MyMedR

Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 94 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Differential responses of monocyte-derived macrophages from Theileria orientalis infected carrier cattle to Pasteruella multocida B:2 infection and latex beads: A preliminary study

Agina OA, Shaari MR, Isa NMM, Ajat MMM, Zamri-Saad M, Samad MJ, et al.

Res Vet Sci, 2023 Dec;165:105073.
PMID: 37939633 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105073

This study aims to evaluate the responses of peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages (PBMDMs) from Theileria orientalis carrier cattle following exposure to Pasteruella multocida B:2 (PM B:2) and latex beads. Twenty-six male crossbred Kedah-Kelantan (KK) cattle were sampled for this study and quantitative PCR (qPCR) was employed in the detection of T. orientalis MPSP gene. Bactericidal assay using a 10:1 multiplicity of infection was performed to measure the phagocytosis and intracellular killing of PM B:2 by PBMDMs. The cell cultures were inoculated with 107 cfu/mL of PM B:2 and incubated in a humidified incubator. The absence of clinical signs, previous history of T. orientalis infection and an MPSP gene copy number below 15,000 GC/μL suggest that the cattle were asymptomatic chronic carriers. A non-significant phagocytic and mean cell death rates were observed in the PBMDMs of T. orientalis positive cattle relative to clinically healthy cattle (CHC) (p > 0.05). The PBMDMs of T. orientalis positive cattle had the lowest mean rate of intracellular killing relative to the CHC at the 30th minute post-infection only (p
Evaluating the Intestinal Immunity of Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer, Bloch 1790) following Field Vaccination Using a Feed-Based Oral Vaccine

Raju T, Manchanayake T, Danial A, Zamri-Saad M, Azmai MNA, Md Yasin IS, et al.

Vaccines (Basel), 2023 Mar 06;11(3).
PMID: 36992186 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030602

This study describes the levels of gut lysozyme and IgM, the number, size and density of gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) regions, and the lymphocyte population in Asian seabass following field oral administration of a feed-based vaccine. Fish in a grow-out farm were selected and divided into two groups; Group 1 was vaccinated at week 0, 2, and 6, while Group 2 was not vaccinated. Samplings were done at 2-week intervals when the fish were observed for clinical signs, and gross lesions were recorded. The intestinal tissue and gut lavage fluid were collected. GALT regions (numbers, size, density and population of lymphocytes) were analyzed. Clinical signs such as abnormal swimming pattern and death, and gross lesions including scale loss, ocular opacity, and skin ulceration were observed in both groups. At the end of the study, the incidence rate between both groups were significantly different (p < 0.05). The gut IgM level and lysozyme activity, lymphocyte population, number, size and density of GALT regions of Group 1 were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than Group 2. Therefore, this study concludes that the feed-based vaccine reduces the incidence of vibriosis by stimulating the gut immunity of the vaccinated fish with an enhanced GALT region, specific IgM production against Vibrio harveyi, and lysozyme responses.
Fulltext Effect of an Oral Bivalent Vaccine on Immune Response and Immune Gene Profiling in Vaccinated Red Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) during Infections with Streptococcus iniae and Aeromonas hydrophila

Monir MS, Yusoff MSM, Zamri-Saad M, Amal MNA, Mohamad A, Azzam-Sayuti M, et al.

Biology (Basel), 2022 Aug 26;11(9).
PMID: 36138746 DOI: 10.3390/biology11091268

Streptococcosis and aeromonasis inflicted by Streptococcus iniae and Aeromonas hydrophila, respectively, have affected tilapia industries worldwide. In this study, we investigated antibody responses and explored the mechanisms of protection rendered by an oral bivalent vaccine in red tilapia following challenges with S. iniae and A. hydrophila. The results of specific IgM antibody response revealed that the IgM titers against S. iniae and A. hydrophila in the bivalent incorporated (BI) vaccine group were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in the bivalent spray (BS) vaccine fish and unvaccinated control fish throughout the experiment. Real-time qPCR results also showed that the gene expression of CD4, MHC-I, MHC-II, IgT, C-type lysozyme, IL-1β, TNF-α, and TGF-β remained significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of the controls between 24 and 72 h post-infection (hpi) in both mucosal (hindgut) and systemic (spleen and head−kidney) organs of BI vaccinated fish. Furthermore, the highest relative expression of the TGF-β, C-type lysozyme, and IgT genes in the BI vaccinated group was observed in the challenged fish’s spleen (8.8-fold), head kidney (4.4-fold), and hindgut (19.7-fold) tissues, respectively. The present study suggests that the bivalent incorporated (BI) vaccine could effectively improve the immune function and activate both humoral and cell-mediated immunities in vaccinated red tilapia following the bacterial challenges.
Fulltext Pathological changes, distribution and detection of Brucella melitensis in foetuses of experimentally-infected does

