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Background and Objectives: Helicobacters are gastric and enterohepatic and live in the gut. The role of enterohepatic Helicobacters as intestinal pathogens is uncertain, while stomach Helicobacters are well-known. The prevalence of Helicobacter species in cat feces helps us understand their impact on cat health and human disease transmission. This study used PCR to identify Helicobacter spp. in feces samples from healthy and diarrhoeic cats, independent of the reason. The study also compared intestinal and stomach Helicobacter species. Materials and Methods: PCR analysis was performed on fecal samples from 40 cats, with 20 cats having diarrhea and 20 cats showing no symptoms. The PCR analysis aimed to detect Helicobacter's presence using a method that identifies the bacteria through the 16S rRNA gene. Results: The diarrhoeic group had a greater prevalence of infection (17:9 ratio), with an overall 65% infection rate detected. Cats that were older than 2 years showed a higher incidence of disease. H. canis had the highest occurrence rate (69.2%), followed by H. bilis, H. bizzozeronii, and H. salomonis. Significantly, H. pylori, H. felis, and H. heilmannii were not reported. Conclusion: H. canis was the predominant species found in both healthy and diarrheic cats, indicating the need for more investigation. The detection of the gastric species H. salomonis and H. bizzozeronii further complicates the classification. This highlights the complex nature of Helicobacter infections in cats, emphasizing the need for further investigation to guide the development of preventative measures and treatment techniques for both veterinary and public health purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Canine distemper (CD) is the dogs' most contagious and lethal viral disease. Despite the widespread use of vaccines to control CD, the prevalence of the CD virus (CDV) has increased at an alarming rate in recent years. Objectives: To identify the genotypes responsible for the neurological and non-neurological clinical forms of CD and to investigate the presence of the virus in the neurological and non-neurological forms of the disease. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, the samples were collected from 70 CD suspected unvaccinated dogs with clinical signs of distemper. All cases were tested with rapid tests and separated into 3 groups based on clinical signs and symptoms. Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), respiratory secretion, and fecal samples of allall 70 cases were examined for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). After sequencing the hemagglutinin gene (H gene), phylogenetic analysis of the gene isolated from CDVs was carried out using MEGA software, version 7. Results: The RT-PCR results showed that the respiratory secretion sample in the non-neurological CDV group (85%) and the neurological CDV group (80%) had the highest level of virus contamination. However, in the non-neurological CDV group, the CSF sample (40%) had a high level of infection. In neurotic groups, cases older than 12 months showed the highest percentage of distemper contamination, and in the non-neurologic CDV group, those between 3 and 6 months were more involved. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the H gene revealed the CDV as a member of the endemic Arctic-like genetic lineage. Conclusion: The genotypic examination of the hemagglutinin gene of the distemper virus reveals that the recent isolates of neurologic and non-neurologic clinical forms of CDV in Iran are similar. In positive rapid test cases, the PCR test of respiratory secretions for virus detection ranks with the highest sensitivity. In neurologic cases with negative rapid test results, PCR of CSF had the highest sensitivity, so it may serve as a diagnostic criterion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leishmania is a vector-borne protozoon, which causes visceral, cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniosis in human and animals. Monocyte-derived exosome vaccines can be used as prophylaxis and immunotherapy strategies. The aim of this study was to design a multiple-epitope candidate vaccine using leishmaniolysin (GP63) and rK39 proteins against Leishmania major and L. infantum for monocyte-derived exosome preparation. Methods: This study was carried out in Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran, 2023-2024. Effective immunodominant epitopes were selected from two antigenic proteins of GP63 and rK39 using various immunoinformatics and bioinformatics approaches. Vibrio cholerae ß-subunit was used as an adjuvant to stimulate immune responses. Then, appropriate linkers were selected for the fusion of epitopes. The 3D model of candidate vaccine was predicted and validated. Results: This designed candidate vaccine could effectively be used as a prophylaxis strategy against leishmaniosis. Conclusion: A candidate vaccine was designed using bioinformatic and