Immunotherapy Using Autoclaved L. major Antigens and M. vaccae with Meglumine Antimoniate, for the Treatment of Experimental Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis

Background: To evaluate immunotherapy against canine visceral leishmaniasis, Leishmania ma­jor antigen and heat-killed Mycobacterium vaccae (SRL172) were used as stimulators of immune de­fense mechanisms and the results were compared with standard chemotherapy meglumine antimoni­ate.Methods: Nineteen mongrel dogs aging 1-3 years old were used in this experiment. Infection was carried out in 15 out of 19 dogs using L. infantum, isolated from a naturally infected poly-symptomatic dog.Results: All the cases showed positive serologic results by direct agglutination test during 30-60 days following inoculation. In the first group, which was under chemotherapy (GlucantimeR), one of the members showed recurrence of the disease despite rapid effect of the therapeutic protocol. Im­munotherapy using SRL172 caused complete cleaning of the parasite in group 2, but the speed was less than Glucantime. Immunotherapy using L. major antigen combined with M. vaccae in group 3 and combine administration of immunotherapy and chemotherapy in group 4 both were with relapsing of one case in each group. Group 5 and 6 were consisted of positive and negative con­trol dogs, respectively.Conclusion: Immunotherapy seems to be an adjuvant in treatment of canine leishmaniasis but it needs more investigation for final confirmation

Prevalence of Giardia duodenalis Infection in Household Cats of Ahvaz District, South-West of Iran

Background: The occurrence of Giardia duodenalis in cats is of potential significance from both clinical and public health perspectives. The object of this study was antigenic detection of G. duodenalis in household cats of Ahvaz district, South-West of Iran. Methods: The prevalence of G. duodenalis was determined in fecal samples by two techniques: centrifugation-flotation and a commercial Giardia Antigen Test Kit (immunochromatography assay) in 150 household cats of different ages among referred cases to Veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz University from January 2008 to February 2010. Results: Five out of 150 fecal samples (3.33%) were positive for antigen of G. duodenalis by immunochromatography assay. The prevalence was significantly higher in young cats less than 6 months (15.79%) compared with adult cats 6 months – 3 years (1.37%) (P=0.027) and above 3 years (1.72%) (P=0.044). The infection had more prevalence in diarrheic cats (17.39%) compared with non-diarrheic cats (0.79%) and the difference was significant (P=0.02) as well. The prevalence was higher in male cats (3.41%) than females (3.23%) and in the season of autumn (6.06%), but the difference was not significant between the prevalence of infection relative to host gender and season (P>0.05). Microscopy examinatio

Antibody detection of feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) in sera of companion cats in Ahvaz, south west of Iran Mosallanejad 1

ABSTRACT Feline infectious peritonitis virus is ubiquitous in domestic cats, especially in young cats and multicat environments. In the present study, a total of 248 companion cats of different ages were examined for serum antibody detection of FIPV by immunochromatography assay. The cats were selected from those referring to Veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz University, southwestern Iran from December 2006 to June 2009. Classification was made by age, sex, breed, region and season. The studied cats were divided based on age into three groups (<6 months, 6 months -3 years and > 3 years) and based on area into five regions (north, east, west, south and central). The results were analyzed by using Chi-square analysis and Fischer's exact test. Seventeen of 248 serum samples (6.85%) had antibody against feline infectious peritonitis virus. Prevalence was significantly higher in young kittens less than 6 months (9.72%; 7 out of 72) and mean-age cats 6 months -3 years (9.28%; 9 out of 97) compared with above 3 years (1.27%; 1 out of 79) (P<0.05). The most common clinical signs were loss weight and depressed appetite in the affected cats. Prevalence was higher in male cats (8.70%; 10 out of 115) than females (5.26%; 7 out of 133), the spring season (11.32%; 6 out of 53) and north region (10.53; 4 out of 38), but the difference was not significant between the prevalence of infection relative to host gender, season and region (P>0.05). It is necessary to control cat population in these area particular young cats to reduce risk of infection transmission between them

Antibody detection of feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) in sera of companion cats in Ahvaz, south west of Iran

Feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) is ubiquitous in domestic cats, especially in young cats and multi-cat environments. In the present study, a total of 248 companion cats of different ages were examined for serum antibody detection of FIPV by immunochromatography assay. The cats were selected from those referring to Veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz University, southwestern Iran from December 2006 to June 2009. Classification was made by age, sex, breed, region and season. The studied cats were divided based on age into three groups ( 3 years) and based on area into five regions (north, east, west, south and central). The results were analyzed by using Chi-square analysis and Fischer's exact test. Seventeen of 248 serum samples (6.85%) had antibody against feline infectious peritonitis virus. Prevalence was significantly higher in young kittens less than 6 months (9.72%; 7 out of 72) and mean-age cats 6 months – 3 years (9.28%; 9 out of 97) compared with above 3 years (1.27%; 1 out of 79) (P0.05). It is necessary to control cat population in these area particular young cats to reduce risk of infection transmission between them