Mazlan M, Khairani-Bejo S, Hamzah H, Nasruddin NS, Salleh A, Zamri-Saad M

Vet Q, 2021 Dec;41(1):36-49.
PMID: 33349157 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2020.1867328

BACKGROUND: Brucellosis of goats is caused by Brucella melitensis. It is a re-emerging zoonotic disease in many countries due to transmission from domestic animals and wildlife such as ibex, deer and wild buffaloes.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the pathological changes, identification and distribution of B. melitensis in foetuses of experimentally infected does.
METHODS: Twelve female goats of approximately 90 days pregnant were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 was exposed intra-conjunctival to 100 µL of sterile PBS while goats of Groups 2, 3 and 4 were similarly exposed to 100 µL of an inoculum containing 109 CFU/mL of live B. melitensis. Goats of these groups were killed at 15, 30 and 60 days post-inoculation, respectively. Foetal fluid and tissues were collected for bacterial identification (using direct bacterial culture, PCR and immuno-peroxidase staining) and histopathological examination.
RESULTS: Bilateral intra-conjunctival exposure of pregnant does resulted in in-utero infection of the foetuses. All full-term foetuses of group 4 were either aborted or stillborn, showing petechiations of the skin or absence of hair coat with subcutaneous oedema. The internal organs showed most severe lesions. Immune-peroxidase staining revealed antigen distribution in all organs that became most extensive in group 4. Brucella melitensis was successfully isolated from the stomach content, foetal fluid and various other organs.
CONCLUSION: Vertical transmission of caprine brucellosis was evident causing mild to moderate lesions in different organs. The samples of choice for isolation and identification of B. melitensis are stomach content as well as liver and spleen tissue.
Fulltext Comparative Pathogenicity of Aeromonas spp. in Cultured Red Hybrid Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × O. mossambicus)

Azzam-Sayuti M, Ina-Salwany MY, Zamri-Saad M, Annas S, Yusof MT, Monir MS, et al.

Biology (Basel), 2021 Nov 17;10(11).
PMID: 34827185 DOI: 10.3390/biology10111192

The genus Aeromonas has been recognised as an important pathogenic species in aquaculture that causes motile Aeromonas septicaemia (MAS) or less severe, chronic infections. This study compares the pathogenicity of the different Aeromonas spp. that were previously isolated from freshwater fish with signs of MAS. A total of 124 isolates of Aeromonas spp. were initially screened for the ability to grow on M9 agar with myo-inositol as a sole carbon source, which is a discriminatory phenotype for the hypervirulent A. hydrophila (vAh) pathotype. Subsequently, LD50 of six selected Aeromonas spp. were determined by intraperitoneal injection of bacterial suspension containing 103, 105, and 107 CFU/mL of the respective Aeromonas sp. to red hybrid tilapias. The kidneys, livers and spleens of infected moribund fish were examined for histopathological changes. The screening revealed that only A. dhakensis 1P11S3 was able to grow using myo-inositol as a sole carbon source, and no vAh strains were identified. The LD50-240h of A. dhakensis 1P11S3 was 107 CFU/mL, while the non-myo-inositol utilizing A. dhakensis 4PS2 and A. hydrophila 8TK3 was lower at 105 CFU/mL. Similarly, tilapia challenged with the myo-inositol A. dhakensis 1P11S3 showed significantly (p < 0.05) less severe signs, gross and histopathological lesions, and a lower mortality rate than the non-myo-inositol A. dhakensis 4PS2 and A. hydrophila 8TK3. These findings suggested that myo-inositol utilizing A. dhakensis 1P11S3 was not a hypervirulent Aeromonas sp. under current experimental disease challenge conditions, and that diverse Aeromonas spp. are of concern in aquaculture farmed freshwater fish. Therefore, future study is warranted on genomic level to further elucidate the influence of myo-inositol utilizing ability on the pathogenesis of Aeromonas spp., since this ability correlates with hypervirulence in A. hydrophila strains.
Fulltext High Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor to Interleukin 10 Ratio and Marked Antioxidant Enzyme Activities Predominate in Symptomatic Cattle Naturally Infected with Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos, Theileria orientalis, Theileria sinensis and Trypanosoma evansi

Agina OA, Cheah KT, Sayuti NSA, Shaari MR, Isa NMM, Ajat M, et al.

