Veterinaria México OA

Early infection with white spot syndrome virus promotes changes in the gut microbiome and immune-energy related genes of shrimps Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931)

2025-01-24T09:32:06-06:00

The white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is currently the main threat to the shrimp industry due to significant economic losses associated with shrimp mortality. The first hours of host-parasite interactions are crucial for the fate of WSSV infection, which becomes irreversible after 72 h. During this critical period, there is still a limited understanding of the interaction between the gut microbiota and the host response. In this study, we evaluated the effect of WSSV on the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamaei (Boone, 1931) at the gut microbiome level and the expression of four genes in hemocytes and hepatopancreas associated with aerobic (ATP synthase) and anaerobic (LDH) metabolism, cell pathogen internalization (AP-2), and immune response (α2M). The genes LDH and α2M were overexpressed in hemocytes and hepatopancreas, while the AP-2 gene was overexpressed only in hemocytes. In infected shrimps, we observed a positive correlation between the increase in viral load (VL), the upregulation of the genes LDH and AP-2, and the augmentation of the relative abundance of Ideonella, Actinobacter, Flavobacterium, Caldalkalibacillus, Gemmobacter, Pirellula, Metilophylus, Hydrogenophaga, Pseudomona, Methylophaga, Candidatus Bacilloplasma, and Novosphingobium. Whereas the gut microbiome in uninfected shrimps was represented by Motilimonas, Tamlana, Shimia, Spongiimonas, Pseudoalteromonas, Aeromones, and Shewanella. Results from this study contribute to understanding the intricate interplay between WSSV infection, the host response, and gut microbiota in aquaculture settings.

Non-Ventilation Conditions During Incubation at High Altitude Modify Embryonic Development and Hatchability of the Broiler Breeder’s Eggs

2025-02-04T17:02:50-06:00

This study explores the impact of gradually increasing high carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels during the first 10 days of incubation at high altitude. Two ventilation conditions were compared. In the first, CO₂ concentration gradually accumulated by the embryo's metabolism in a non-ventilated (NV) incubator during the first 10 days of embryonic development (ED10). In the second condition, the incubator was normally ventilated (V). Both treatments received V conditions for the remainder of the incubation period. The CO₂ concentration in the V incubator remained at 0.13 % during the first ED10 days, whereas in the NV, the concentration gradually increased from 0.14 % to 0.9 %. Throughout the incubation, NV exhibited significantly lower (P < 0.05) embryonic mortality compared to V. Remarkably, the hatchability of fertile eggs (HFE) was 10 % significantly higher (P < 0.05) in NV conditions than V group. NV conditions at high altitude (2 230 m) produced embryos with heavier yolk-free body mass and a progressive trend of lighter yolk-sac weights from ED10 day until hatch. The weight of hatchlings in the NV treatment was 43.4 g, with a length of 17.5 cm, both of which were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than hatched chicks from the V group (41.5 g and 17.2 cm respectively). The NV condition at high altitude positively influenced the quality of hatchling chicks. We conclude that the NV condition, with a gradual increase of CO₂ concentration during the first 10 days of incubation at high altitude, is preferable to the V conditions.

Histopathology and blood biochemical in sheep treated with an experimental intramuscular fasciolicide

2025-02-08T10:43:08-06:00

The aim of present study was to determine whether intramuscular administration of injectable fasciolicide prodrug, fosfatriclaben, in a single dose at 6 mg/kg in mixed breed sheep, produces adverse reactions reflected in blood biochemical and histopathological profiles, particularly in tissues involved in drug metabolism. For this purpose, two sheep groups were formed. Group 1 (G1) of 15 sheep was treated, Group 2 (G2) of 5 sheep served as control. On days 0, 7, 14, 28, and 35 post-treatment, liver, kidney, and injection site samples were taken for histopathology, as well as blood samples for biochemical analysis. The results did not provide important histopathological changes or significant differences in blood biochemical (P < 0.05); analytes values remained within the reference range. It is estimated that the trial prodrug could have similar safety characteristics to its precursor, triclabendazole.