Seroprevalence of Ehrlichia canis in dogs referred to Veterinary Hospital of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran

Canine ehrlichiosis is a zoonotic rickettsial disease transmitted by ticks. In the present study, 198 companion dogs of different ages were examined for serum antibody detection against Ehrlichia canis by means of immunochromatography assay. The dogs were selected among referred cases to Veterinary Hospital of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Southwestern Iran from November 2008 to March 2010. The studied dogs were classified based on age, sex, breed, region and season. Nineteen of 198 serum samples (9.6%) had antibody against E. canis. Prevalence was significantly higher in adult dogs more than 3 year-old (16.18%) (P= 0.002) and 1 – 3 years (11.86%) (P= 0.016) compared with young dogs less than 1 year-old (1.41%). Prevalence was higher in male dogs (10.62%) than female dogs (8.24%), in the summer (11.32%) and west region (11.11%). There were not significant differences between the prevalence of infection and host gender, season and region (P>0.05). Typical morulae of E. canis were observed in monocytes of four infected dogs (2.02%). Five out of 24 (20.83%) of the thrombocytopenic dogs and 14 out of 174 (8.05%) of the non-thrombocytopenic dogs were positive for ehrlichiosis. Of 19 seropositive dogs, six (31.58%) had anemia, four (21.05%) hypoalbuminemia and five (26.32%) leukopenia. There were not statistically significant differences between hematological findings and prevalence of infection (P> 0.05). This is the first report indicating the presence of E. canis in companion dogs of Ahvaz district. However, the sources of infection in these dogs were not clear. Finally, the role of companion dogs in the epizootiology of E. canis infection needs to be further explored

Antibody detection against Leishmania infantum in sera of companion cats in Ahvaz, south west of Iran

Leishmaniasis is an important and common zoonotic disease with a great impact on public health. In the present study, a total of 195 companion cats of different ages were examined for serum antibody detection against Leishmania infantum by immunochromatography assay. The cats were selected from those referring to Veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz University, south west of Iran from May 2009 to March 2012. Classification was made by age, sex, breed, region and season. The studied cats were divided based on age into three groups ( 3 years) and based on area into five regions (north, east, west, south and central). The results were analyzed by using Chi-square analysis, Fischer's exact test and Z test. Eighteen of 195 serum samples (9.23%) had antibody against Leishmania infantum (%95 Confidence Interval: 5.1-13.3%). Prevalence was significantly higher in adult cats above 3 years (28.57%; 14 out of 49) compared with mean-age cats 1- 3 years (3.57%; 3 out of 84) (Odds Ratio: 10.8) and less than 1 year (1.61%; 1 out of 62) (OR: 24.4) (P0.05). In conclusion, it is necessary to control cat's population in these area particular adult cats to reduce risk of infection transmission to other animals and human

A comparison between PCR and Immunochromatography assay (ICA) in diagnosis of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis caused by Canine parvovirus

ABSTRACT Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is one of the most common viruses responsible for acute hemorrhagic enteritis in dogs. A rapid and accurate diagnosis of CPV-2 infection is especially important in kennels in order to isolate infected dogs. The aim of the present study was to compare two laboratory tests i.e., Polymerase Change Reaction (PCR) and Immunochromatography assay (ICA) most commonly used for the diagnosis of canine parvovirus infection in companion dogs. Fecal samples were collected from fifty five dogs (50=hemorrhagic diarrheic and 5= healthy) between 2011 and 2012 in Ahvaz district, southwest of Iran. The studied dogs were divided into two age groups (<6 months, and>6 months), four different breeds (Terriers, German shepherds, Doberman pinschers and Mixed) and based on environment into two groups (open and close) also. All samples were tested by ICA and PCR methods and the results were analyzed by using Kappa test, Mc Nemar and Chi-square analysis. ICA and PCR were able to detect CPV-2 antigen or nucleic acid in 33 and 50 of the hemorrhagic diarrheic samples, respectively. Samples of healthy dogs were negative by both tests. Although sensitivity of ICA compared with PCR method was determined to be 66% (PCR more sensitive than ICA), nevertheless statistical analysis showed that the difference between two techniques were not significant (P>0.05). Kappa test was obtained 0.38 between two techniques. CBC showed that most infected dogs had leucopenia, lymphopenia and neutropenia also (82%; 41 out of 50 samples).Obtained results of this survey showed that accurate standardization of laboratory tests is required to provide veterinarian with an effective tool for a precise etiological diagnosis of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis due to CPV infection. Although Immunochromatography is a simple and quick method for screening of fecal samples of dogs suspected of CPV infection, but PCR is more sensitive and reliable than ICA. Moreover, the subtypes of the virus determined by PCR test after verifying parvovirus. In this test 48 samples were CPV-2b and another 2 samples were CPV-2a. Our results showed that CPV-2b was the predominant subtype

A comparison between PCR and Immunochromatography assay (ICA) in diagnosis of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis caused by Canine parvovirus

