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The studies reports evaluation of closed or poorly ventilated (type-1) and open or well ventilated (type-2) barns on welfare of crossbred cows with special reference to their reproductive health and various haematobiochemical status in hot humid climate of Assam during June, July and August of the year. The environment of the barns has been assessed based on the temperature-humidity index (THI). A total of 62 apparently healthy cows (n=31 from each type of sheds) were subjected to haematological and biochemical analysis. Biochemical Kits were used for determination of serum ALT, AST, ALP, Calcium, Phosphorous, Serum Cortisol and Vitamin D3. Standard statistical methods (IBM SPSS 20 and JMP 10 of SAS 9.3) were used to analyze the data. The stressful microclimate of barns was evident from the THI values and hemato-biochemical changes in cows and these perhaps were the basic stimulus behind the significant increase in incidences of various reproductive diseases in type-1 shed. Based on the above findings an inference can be drawn that for wellbeing of reproductive health of cows well ventilated cowshed is a prerequisite in hot humid climate of Assam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface and cross-sectional features of hair fibres from four different breeds of pigs has been evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. The cross-section of the pig hair is modelled into an ellipse and the elliptical features of the fibre are correlated with its tensile properties. Surface scales in pig hair are arranged in imbricate type, crenate pattern and spaced at a mean distance of 4.58±0.24µm. Overall mean eccentricity, flattening, focus, area and angular eccentricity of pig hair fibre is found to be 0.60±0.09, 0.25±0.07, 195.16±33.68µm, and 0.06±0.01mm2 and 38.24±6.61 ° respectively. The ellipticity parameters are positively correlated with tensile properties (tenacity, extensibility, initial modulus and work of rupture) of the fibre. The specific flexural rigidity is negatively correlated with the ellipticity of the fibre, suggesting that the elliptical fibres may be more flexible than the fibres with circular cross-section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to detect the presence of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and porcine parvo virus (PPV) in 54 porcine aborted foetuses, stillborns and mummified foetuses. Foetal tissues of heart, lung, spleen and lymphnodes were used for extraction of total DNA and the presence of viral pathogens were confirmed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Out of 54 samples, nine (16.6%) samples were positive for PCV2, eight (14.8%) samples were positive for PPV while co-infection with PCV2 and PPV was detected in four (7.4%) samples. The histopathological changes in the foetuses were found to be mostly necrosis in the cells of the developing organs viz. lungs, kidney, liver, heart, brain, spleen and lymphnodes. Lymphoid depletion was observed in the lymphoid follicles of the lymphnodes. Meningoencephalitis in the cerebrum was also seen in both PPV and PCV2 infected foetuses. The results indicated that PPV and PCV2 could be an important infectious agent in cases of porcine stillbirths, abortions and mummified foetuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A triple cross pig variety (Ghungroo x Hampshire x Duroc, G25H25D50) was developed as a fattener pig. Pure parental lines of Hampshire and Duroc (male) and Ghungroo (female) pigs were used as exotic and indigenous germplasm, respectively. A total of 14 gilts and 20 barrows from triple cross pigs were slaughtered at the age of 10 months for evaluating the different parameters. Carcass traits indicated a meat: bone ratio of 2.95 and fat: lean ratio of 0.17 for this pig variety. The carcass length ranged from 61.5 cm - 93 cm, while that of the loin eye area varied from 1.30 in2 - 5.50 in2. Back fat thickness at three-quarters of the length of the transverse section of the exposed M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum between the 10th and 11th ribs was in the range of 0.7 cm - 2.25 cm. Moisture: protein ratio varied from 3.20 to 3.39 and no significant (P>0.05) difference was observed between gilts and barrows. The cholesterol content in M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum varied from 47.83 mg/100g - 71.19 mg/100g, with an average of 59.70 mg/100g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaria is a major public health problem in north-east India mainly transmitted byAnopheles baimaiandAn. minimuswhileAnopheles nivipesplays an important supportive role. The genetic diversity ofAn. nivipesin north-east India was investigated by employing two mitochondrial DNA markers namely NADH dehydrogenase 5 (ND5) and cytochrome oxidase sub unit II (COII). High genetic diversity inAn. nivipeswas observed by the detection of 16 haplotypes among 30 sequences ofND5gene and 29 haplotypes among 29 COII sequences. Anopheles nivipesof north-east India was significantly differentiated genetically with that of neighboring South-east AsianAn. nivipesas revealed by pairwise FSTvalues of 0.127 (p < 0.01) and 0.044 (p < 0.001) forND5andCOIIgenes, respectively, suggesting geographical barriers to gene flow in this species between the two geographical areas resulting in significant population structuring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses findings of a study to determine the susceptibility of dogs to viral gastroenteritis using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. It notes that the sero epidemiological study of canine parvovirus (CPV) and canine coronavirus (CCV) was conducted for 178 diarrhoeic dogs in Kamrup, India. It confirms the 100 percent sensitivity of indirect ELISA in 92.31 percent detection of anti-CPV antibody and 89.44 percent detection of CCV antibody.