Role of carbonic anhydrase in the anti-inflammatory mechanism of diosmin and hesperidin in rats

2024-09-27T00:47:26-05:00

Flavonoids such as diosmin and hesperidin produce antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects, potentially involving the inhibition of carbonic anhydrase (CA) as a mechanism of action. It is believed that CA inhibition helps reduce inflammation by improving symptoms such as pain, redness, swelling, warmth, and loss of mobility in the affected area. We showed that diosmin and hesperidin produced an anti-inflammatory effect involving inhibition of CA. The study was conducted on male Wistar rats by measuring the time spent licking and the number of shakings after the 1 % formalin was administered to the plantar area of the hind limb. Treatments were as follows: vehicle, diosmin, hesperidin, meloxicam, acetazolamide, sulfonamide, and combinations of inhibitors with the flavonoids. Subsequently, measurements in both hind limbs were carried out to evaluate the degree of inflammation. The results indicated that diosmin and hesperidin at 100 and 316.2 mg/kg decreased the time-spent licking and number of shakings in phase 2 of the 1 % formalin test, whereas when administered in combination with acetazolamide and sulfonamide at 100 mg/kg, the anti-inflammatory effect of the flavonoids was reversed. These findings suggest that CA’s activity plays an important role in the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the flavonoids diosmin and hesperidin.

Expression profile of interferon-stimulated gene 15 in leukocytes during early pregnancy in Capra hircus

2024-06-21T20:31:42-05:00

Interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) is induced by conceptus-derived interferon tau (IFNT) in the endometrium during early pregnancy in ruminants, including goats. The expression of ISG15 in extra-uterine tissues, such as peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs), suggests its potential as a novel pregnancy biomarker. The onset and length of the breeding season in goats are influenced by various factors such as breed, latitude, climate, photoperiod, etc. The Osmanabadi, an Indian goat breed, known for its early maturity, prolificacy, and good dressing percentage, was the focus of the current study. The present investigation was designed to study the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) profile of Caprine ISG15 (cpISG15) in PBLs using real-time reverse transcription PCR (qPCR) on days 0, 13, 17, 21, 25 and 30 post-service in this breed. Pregnancies were confirmed by measuring plasma progesterone (P4) concentration and conducting trans-abdominal ultrasound scanning. The study revealed that the expression of cpISG15 mRNA was 5 to 8-fold higher (P < 0.05) during early pregnancy on days 17, 21, and 25 compared to day 0. There was no significant difference in the expression of cpISG15 mRNA between days 0 and 30 post-service. Progesterone concentration was higher on days 17, 21, and 25 in pregnant does compared to day 0. The presence of fetal parts was observed by ultrasound between 45 and 90 d of pregnancy. It is concluded that the detection of elevated ISG15 expression in PBLs during the early stages of pregnancy may be used as a marker for pregnancy detection in does.

Effects of extracts from goji berry (Lycium barbarum), green tea (Camellia sinensis), and persimmon (Diospyros kaki) leaves in a dry eye model of mice

2025-02-06T11:18:23-06:00

This study aimed to investigate the effects of goji berry (Lycium barbarum) [GB], green tea (Camellia sinensis) [GT], and persimmon (Diospyros kaki) [DK] leaf extracts in a mouse dry eye (DE) model. Fifty-six eyes from 28 female BALB/c mice were equally divided into the following groups: control, GB, GT, and DK (left eye groups); DE, DE + GB, DE + GT, DE + DK (right eye groups). The DE model was induced in right eye groups by topical administration of 5 µL of 0.2 % benzalkonium chloride twice daily for 14 days. A 1 % extract solution of GB, GT, and DK was instilled in the DE + GB, DE + GT, and DE + DK groups between days 15 and 30, respectively. In the DE group, only 0.9 % NaCl was instilled during this period. All groups were evaluated for aqueous tear production rate, corneal fluorescein staining, and tear break-up time (TBUT). Histopathological and Western blot analyses performed after euthanasia. On day 15, aqueous tear production decreased, corneal fluorescein staining scores increased, and TBUT was shortened in right eye groups compared to left eye groups (P < 0.05). At the end of the study, no significant differences were observed among the extract-treated DE groups regarding clinical parameters (P > 0.05). However, based on histopathological and molecular analyses, the GT group demonstrated the most beneficial effect without side effects (P < 0.05). These results suggest that 0.1 % GT leaf extract may be a potential therapeutic agent for DE.