Animals (Basel), 2021 Jul 29;11(8).
PMID: 34438696 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082235

The aim of this study was to measure the serum proinflammatory (IL-12, GM-CSF & IFN-γ) to anti-inflammatory (IL-10, IL-4) cytokine ratio, oxidant (MDA) level and antioxidant enzyme (SOD; GPx) activities after blood parasite infections. The blood and serum samples were obtained from 130 cattle and screened for identity of the infecting blood parasites by conventional PCR. The following blood parasite species were detected: Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos (70/130); Theileria orientalis (65/130); Theileria sinensis (32/130); Anaplasma marginale (49/130); Anaplasma platys (7/130); and Trypanosoma evansi (4/130). The GM-CSF/IL-10 ratio showed significantly higher values in all the symptomatic blood parasite infected cattle groups except for symptomatic A. platys infected cattle groups. Anti-inflammatory cytokine immune responses were notable findings in symptomatic and asymptomatic cattle infected with C. M. haemobos and T. orientalis characterized by low serum IL-12:IL-10, IFN-γ:IL-10, IL-12:IL-4 and IFN-γ:IL-4 (p < 0.05). Therefore, high serum GM-CSF:IL:10 in the symptomatic blood parasite infected cattle, low serum IL-12:IL-10, IFN-γ:IL-10, IL-12:IL-4 and IFN-γ:IL-4 ratios in asymptomatic cattle, high MDA level, and increased antioxidant enzyme activities could be useful predictive tools for outcome of natural blood parasite infections in cattle.
Fulltext Molecular detection of Theileria species, Anaplasma species, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos, Trypanosoma evansi and first evidence of Theileria sinensis-associated bovine anaemia in crossbred Kedah-Kelantan x Brahman cattle

Agina OA, Shaari MR, Isa NMM, Ajat M, Zamri-Saad M, Mazlan M, et al.

BMC Vet Res, 2021 Jul 18;17(1):246.
PMID: 34275459 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-02902-0

BACKGROUND: Serious disease outbreaks in cattle are usually associated with blood pathogens. This study aims to detect blood pathogens namely Theileria species, Anaplasma species, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos and Trypanosoma evansi, and determine their phylogenetic relationships and haemato-biochemical abnormalities in naturally infected cattle.
METHODS: Molecular analysis was achieved by PCR amplification and sequencing of PCR amplicons of 18SrRNA gene of Theileria species, 16SrRNA genes of Anaplasma and Mycoplasma species, MPSP genes of T. orientalis and T. sinensis, MSP4 gene of A. marginale, 16SrRNA gene of Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos, and RoTat1.2 VSG gene of Trypanosoma evansi, in sixty-one (61) clinically ill Kedah-Kelantan x Brahman cattle in Pahang, Malaysia.
RESULTS: A total of 44 (72.13%) cattle were infected with more than one blood pathogen. Theileria species was the blood pathogen with the highest molecular detection rate (72.13, 95% CI 59.83-81.81%). Nucleotide blast analyses of all sequences demonstrated high degree of molecular similarity (98-100%) in comparison with their respective reference sequences. Analysis of 18SrRNA gene sequences of Theileria species and 16SrRNA gene sequences of Anaplasma species revealed Theileria sinensis and Anaplasma platys respectively as additional species detected in these cattle. MPSP-PCR analysis was conducted for further confirmation of T. sinensis. The blood picture of eight infected cattle groups revealed poikilocytosis, anisocytosis, rouleaux formation and degenerative left shift. High mean erythrocyte fragility values were common in infected cattle groups. Anaemia of the macrocytic normochromic type and spherocytes were observed in the T. evansi and Anaplasma platys + Theileria sinensis double species co-infected cattle group. Normocytic normochromic anaemia was observed in the T. sinensis infected cattle group. Significant (p
Fulltext The Impact of Feed Supplementations on Asian Buffaloes: A Review

Mohd Azmi AF, Ahmad H, Mohd Nor N, Goh YM, Zamri-Saad M, Abu Bakar MZ, et al.