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is one of the most common viruses responsible for acute hemorrhagic enteritis in dogs. A rapid and accurate diagnosis of CPV-2 infection is especially important in kennels in order to isolate infected dogs. The aim of the present study was to compare two laboratory tests i.e., Polymerase Change Reaction (PCR) and Immunochromatography assay (ICA) most commonly used for the diagnosis of canine parvovirus infection in companion dogs. Fecal samples were collected from fifty five dogs (50=hemorrhagic diarrheic and 5= healthy) between 2011 and 2012 in Ahvaz district, southwest of Iran. The studied dogs were divided into two age groups (6 months), four different breeds (Terriers, German shepherds, Doberman pinschers and Mixed) and based on environment into two groups (open and close) also. All samples were tested by ICA and PCR methods and the results were analyzed by using Kappa test, Mc Nemar and Chi-square analysis. ICA and PCR were able to detect CPV-2 antigen or nucleic acid in 33 and 50 of the hemorrhagic diarrheic samples, respectively. Samples of healthy dogs were negative by both tests. Although sensitivity of ICA compared with PCR method was determined to be 66% (PCR more sensitive than ICA), nevertheless statistical analysis showed that the difference between two techniques were not significant (P>0.05). Kappa test was obtained 0.38 between two techniques. CBC showed that most infected dogs had leucopenia, lymphopenia and neutropenia also (82%; 41 out of 50 samples).Obtained results of this survey showed that accurate standardization of laboratory tests is required to provide veterinarian with an effective tool for a precise etiological diagnosis of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis due to CPV infection. Although Immunochromatography is a simple and quick method for screening of fecal samples of dogs suspected of CPV infection, but PCR is more sensitive and reliable than ICA. Moreover, the subtypes of the virus determined by PCR test after verifying parvovirus. In this test 48 samples were CPV-2b and another 2 samples were CPV-2a. Our results showed that CPV-2b was the predominant subtype

Babesia infection in urban and rural dogs in Ahvaz district, Southwest of Iran

Canine Babesiosis is an important worldwide, tick-born disease caused by apicomplexan hemoparasitic from genus Babesia. The aim of the present survey was to identify the current state of Babesia infection in urban and rural dogs in Ahvaz district, southwest of Iran. For this reason, 200 rural dogs from 5 village around Ahvaz and 200 urban dogs (stratified random sampling) referred to the veterinary hospital of Shahid Chamran University were examined for the presence of Babesia species within 2 years. The studied dogswere classified based on age, sex, breed and season. Blood samples were taken from cephalic or saphenous vein and then peripheral thin blood smears were prepared and stained with Giemsa for parasitological examination. Among 400 dogs, 15 samples (3.75%) were infected with Babesia canis. The present studyshowed that from 200 rural dogs, 11 samples (5.5%) and from 200 urban dogs, 4 samples (2%) were positive for B. canis. Infection rate was higher in adult dogs 3-6 years-old (4.46; 5 out of 112) compared with young's less than 3 years (3.59; 7 out of 195) and above 6 years (3.85; 3 out of 78). The infection was higher in female dogs (4.29%; 6 out of 140) than males (3.46%; 9 out of 260) and in warm season (5.15%; 12 out of 233) compared with cold season (1.8%; 3 out of 167), nevertheless, there was not significantrelationship between sex, age and season in urban dogs (P>0.05), but significant difference was revealed between season and infection in rural dogs population (P<0.05). Although the infection rate of this parasite was low, but transmission of the protozoan to dogs should be intentioned. This is the first report indicatingthe presence of B. canis in dogs of Ahvaz district; however, the sources of infection in these dogs are not clear. The role of dogs in the epizootiology of B. canis infection needs to be further explored

Antioxidant Effect of Montelukast on Acute Lung Injury Induced by Lipopolysaccharide in Dogs

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Acute lung injury is characterized by accumulation of neutrophils in the lung, interstitial edema, and damage to the alveolar epithelium. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) causes an inflammatory response and the release of reactive oxygen species and cellular and tissue damage to the lungs. Considering the role of oxidative stress in infections and proving the antioxidant properties of montelukast in several studies, the effect of montelukast on acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (as a model of infection) in dogs was investigated in this study. METHODS: In this experimental study, 20 healthy dogs (both male and female dogs of native breed with an average weight of 20 kg) were divided into four equal groups. The first group received oral montelukast (1 mg/kg), the second group received intravenous LPS (0.1 µg/kg), the third group received montelukast one hour before LPS and the fourth group received montelukast one hour after LPS. Bronchoalveolar lavage and blood sampling were performed at hour zero and 1.5 hours after the start of the test and the amount of malondialdehyde, catalase activity, glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity in serum and lavage fluid were measured using a kit. FINDINGS: LPS significantly increased malondialdehyde levels (from 10.5 to 139.8 μmol) and decreased catalase activity (from 0.018 to 0.007 μmol) (p= 0.0001), glutathione peroxidase (from 259 to 76.5 nmol) and the total antioxidant capacity (from 0.41 to 0.04 nmol) compared to hour zero. These changes were significantly adjusted by montelukast (p≤ 0.02). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that montelukast can enhance antioxidant defense against acute lung injury induced by LPS