Basrah Journal of Veterinary Research

The current study was designed to isolation and identification of Escherichia coli from chicken droppings and explore the presence of Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in chickens in Basrah province, the period extending from 18 October 2023 to 13 January 2024. Of 204 samples, 102 were from backyard chickens, 48 were from poultry fields, and 54 were from chicken shops, 109 (53.4%) were found to be positive for E. coli using conventional microbiological techniques. The PCR was used to confirm the isolates targeting the uidA gene of E. coli. The results of this technique indicated that 84 (77%) of them were Escherichia coli found in the examined samples. All isolates were undergone a polymerase chain reaction to detect Shiga-toxins genes (stx1, stx2). Neither stx1 nor stx2 were detected in any of the examined E. Coli strains.
These results indicated that the E. coli isolates from chicken were negative for Shiga toxin (stx1, stx2) genes.

The study included an examination of 50 local horses in different areas of Nineveh Governorate for the period starting from 1/7/2023 to 1/4/2024. The first group included 40 animals that showed signs of colic and the second group consisted of 10 clinically healthy animals that were considered a control group and of ages more than Six months, for both sexes.
A clinical examination was conducted, which included recording the history of the animal's medical history condition and symptoms, and clinical manifestations including as well as measuring (body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, examining the mucous membranes of the eyes, capillary refilling time in the lower lip, and examining skin elasticity). The abdomen was then examined using a stethoscope, and sounds were recorded on the abdominal wall and on both sides of the animal’s body. The colicky horses show a significant increase in respiratory rate by 21 cycles/minute, heart rate by 56 beats/minute, capillary refilling time by 3 seconds, and skin fold test rate by 3.7 seconds compared with the healthy controls, while the sound frequency increased when auscultating from both sides of the abdomen, it was 272.5 Hz from the left side and 249 Hz from the right side, and the result was a significant difference from the left side compared to healthy horses, in addition to a substantial increase in the sound repetition rate by 5 per minute.
It has been concluded that an electronic stethoscope could be a more accurate tool for examining colicky horses.

Obesity is chronic disease, leads to fatty liver, its abnormal function tests and hyperlipidemia, exercise improved the lipid profile, liver histomorphology and functions, herbs were frequently included in obesity management, this study aimed to investigate effects of swimming and mixture of garlic and lemon juice on lipid profile, liver function and losing of weight as well. twenty adult male albino rats of about 240 ± 10 gram body weight & 12 weeks old were used and were randomly divided into four experimental groups, during 28 days of experiments first group fed the standard pellet diet, second group fed with the high formulated diet (HFD) , third group fed with the HFD , with orally administration of 28 ml of mixture of garlic and lemon, last group fed with the HFD, and doing swimming 30 minute/day, body weight, lipid profile and serum levels of AST, ALP, ALP were measured as well as evaluation of liver histopathology, all indicated loose of body weight, significantly decreased liver function test parameters and serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and increase of HDL in exercise and treated groups (P value ≤0.01), beside preserving histology of liver compared to fatty liver in model group, the study concluded that obesity can induces fatty liver and deteriorate its functions, accompanied by hyperlipidemia, in other hands swimming and administration mixture of allium sativum and Citrus limon significantly decrease the cholesterol, TG, LDL, and liver function test parameters while increasing HDL and ameliorate the liver histopathological lesions as well.

The study was conducted to examine 876 sheep of different ages and of both sexes in Basrah province, Iraq during September 2023 to March 2024. 180 animals with clinical signs of pneumonia and acute vital signs were included. Results showed that 160 (88.88%) samples out of 180 were sero-positive for indirect ELISA, However, the age group less than 6 months exhibited highly infection rate compared with sheep more than one year old. Moreover, all infected animals showed acute clinical manifestations including partial or complete loss of appetite, rapid and difficult breathing with abnormal lung sounds, where pleural frictional sound is the common type, nasal discharge, Pleurodynia, reproductive cough as well as a signs of anemia. Results of macroscopic appearance of carcasses show congested, lungs consolidation, hemorrhagic area and spots as well as hepatization. whereas, Histopathological results indicate, thickening of alveolar wall with hemorrhage in interlobular tissue and congested blood vessel. Moreover, hyperplasia with excessive inflammatory cells in alveolar lumen as well as bronchioles with necrotic area was also indicated beside interstitial pneumonia with exudate in bronchial lumen and hyperplasia in epithelium cells of bronchial tissues. It has been concluded that Mycoplasma ovipneumonia infection affected sheep hardly reflecting high morbidity and mortality rate and economic loses, therefor a fit control measure programmed should be planed.