Animals (Basel), 2021 Jul 07;11(7).
PMID: 34359160 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072033

With the increase in the global buffalo herd, the use of supplementation in the ruminant feeding has become an important area for many researchers who are looking for an isocaloric and isonitrogenous diet to improve production parameters. In order to improve the performance of the Asian water buffalo, the optimal balance of all nutrients, including energy and protein, are important as macronutrients. Dietary supplementation is one of the alternatives to enhance the essential nutrient content in the buffalo diet and to improve the rumen metabolism of the animal. Researchers have found that supplementation of concentrate and rumen bypass fat could change growth performance and carcass traits without causing any adverse effects on the buffalo growth. Some studies showed that dry matter intake, body condition score and some blood parameters and hormones related to growth responded positively to concentrate and rumen bypass fat supplementation. In addition, changes of feeding management by adding the supplement to the ruminant basal diet helped to increase the profit of the local farmers due to the increased performance and productivity of the animals. Nevertheless, the effects of dietary supplementation on the performance of ruminants are inconsistent. Thus, its long-term effects on the health and productivity of buffaloes still need to be further investigated.
Antigenic distribution, pathological changes, antibody response and serological detection in non-pregnant goats following experimental infection by Brucella melitensis

Mazlina M, Khairani-Bejo S, Hazilawati H, Shaqinah NN, Zamri-Saad M

Transbound Emerg Dis, 2021 Jul;68(4):2028-2038.
PMID: 32979887 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13850

This study describes the pathological changes, antibody response, isolation and distribution patterns following exposure of non-pregnant goats to live Brucella melitensis. Eighteen healthy adult female goats were divided into two equal groups. Group 1 was infected via conjunctival sac with 109 cfu/ml of B. melitensis, while Group 2 was similarly exposed to sterile PBS. Serum and swabs from the eyes and vagina were collected at 5-day intervals. On days 15, 30 and 75 post-infection, 3 goats from each group were killed before the conjunctiva, ovary, oviduct, uterine horn, uterine body and vagina, the submandibular, prescapular and supramammary lymph nodes, the mammary gland, liver, spleen, urinary bladder and synovial membranes were collected for bacterial isolation and pathological study. Exposure of non-pregnant goats to B. melitensis did not produce clinical signs and gross lesions but produced mild necrosis and inflammation in the lymph nodes, the organs of reproductive tract, the mammary gland and urinary bladder. In general, microscopic lesions were most severe in the D75 goats, followed by D30 and D15 goats. Brucella melitensis was most frequent and significantly (p
Intranasal Vaccination Strategy to Control the COVID-19 Pandemic from a Veterinary Medicine Perspective

Annas S, Zamri-Saad M

Animals (Basel), 2021 Jun 24;11(7).
PMID: 34202429 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071876

The world is currently facing an ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The disease is a highly contagious respiratory disease which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Current control measures used by many countries include social distancing, wearing face masks, frequent hand washing, self-isolation, and vaccination. The current commercially available vaccines are injectable vaccines, although a few intranasal vaccines are in trial stages. The reported side effects of COVID-19 vaccines, perceptions towards the safety of the vaccines, and frequent mutation of the virus may lead to poor herd immunity. In veterinary medicine, attaining herd immunity is one of the main considerations in disease control, and herd immunity depends on the use of efficacious vaccines and the vaccination coverage in a population. Hence, many aerosol or intranasal vaccines have been developed to control veterinary respiratory diseases such as Newcastle disease, rinderpest, infectious bronchitis, and haemorrhagic septicaemia. Different vaccine technologies could be employed to improve vaccination coverage, including the usage of an intranasal live recombinant vaccine or live mutant vaccine. This paper discusses the potential use of intranasal vaccination strategies against human COVID-19, based on a veterinary intranasal vaccine strategy.
Immuno-protective efficiency of feed-based whole-cell inactivated bivalent vaccine against Streptococcus and Aeromonas infections in red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × Oreochromis mossambicus)

Monir MS, Yusoff MSM, Zulperi ZM, Hassim HA, Zamri-Saad M, Amal MNA, et al.

Fish Shellfish Immunol, 2021 Jun;113:162-175.
PMID: 33857622 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2021.04.006

Streptococcosis and motile aeromonad septicemia (MAS) are well-known diseases in tilapia culture, which cause mass mortality with significant economic losses. The development of feed-based bivalent vaccines in controlling these diseases has been initiated, however, the mechanisms of immunities and cross-protection in fish remain unclear. This study was conducted to assess the immuno-protective as well as the cross-protective efficacy of a newly developed feed-based bivalent vaccine against Streptococcus and Aeromonas infections in red hybrid tilapia. A total of five groups of fish were vaccinated orally through two different techniques; bivalent vaccine (inactivated Streptococcus iniae and Aeromonas hydrophila) sprayed on feed pellets (BS group); bivalent vaccine (inactivated S. iniae and A. hydrophila) incorporated in feed (BI group); monovalent inactivated S. iniae and A. hydrophila vaccine separately incorporated into feed as monovalent S. iniae (MS group) and monovalent A. hydrophila (MA group); and control group (without vaccine). The feed-based vaccine was delivered orally at 5% of body weight for five consecutive days. The booster doses were given in the same manner on weeks 2 and 6. Serum and skin mucus samples were collected to assess the IgM responses using indirect ELISA. The first administration of the feed-based vaccine stimulated the IgM levels that lasted until week 3, while the second booster ensured that the IgM levels remained high for a period of 16 weeks in the BI, MS and MA groups. The BI group developed a strong and significantly (P
Fulltext Dentinogenic Ghost Cell Tumor in a Sumatran Rhinoceros