Inhaled conditioned cell culture media: animal model for treatment of equine asthma

2025-01-13T09:36:21-06:00

Asthma, a debilitating chronic inflammatory airway disorder, necessitates innovative therapeutic approaches. Equine spontaneous asthma (SEA) provides a unique, naturally occurring model, mirroring human asthma characteristics. SEA, linked to environmental factors, offers insights into inflammatory processes in equine medicine. This study explores the safety and efficacy of inhaled mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) supernatant as a treatment for SEA. Methods: Supernatants obtained from equine MSCs, primed with Toll-like Receptor ligands or immune-related factor, were developed as a new SEA treatment. First, we develop a safety protocol in mice. Second, horses diagnosed with SEA underwent bronchoalveolar lavage, and respiratory mechanics were treated with polarized and non-polarized MSC supernatants. Clinical and cellular responses were monitored. Results: Polarized equine MSC supernatant were obtained and used as treatment. Respiratory mechanics in mice showed no significant differences between control and treated groups. Safety trials in horses demonstrated good clinical responses and stability in cell counts post-treatment. Polarized MSC treatment showed diverse responses, with a notable decrease in neutrophils and clinical improvement after 10 days in some horses. Conclusions: Inhaled polarized-MSC supernatant presents a potential therapeutic avenue for SEA, although specific efficacy trials to support this hypothesis are needed. Moreover, the equine model provides translational insights, offering a bridge between rodent studies and human trials, emphasizing the potential of this approach in managing human asthma.

DNA vaccine targeting GnRH-receptor reduces testosterone and induces testicular atrophy in mice

2024-09-06T19:46:25-05:00

Reproductive control of invasive, feral, and domesticated animals is an urgent public health issue. Immunological vaccines are employed as an emerging strategy to target different components of the reproductive system, to achieve immunocastration. Successful use of immunogens against parts of the oocyte, spermatozoon, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHr) has been reported. In this work, a recombinant DNA vaccine was prepared (P2GnRHrP30) by the fusion of the first extracellular domain of the canine GnRH receptor (GNRHr) gene to the P2 and P30 tetanus toxoid epitopes. This construction was cloned in the pCI-NEO mammalian expression vector and evaluated as an immunocontraception DNA vaccine in male mice. The developed vaccine was demonstrated to be safe, and capable of reducing serum testosterone levels and causing testicular atrophy. Our work indicates that the first extracellular domain of the GnRHr gene may act as an immune target for reproductive control and potentially be used as a non-surgical sterilization procedure in mammals.

Ameliorating effect of Cynara scolymus (artichoke) against thiamethoxam-induced hepatotoxicity in poultry

2024-02-15T12:08:26-06:00

This study investigated the effects of thiamethoxam (TMX), a neonicotinoid insecticide, on liver health in chickens and examined whether artichoke extract (ART) could offer protection. Forty-eight healthy chicks were divided into four groups: a control group given saline, a TMX group given TMX, a TMX + ART group given both TMX and ART and a protective ART + TMX group given ART first, then TMX. The results showed that artichoke extract significantly improved blood parameters and reduced liver damage markers compared to the TMX group. It also decreased oxidative stress and boosted antioxidant defenses. Gene expression analysis revealed that ART downregulated inflammatory markers in the liver. Histological examination confirmed that artichoke extract helped restore normal liver structure. Overall, artichoke extract effectively mitigated TMX-induced liver damage by reducing oxidative stress and improving biochemical and antioxidant markers.

Clinical assessment of Elymus repens (couch grass) as antiurolithiatic in dogs

2025-02-21T12:38:30-06:00

The use of Elymus repens-based extracts as an antiurolithiatic agent in humans has been widely reported. However, in veterinary medicine, this possibility has not been explored, therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a liquid formula for oral administration containing Elymus repens (commonly known as couch grass) as an antiurolithiatic in dogs. To carry out this assessment, we required dogs with a urolithiasis diagnosis, and they were divided into two groups: the control group (CG), which received a treatment without an active ingredient, and the treatment group (EG), which received treatment with the extract of Elymus repens. Both groups received the treatment for 21 days. The assessment of the treatment was performed through blood count and biochemistry. At the end of the treatment, the values observed in analytes related to urolithiasis remained unchanged in the EG group. Conversely, some analytes in CG showed changes from the beginning of the study. According to the results obtained, the treatment with the extract of Elymus repens demonstrated the expected antiurolithiatic effect. However, further complementary studies to confirm its therapeutic activity. Nonetheless, it can be considered as a possible alternative treatment for dogs.

