic group, while 30 sheep that did not have any pathological lesions in organ examinations were accepted as the control group. TOS levels, PON1 and ARES activities, and Zn levels were determined by commercial kits, while Cu levels were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The collected data were then statistically analyzed. Results: Serum TOS and OSI levels were significantly higher in sheep with cystic echinococcosis compared to the control group (P<0.001). TAS levels (P<0.01), PON1 and ARES activities, on the other hand, were significantly higher in control group compared to the cystic echinococcosis group (P<0.001). There were no significant differences in Zn, NO and Cu levels between the groups. Conclusion: PON1 and ARES activities increased in sheep infected with cyst hydatid. The decline of antioxidant reserves in the metabolism results in excessive amounts of free radicals, along with alterations of the normal histological structure of the cystic organ and changes in trace element metabolism

Molecular Survey of the Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in brain tissue of aborted fetuses of Morkaraman sheep in Muş, Türkiye

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are obligate intracellular protozoan parasites that can affect different warm-blooded species worldwide. In this study, it was aimed to detect T. gondii and N. caninum using PCR method in brain tissues of aborted sheep fetuses. Brain specimens were collected from 50 Morkaraman sheep fetuses that had undergone abortion at various stages of pregnancy, within the lambing seasons of 2023 in Muş. Approximately 1 cm³ of brain tissue from the right cerebral hemisphere was excised and subsequently frozen at -20°C for DNA extraction. DNA extraction and PCR amplification were then performed. As a result of this study, 11 (22%) of 50 brain tissues were positive. All brain samples examined in this study were negative for Neospora caninum. Based on the results of this study, it is possible to say that T. gondii is an important abortion agent in sheep in this region. Although N. caninum was not detected in this study, larger scale studies are recommended. Moreover, this study provides important information to breeders and veterinarians in the field in the evaluation and management of abortion

Rekreatif erkek ve kadın atletlerin yere düşüş model tespiti

Erkek ve kadın atletlerin yere düşüş hareketinin değerlendirilmesinde Hatalı Yere Düşüş Puanlama Sistemi (LESS) kullanışlı, çabuk, güvenilir, geçerli ve duyarlı bir ölçüm aracıdır. Bu çalışmada, rekreatif erkek ve kadın atletlerin LESS ile hareket modelleri araştırılmıştır. Çalışmaya 241 (101 kadın, 140 erkek) gönüllü rekreatif atlet katılmıştır. Atletlerin yere düşüş, sagital ve frontal düzlemden iki el kamerası ile kayıt altına alınmıştır. Bu kayıtlar, LESS konusunda eğitimli bir değerlendirici tarafından izlenerek puanlandırılmıştır. Erkek ve kadın atletler arasında yapılan karşılaştırmalarda toplam ve frontal düzlem LESS skorları anlamlı farklılıklar göstermiştir. Toplam LESS ile birlikte, her bir LESS maddesi ayrı olarak değerlendirilirse yere düşüş hata tespitinde daha faydalı bir araç olabilir. Bununla beraber, özellikle frontal düzlem değerlendirmeleri, kadın atletlerin sıçrama-düşüş aktivite programları tasarımında yol gösterici bir faktör olabilir.Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) is a useful, quick, reliable, valid and responsive instrument for determination of landing movement errors of male and female athletes. This study focused to investigate the landing pattern of recreational male and female athletes, using the Landing Error Scoring System. The study included 241 volunteer recreational athletes (101 females, 140 males). Jump-landings were recorded by two camcorders from sagittal and frontal planes. These records were replayed and scored by a trained rater on LESS score sheets. Total and frontal plane LESS score was significantly different between male and female athletes. Beside the total LESS score, each item may be evaluated separately; frontal plane evaluation results, in particular, can be a guiding factor in designing such jump-landing activity programs in female athletes

Diyarbakır’ın Dicle ve Hani İlçelerindeki Köpeklerde Leishmaniasis’in Klinik, Hematolojik ve Biyokimyasal Bulguları, Serolojik Tanısı ve PCR ile Tiplendirilmesi

Leishmaniasis, halk arasında tatarcık olarak bilinen Phlebotominae sineklerinin kan emerken bulaştırdıkları, Leishmania spp. tarafından meydana getirilen insan ve hayvanlarda ölümcül olabilen paraziter bir hastalıktır. Ülkemizde Visseral leishmaniasis olguları başta Ege ve Akdeniz bölgeleri olmak üzere bütün bölgelerimizde görülmektedir. Akdeniz ülkelerinde yapılan çalışmalarda köpeklerde Visseral leishmaniasisin oldukça yaygın olduğu ve köpeklerin L.infantum için rezervuar oldukları bildirilmektedir. Bu çalışma Mayıs-Haziran 2013 tarihleri arasında Diyarbakır’ın Dicle (Dede ve Durabeyli köyleri) ve Hani (sergen ve çardaklı köyleri) ilçelerindeki sahipli köpeklerde canine leishmaniasis seroprevalansının araştırılması amacıyla yapılmıştır. Tekniğine uygun olarak 120 köpeğin vena cephalica antebrachii’lerinden EDTA’lı ve EDTA’sız tüplere kan örneği alındı. Alınan örnekler Rapid test, IFAT, PCR ile incelendi ve köpeklerin tamamı leishmaniasis yönünden negatif bulundu. Benzer çalışmaların bölgedeki sahipsiz köpekleri de kapsayacak şekilde yapılmasının daha iyi sonuçlar doğuracağı kanaatindeyiz

Kedi ve Köpeklerde Kardiyovasküler Hastalıkların Tanısında Natriüretik Peptidler’in Önemi

Kalp yetmezliği ile ilgili hastalıkların patofizyolojisinin anlaşılması ve sağaltımı hakkında son yıllarda oldukça fazla ilerlemeler kaydedilmiştir. Hastalığın tanısında detaylı fiziksel muayeneler yapılmasına rağmen kedi ve köpeklerde yine de zorluklarla karşılaşılmaktadır. Kalp hastalıklarının klinik tanısında; anamnez, fiziksel muayene, kardiyopulmoner oskültasyon ve göğüs radyografisinden yararlanılmaktadır. Tanıda daha çok anlam ifade eden ekokardiyografi kullanımı ve uygulaması uzmanlık gerektirmekte ve aynı zamanda hayvan sahibine ek bir maliyet yüklemektedir. Bu nedenle serum biyomarkırları kalp hastalıklarının tanısı ve sağaltıma verilen cevabın belirlenmesinde kullanılmaktadır. Natriüretik peptidler kalp hastalıklarının tanısında önemli bir yer tutmaktadırlar. Natriüretik peptidler; natriürezisi, idrar üretimini ve böbrek kan akımını arttırırken, sistemik damar direncini ve kalpte dolum basıncını azaltarak diyastololik fonksiyonu etkilemektedir. Kalp hastalıklarının tanısı belirlemede önemli bir protein olmasından dolayı natriüretik peptidlerin kullanımı gittikçe yaygınlaşmaktadır. Bu derlemenin amacı; kalp hastalıklarının tanısında natriüretik peptidlerin etkinliğinin irdelenmesi amaçlanmıştır