Maxillary neoplasms in four dromedary camels

Four camels (Camelus dromedarius) presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at King Faisal University with maxillary masses. On radiographs, the masses were multicystic and expanded the maxillary bone. The tumors were diagnosed by histopathologic examination as conventional ameloblastoma, two cases as intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma, and central odontogenic fibroma with ossification. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of ameloblastoma in a camel, the first detailed description of maxillary squamous cell carcinoma in camels, and the first report of central odontogenic fibroma in any animal species

Genome-Wide Analysis of the Emerging Infection with Mycobacterium avium Subspecies paratuberculosis in the Arabian Camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (M. ap) is the causative agent of paratuberculosis or Johne's disease (JD) in herbivores with potential involvement in cases of Crohn's disease in humans. JD is spread worldwide and is economically important for both beef and dairy industries. Generally, pathogenic ovine strains (M. ap-S) are mainly found in sheep while bovine strains (M. ap-C) infect other ruminants (e.g. cattle, goat, deer), as well as sheep. In an effort to characterize this emerging infection in dromedary/Arabian camels, we successfully cultured M. ap from several samples collected from infected camels suffering from chronic, intermittent diarrhea suggestive of JD. Gene-based typing of isolates indicated that all isolates belong to sheep lineage of strains of M. ap (M. ap-S), suggesting a putative transmission from infected sheep herds. Screening sheep and goat herds associated with camels identified the circulation of this type in sheep but not goats. The current genome-wide analysis recognizes these camel isolates as a sub-lineage of the sheep strain with a significant number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between sheep and camel isolates (∼1000 SNPs). Such polymorphism could represent geographical differences among isolates or host adaptation of M. ap during camel infection. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to examine the genomic basis of this emerging infection in camels with implications on the evolution of this important pathogen. The sequenced genomes of M. ap isolates from camels will further assist our efforts to understand JD pathogenesis and the dynamic of disease transmission across animal species

The role of matrix metalloproteinases in cartilage destruction in equine arthropathies

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:DXN063734 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Mycophenolate suppresses inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin synthases: a study of molecular and experimental drug repurposing

Mycophenolate mofetil is an established anti-proliferative and immune-suppressive agent that minimizes the proliferation of inflammatory cells by interfering with nucleic acid synthesis. Herein, we report our discovery of the prostaglandin inhibiting properties of MMF, which offers new applications for the drug in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The estimated values of IC50MMFCOX-1, IC50MMFCOX-2, and IC50MMF5-LOX were 5.53, 0.19, and 4.47 µM, respectively. In contrast, mycophenolic acid (MPA) showed slightly stronger inhibition: IC50MPACOX-1, IC50MPACOX-2, and IC50MPA5-LOX were 4.62, 0.14, and 4.49 µM, respectively. These results indicate that MMF and MPA are, respectively, 28.6 and 33 times more selective for cyclooxygenase-2 than for cyclooxygenase-1, which implies that MMF would have less impact on the gastric mucosa than most nonselective, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Furthermore, MMF provided dose-dependent relief of acute inflammation in the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema test, with results comparable to those of celecoxib and indomethacin. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the MMF bond with COX-2 was stable, as evidenced by a low root-mean-square deviation of atomic positions, complementary per-residue root-mean-square fluctuation, and 0–4 hydrogen bonds during the 50-ns simulation time. Therefore, MMF provides immune-suppressing, cyclooxygenase-inhibiting, and inflammation-relieving properties. Our results indicate that MMF can be 1) repositioned for inflammation treatment without the need for further expensive clinical trials, 2) used for local acute inflammations, and 3) used as a sparing agent for other steroid and non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications, especially in topical applications

Assessment of Endometritis in Arabian Mare

This study aimed to employ different methods for diagnosis of endometritis in Arabian mare. The study was conducted on 88 barren Arabian mares. After establishing the breeding history and completing the clinical examination, 50 of them were diagnosed as endometritis. Two swabs were obtained for bacteriological culture and cytological smears. Biopsy specimens were taken from the endometrium for histological examination. The results revealed that the ageing and the abnormal vulvar conformation were predisposing factors for endometritis. The number of mares affected with endometritis were 10, (20%) 13 (26%) and 27 (54%) in nullipara, primipara and pluripara mares respectively. Mares affected with endometritis were 6 (12%), 20 (40%), 18 (36%) and 6 (12%) in relation to body scoring 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Bacteriological and mycological examinations of the uterine culture were positive in 41 (82%) and in 5 (10%) animals respectively. No growth was recorded in 4 swabs (8%).  Streptococcus equi zooepidemicus were found to be the most common potential uterine bacterial pathogens (39.1% ) followed by E coli (21.7%). Cytological examination was positive in 60% (n=30) and negative in 40 % (n=40). The histopathological investigation revealed that 10/50 cases (20%), 18/40 cases (45.0%), 11/40 cases (27.5%), 7/40 cases (17.5%) and 4/40 cases (10.0%) were diagnosed as normal endometrium (Grade I), mild endometritis (Grade II A), moderate endometritis (Grade II B), severe endometritis (Grade III) and uterine atrophy respectively. Keywords: Arabian mare, biopsy, cytology, endometritis   Animal Production 14(2):99-10

Dromedary Camels and the Transmission of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an existential threat to global public health. The virus has been repeatedly detected in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). Adult animals in many countries in the Middle East as well as in North and East Africa showed high (>90%) seroprevalence to the virus. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus isolated from dromedaries is genetically and phenotypically similar to viruses from humans. We summarize current understanding of the ecology of MERS-CoV in animals and transmission at the animal-human interface. We review aspects of husbandry, animal movements and trade and the use and consumption of camel dairy and meat products in the Middle East that may be relevant to the epidemiology of MERS. We also highlight the gaps in understanding the transmission of this virus in animals and from animals to humans

Three species of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato infect camels on the Arabian Peninsula

We report on the genetic identity of 36 Echinococcus cysts that were collected during a recent slaughterhouse survey of 810 locally bred camels (dromedaries) in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Analysis of a partial nad1 gene sequence showed that the majority (n = 29) belonged to E. granulosus sensu stricto, four to E. canadensis G6/7, and three to E. ortleppi. Eight of the 29 E. granulosus s.s. cysts contained protoscoleces; all other cysts were calcified and non-viable. This is the first report of the presence E. ortleppi from the Arabian Peninsula, a parasite that is typically transmitted via cattle. The results indicate widespread infection of camels with CE in eastern Saudi Arabia and an active role of camels in the lifecycles of at least E. granulosus s.s.. Complete cox1 haplotype analysis of 21 E. granulosus s.s. isolates shows that the majority of variants circulating in eastern Saudi Arabia is distinct from but closely related to haplotypes from neighboring countries in the Middle East, which indicates the presence of this parasite in KSA for a longer period of time. All isolates of E. granulosus s.s. in this study belonged to the G1 cluster, although the G3 genotype has previously also been reported from the Middle East