The study was carried out on two different genetic groups of pig viz. Duroc and Hampshire maintained at pig breeding farm of National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati. Effect of different genetic group and non-genetic factors (year and season of farrowing and parity) were estimated by least squares analysis of variance for different litter production, weight and pre weaning growth rate. Genetic group and parity revealed highly significant (P<0.01) effect on all the traits under study. However, effect of year and season of birth was non significant in most of the cases. The pre weaning mortality of Hampshire pigs was found to be less than Duroc. The performance of litter production and weight traits of Hampshire pigs were found to be better than Duroc pigs in the farm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on canine viral gastro enteritis diagnosis including canine parvovirus (CPV) and canine coronavirus (CCV). Methodology include the use of sandwich enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) on faecal samples from dogs with diarrhoea with pathological and haemato biochemical alterations. Results showed no mortality in CCV-infected dogs while dehydration was observed in dogs infected with CPV as well as intestinal serosa with haemorrhage and generalized hyperemia.

Survey including 2028 bovines from university and private farms revealed that 4.29 percent of animals had Laminitis. Higher incidence of chronic form of disease was observed. Post parturient laminitis, animals in 3rd lactation, winter months and animals kept in brick floor had highest incidence but almost equal incidence was found in the fore and hind limbs. Different signs and symptoms observed differentiated the disease into acute, chronic and sub-clinical forms. Haematological and biochemical studies revealed significant difference between healthy and clinically affected animals. Affected animals were treated in two group. The non-steriodal anti-inflammatory treated group showed better results as compared to steriodal group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 312 captive elephants of the eastern India were studied for various kinds of foot affections during 2003-2005 and fourteen different types of foot affections were recorded with half of elephant population of the region affected with foot diseases in their life. Males were more vulnerable because of their low tolerance for foot care particularly during the period of musth. Hind limbs were more susceptible and lesions were also severe in the hind limbs. Advancing age made the elephants more susceptible. Remarkably higher percentage of privately owned elephants were affected with foot affections. A host of bacteria and fungi were isolated from foot lesions. Unidentified mites and filarial worms were also isolated from foot lesions. Most of the Kari (septic pododermatitis) cases began after incarceration for musth or rainy season. Moist substrate was worse in terms of foot health of captive elephants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 118 serum samples were collected from Jersey and Holstein-Friesian (HF) crossbred cattle to evaluate the sero-prevalence of brucellosis by indirect ELISA and its relationship with various reproductive disorders. The sero prevalence of brucellosis was 17.5%. Sero prevalence was higher in HF crossbred than in Jersey crossbred and in older animals than young. The incidence of positive reactors with history of abortion, repeat breeding, retention of placenta, mastitis and in pregnant and apparently healthy animal was 50.00%, 21.21%, 16.16%, 11.11%, 7.69% and 6.06% respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparisons were made of the immunity conferred by five different fowl pox virus vaccines namely IVRI, BM, Srini, HP1 and local, using the I/M, F/F, oral and I/N routes of immunization in chicks of different age group. All the vaccine virus strains were adapted on the CAM of 12-day-old embryonated eggs. The age at first and second vaccination by the I/M and F/F routes was the 8th and 14th week, while the age was the 3rd and 7th week for the oral and I/N routes. Immunity was determined by challenge with a field strain of fowl pox virus 4 weeks after each vaccination. The vaccines appeared to be safe for immunization by all 4 routes. HP1 and BM vaccine strains gave the greatest (80%) protection by the I/M route. The Srini, HP1 and BM vaccines provided 100% immunity by the F/F route after the second vaccination. The Srini vaccine by the oral route gave 62.5% immunity followed by HP1 and local vaccine (50%). Local vaccine by I/N route provided 80% after the first vaccination. Zusammenfassung Vergleichende Untersuchungen über die Immunogenität von Geflügelpockenvirus-Vaccinen In vergleichenden Untersuchungen über den Infektionsschutz durch verschiedene Geflügelpokken-Vakzinen wurden IVRI, BM, Srini, HP1 sowie ein lokaler Impfstamm getestet. Dabei wurden die Immunisierungswege intramuskulär, oral, intranasal sowie die Federfollikelmethode bei Küken verschiedener Altersgruppen angewendet. Alle Impfvirusstämme waren an die CAM 12tägig embryonierter Eier adaptiert. Die erste und zweite Impfung erfolgte i.m. und F.F. in der 8. und 14., oral und intranasal in der 3. und 7. Lebenswoche der Tiere. Der Impfschutz wurde jeweils 4 Wochen p. vacc. in einem Belastungsversuch mit einem Geflügelpocken-Feldstamm überprüft. Die Impfstämme zeigten bei allen 4 Immunisierungswegen eine gute Wirksamkeit. Bei i.m. Applikation bewirkten HP1 und BM den größten Schutz (80%). Nach der zweiten Impfung mittels F.F.-Methode wurde mit HP1 und BM 100% Immunität erreicht. Srini führte bei oraler Applikation zu 62,5% Infektionsschutz, gefolgt von HP1 und der lokalen Vakzine (50%). Nach intranasaler Applikation der lokalen Vakzine betrug die Immunität 80% nach der ersten Impfung. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on detecting the prevalence of Staphylococcus hyicus in piglets that causes greasy pig disease leading to 90% morbidity. Methodology include collection of heart blood samples from piglets and characterization of Staphylococcus organisms based on biochemical and morphological features. Results showed high prevalence of S. hyicus in 1-15 days old piglets and susceptibility of S. hyicus isolates to antimicrobials including chloramphenicol, gentamicin and doxycycline.

The article presents a study on the epidemiology of canine parvovirus (CPV) and canine corona virus (CCV) infections in dogs in the Kamrup district of Assam in India. The study found that CPV infections were higher in male dogs than female which according to the researchers may be due to the wandering behavior of male dogs and the selective preference of keeping males as pets. The study concludes that CPV and CCV caused viral gastroenteritis appears to be a seasonal concern in Assam.

The article focuses on the study which investigates the seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in hon-human primates in Assam, India. The study was performed to the 37 serum samples that was collected from non-human primates from Assam State Zoo and Department of Forest and Environment from December 2007 to November 2009 using enzyme-linked-immunosorbent serologic assay (ELISA). The study showed that 10 of 37 subjects were found to be positive with hepatitis A (VAH) infection.

