Archives of Razi Institute
Year:2013 | Volume:68 | Issue:1|Papers Count:12

Antivenoms have been used successfully for more than a century and up to now constitute the only effective treatment for snakebites.The production of antivenin started long time ago when the calmette was prepared the antivenom in 1894.The method currently used to prepare antivenom by most of the manufacturers are originated from the method of Pope which was develop in 1938. Several new approaches in the production of antivenom have been proposed to produce IgG, F (ab) 2, F (ab) antivenin to improve their quality.These improvement include complete or partial modification in the antivenom production regarding animal, immunization protocols, new adjuvants in hyperimmunization of animals, purification processes (caprylic acid, chromatography, diafiltration and ulterafiltration), enzymatic digestion of IgG (pepsin, papain) and fractionation of venom.When the IgG is digested enzymatically, different fragments are obtained depending on the enzyme used, that is, if papain is used, three fragments are obtained, the crystallizing fragment (Fc) and two antigen-binding fragments F (ab) and, if pepsin is used, one F (ab’) 2 fragment is obtained, while the crystallizing fragment is digested. Fab and F (ab) 2 fragments conserve their capacity to specifically bind to the antigen that gave rise to them.

Contagious agalactia (C.A) is an infectious syndrome of sheep that is characterized by mastitis and subsequent failure of milk production, arthritis, abortion and keratoconjunctivitis. Mycoplasma agalactiae (M. agalactiae) is the main cause of the disease in sheep. The aim of this study was isolation and identification of M. agalactiae with culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay from sheep of Qom province in Iran. A total of 102 samples were collected from milk secretion, eye, ear and joint exudates of sheep. All samples were cultured in PPLO broth supplemented for M. agalaciae isolation. The bacteria DNAs were extracted by phenol/chloroform method and the PCR assay was applied for detecting of Mycoplasma genus in 163bp fragment of 16S rRNA gene and M. agalactiae in 375bp fragment of lipoprotein gene from culture as same as in clinical samples. Out of the 102 samples, 19 (18.63%) cultures were shown positive and typical Mycoplasma colonies in PPLO agar culture diagnostic method and 59 (57.8%) were scored positive by Mycoplasma genus PCR, 19 (18.62%) of the samples were scored positive by using M. agalactiae PCR as diagnostic method. Out of the 102 samples, 19 samples were shown both positive in the culture and PCR, 42 samples were shown both negative in the culture and PCR.40 samples were negative in the culture and positive in PCR whereas only one sample was positive in culture and negative in PCR. The results showed that the more isolations of M. agalactiae were taken from milk and less in joint samples. M. agalactiae was one of the main factors of contagious agalactia that was detected for the first time from sheep in Qom province.

Staphylococcus aureus is a major causative pathogen of clinical and subclinical mastitis of dairy domestic ruminants. This agent produces a variety of extracellular toxins and virulence factors including Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin-1 (TSST-1) which is the major cause of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). In this study 58 S. aureus isolates obtained from 9 dairy herds in East and West Azerbaijan provinces of Iran. The tested isolates were identified on the basis of the cultural and biochemical properties as well as by amplification of the aroA gene, specific to S. aureus. Isolates were also analyzed for the presence of the TSST-1 encoding gene (tst) using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). tst gene 350 bp was detected in 9 (15.5%) of the total number of 58 isolates. The present study revealed that the PCR amplification of the aroA gene could be used as a powerful tool for identification of S. aureus from the cases of bovine mastitis. Results also showed that the strain of S. aureus which caused mastitis can potentially produce staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome toxin-1. Overall, our results suggest that it is of special importance to follow the presence of TSST-1 producing S. aureus in foodstuffs, especially for protecting the consumers from toxic shock syndrome.

Nosema is a genus of microsporidia, which have significant negative impacts on honeybees. The aim of this study is the epidemiological evaluation and molecular characterization of Nosema spices in various counties of East-Azerbaijan province (Northwest of Iran).387 samples were collected from colonies maintained in various counties of East-Azerbaijan province. Samples after preparation were examined by a light microscope for presence of Nosema spores. PCR method (SSUrRNA gene) was used to differentiate between Nosema apis (N. apis) and N. ceranae. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Total infection prevalence of the microscopic evaluation and PCR tests were 225 (58.1%) and 260 (67.1%) respectively, total validity of PCR test against the microscopic test was computed equal to 1.1 in this case.Disease distribution in various counties of study area was variable and N. ceranae was the only Nosema species found to infect honeybees. The one species presence and different distribution of Nosema positive samples in various counties of East-Azerbaijan province may be due to multiple reasons. Furthermore, epidemiological information helps us to improve disease management practices in the studied area, apply new hygiene policy and reduce extra costs of production.

