Mastitogenic Bacteria Isolated from Clinical Mastitis Cases Associated with Teat Lesions and their Antimicrobial Sensitivity

Mastitis is the most common and most expensive disease that impacts dairy farms in Egypt. In this study, we investigated bacterial mastitis cases that did not respond to antimicrobial treatment from buffaloes and cows. Milk samples (11) were collected from diseased animals (5 buffaloes and 6 cows). The samples were tested microbiologically to isolate and identify the causative bacteria and antimicrobial susceptibility. The antimicrobial sensitivity of the isolated bacteria was tested by using minimum inhibitory concentration technique according to the clinical national laboratory standards.  The total number of bacterial isolates from the cases was 15 isolates. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was isolated alone in two cases (13.33% of the isolates), and S. aureus isolated in combination with Arcanobacterium pyogenes (A. pyogenes) in one case (6.67%), and S. aureus isolated in combination with both A. pyogenes and Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) in two cases (13.33%), and Coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) isolated alone in one case (6.67%), and CNS isolated in combination with Klebsiella pneumoniae in one case (6.67%), and A. pyogenes isolated alone in two cases (13.33%). In two cases were not able to isolate any bacterial pathogen. In terms of susceptibility to antibiotics, the isolated strains were sensitive to clindamycin with MICs ranging from 0.125 to <0.03125 µM. The same isolates exhibited medium sensitivity to gentamicin and ciprofloxacin with MICs ranging from 0.5 to 8 µM. Most S. aureus isolates were resistant to oxytetracycline with a MIC of 128 µM. Most of the isolated bacteria were resistant to polymyxin B with a MIC > 128 µM. With the exception of the A. pyogenes isolates, all the isolated bacteria were sensitive to enrofloxacin with a MIC <1 µM.       &nbsp

Detection of Avian Influenza Virus H5N1 in Horses at Assiut Governorate, Egypt

The highly pathogenic H5N1 is a major avian pathogen that intensively affects the poultry industry in Egypt, even in spite of the adoption of vaccination strategy. The virus is currently panzootic in Egyptian poultry populations and crosses species barriers to humans and animals. In February 2014, 15 horses at El-Fath center, Assiut, Egypt, started to show mild fever, dullness, restlessness, slight nasal discharge and cough. Two weeks later one of these horses died and another one became recumbent. This was associated with the spread of avian influenza cases in the backyard birds in the same area. Serum samples were collected from the diseased horses and from birds in the same area and examined by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay for detection of viral antibodies. At the same time, nasal swabs from horses and tracheal swabs from birds collected and examined by rapid antigen detection and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for detection of the virus. Serum samples of horses showed positive titer with HI in 13 out of the 14 diseased horses and the highest titer was 6-log2 in the recumbent one. Meanwhile, the result of HI for birds serum samples (450) were negative for 425 samples, which indicate absence of previous vaccination or infection, while the remaining 25 samples were from balady chickens showing HI titer 6-log2±0. 84 and those birds were previously vaccinated 4 weeks before collecting the serum. Avian influenza H5N1 virus could not be detected by using rapid antigen detection strips in the nasal swabs taken from the diseased horses, but could be detected in birds in 102/150 with antigen capture immune-assay (AC-EIA) common antigen type A, 95/150 with (AC-EIA) H5, 0/150 with (AC-EIA) H7 and 0/150 with (AC-EIA) H9 of examined samples. By qRT-PCR, H5N1 virus could be detected only in the nasal swab of the recumbent horse, and in 138/150 tracheal bird swab. In conclusion, Assiut city in Egypt is a disease endemic area where the probability of intimate contact between infected backyard birds and horses is high. Therefore, the disease may be transmitted to these horses from aerosol exposure of infected birds' droppings or contaminated feeds and water or because of direct contact with infected birds. However, the moderate severity of the H5N1 in equine may be responsible for the recovery of most of the diseased horses without further complications

Comparison of Normal Hematological and Biochemical values in Male and Female buffaloes