Forty crossbred cows with endometritis in estrus were divided into four groups each comprised of ten animals treated with single intrauterine (IU) infusion of E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), single dose of Oyster Glycogen (OG) IU, 50 ml Autologus Plasma (AP) IU daily for three days and single infusion dose of Phosphate Buffer Solution (PBS) as control. Haematological estimation (WBC and RBC indices) was done before treatment and at post treatment subsequent estrus. A state of ieucocytosis, neutrophilia and anaemia was prevailed pre-treatment evaluation. At post-treatment, subsequent estrus ail the parameters returned significantly (P<0.01) towards normal in all the treatment groups except control. The recovery rate assessed was 100%, 80%, 60% and 20% respectively in four groups which coincided with corresponding post-treatment WBC and RBC indices. Hence, inference could be drawn that E. Coli LPS, OG and AP can effectively be used as alternative to antibiotics without any adverse effect on haemopoietic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which investigated the seroprevalence of brucellosis and parvo virus infections in two organized pig herds of North-East India. Based on the Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbant Assay (ELISA), prevalence of brucella was higher followed by porcine parvovirus (PPV). Results suggest that pigs in the region has been exposed to causative agents at one time or other. The breeding boars were also found positive for Brucella abortus antibodies. They may have picked up infection from infected sows because of natural breeding practice adopted in the farms.

A 8- 9 months old male Ghungroo breed of pig was presented to Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Science with the complaints of sever ocular discharge and appearances of some round muscular pinkish mass in the medial canthus of both the eyes. Based on the history and clinical evaluation the condition was diagnosed to be third eyelid gland prolapse or Harderian gland prolapse complicated with conjunctivitis. The prolapsed Harderian glands were excised surgically taking care of the conjunctivitis. The pig recovered uneventfully after seven days of treatment from conjunctivitis and prolapsed third eyelid glands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the study on the pre-weaning growth performance of the Large White Yorkshire piglets at the institute farm of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, Assam. Topics include measurement of the pre weaning growth rate and survivability of piglets considering climate condition, the various factors considered which include size and weight, and the calculation of the mortality percentage of the piglets.

Out of 60 number of pregnant Assam Hill Goat 30 numbers (as group-I) were treated with oral suspension of oxyclozanide and Levomisol (Neozide plus) @ 1ml/4kg body weight 30 days prior to expected date of kidding. Rest 30 numbers of pregnant goat were kept as control and marked as group-II. From each group 16 numbers of pregnant goats were selcted based on duplet kidding. The mean birth weight of male and female kids was recorded as 1.236± 0.034 and 1.128± 0.024gm and 1.108± 0.024 and 0.981±0.030 gm, respectively in treatment and control group. On the other hand, age and body weight at puberty in female kids were recorded 10.69±0.39 and 11.45±0.21 months and 11.73±0.13 and 10.57±0.15kg, respectively in treatment and control group. From the findings, it can be concluded that deworming of pregnant doe at last trimester with Oxyclozanide and Levamisol combination may influence the newborn kids' birth weight gain and attainment of early age at puberty with higher body weight gain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An in-vitro drug sensitivity study was conducted on milk samples of clinical mastitic cows. Out of 10 clinically positive milk samples, Staphylococcus species and E.coli were isolated from 8 and 2 milk samples respectively. Staphylococcus showed highest sensitivity to Ceftriaxone-Tazobactum combination followed by Gentamicin, Out of two isolates of E. coli, one was found sensitive to Ceftriaxone-Tazobactum and another was intermediately sensitive. However, both the isolates were found intermediately sensitive to Gentamicin, Enrofloxacin and Norfloxacin. The study showed that Ceftriaxone-Tazobactum was the best combination in use with highest sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Niney Holstein Friesian crossbred repeat breeding cows devoid of ovulatory disturbances and uterine infection were tentatively diagnosed for luteal insufficiency and randomly divided into seven experimental groups. Group T1, T2 and T3 received single dose (2.5ml) of Buserelin acetate on day 0, 5th and day 12th of the estrous cycle, respectively. Double injections on day 0 and 5th were given to group T4 and on day 0 and 12th to the group T5. The cows in group T6 received triple injections on 0, 5th and 12th day of cycle. Insemination was done at late estrus to all the 90 cows. Group T7 was inseminated without treatment. Highest conception rate was observed in group T6 (73.33%), confirming the efficacy of buserelin acetate when administered on 0, 5th and 12th day of estrus cycle for treatment of Luteal insufficiency induced repeat breeder syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A primipara Holstein Friesian cow was reported to be sick and on lateral recumbency on tenth days post parturition. On the basis of history, symptoms and clinical findings, the cow was diagnosed to have toxic puerperal gangrenous metritis and was treated successfully with Ceftriaxone, Tazobactam and Metronidazole along with other supportive therapy. The cow stood up after 8 days of treatment and returned to normalcy gradually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the effect of zinc on piglets' humoral immune response following classical swine fever (CSF) virus vaccination. Study shows the increase of antibody level that is specific to CSF virus in the serum samples of the piglets. It points out that no antibody increase was found in the controlled group of piglets with zinc in their diet, but without vaccine intake.