Cisplatin is one of the most potent and commonly used anticancer compounds to treat various tumors, but it causes many unwanted side effects that restrict its use. Hepatotoxicity is one of the common adverse effects that occur even when small amounts of cisplatin are used for short times. This study tested the ameliorative effect of fampridine, a compound used to treat multiple sclerosis, against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity. Forty rats were divided into four groups; Group 1 served as the negative control and did not receive any treatment; Group 2 was a positive control and administered a single intraperitoneal dose of cisplatin (5 mg/kg); Group 3 was given oral fampridine at 4 mg/kg for three consecutive days, starting from the day cisplatin was injected; Group 4 was given fampridine (4 mg/kg for three days) and cisplatin (5 mg/kg, single dose). After the experiments, animal weights, liver weights, serum creatinine, and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and oxidized (GSSG) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the liver tissues were measured after three and five days of treatment. Cisplatin caused hepatotoxicity manifested by decreased body weight, liver weight, and liver-to-body weight ratios. It also elevated creatinine concentrations in the serum and MDA and GSSG in the liver tissue, while GSH concentration decreased. Fampridine treatment ameliorated these toxic impacts from cisplatin. Hence, people taking cisplatin as an anticancer therapy and fampridine as a treatment for multiple sclerosis may benefit from the latter's protective effect against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity.

The Achilles tendon is the most resilient tendon in the musculoskeletal system of canines. It enables the hock to extend, allowing the animal to balance on its toes. Its primary role is to propel the rear limb forward and provide support to the hock. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), Platelets store growth factors and are crucial in various physiological functions like blood clotting, blood vessel formation, immune defense, and tissue healing. Aim of the study: To analyze and contrast the impacts of Platelet-rich plasma on regeneration of Achilles tendon. Materials and Methods: 10 dogs were divided into two groups: 5 dogs received treatment with Platelet-Rich Plasma (Group A), 5 dogs served as a control (Group B), and left untreated Results: scoring the degree of lameness in dogs that were not treated throughout the entire experiment The control group showed lameness scores, resulting in the animals being unable to lift their legs and take a few steps,The group that was treated with PRP had notably lower levels of lameness and pain throughout the study period,prp treatment resulted in better healing of the injured tendon compared to the untreated group, showing gradual improvement after 7 days. Histologically,PRP enhanced healing with increased cell proliferation, migration and collagen production of tendon-derived cells including increased cellularity and vascularity of ligament tissue ,compared to those in the control group the of the Achilles tendon of the positive control group showed chronic tendonitis. Conclusion: Proved that PRP can greatly enhance tendon repair, tendon growth, and minimize inflammation.

Staphylococcus aureus utilizes two-component signal transduction systems (TCSs) for sensing and responding to stressors such as antimicrobials. Variations in the sequence of TCSs involved in antimicrobial resistance, such as WalRK, VraSR, LytSR, GraSR, NsaRS, HptSR, and AirRS, may influence the resistance profile of Staphylococcus aureus in clinical isolates from Basra Governorate in southern Iraq, which includes cows, sheep, dogs, cats, and humans. The total number of variants was 19,176, 19,924, 20,168, 20,499, and 42,248 for MHC, MHB, MHH, MHF, and MHO, respectively. Compared to the other isolates, the MHO isolate from a sheep clinical case exhibited the highest number of variants. The synonymous and missense mutations were the highest in the MHO strain compared to other isolates. The MHH human strain showed resistance to seven antibiotics compared to other isolates of animal origin, Which showed resistance to antibiotics for two types of antibiotics according to the results of what we did to test the antibiotic sensitivity using the Vitek device, in addition to the analysis of the genome sequence of the genes of the two-component system, which revealed differences between the local isolates, which affected their antibiotic resistance profile