Toxoplasmosis is an important zoonotic diseases in human and animals. The disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. To determine the infection rate of toxoplasmosis in sheep and goats in east Azarbaijan province of Iran a total of 186 sera, 13 fetal brains, 13 cotyledons and 34 whole blood samples were collected from sheep and goats in Tabriz abattoir during the year 2010. Serum samples were tested for IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). This test is used in conjunction with direct and nested PCR techniques for detection of T. gondii DNA in blood, cotyledon and brain of fetuses, using 4 pairs of universal and specific primers, 18SrRNA, ITS-1, (Tg1, Tg2) and (Tg3, Tg4). Antibodies against T. gondii were found in 18.3% serum samples. DNA of T. gondii was detected in 69% of fetal brains, 23% of cotyledons and 14.7% of blood samples. The prevalence rate of T.gondii in sheep was 24.8% and in goats was 10.6% and the significant difference was observed between sheep and goats groups (p £0.05). The prevalence of toxoplasmosis antibodies was significantly higher in adult sheep and goats than younger animals. There was significant difference between male (10.5%) and female (19.2%) sheep and goat was observed (p£0.05). Detection of T. gondii DNA using PCR minimizes the problems which the researcher may face when using serological methods and facilitates diagnosis in complex cases. The presence of T. gondii in blood, fetal tissues and neonatal specimens strongly suggests active and or congenital infection.

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 dogs were 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 study showed 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 significant relationship 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 indicating the 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.

In this study, to know about the phylogeny of Escherichia coli isolated from broilers with collibacillosis in Tabriz, 70 E. coli isolates recovered from broilers with collibacillosis were characterized for phylogenetic group (A, B1, B2, D) by multiplex PCR. Of the all 70 samples, 35 (50%) isolates were classified as type A, 32 (45%) as type D, 2 (2.8%) as type B1 and 1 (2.8%) as type B2. This study demonstrates the high prevalence of E. coli types A and D in infected broilers. This shows that the collibacilosis-causing E. coli bacteria are typical commensals, type A alongside pathogenic type, D in Iran. It is possible that this type of E. coli could acquire virulence genes from pathogenic types. Of course, such a claim needs further study.

More than 185 species, strains and unclassified Theileria parasites are categorized in the Entrez Taxonomy.The accurate diagnosis and proper identification of the causative agents are important for understanding the epidemiology, prevention and appropriate treatment. This study aims to discuss the importance of two genes of Theileria annulata 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) and Theileria annulata merozoite surface antigen (Tams1) for phylogenetic analysis of molecular data. Eight Theileria annulata isolates including S15 Iran vaccine strain, six T. annulata field isolates and one Iraq T. annulata field isolate were studied in this study. The 18S rRNA and Tams1 gene sequences were investigated by phylogenetic analysis after DNA extraction, PCR, and DNA sequencing. Sequence fragments of about 1410 to 1412 bp of the complete 18S rRNA gene and 778 nucleotides of Tams1 gene sequences were used in the analysis of nucleotide diversity. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis were performed by constructing the phylogenetic tree and identity matrix based on two above genes. The results of the study revealed, the 18S rRNA is informative in estimation of relationships among Theileria species and strains, but the Tams1 seems to be appropriate for analysis of the molecular antigenicity in vaccine development.