Co-infection of multiple pathogens complicates diagnosis, treatment and preventive measures based on clinical signs. Therefore, reliable diagnostic tool for timely reporting of suspected diseases is very much essential. A novel one-step triplex PCR assay was developed and evaluated for simultaneous detection of three important viruses namely porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), porcine parvovirus (PPV) and classical swine fever virus (CSFV) involved in reproductive problems in pigs. Each of the three pairs of oligonucleotide primers exclusively amplified the targeted fragment of the specific viruses. The multiplex PCR assay was found to be sensitive in detecting at least 300 pg of viral genomic DNA or RNA from a mixture of three viruses in a reaction. No amplification was obtained from other common viruses or pathogens, such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), porcine group A rotavirus (PoRVA), Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus thereby indicating that the developed multiplex PCR has high specificity. Because of the sensitivity and specificity, the developed multiplex PCR assay will be a useful tool for clinical diagnosis of mixed infections of DNA and RNA viruses in pigs., (© 2022 The Society for Applied Microbiology.)

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of testicular tissue lysate (TTL) on developmental competence of germinal vesicle (GV) stage porcine oocytes. Two types of TTL were prepared through repeated freeze-thaw in liquid nitrogen, one from whole testicular tissue (wTTL) and other from either of four different sections of testes, namely just beneath the tunica albuginea (TA), from the transitional area between the seminiferous cord/tubules and the mediastinum testis (TR) and from the intermediate area (parenchymal tissue origin) and CE (cauda epididymis origin). The whole or section-wise TTL treatments were given for 44 hr during in vitro maturation (IVM). Oocyte maturation was done in either of the two media, namely defined (high-performance basic medium for porcine oocyte maturation, commercially available) and serum containing (TCM199). After maturation, oocytes were co-incubated with fresh spermatozoa for 6 hr and then transferred to embryo culture media. Treatment of GV stage oocytes with wTTL (1 mg/ml) increased the cleavage and morula percentage rate (69.23 ± 6.23 and 48.15 ± 6.77, respectively) than that of their control (58.33 ± 8.08 and 32.54 ± 5.53, respectively) in defined media, and in serum-containing media, cleavage and morula percentage rate were almost equal in both treatment (54.56 ± 7.79 and 34.70 ± 6.78, respectively) and control (59.52 ± 8.21 and 38.52 ± 6.54, respectively). However, effect of wTTL was not significant. In case of section-wise TTL supplements, TR section significantly (p < .01) improved cleavage and morula rate (58.43 ± 7.98 and 36.14 ± 6.89, respectively) followed by TA. In conclusion, present study indicates that IVM, in vitro fertilization and in vitro culture of embryo are improved in the presence of TTL, particularly its TR section. Further study is expected to reveal the principal components of TTL which may prove useful for IVM., (© 2016 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