Coccidiosis is a major parasitic disease that affects domestic fowl, turkeys, ducks, and geese around the world. It is caused by protozoan parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa originating from the genus Eimeria. This study was recommended due to the lack of data on chicken Eimeria species in the Kurdistan region. There are nine recorded species of Eimeria in chickens, E.tenella is the most common coccidia in poultry, which is distinguished by its easily identifiable injuries and significant losses in early broilers and pullet layers. The research examined naturally infected broiler chicks aged between 3 and 6 weeks with Eimeria tenella. The samples were taken from caecal content and examined by standard methods such as necropsy and microscopic examinations. Microscopic examination revealed a large number of coccidian oocysts in the caecal content. Histopathological analysis showed severe sloughing of the lining mucosa with haemorrhage and necrosis, along with the presence of different stages of Eimeria, including oocytes, macrogametes, microgametes and schizonts in the submucosal layer. Haematoxylin and eosin staining facilitated a histopathological study on the affected caecum tissue. The study highlights an important stage that streamlines parasite isolation for molecular diagnosis by directly using cecum samples for DNA extraction. This method allows molecular diagnostic procedures to be completed more efficiently, regardless of the parasite’s stage.

Serratia marcescens is known for its high production of prodigiosin, a pigment that serves as a virulence factor and possesses beneficial biological, antibacterial, antifungal, and antimalarial characteristics. Another virulence factor of Serratia marcescens is the ability to produce biofilms, which are aggregations of microorganisms adhering to surfaces surrounded by self-produced matrix. These biofilms pose many health risks in the milk production and processing industry, such as milk spoilage, poor-quality milk products, and other health risks. Our study revealed that, after 24 hours of incubation at 30°C, colonies on Chrome agar appeared pink with a dark center while on nutrient agar colonies appeared red at 28°C due to Serratia marcescens' ability to produce pigment. the ability of these local isolates to produce pigment was evaluated using NB Medium with different incubation time A total of 11 isolates from milk samples showed the ability to produce a high concentration of prodigiosin when incubated for 72 hours. All isolates were found to produce biofilm at different rates. In isolate (6), we observed the highest production of biofilm.

Thyroid gland severely affected in cases of disruption of normal proportions of both proteins and minerals. Aim of the study was to reveal effect of collagen as a supplement on thyroid function and some trace elements in cases of hypo- and hyperthyroidism in mature male rats. 36 rats treated orally for 28 days, divided into 6 equal groups, control (G1) given normal saline, group (G2) given collagen-α®, the hypothyroid group (G3) propylthiouracil, Hypothyroidism + Collagen-α® (G4) group, Hyperthyroidism (G5) levothyroxin, and Hyperthyroidism + Collagen-α group® (G6). Results show that, Hypothyroidism Group, levels of (TSH, rT3 and phosphorus) were increased while both (T3 and T4) levels were significantly decreased, Hyperthyroidism group, level of (TSH) decreased were (T3 and T4) levels are significantly increased, there were significant increase in TSH and decreased in T3 and T4 in groups of hypothyroidism + collagen, opposite results occur in hyperthyroidism + collagen groups. TBG and TPO levels decreased significantly in hypothyroidism, but increased in hyperthyroidism, and the differences in those hormones in both the hypo+ collagen and hyper+ collagen groups were similar, in the case of hypothyroidism, there was a significant decrease in the level of calcium, opposite results occur in hyperthyroidism. There were no differences significantly in Zinc level in treated groups. Conclusion, Collagen caused different effects in the treatment groups, in hypothyroidism caused a significantly decrease in the both calcium and zinc, and an increase in phosphorus level in the blood serum of adult rats, in case hyperthyroidism the opposite results occur.