Evaluation of the anticoccidial efficacy of quinfamide alone and in combination with carbopol in rabbits at weaning

2023-11-16T11:07:59-06:00

This study aimed to evaluate the anticoccidial activity of quinfamide in rabbits during the weaning period, which is considered a particularly vulnerable time for the clinical presentation of coccidiosis. Thirty-day-old New Zealand rabbits were included in this trial and were divided into the following groups: randomized control, non-randomized control, quinfamide (30 mg/kg) + carbopol; quinfamide (30 mg/kg); quinfamide (60 mg/kg) + carbopol and quinfamide (60 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally by mixing the drugs with the rabbits’ standard feed. Weight, daily weight gain, feed intake, conversion, and oocyst shedding were recorded for 14 days. The groups treated with quinfamide and quinfamide (60 mg/kg) + carbopol showed a clear improvement in the evaluated parameters compared to the control groups, and there was an increase in the duration during which oocysts in feces could not be detected. The group treated with quinfamide (30 mg/kg) + carbopol also presented better results than the control groups. In contrast, the group treated with quinfamide (30 mg/kg) alone, did not show any differences compared to control groups. Based on these results, it can be considered that quinfamide may present a useful anticoccidial effect, similar to the one obtained with other anticoccidial drugs in rabbits, but only when pharmaceutically prepared with carbopol as quinfamide retentive polymer in the gastrointestinal tract.

Antimicrobial activity in vitro against Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and/or Histophilus somni from cattle with naturally occurring bovine respiratory disease and its association to clinical outcome

2025-04-09T15:06:30-05:00

Antimicrobial resistance is frequently blamed for clinical failures of treatment or control of bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, and Mycoplasma bovis are generally recognized as the four main bacterial pathogens associated with BRD. This study used data from randomized, controlled, clinical trials that recorded qualitative classification of clinical outcomes (success, or failure) and of results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST; classified as resistant, or not resistant to florfenicol, gamithromycin, tildipirosin, or tulathromycin). Association of results in vitro to clinical outcome for treatment or control of naturally occurring BRD (1 319 calves) was quantitatively evaluated. Clinical outcome was not significantly (P = 0.4643) associated (Fisher’s exact test) with qualitative results of AST in vitro for pathogens that were not exposed to antimicrobial medication in vivo (971 head of cattle). Clinical outcome was significantly (P < 0.0001) associated with qualitative results of AST in vitro for pathogens that were exposed to antimicrobial medication in vivo (348 head of cattle). For pathogens not exposed to antimicrobial medication in vivo, 1.85 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] = 0.38 to 5.32) of clinical failures were attributable to antimicrobial resistance. For pathogens exposed to antimicrobial medication in vivo, 51.72 % (95 % CI = 32.53 to 70.55) of clinical failures were attributable to antimicrobial resistance. In conclusion, antimicrobial resistance of bacterial pathogens associated with BRD and not exposed to antimicrobial medication in vivo is a quantitatively minor cause of clinical failure for treatment or control of naturally occurring BRD.

Challenges for Mexican sheep production in the era of precision livestock farming and artificial intelligence

2025-05-06T03:24:24-05:00

This narrative review discusses high-precision technologies applied to sheep production, with an emphasis on the use of computer vision and machine learning. It also reviews recent studies conducted in Mexico that have applied machine learning techniques to predict sheep body composition and image analysis methods to estimate body weight. These efforts have led to significant advances in the use of artificial intelligence models, such as You Only Look Once and Segment Anything, for monitoring and optimizing sheep production. In today’s interconnected world, decisions made in one context can immediately affect surrounding systems. Therefore, it is essential to consider individual animal welfare as a key factor in decision-making within production units, contributing to overall welfare. This article highlights emerging high-precision technologies in sheep farming, particularly those involving computer vision and machine learning.

Retrospective study on the casuistry of turtles (Reptilia: Testudines) in a veterinary center in Paraguay

2025-03-25T10:51:06-06:00

Ten turtle species have been reported for Paraguay, and eight of them are in threatened categories. Wildlife commerce is strictly regulated, and according to the most recent data, there is no legal way of acquiring a turtle in the country. The objective of this study is to report the species of turtles that were assisted at the Wild and Exotic Animals Clinic of the Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, and the main clinical findings. Patient files from 2004 to 2023 were reviewed, and the following data were registered in a spreadsheet: file number and date, species, weight, sex, approximate age, origin, time with the person, feeding, diagnosis, and sub-classification. A total of 496 turtles were registered in individual patient files. Of these, 256 were Chelonoidis chilensis, 125 C. carbonaria, 4 unknown Chelonoidis spp., 8 Acanthochelys macrocephala, 1 A. pallidipectoris, 7 Mesoclemmys vanderhaegei, 6 Phynops spp. (3 P. hilarii, 2 P. geoffroanus, 1 unknown), 2 Hydromedusa tectifera, 14 Kinosternon scorpioides, and 12 unknown Pleurodira. Regarding casuistry, of the 256 C. chilensi brought to the practice, the main cause of consultation was trauma, representing 130 (50.78 %) of the registered files for the species. Regarding C. carbonaria, of the 125 cases, 26 were related to trauma, although routine control was the main cause of consultation. This constitutes the first report on turtle casuistry in Paraguay and may aid in identifying critical species to work with, while concluding that the main problem is still illegal traffic.