Pork nuggets with 'very good' acceptability was processed by incorporating kordoi (Averrhoa carambola) fruit juice and bamboo (Bambusa polymorpha) shoot extract, and their physical, chemical, microbiological and sensorial characteristics were evaluated during 35 days storage under refrigeration. Addition of kordoi fruit juice (4%) and bamboo shoot extract (6%) had a significant effect on the pH, moisture, protein, fat, fiber, instrumental color values and texture profiles of nuggets. Nuggets with juice and extract had significantly lower TBARS values towards the end of the storage period compared to the control. Microbial and sensory qualities of nuggets were significantly improved by the addition of juice and extract. Incorporation of juice and extract at 4% and 6% levels, respectively, increased the storage life of pork nuggets by at least two weeks, i.e. from 21 days to 35 days at 4 ± 1 °C compared to the control., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Anopheles (Cellia) maculatus is considered a group of at least nine formally named species. Faced with the difficulty of correct morphological identification due to overlapping characters, several member species of the An. maculatus group are known to play important role in malaria transmission in the Oriental region. Current assemblage, distribution and vectorial importance of the member species within the Maculatus group is far from clear in the north-eastern region of India. Our study encompassing 410 individuals, collected from 67 geo-referenced spots across the eight north-east Indian states, identified the presence of 6 member species of the Maculatus group using the molecular tools. Anopheles dravidicus and Anopheles rampae were documented for the first time in this part of India with latter forming the new country record. While Anopheles pseudowillmori (59.5%) and An. maculatus (32%) were widely available species in most of the north-eastern states, restricted distribution of Anopheles willmori to Nagaland and that of Anopheles sawadwongporni and An. rampae to Mizoram state was noted. None of the species was found positive for human malaria parasite. While no intraspecific differences existed in the sequences of second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) region of ribosomal DNA (r-DNA) of the member species of the Maculatus group within north-east India, few differences were detected in the sequences of An. dravidicus, An. maculatus and An. pseudowillmori from north-east India with species from the neighbouring countries., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Anopheles philippinensis-nivipes species of mosquitoes are considered secondary malaria vectors in the north-east India. However, difficulty in separating An. philippinensis and An. nivipes accurately on the basis of morphological identification, due to the overlapping female wing characters, has led to the paucity of information on their spatial distribution and vectorial importance, essential for understanding malaria disease epidemiology in areas under their influence. In view of this a study was undertaken to generate authentic information on distribution of An. philippinensis and An. nivipes in the north-east India using molecular tools. Between the two, An. nivipes was recorded as the dominant species in Assam, and Nagaland states whereas An. philippinensis was found predominant in the state of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. Species differentiation based on female wing characters proved wrong in about 74% specimens of An. philippinensis but found accurate in case of An. nivipes. No intra-specific variation in second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) region of ribosomal DNA(r-DNA) in either An. nivipes or An. philippinensis from different geographical areas of north-east India was noted., (Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

The Anopheles philippinensis and An. nivipes mosquitoes that form part of the An. annularis species group are morphologically very similar and difficult to differentiate as adults. In consequence, researchers generally refer to all field-collected individuals of these species simply as the An. philippinensis-nivipes species complex. Although this species complex is understood to play a role in the transmission of parasites causing human malaria in north-eastern India, the identity of the exact species involved, and the relative importance of the local An. philippinensis and An. nivipes, are far from clear. To settle this issue, house-frequenting female adults of the An. philippinensis-nivipes species complex were collected from 23 localities in the six north-eastern states, identified to species (using an allele-specific PCR to explore the insects' ribosomal-DNA internal-transcribed-spacer-2 sequences) and checked for Plasmodium DNA (using a nested PCR based on the 18S subunit of the parasite's ribosomal DNA). Of the 337 females of the An. philippinensis-nivipes species complex that were investigated, 275 were identified as An. nivipes and 62 as An. philippinensis. Malarial infection was detected in the heads/thoraces of just two specimens, with P. falciparum DNA detected in one An. nivipes from Nagaland state and one An. nivipes from Assam state. These results provide unambiguous evidence of the presence of both An. philippinensis and An. nivipes in the north-eastern region of India and the involvement of An. nivipes in transmitting P. falciparum in this area.