This research planned to investigate the morphological structures of the oropharynx cavity and microscopic features of palatine salivary glands in domesticated goose. Ten heads of adult healthy geese collected from slaughterhouse. Five heads were prepared for macroscopic examination and five heads were processed for histochemical investigation of the palatine salivary glands. Anatomically, the oropharynx cavity was divided into roof and floor. The oropharyngeal roof composed of the rostral region (lamellae part) and the caudal region (papillae part). Median palatine ridge divided lamellar part into two equal sides. Each side had three longitudinal rows of palatine round tubercle. The oropharyngeal floor subdivided into rostral part occupying by the tongue and caudal part including the laryngeal mound. Horny bristle lamellae existed on the lateral margins of the beak. Three clefts were observed including choanae, infundibular cleft and glottis. The tongue was flat elongated and rostrally carried the lingual nail. The microscopic findings showed that the palatine salivary glands were mucus secreting and simple branched tubular glands. A mucus cell was tall columnar with basally located nucleus. Also, the mucus cell secreted neutral and acid mucosubstances but proteins and glycogens were absent. The palatine glands contained numerous lymphatic nodules which protected the oropharyngeal mucosa from invasion of microorganisms. The characteristic features of the oropharynx and secretions of the palatine glands showed their adaptation based on the type of food and feeding behavior in domesticated goose.

Objective, The purpose of this experiment is to study the circadian rhythm of common liver function tests. Materials and Methods, Ten adult sheep (male and female) were divided into two groups, T1 (male) and T2 (fe-male), and placed in two separate rooms. Serum was isolated from T1 and T2 blood samples taken at 7, 12 A.M. and 12 P.M hours, respectively.
Results, Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and creatinine levels in both groups increased significantly during daylight hours (12:00). The aspartate aminotransferase (AST) showed a different value in a male that increased significantly at 12 A.M. but in a fe-male that was elevated at 7 A.M. as compared with other times. Serum urea concentra-tion during the night hours was expressed at a high level in both males and females as compared to the concentration during the day hours. In addition, the results show differences in variation between males and females. There is a significant increase in ALT, urea and creatinine in females (T2) as compared with males (T1) during the day and night hours. Furthermore, at 12 A.M. and 12 P.M., males had significantly higher AST levels than females Conclusion, liver functions cause variations between day and night hours as well as between males and females because of metabolism and activities. Comprehensive study is required to reduce and overlap this stress.

This study was conducted on 180 blood samples collected randomly from equids (106 horses and 74 donkeys) in Nineveh governorate, Iraq, including, 25 clinically and laboratory healthy equids that served as control equids. Clinical examinations for all equids have been done, and samples of blood were collected from all equids for serodiagnosis, hemato-biochemical parameters examination. Results demonstrated that the total prevalence of Equine anaplasmosis (AE) in equids was 46.1% (83/180), representing 30.1% in horses and 68.9% in donkeys using indirect-ELISA. Infected equids were suffering from fever, paleness, petechial hemorrhages and/or jaundice of the mucous membranes, respiratory disorders, edema of the limbs, nervous signs, and the presence of ticks on the different parts of the body. There was a a significant increase in the body temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, and capillary refilling time in infected equids. Hemogram revealed a significant decrease in the TRBCs, Hb, PCV, MCH, and MCHC, with a significant increase in MCV, reflecting a macrocytic hypochromic type of anemia. In addition to significant increase in the ESR. Furthermore, a significant decrease in PLT and TWBCs as a result of a significant decrease in neutrophils and lymphocytes in the infected equids compared to the control equids. Biochemical analysis showed that a significant increase in AST, ALT, ALP, TB, creatinine, and BUN with a significant decrease in TP, phosphorus and calcium, in infected equids compared to the control animal. In conclusion, The EA is widespread in equids in Nineveh Governorate, Iraq along with significant clinico-hemato-biochemical parameter alterations.

The aimed of the current study to analyse the influence of mid stage of lactation and dry period on physiological metabolic alterations of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Till now there is no reference values for different metabolic physiological during mid stage of lactation in buffaloes Animals were examined at buffaloes farms that belong to north of Basrah Governorate, Iraq. Based on selection criteria, a total of 40 clinically healthy female buffaloes (2-7 years old) were divided in to thirty lactating buffaloes and ten dry buffaloes. This study was included samples of serum for biochemical analysis such as lipid profile. glucose, CK. Urea, Creatinine, BUN, Alanine transferase, Aspartate.transferase, Total protein, Albumin, Globulin Alkaline phosphatase Calcium, Phosphor The established values will be a useful guide for interpreting serum metabolic parameters in lactating buffaloes.