Salleh A, Zainuddin ZZ, Tarmizi RMM, Yap CK, Jeng CR, Zamri-Saad M

Animals (Basel), 2021 Apr 20;11(4).
PMID: 33923894 DOI: 10.3390/ani11041173

An adult female Sumatran rhinoceros was observed with a swelling in the left infraorbital region in March 2017. The swelling rapidly grew into a mass. A radiograph revealed a cystic radiolucent area in the left maxilla. In June 2017, the rhinoceros was euthanized. At necropsy, the infraorbital mass measured 21 cm × 30 cm. Samples of the infraorbital mass, left parotid gland, and left masseter muscle were collected for histopathology (Hematoxylin & Eosin, Von Kossa, Masson's trichrome, cytokeratin AE1/AE3, EMA, p53, and S-100). Numerous neoplastic epithelial cells showing pleomorphism and infiltration were observed. Islands of dentinoid material containing ghost cells and keratin pearls were observed with the aid of the two special histochemistry stains. Mitotic figures were rarely observed. All the neoplastic odontogenic cells and keratin pearls showed an intense positive stain for cytokeratin AE1/AE3, while some keratin pearls showed mild positive stains for S-100. All samples were negative for p53 and S-100 immunodetection. The mass was diagnosed as a dentinogenic ghost cell tumor.
Fulltext Vaccine Efficacy of a Newly Developed Feed-Based Whole-Cell Polyvalent Vaccine against Vibriosis, Streptococcosis and Motile Aeromonad Septicemia in Asian Seabass, Lates calcarifer

Mohamad A, Zamri-Saad M, Amal MNA, Al-Saari N, Monir MS, Chin YK, et al.

Vaccines (Basel), 2021 Apr 10;9(4).
PMID: 33920311 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9040368

Multiple infections of several bacterial species are often observed under natural farm conditions. The infections would cause a much more significant loss compared to a single infectious agent. Vaccination is an essential strategy to prevent diseases in aquaculture, and oral vaccination has been proposed as a promising technique since it requires no handling of the fish and is easy to perform. This research attempts to develop and evaluate a potential feed-based polyvalent vaccine that can be used to treat multiple infections by Vibrios spp., Streptococcus agalactiae, and Aeromonas hydrophila, simultaneously. The oral polyvalent vaccine was prepared by mixing formalin-killed vaccine of V. harveyi, S. agalactiae, and A. hydrophila strains with commercial feed pellet, and palm oil as an adjuvant was added to improve their antigenicity. Thereafter, a vaccinated feed pellet was tested for feed quality analysis in terms of feed stability in water, proximate nutrient analysis, and palatability, safety, and growth performance using Asian seabass, Lates calcarifer as a fish host model. For immune response analysis, a total of 300 Asian seabass juveniles (15.8 ± 2.6 g) were divided into two groups in triplicate. Fish of group 1 were not vaccinated, while group 2 was vaccinated with the feed-based polyvalent vaccine. Vaccinations were carried out on days 0 and 14 with oral administration of the feed containing the bacterin at 5% body weight. Samples of serum for antibody and lysozyme study and the spleen and gut for gene expression analysis were collected at 7-day intervals for 6 weeks. Its efficacy in protecting fish was evaluated in aquarium challenge. Following vaccination by the polyvalent feed-based vaccine, IgM antibody levels showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum against Vibrio harveyi, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Streptococcus agalactiae and reached the peak at week 3, 5, and 6, respectively. The high-stimulated antibody in the serum remained significantly higher than the control (p < 0.05) at the end of the 6 weeks vaccination trial. Not only that, but the serum lysozyme level was also increased significantly at week 4 (p < 0.05) as compared to the control treatment. The immune-related gene, dendritic cells, C3, Chemokine ligand 4 (CCL4), and major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) showed significantly higher expression (p < 0.05) after the fish were vaccinated with the oral vaccine. In the aquarium challenge, the vaccine provided a relative percentage survival of 75 ± 7.1%, 80 ± 0.0%, and 80 ± 0.0% after challenge with V. harveyi, A. hydrophila, and S. agalactiae, respectively. Combining our results demonstrate that the feed-based polyvalent vaccine could elicit significant innate and adaptive immunological responses, and this offers an opportunity for a comprehensive immunization against vibriosis, streptococcosis, and motile aeromonad septicemia in Asian seabass, Lates calcarifer. Nevertheless, this newly developed feed-based polyvalent vaccination can be a promising technique for effective and large-scale fish immunization in the aquaculture industry shortly.
Fulltext Efficacy of Whole Cell Inactivated Vibrio harveyi Vaccine against Vibriosis in a Marine Red Hybrid Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × O. mossambicus) Model