The identity and distribution of the prevalent member species of the Anopheles dirus complex mosquitoes in the north-eastern region of India was investigated in a cross-sectional study. We altogether collected 267 individuals of An. dirus s.l. from 27 forested/forest fringed locations spread across the seven north-eastern states, identified the species using a ribosomal DNA (r-DNA) second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) based allele specific polymerase chain reaction (ASPCR) method and sequenced the ITS2 locus in a sub set of mosquitoes. An. baimaii was identified as the main, almost exclusive (266/267), species of the Dirus complex throughout the north-east India with no intraspecific variation in the 479 base pair long ITS2 sequences in 59 of the 60 individuals sequenced. Ribosomal DNA of one individual from Assam state did not amplify in the ASPCR, possessed 786 base pair long ITS2 sequence and showed 99.7% similarity with the sequence of An. dirus species D (An. baimaii) from Yunnan province of China, later referred to as species X of the Dirus complex. These observations suggest the presence of another, possibly the new, species of the Dirus complex, sympatric with An. baimaii, in Assam warranting investigations on its distribution, biology and role in human malaria transmission in north-east India., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Wound healing activity of methanolic extract of leaves of Alternanthera brasiliana Kuntz was studied by excision and incision wound model (in vivo) in Sprague Dawley rats and by Chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model (In vitro) in 9-day-old embryonated chicken eggs. In excision wound model, compared to the control group, per cent contraction of wound was significantly higher in A. brasiliana (5% w/w ointment) treated group. In incision wound model, tensile strength of the healing tissue after treatment with A. brasiliana was found to be significantly higher compared to the control group indicating better wound healing activity of the test plant. These findings were also confirmed by histopathological examination. The extract also promoted angiogenesis as evidenced by CAM model. The results suggested that methanolic extract of A. brasiliana possess significant wound healing potential in normal wound.

Wash resistance and field bioefficacy of PermaNet 2.0 nets, long lasting insecticidal nets, against mosquitoes were evaluated in Assam, northeastern India. After repeated hand washings at 12-day intervals a decline in the mosquito killing ability of PermaNet nets was noted (trend chi2 38.9, p < 0.0001), yet these nets retained good insecticidal efficacy for up to 15 wash cycles, producing a 72.5% mean mortality of An. minimus 24 hours after a 3-minute exposure in World Health Organization cones after 15 washings. Significantly fewer (p < 0.001) mosquitoes were captured in self-baited landing collections in houses equipped with PermaNet nets than in houses using untreated nets in the case of culicines (p < 0.001) but not with anophelines, including An. minimus. The use of PermaNet nets resulted in noticeably fewer bites from Culex pseudovishnui (68.5%) and Cx. quinquefasciatus (70%). Blood-feeding inhibition of mosquitoes in deliberately torn PermaNet nets was seen, indicating a protective effect for those sleeping under these nets. No serious adverse effects of the PermaNet nets were reported by users.

Female and male adults of Armigeres (Armigeres) mahantai, a new mosquito species, are described from Meghalaya state of northeastern India.

One hundred and four mithuns from India were tested for serum antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii by modified direct agglutination test. The overall prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in mithun was 28% (95% CI=19-37). Highest (prevalence rate=46, 95% CI=30-62) seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was found in mithuns above 3 years of age and lowest (prevalence rate=14, 95% CI=1-27) in mithuns of 6 months-1 year old. No statistically significant difference was observed between male (prevalence rate=23, 95% CI=10-36) and female (prevalence rate=31, 95% CI=20-42) seroprevalences (P=0.53). Significant difference was observed in the seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies in mithuns of different strains with the highest (48%) seroprevalence recorded in Arunachal and lowest (14%) in Mizoram strain. The seroprevalence was higher in farm located at lower altitude (305 m a.s.l.) than the farm located at higher altitude (2134 m a.s.l.). This is the first serologic survey for T. gondii antibodies performed on mithuns from India.