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of difference in gender on some hematological and serum biochemical constituents in buffaloes. In total, 30 healthy buffaloes (1–2 years old) of both sexes were examined at various buffalo farms in Assiut, Egypt. Two blood samples were collected from the jugular vein. The first blood sample was used for biochemical analysis. The second blood sample was used for hematological analysis. The results revealed significant increases in serum levels of most of the measured biochemical parameters in male than in female buffaloes, except serum albumen and blood urea nitrogen levels, which were significantly higher (P<0.01) in female buffaloes. In addition, no significant changes were observed in serum total proteins and globulins levels, and in serum gamma glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase activities. There were significant increases in hematocrit % (P<0.01) and mean corpuscular volume (P<0.05) in female than in male buffaloes. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was significantly lower (P<0.01) in female than in male buffaloes. No significant changes were reported in leucocytes and platelets. It could be concluded that hematological and serum biochemical constituents are varied between male and female buffaloes, which necessities the importance of using separate groups from male and female buffaloes in research studies

Investigation of Theileria camelensis in camels infested by Hyalomma dromedarii ticks in Upper Egypt

In the present study, a total of 224 camels infested with Hyalomma dromedarii ticks were investigated for the presence of Theileria camelensis infection in Upper Egypt. The role of Hyalomma dromedarii ticks as the vector of this parasite was also investigated by haemolymph smear examination. Results revealed that 15 (6.75%) of 224 camels were harboring Theileria camelensis in erythrocytes. Furthermore, the theilerial schizont was also seen in lymphocytes. These 15 camels did not show any abnormal clinical signs except three cases that showed enlargement of superficial lymph node and fever. Examination of ticks showed various developmental stages of different shapes and forms of Theileria species

Comparative Study on Reference Values for Blood Constituents during Pregnancy in Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Reference values for buffaloes especially those at pregnancy are not yet established. The aim of this study was to establish serum biochemical and hematological reference values for water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) during pregnancy. In total 409 pregnant buffaloes were examined at buffaloes' farms that belong to Assiut Governorate at the mid of Egypt. Out of them, 107 buffaloes did not meet the selection criteria and were excluded from the study. The remained 302 clinically healthy buffaloes were classified according to the stage of pregnancy into two groups: Group I; included buffaloes till 6 months of pregnancy (No.=146). Group II; included buffaloes after 6 months of pregnancy (No.=156). Three types of samples were collected; serum samples for biochemical analysis, whole blood samples for hematological analysis and fecal samples for parasitological examination. A total of 55 blood variables were measured during this study. The 95% reference intervals for each serum biochemical and hematological constituents were calculated by removing the upper and lower 2.5% of the interval to give the 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles. The present study established the reference intervals for the investigated biochemical and hematological parameters in blood of pregnant buffaloes. Results revealed that most of the measured blood constituents were differed significantly during the period before and after 6 months of pregnancy in buffaloes. In conclusion, the established reference values will be a useful guide for interpreting serum biochemical and hematologic data in pregnant buffaloes

Reference Values for Serum Biochemical and Hematological Constituents in Lactating Pregnant Buffaloes

Serum biochemical and hematological reference values are used to establish normality and to diagnose disease and physiological alterations. Up till now there are no reference values for different blood biochemical and hematological variables in lactating pregnant buffaloes, consequently the current study considered the first one that established those values in lactating pregnant water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Animals were examined at buffalo farms that belong to Assiut Governorate, Egypt. A total of 148 pregnant lactating buffaloes (5-10 years old) were examined, of these, 20 buffaloes did not meet the selection criteria and excluded from study. The remained animals (N.=128) were clinically healthy and included in the study. A total of 55 hematological and serum biochemical variables were measured in blood of lactating buffaloes. Mean reference values, reference intervals (2.5 and 97.5 percentiles) and their 90% confidence intervals, for the measured hematological and serum biochemical constituents were statistically calculated. Data for the serum biochemical and hematological variables were presented in tables and compared with previously published data. The established reference values will be a useful guide for interpreting serum biochemical and hematologic data in lactating pregnant water buffaloes

Synthesis, Docking and Biological Activities of Novel Hybrids Celecoxib and Anthraquinone Analogs as Potent Cytotoxic Agents