Viral metagenomics reveals diverse viruses and antibiotic resistance genes in fecal samples of swine from farms in Shandong province

2025-03-31T12:37:42-06:00

Almost all research on the swine gut microbiome has focused on bacteria. However, these studies paid little attention to the swine gut virome. Here, metagenomic sequencing was employed to characterize the gut viromes and reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in 16 pig farms which are distributed in 16 different prefecture-level cities in Shandong province. We identified the community composition of the gut viromes, and the top 50 viruses, and showed the patterns of the virus in 16 pig farms at the phylum, genus, and species levels. A total of 191 ARGs potentially conferring resistance to 17 classes of antibiotics were detected in the 16 pig farms. These 16 samples exhibited a superior abundance and more widespread distribution of genes associated with tetracycline, aminoglycosides, and macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin (MLS) than other ARGs. Our research provides a universal overview of the prevalence and expression of virus and ARGs in pig gut microbiota.

Wild and feral mammals in a natural area in Mexico City, Mexico

2025-03-03T14:46:18-06:00

Mexico City, one of the largest urban areas in the world, continues to expand into natural landscapes, threatening native biodiversity. The Sierra de Guadalupe (SG), a protected mountainous area in the city's northern region, represents a critical refuge for wildlife. However, the presence of feral mammals—particularly domestic species exhibiting wild behavior—poses serious ecological and public health risks. From February 2020 to August 2021, we conducted 20 survey walks and 255 camera-trap days across SG to assess the composition and relative abundance of medium-sized mammals. We identified nine species, with dog (Canis lupus familiaris) (24 %) emerging as the most frequently detected. Behavioral indicators—such as gregariousness, robust body condition, and lack of human proximity—suggested that many dogs exhibited feral characteristics. In contrast, species such as gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) and cacomixtle (Bassariscus astutus) showed lower relative abundances, suggesting potential displacement. Species richness estimation (Chao2) confirmed that all predicted species were recorded. No significant seasonal variation in domestic animal presence was found, but spatial analysis revealed higher abundances near urban-adjacent entrances. Testimonies from local residents corroborated the presence of dog packs and reported incidents of aggression toward people, livestock, and wildlife. Our findings highlight the urgent need for ethical and ecologically informed management strategies to control feral mammal populations. Reducing their abundance will help mitigate zoonotic disease risks and support long-term conservation efforts in urban natural areas.

Climate change: on the pathway of heat-induced reproductive disaster?

2024-10-02T20:47:50-05:00

Human-driven climate change generates extreme weather events, a well-known consequence of global warming. This leads to increased exposure of most living beings to higher temperatures, resulting in longer, more frequent, and more intense heat stress (HS) periods. This jeopardizes the welfare and survival of animals, negatively affecting the process that connects generations and ensures subsistence and natural selection: reproduction. This letter aims to draw attention to the impact of increasing HS on animal reproductive capacity and the potential alternatives to address this phenomenon.

With rising temperatures in most regions worldwide, heat stress will increase in many animals, including humans. This will occur even if we achieve the goal of limiting global temperature rise to no more than 1.5 °C by the year 2100, relative to pre-industrial levels, as set in the 2015 Paris Agreement⁽¹⁾. Roth⁽²⁾ indicates that HS, upon inducing cellular stress, triggers both indirect (e.g., systemic physiological alterations) and direct (e.g., perturbation of gametes, embryos, and reproductive tissues) negative effects on animal reproduction. In this context, the fertility of insects,⁽³⁾ aquatic organisms;^{(1, 3, 4)} amphibians,⁽⁵⁾ reptiles,⁽⁶⁾ birds,⁽⁷⁾ mammalian pets,⁽⁸⁾ cattle,^{(2, 9, 10)} wild mammals,⁽¹¹⁾ laboratory mammals,⁽¹²⁾ non-human primates,⁽¹³⁾ and humans⁽⁴⁾ is threatened by elevated temperatures. Consequently, given the unavoidable increase in HS, if this trend continues, potentially all animal groups are at risk of experiencing at least partial declines in reproductive capacity worldwide. This scenario will endanger the production of food and goods from animal sources, affect animal welfare, and potentially threaten the survival of animal populations, including humans.