Abu Nor N, Zamri-Saad M, Md Yasin IS, Salleh A, Mustaffa-Kamal F, Matori MF, et al.

Vaccines (Basel), 2020 Dec 04;8(4).
PMID: 33291587 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040734

Vibrio harveyi causes vibriosis in various commercial marine fish species. The infection leads to significant economic losses for aquaculture farms, and vaccination is an alternative approach for the prevention and control of fish diseases for aquaculture sustainability. This study describes the use of formalin-killed Vibrio harveyi (FKVh) strain Vh1 as a vaccine candidate to stimulate innate and adaptive immunities against vibriosis in a marine red hybrid tilapia model. Tilapia are fast growing; cheap; resistant to diseases; and tolerant to adverse environmental conditions of fresh water, brackish water, and marine water and because of these advantages, marine red hybrid tilapia is a suitable candidate as a model to study fish diseases and vaccinations against vibriosis. A total of 180 healthy red hybrid tilapias were gradually adapted to the marine environment before being divided into two groups, with 90 fish in each group and were kept in triplicate with 30 fish per tank. Group 1 was vaccinated intraperitoneally with 100 µL of FKVh on week 0, and a booster dose was similarly administered on week 2. Group 2 was similarly injected with PBS. Skin mucus, serum, and gut lavage were collected weekly for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a lysozyme activity assay from a total of 30 fish of each group. On week 4, the remaining 60 fish of Groups 1 and 2 were challenged with 108 cfu/fish of live Vibrio harveyi. The clinical signs were monitored while the survival rate was recorded for 48 h post-challenge. Vaccination with FKVh resulted in a significantly (p < 0.05) higher rate of survival (87%) compared to the control (20%). The IgM antibody titer and lysozyme activities of Group 1 were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the unvaccinated Groups 2 in most weeks throughout the experiment. Therefore, the intraperitoneal exposure of marine red hybrid tilapia to killed V. harveyi enhanced the resistance and antibody response of the fish against vibriosis.
Fulltext Two variants of uterine leiomyoma in Malaysia's last Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis)

Salleh A, Zainuddin ZZ, Mohamed Tarmizi MR, Yap KC, Zamri-Saad M

Vet Q, 2020 Dec;40(1):250-257.
PMID: 33045934 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2020.1836431

Following its capture in March 2014, an adult female Sumatran rhinoceros frequently showed profuse vaginal bleeding. An ultrasonography suggested the presence of multiple reproductive lesions, including two uterine masses which were suspected to be leiomyomas. Soon after, an open pyometra was confirmed. Later in November 2019, the patient died and necropsy confirmed the presence of two uterine masses; one was located at the cervico-uterine junction and another in the uterine body, with pyometra, and cystic endometrial hyerplasia. Based on histological, special stains, and immunohistochemical examination, it was shown that one of the masses was composed of large, ovoid and polyhedral neoplastic mesenchymal cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm and a few binucleated cells surrounded by collagen fibres. It was tested positive for SMA and vimentin, while negative for desmin, cytokeratin AE1/AE3, EMA, CD34, and S100. The other mass was composed of mesenchymal cells undergoing myxoid degeneration as evidenced by the presence of glycosaminoglycan-rich matrix. It was tested positive for SMA, vimentin, partially positive for desmin, and negative for the other markers. With the aid of human medical nomenclature, these masses were diagnosed as epithelioid leiomyoma and myxoid leiomyoma, respectively. This report provides a clinical presentation, and histologic descriptions of the two variants of leiomyomas that have not been reported in veterinary medicine.
Fulltext Clinical Pathology, Immunopathology and Advanced Vaccine Technology in Bovine Theileriosis: A Review

Agina OA, Shaari MR, Isa NMM, Ajat M, Zamri-Saad M, Hamzah H

Pathogens, 2020 Aug 25;9(9).
PMID: 32854179 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9090697