The main objective of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of Bovine herpes virus type 1 and parainfluenza type 3 in a non-vaccinated population cattle in the livestock region of Qazvin province.Totally 504 sera were randomly collected and tested from 8 industrial dairy farms in Qazvin province during March 2010-March 2011. The result of one way analysis of variance was used for the analysis data.Also Tukey Method was employed to detect pair wise differences among the ages determined that there were a significant differences among the average titer in 1 to 3, 1 to 4, 2 to 3 and 2 to 4 year cows (P<0.005, P<0.001, P<0.041, P<0.001). Due to the significance at the different titers, and comparing pair wise among different seasons Tukey, s method had been used and showed significant difference in summer with autumn (P<0.038) and winter (P<0.001). A chi-square test showed the significant differences among ages (P=0.001). The sero- prevalence of BHV-1 was estimated to be 7.1% with 1.2% standard error (SE). The result of PI3 showed the significance at the different titers comparing with the different seasons. Therefore Tukey, s method had been used and showed significant difference among seasons (P<0.001). The seroprevalence of PI3 was estimated to be 95% with 1% SE.

In number (16 of 22) of infants in the Dutch laboratory rabbit breeding colony, in aged 45-65 days old, hair loss (alopecia) seen at the top of the head and around a week after the hair fall, was created in a state of complete alopecia. For determination of the cause of hair loss, after the observation and palpation the alopecic area, there have not been any swelling, abscesses, tumors. In skin scrapings, has not revealed the presence of any ectoparasite. Also in scratched skin samples, after lacto phenol cotton blue and specific PAS staining, there was no evidence of fungal disease. The result of bacterial and fungal culture in specific media was negative. On histopathological examination, no specific pathologic lesion was observed. For fungal dermatitis, there were no specific signs in histological sections. In autopsies of animal, certain pathological lesions were not observed in various organs and tissues. After being excluded infectious agents, full analysis of rabbit food pellet done and was determined, the amount of food energy, the percentage of food protein and crude fiber that showed a significant reduction for growing rabbits. The zinc value and the other dietary factors, were in the normal range. Since lack of dietary factors, especially protein and crude fiber cause hair loss in rabbits, accurate balancing the diet and the addition of protein, energy and dietary fiber, the diet with a new formula prepared. The affected rabbits were divided in two separated cages as two groups of seven animals each. The new diet was given in the first group of alopecic rabbits and the other group as before, the previous diet was given. After 20 days in group 1 re-growing hair in the alopecic area began and the hair covering was full after 10 days. but group 2, still remained alopecic. With effective treatment in group 1, the same operation for group 2 had done which they were treated completely 20-30 days later too. By the results of this research, for the prevention of various disorders, including alopecia, the new formula as a food supplier for the growth stage was introduced to the laboratory rabbit breeding colony.

Hepatic coccidiosis is considered as a major problem in rabbits which mortality rate may go high as a result of unhygienic maintenance with overcrowding. This study was aimed to determine abundance and pathologic changes of hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits of northwestern Iran. A total of 320 rabbits (110 New Zealand, 110 Angora, and 100 Native) in different sex and age groups were randomly selected from rabbitories in northwestern Iran. The rabbits were kept either individually in cages or in groups in floor pens. They reproduced for research and instraction. Fecal samples were collected from cages and floor pens and subjected to flotation techniques. The collected liver tissues fixed in 10% buffered formal saline, sectioned, and stained with Hematoxyline and Eosin (H& E). Results indicated that infection rate with E. stiedae was 26.87% (86/320). The prevalence of E. stiedae was significantly higher in weanling rabbits (5-8 months) (9.69%, 31/320) than other age groups. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of E. stiedae between male and female rabbits. At necropsy, numerous and scattered white nodules about 0.1 to 0.5 cm in diameter were observed on the liver surface. Histopathological lesions included hyperplasia of the bile duct epithelium with different developmental stages of coccidian agents. Granuloma tissues encircle the bile duct with infiltration of inflammatory cells. It was concluded that hepatic coccidiosis was common in Iranian rabbits of the region and with proper management and strict hygine and sanitation can effectively control the rate of infection in the rabbitories.

Scorpion sting is a common important health problem in south-west of Iran. The present descriptive retrospective study was conducted to make new information on scorpionism in the Lordegan County (2002- 2006). Data collected in this study revealed that the highest incidence of scorpion sting cases was taken place in spring (49.72%) in 2006. The scorpions which have brought by the pateints to the Lordegan health centre, were identified as Androctonus crassicauda, Hemiscorpius lepturus, Mesobuthus eupeus, Compsobuthus sp. and Scorpio maurus. The epidemiology data suggest injection antivenin of scorpions to the victims as a good way to reduce the scorpion mortalities and injuries in this area.