This study investigates the presence and investigate of Avian Orthoavulovirus-1 (AOAV-1), previously also called avian paramyxovirus-1, in Iraqi broiler chickens. Newcastle disease, a highly contagious and economically important poultry disease, is caused by AOAV-1. A total of 250 samples were collected from 6 Iraqi provinces; Clinically, 150 samples indicated ND. Using PCR and clinical examination, the virus was examined in 150 broiler samples from farms in the north, center and south of Iraq that clinically indicated ND. According to the results (50), 33.3% of the samples tested were positive for PCR detection using the F and HN genes.
The results of this investigation may have implications for regional disease control strategies and advance our understanding of the occurrence of AOAV-1 in Iraqi poultry.

commercial poultry farming is a rapidly growing sector. therefore, the study Aimed to evaluate the impact of stevia leaf powder on oxidative status and digestion and their reflection on meat quality parameters in broiler Chickens.
Materials and methods From December 21, 2023, to January 17, 2024, 240 Ross broiler chicks were given different Stevia leaf powder dosages. Four groups of Babylon's Modern Al-Bakri Hatchery chicks received different treatments for 28 days. Group 1 (control) got a conventional diet, while Groups 2, 3, and 4 received diets supplemented with 10 g/kg, 20 g/kg, and 30 g/kg Stevia leaf powder. Locally ground stevia was added to the diet.
The study examined digestive enzyme levels, antioxidant activity, and meat quality in broiler chickens treated with varied Stevia leaf powder (STV) concentrations. The STV-treated groups had significantly higher amylase levels (p≤ 0.05) than the control group, with no significant variations across STV concentrations. The 30g/kg STV group had slightly increase in lipase levels, but otherwise no changes. Compared to other groups, the 20g/kg STV group had considerably greater antioxidant enzyme activity, including SOD, CAT, and GLUpx. Chickens treated with 10g/kg had higher antioxidant activity, but the group did not vary from control. STV supplementation reduced meat pH, which improves tenderness and shelf life, and slightly increased cooking loss. The 20g/kg STV group showed decreased drip loss, indicating greater water retention and meat quality.

Clinicopathological changes associated with blood protozoa in cows have been well-examined. However, these changes can be influenced over time due to the development of the animal immune system status and environmental changes. The current study aimed to assess clinical and pathological changes associated with blood protozoa infection in naturally infected cattle. A total of 80 cows were examined for evidence of babesiosis and trypanosomiasis using Giemsa-stained blood smears. Hematological parameter, clotting factor, and urinalysis were also estimated. Babesiosis and trypanosomasis were identified in 16% and 33% of the examined stained blood smears, respectively. The study revealed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in values of hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, total erythrocytes count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and total platelet count in both infected groups with babesiosis and Trypanosomiasis . In contrast, a significant increase was recorded in total leukocytes count, clotting time, prothrombin time, fibrinogen time, and activated partial thromboplastin time, as well as platelet volume and platelet distribution width in the infected cattle compared with non-infected cattle. Urinalysis showed appearance of urobilinogen, bilirubin, protein and glucose in the urine of some infected animals, while nitrate and ketones were not detected in all study animals. We concluded that hemoprtozoa revealed an obvious effect clotting system which might reflected disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) abnormalities and changes in urine components Therefore, clinicopathological changes associated with babesiosis and trypanosomiasis should be evaluated periodically to evaluated animal health status.

Endocrine disorders are prevalent issues in dogs and cats, including a substantial proportion of chronic illnesses in pet animal patients. Canines and felines with endocrinopathies are susceptible to many severe consequences that can impact their overall well-being. Many endocrinopathies, include diabetes mellitus, Cushing disease, Addison disease, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism, have many complications. Gaining a better understanding of these illnesses which can facilitate early detection of the disease condition, as well as enable the implementation of fast steps, slow their progression, or provide suitable treatment. Providing a detailed account of commonly occurring endocrinopathies enables healthcare professionals in educational settings to be better equipped, as there is a shortage of clinical veterinarians specializing in this field. Further studies are necessary to gain a deeper understanding of these conditions in dogs and cats. The present article provides an overview of endocrine illnesses in companion animals commonly encountered in pet animal practice. Moreover, it focuses on the current diagnostic criteria and suggest the treatment options for these conditions.

