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

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