Theileriosis is a blood piroplasmic disease that adversely affects the livestock industry, especially in tropical and sub-tropical countries. It is caused by haemoprotozoan of the Theileria genus, transmitted by hard ticks and which possesses a complex life cycle. The clinical course of the disease ranges from benign to lethal, but subclinical infections can occur depending on the infecting Theileria species. The main clinical and clinicopathological manifestations of acute disease include fever, lymphadenopathy, anorexia and severe loss of condition, conjunctivitis, and pale mucous membranes that are associated with Theileria-induced immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia and/or non-regenerative anaemia. Additionally, jaundice, increases in hepatic enzymes, and variable leukocyte count changes are seen. Theileria annulata and Theileria parva induce an incomplete transformation of lymphoid and myeloid cell lineages, and these cells possess certain phenotypes of cancer cells. Pathogenic genotypes of Theileria orientalis have been recently associated with severe production losses in Southeast Asia and some parts of Europe. The infection and treatment method (ITM) is currently used in the control and prevention of T. parva infection, and recombinant vaccines are still under evaluation. The use of gene gun immunization against T. parva infection has been recently evaluated. This review, therefore, provides an overview of the clinicopathological and immunopathological profiles of Theileria-infected cattle and focus on DNA vaccines consisting of plasmid DNA with genes of interest, molecular adjuvants, and chitosan as the most promising next-generation vaccine against bovine theileriosis.
Fulltext Ultrastructural changes in endothelial cells of buffaloes following in-vitro exposure to Pasteurella multocida B:2

Puspitasari Y, Salleh A, Zamri-Saad M

BMC Vet Res, 2020 Jun 09;16(1):186.
PMID: 32517749 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02415-2

BACKGROUND: Pasteurella multocida B:2 causes haemorrhagic septicaemia in cattle and buffaloes. However, buffaloes are found to be more susceptible to the infection than cattle. Upon infection, the pathogen rapidly spread from the respiratory tract to the blood circulation within 16-72 h, causing septicaemia. So far, limited study has been conducted to evaluate the response of endothelial cells of buffalo towards P. multocida B:2 and its lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This study aimed to evaluate the ultrastructural changes in the aortic endothelium of buffaloes (BAEC) following exposure to P. multocida B:2 and its endotoxin. The endothelial cells were harvested from the aorta of healthy buffaloes and were prepared as monolayer cell cultures. The cultures were divided into 3 groups before Group 1 was inoculated with 107 cfu/ml of whole cell P. multocida B:2, Group 2 with LPS, which was extracted earlier from 107 cfu/ml of P. multocida B:2 and Group 3 with sterile cell culture medium. The cells were harvested at 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 h post-inoculation for assessment of cellular changes using transmission electron microscopy.
RESULTS: The BAEC of Groups 1 and 2 demonstrated moderate to severe endothelial lysis, suggestive of acute cellular injury. In general, severity of the ultrastructural changes increased with the time of incubation but no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the severity of the cellular changes between Groups 1 and 2 was observed in the first 18 h. The severity of lesions became significant (p
Responses of female reproductive hormones and histopathology in the reproductive organs and associated lymph nodes of Boer does challenged with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and its immunogenic corynomycolic acid extract

Jesse FFA, Odhah MN, Abba Y, Garba B, Mahmood Z, Hambali IU, et al.

Microb Pathog, 2020 Feb;139:103852.
PMID: 31730998 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103852

BACKGROUND: Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis biotype ovis is a bacterium that causes caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), a chronic disease of sheep and goats characterized by the formation of suppurative abscesses in superficial and visceral lymph nodes and internal organs of small ruminants. This study was designed to evaluate the reproductive hormonal changes (estrogen and progesterone) and histopathology in the reproductive organs and associated lymph nodes of does challenged with C. pseudotuberculosis biotype ovis and its immunogen; corynomycolic acid. A total of 12 healthy non-pregnant female goats were grouped into three: A, B and C consisting of four does each. Group A was intradermally inoculated with 2 mL of sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS) pH 7 (negative control group); group B was intradermally inoculated with 2 mL of corynomycolic acid extract (CMAs), while group C was intradermally inoculated with 2 mL of 10⁹ colony-forming unit (cfu) of live C. pseudotuberculosis. Blood samples were also collected at predetermined intervals for estrogen and progesterone hormonal assays. The does were euthanized 90 days post challenge and tissue samples of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix and associated lymph nodes were collected and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for histopathological processing. The result showed various degrees of histopathological changes (hemorrhage, congestion, degeneration, necrosis, edema, leucocytic infiltrations) in the reproductive organs and associated lymph nodes of both inoculation groups. Increases in estrogen hormone concentration were observed in both inoculation groups in comparison to the control group. However, progesterone concentration was only increased in group C. This study highlighted that corynomycolic acid extract from C. pseudotuberculosis biotype ovis resulted in significant histopathology in the reproductive organs and associated lymph nodes of does and increase estrogen concentration.
Effects of skin abrasion in immersion challenge with Vibrio harveyi in Asian seabass Lates calcarifer fingerlings