Herein, novel hybrid compounds of celecoxib and 2-aminoanthraquinone derivatives have been synthesized using condensation reactions of celecoxib with 2-aminoanthraquinone derivatives or 2-aminoanthraquinon with celecoxib derivatives. Celecoxib was reacted with different acid chlorides, 2-chloroethylisocyanate and bis (2-chloroethyl) amine hydrochloride. These intermediates were then reacted with 2-aminoanthraquinone. Also the same different acid chlorides and 2-chloroethylisocyanate were reacted with 2-aminoanthraquinone and the resulting intermediates were reacted with celecoxib to give isomers for the previous compounds. The antitumor activities against hepatic carcinoma tumor cell line (HEPG2) have been investigated in vitro, and all these compounds showed promising activities, especially compound 3c, 7, and 12. Flexible docking studies involving AutoDock 4.2 was investigated to identify the potential binding affinities and the mode of interaction of the hybrid compounds into two protein tyrosine kinases namely, SRC (Pp60v-src) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor, PDGFR (c-Kit). The compounds in this study have a preferential affinity for the c-Kit PDGFR PTK over the non-receptor tyrosine kinase SRC (Pp60v-src)

The differential effects of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids on seizure frequency in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy – A Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract The omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are known to play an important role in maintenance and modulation of neuronal functions. There is evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may have anticonvulsant effects. The effect of DHA and EPA on seizure rate in patients with DRE was investigated. Methods: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial included ninety-nine (n=99) DRE patients, aged 5-16 (n=85) and 17-45 (n=14). After randomization, patients were given two, four or six capsules per day of DHA (417.8 mg DHA and 50.8 mg EPA/capsule, n=33), EPA (385.6 mg EPA and 81.2 mg DHA/capsule, n=33) or placebo (high oleic acid sunflower oil, n=33) for one year. The primary endpoint was the effect of treatment on rate of seizure. Random-effects negative binomial regression models were fitted to model the patients’ total count of seizures per month. The treatment effects on seizure incidence rate ratio was tested after controlling for the covariate effects of gender, age, rate of seizure per week at enrollment, type of seizure and number of AEDs combinations used at enrollment. Results: Fifty-nine patients (n=59) completed the study (59.6%).The average number of seizures per month were 9.7 ± 1.2 in the EPA group, 11.7 ± 1.5 in the DHA group, and 16.6 ± 1.5 in the placebo group. Age, gender and seizure type adjusted seizure incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of the EPA and DHA groups compared with the placebo were 0.61 (CI= 0.42-0.88, p=0.008, 42% reduction) and 0.67 (CI = 0.46-1.0, p= 0.04, 39% reduction), respectively. There was no difference in IRR between the EPA and DHA groups (p=0.56). Both treatment groups had a significantly higher number of seizure-free days compared to placebo (p<0.05). Significance: This study demonstrates that EPA and DHA are effective in reducing seizure frequency in patients with DRE

Biomphalaria alexandrina snails as immunogens against Schistosoma mansoni infection in mice

Despite effective chemotherapy, schistosomiasis remains the second largest public health problem in the developing world. Currently, vaccination is the new strategy for schistosomiasis control. The presence of common antigenic fractions between Schistosoma mansoni and its intermediate host provides a source for the preparation of a proper vaccine. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the nucleoprotein extracted from either susceptible or resistant snails to protect against schistosomiasis. The vaccination schedule consisted of a subcutaneous injection of 50 µg protein of each antigen followed by another inoculation 15 days later. Analyses of marker enzymes for different cell organelles [succinate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose-6-phosphatase, acid phosphatase and 5'-nucleotidase] were carried out. Energetic parameters (ATP, ADP, AMP, phosphate potentials, inorganic phosphate, amino acids and LDH isoenzymes) were also investigated. The work was extended to record worm and ova counts, oogram determination in the liver and intestine and the histopathological pattern of the liver. The nucleoprotein of susceptible snails showed reduction in worm and ova counts by 70.96% and 51.31%, respectively, whereas the nucleoprotein of resistant snails showed reductions of 9.67% and 16.77%, respectively. In conclusion, we found that the nucleoprotein of susceptible snails was more effective in protecting against schistosomiasis