Naturally occurring uranium ore is abundant in nature and contains several isotopes of uranium. All uranium isotopes are radioactive. However, only Uranium-235 (U-235) is used to produce nuclear power and nuclear weapons. Uranium-235, important for nuclear weapons, is concentrated through uranium enrichment. In the 1970s, due to its high density, the USA started using DU to create bullets and mortar shells. The uranium oxide produced from the dust is mostly deposited inside the vehicle. depleted uranium mainly emits alpha particles. Alpha lack sufficient energy to penetrate through the skin. Exposure to DU outside the human body is not believed to be a serious hazard, but ingestion or inhalation of DU is a significant health threat. Exposure to alpha particles can have a detrimental impact on living cells, potentially leading to kidney damage. Dust that escapes from uranium metal does not usually travel far due to its density. Urine samples from soldiers and civilians in DU ammunition areas show low DU exposure. Contaminated soil ingested by cattle and sheep can contaminate the food chain. However, the transfer factor in animals is relatively low, comparable to the one for transfer to plants.

Aeromonas species are facultatively anaerobic, Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming, oxidase-positive bacteria they are divided into the non-motile psychrophilic aeromonads and the motile mesophilic aeromonads. Due to the possibility that phenotypic identification techniques may not correctly identify some of the species, the taxonomy of this genus is complicated. Most Aeromonas strains are fish infections that cause hemorrhagic septicemia, which frequently increases mortality and causes large financial losses in aquaculture. Often linked to fish disease and mortality are A. caviae, A. hydrophila, A. sobria, A. salmonicida, and A. veronii. These bacteria are commonly found in freshwater, soil and agricultural produce. The genus Aeromonas belongs to the Aeromonadaceae family and comprises a group of these bacteria widely distributed in aquatic environments, with some species able to cause disease in fish, other aquatic animals, and humans. However, bacteria of this genus are isolated from many other habitats, environments, and food products which has been recognized as an important pathogenic species in aquaculture that causes motile Aeromonas septicemia, red spot diseases, infectious dropsy and Furunculosis. Although vaccination is the ideal strategy to avoid infectious diseases. Gastroenteritis, bacteremia, and wound infections have dominated since aeromonads were first linked to human disease. Based on current information about the ecology, epidemiology, and pathogenicity of the genus Aeromonas, we should assume that these bacteria produce a great health problem in the future. This review's objectives are to ascertain how Aeromonas affects aquaculture and human health as well as how to prevent it.

The study was aimed to distinguish the integron type and number in Anti-drug-resistant (AMR) Escherichia coli that detected from clinical, subclinical mastitis and environmental samples in Basrah province. For detection of E.coli both conventional and molecular techniques was used, and the antibiotic susceptibility assessment was done by Kirby-Bauer method. The results revealed a high resistance to penicillin 23(100%) erythromycin 19(82.6%), tetracycline 21(91.3%) and gentamycin 12(52.17%). Also, the results shown a significant association (P≤0.05) between antibiotics resistance and the E.coli that isolated from mastitis and subclinical mastitis cases. Furthermore, we used a specific primers to detect the presence of integrons in AMR Escherichia coli. The results revealed that 8(34.78%) of the total isolates contained IntI1 (491bp in size), 5((21.73%) contained IntI2, and 2 (8.69%) contained IntI3 (788 and 600bp) respectively. The study showed a significant (P≤0.05) correlation among (IntI1& IntI2) and AMR Escherichia coli that isolated from clinical and environmental samples. We concluded, that the results of this study offer convincing proof for the immediate need to create rapid diagnostic services for guiding antibiotic decisions and a robust, comprehensive, and continual antibiotic surveillance program to halt the transmission of antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli strains that containing integrons, specifically IntI1and IntI2.