Chin YK, Ina-Salwany MY, Zamri-Saad M, Amal MNA, Mohamad A, Lee JY, et al.

Dis Aquat Organ, 2020 Jan 16;137(3):167-173.
PMID: 31942862 DOI: 10.3354/dao03435

Skin abrasions often occur in farmed fish following handling by labourers, injury by farm facilities, cannibalism and ectoparasites. Vibrio spp. are opportunistic pathogens that can invade host fish through damaged tissues and cause outbreaks of vibriosis. This study describes the effect of skin abrasions on the infectivity of V. harveyi using Asian seabass Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790) fingerlings as a case example and compares bacterial load and fish survival following immersion challenge with different doses. In total, 315 fish (6.67 ± 1.8 g) were divided into 3 treatments: skin abrasion followed by immersion infection, immersion infection only and an uninfected, uninjured control. Fish in the infection treatments were divided into 3 subgroups and exposed in triplicate to a 7 d immersion challenge with 106, 107 and 108 CFU ml-1 of live V. harveyi. No mortalities were observed in the control and immersion infection groups. However, fish in the skin abrasion treatment group that were infected with 108 CFU ml-1 of live V. harveyi showed signs of progressing disease throughout the experiment, which resulted in mortalities. Significantly higher bacterial loads (p < 0.05) were recorded in the intestine, liver and gills of the fish in this group. Fish in the skin abrasion treatment that were exposed to 107 and 108 CFU ml-1 of V. harveyi showed 100% mortality by Days 5 and 4, respectively. These findings confirm that skin injuries increase the susceptibility of seabass fingerlings to V. harveyi infection.
Fulltext Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility and plasmid profiling of Vibrio spp. isolated from cultured groupers in Peninsular Malaysia

Amalina NZ, Santha S, Zulperi D, Amal MNA, Yusof MT, Zamri-Saad M, et al.

BMC Microbiol, 2019 11 11;19(1):251.
PMID: 31711432 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-019-1624-2

BACKGROUND: Numerous prevalence studies of Vibrio spp. infection in fish have been extensively reported worldwide, including Malaysia. Unfortunately, information on the prevalence of Vibrio spp. in groupers (Epinephelus spp.) is limited. In this study, groupers obtained from nine farms located at different geographical regions in Malaysia were sampled for the presence of pathogenic Vibrio spp. and their susceptibility profiles against seven antibiotics.
RESULTS: Out of 270 grouper samples, 195 (72%) were detected with the presence of Vibrio spp. Vibrio communis showed highest prevalence in grouper (28%), followed by V. parahaemolyticus (25%), V. alginolyticus (19%), V. vulnificus (14%), V. rotiferianus (3%), Vibrio sp. (3%), V. campbellii (2%), V. mytili (2%), V. furnissii (2%), V. harveyi (1%), V. tubiashii (1%), V. fluvialis (0.3%) and V. diabolicus (0.3%). Assessment on the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the Vibrio spp. revealed that majority of the isolates were susceptible to tetracycline, streptomycin, erythromycin and bacitracin, but resistance to ampicillin, penicillin G and vancomycin. The mean MAR index of the Vibrio isolates was 0.51, with 85% of the isolates showed MAR index value of higher than 0.2. Results indicate that the Vibrio spp. were continuously exposed to antibiotics. Furthermore, the plasmid profiles of Vibrio spp. showed that 38.7% of the isolates harbored plasmid with molecular weight of more than 10 kb, while 61.3% were without plasmid. During curing process, Vibrio spp. lost their plasmid, but remained resistant to ampicillin, penicillin G, bacitracin and vancomycin while a few isolates remained resistant to erythromycin, streptomycin and tetracycline. The results suggested that the resistance to antibiotics in isolated Vibrio spp. might be due to chromosomal and plasmid borne.
CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the prevalence of Vibrio spp. in groupers and the distribution of multidrug resistance strains that could be of concern to the farmers in Malaysia. In addition, data from this study can be further used in fish disease management plan.

Filters

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links