To mitigate widespread animal reproductive failures due to excessive heating, or to prevent them, alongside the coordinated environment-oriented efforts by governments, private industry, scientists, and the general public to reduce global warming, modifications in the management of animals, or their gametes and embryos, are necessary. For instance, Hansen⁽⁹⁾ suggests the following alternatives to mitigate the negative effects of HS on reproduction in farm animals: diet pattern changes; active or passive cooling systems; genetic selection or transgenesis to achieve greater thermotolerance; in vivo supplementation of compounds that reduce cellular stress (e.g., orally, or by intramuscular/intravenous administration); and in vitro supplementation of gametes/embryos (for use in reproductive biotechnologies) to decrease cellular stress. These strategies aim to reduce heat-induced fertility alterations, both systemically and directly in reproductive structures.

Given the serious risk that global warming poses due to the impact of heat on physiology, we urgently need more studies on the overall context of animal reproduction under HS. In addition, we require a specific focus on the impact of HS on reproductive processes, considering factors such as regions, production systems, species, breeds/strains, and specific genetic backgrounds. Therefore, whether the heating that planet Earth experiences will lead to disastrous effects on animal reproductive capacity or a more controlled, perhaps partially reversible, decrease in such capacity, could be influenced by the measures we plan now. These include efforts from society, governments, and veterinary professionals. Time is running out: the situation calls for immediate action.

Seroprevalence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in companion rabbits in Mexico City

2025-02-14T15:09:05-06:00

Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an obligate intracellular microorganism primarily found in rabbits, although it has also been reported in various species such as horses, rodents, dogs, monkeys, foxes, cats, goats, and pigs. Immunodeficient humans are also vulnerable to this infection. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of E. cuniculi in 89 companion rabbits in Mexico City using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results indicated a seroprevalence of 70 %. Clinically healthy rabbits constituted 92 % of the sample, of which 68 % were positive for antibodies against E. cuniculi. The findings align with global reports of high seroprevalence. Despite most infections being subclinical, a substantial portion of asymptomatic rabbits were seropositive, highlighting the need for early disease recognition to prevent its spread. This study is the first to describe the seroprevalence of E. cuniculi in Mexico and the common associated signs.

A four-year serological survey of Leptospira spp. in stray dogs from northwest Mexico

2024-08-09T19:24:51-05:00

The presence of stray dogs in a community represents a significant risk factor in the spread and maintenance of Leptospira by acting as pathogen reservoirs and potentially transmitting the bacteria to household dogs and the peri-domestic environment, increasing the risk of zoonotic transmission of the disease. Here, we utilized an indirect ELISA employing recombinant LipL32 protein to detect IgG antibodies to Leptospira in serum samples from stray dogs in Mexicali, Northwest Mexico. Serum samples (n = 331) from stray dogs were collected from 2017 to 2020 and tested with the ELISA-LipL32. The results showed an overall seroprevalence of 46.52 % (154/331) over the four years, 46.36 % (51/110) in 2017, 57.95 % (51/88) in 2018, 28.85 % (15/52) in 2019, and 45.68 % (37/81) in 2020. The high prevalence of serum antibodies to Leptospira among the stray dog population indicates that Mexicali provides optimal ecological conditions for maintaining and disseminating leptospire throughout the city, increasing the risk of infection to other domestic or companion animals and the human population. Further epidemiological research is necessary to identify the serovars in the region and propose strategies to control the stray dog population and the propagation of Leptospira in the Northwest region of Mexico.

Effect of lipopolysaccharide on body physiological responses

2024-07-01T15:54:06-05:00

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an important compound with pathogenic properties. LPS is considered a bacterial endotoxin, and the body induces widespread inflammation responses by stimulating the immune system through blood cells and synthesizing proinflammatory cytokines. After entering the circulation, these proinflammatory cytokines affect different body organs and induce systematic inflammation. Proinflammatory cytokines also enter the brain through the periventricular hypothalamus (PeVH) and by affecting microglia and astrocytes; they stimulate the brain's immune response. After the induction of systemic and central inflammation, the animal sickness behavior appears. In this review, we are going to investigate the peripheral and central effects of LPS-induced inflammation on different animal species.