immunoinformatic studies with virtual acceptable quality; however, effectiveness of this vaccine should be verified through further in-vitro and in-vivo studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Microsporum canis is the most common dermatophyte infecting pets and their owners, and its long duration of treatment and increasing rate of drug resistance have caused the attention of researchers to be directed towards the use of nanoparticles and new alternatives for treatment. This study investigated the antifungal effects of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on clinical isolates of M. canis in dogs and cats and subtilisin 1 (SUB1) gene expression. Materials and methods: Zinc oxide nanoparticles were prepared using the wet chemical method at a concentration of 4000 ppm. Its antifungal potential was evaluated at concentrations of 62.5–4000 ppm by disk diffusion and microdilution methods against 10 isolates of M. canis. The effect of this product on SUB1 gene expression was investigated by quantitative real‐time PCR method. Results: The results of the disk diffusion test showed that the highest inhibitory diameter was at the highest concentration of ZnO nanoparticles (34 mm), and the inhibitory zone was observed in dilutions up to 250 ppm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ZnO nanoparticles was between 250 and 500 ppm, and the minimum fungicidal concentration was between 500 and 1000 ppm. There was a significant reduction in SUB1 gene expression in sub‐MIC concentration (125–250 ppm) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that ZnO nanoparticles have a concentration‐dependent inhibitory effect on M. canis. Moreover, ZnO nanoparticles could decrease the expression of SUB1, an enzyme involved in fungi adhesion to the epidermis. Nevertheless, more studies must be done in the future to determine the possible side effects and safety of ZnO nanoparticles along with their efficacy in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protein C-type lectin is secreted by the secondary-stage larve of Toxocara canis (T. canis). Its antigenic characteristics have been the subject of research. The recombinant pET-32a (+) plasmid containing the 660 bp sequence of T. canis C-type lectin gene was successfully synthesized, cloned, and expressed in Escherichia coli (DE3+). Serum samples were collected from 56 pet owners. Forty-four samples were negative and twelve samples were positive which were performed with a commercial ELISA kit. The same samples were also tested using dot blot and Western blot analysis prepared with recombinant CTL antigen (rCTL). The expression was confirmed by Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot. The study results revealed that two samples, which tested negative in the ELISA analysis, were found to be positive when using the recombinant C-type lectin (rCTL) antigen in both dot blot and Western blot analyses. The overall test results showed a high level of agreement between the three methods, with Kappa coefficients of 1 and 0.9 for the comparisons. This indicates the potential of using recombinant CTL antigen, to detect positive samples that may be missed by E-S Antigen. The recombinant rCTL demonstrated higher sensitivity than the excretory-secretory Antigens, indicating its potential for improved serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis. The study proposes that the rCTL could be further evaluated in supplementary studies to improve and develop the diagnostic kits for toxocariasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appropriate regeneration of periodontal tissues is the primary purpose of periodontal disease treatment. The present study assessed the impact of three key regenerative elements-platelet-rich plasma (PRP), canine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (cBM-MSCs), and fibrin glue-on periodontal regeneration. In each of the study's five dogs, Class II furcation defects were established on the buccal surface of five teeth. One tooth (five total) from each dog was placed into one of five groups: (1) PRP + fibrin glue, (2) PRP + fibrin glue + cBM-MSCs, (3) fibrin glue, (4) cBM-MSCs + fibrin glue, and (5) control (no treatment). Histologic and histometric evaluations were performed to assess the formation of new bone, cementum, and the periodontal ligament. Different types of new bone and cementum, the maximum thickness of new cementum and the periodontal ligament (PDL), the vitality of bone, and the presence of inflammation or foreign-body reactions were also elucidated. The histologic and histometric evaluations revealed substantial differences in all groups between the observed maximum thickness of newly formed cementum and PDL. The percentage of bone and cement formation drastically increased with the combined presence of stem cells, fibrin glue, and PRP. The results showed that the inherent regenerative capacity of periodontal tissues can be sufficient if their latent self-repair mechanisms are stimulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Stenotic nares and malocclusion are common congenital disorders in the brachycephalic breeds of cats which cause respiratory and oral problems in these breeds, respectively. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the prevalence of two congenital disorders, stenotic nares, and malocclusion, the correlation among them in brachycephalic breeds of cats referred to several private veterinary clinics in Tehran were evaluated. METHODS: 90 brachycephalic cats were evaluated for stenotic nares, and malocclusion and indices was checked, then determined the prevalence percentage and correlation with the statistical data between stenotic nares and malocclusion in brachycephalic breeds of cats were referred to several private veterinary clinics in Tehran. RESULTS: Malocclusion was diagnosed in 35 cats (38.9 %), stenotic nares were detected in 31 cats (34.4 %), and two diseases were diagnosed in 17 cats (18.9 %) concurrently in 90 brachycephalic cats. According to a statistical test, the probabilities of identifying the second disease are 2.7 times higher if one of the two disorders is identified. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of stenotic nares and malocclusion in brachycephalic cats is very high and there is a significant correlation between two disorders so clinicians should have great attention in their clinical examination of these two disorders in these breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a group of genes which codes for binding of antigenic peptides and presenting them to T cells. MHC molecules polymorphism is associated with presenting different antigens, immune and autoimmune responses. One of the most important dog MHC genes is DRB1. The association between this gene and its alleles with Atopic Dermatitis has been reported. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the association between canine Atopic Dermatitis and DLA-DRB1 alleles has been evaluated using HRM (High Resolution Melting) genotyping method. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 20 dogs with Atopic Dermatitis and 20 healthy dogs. Frequency of different DRB1 genotypes, as well as heterozygosity and homozygosity of alleles were analyzed using HRM. Their associations with Atopic Dermatitis were evaluated by statistical analysis. RESULTS: Based on the HRM analysis, genotypes were grouped in 9 types (A-I). Statistical analysis showed that the presence of type D allele in the exon II of DLA-DRB1 gene increases the risk of Atopic Dermatitis (Odd ratio=0.206 and P=0.064). A significantly increased risk of Atopic Dermatitis in heterozygous samples was also observed (Odd=0.158 and P=0.090). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that some alleles of DLA-DRB1 gene can play a role in the sensitivity or resistance to Atopic Dermatitis in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Bordetella bronchiseptica is a gram negative pathogen of the respiratory tract in dogs, pigs, cats, horses, laboratory animals and human beings. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was detection of Bordetella bronchiseptica in oropharynx region of pet and kenneled dogs by PCR and culture and evaluation of antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates in Iran. METHODS: The samples were collected by sterile swabs from oropharynx region of 62 pet dogs (including 31 dogs with clinical respiratory disease signs and 31 dogs without clinical respiratory disease signs) and 62 kenneled dogs (including 31 dogs with clinical respiratory disease signs and 31 dogs without clinical respiratory disease signs). Bordetella bronchiseptica was detected by PCR and culture and antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates were evaluated. RESULTS: Based on the PCR results, Bordetella bronchiseptica was detected in 16.1% of pet dogs with clinical respiratory disease signs, 9.6% of pet dogs without clinical respiratory disease signs, 22.5% of kenneled dogs with clinical respiratory disease signs and 16.1% of kenneled dogs without clinical respiratory disease signs. On bacterial culture, Bordetella bronchiseptica was isolated from 3.2% pet dogs with clinical respiratory disease signs, 3.2% kenneled dogs with clinical respiratory disease signs and 6.4% kenneled dogs without clinical respiratory disease signs, none of the pet dogs without clinical respiratory disease signs was positive on bacterial culture. The isolates tested by the agar dilution method were susceptible to tetracycline, enrofloxacin, co-trimoxazole and doxycycline, moderately susceptible to ceftriaxone and resistant to ampicillin. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown the high prevalence of Bordetella bronchiseptica infection in dogs in Iran. Bordetella bronchiseptica can infect the people who have contact with the affected pet dogs and those kept in overcrowded shelters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Recently, tendency to use veterinary specific Portable blood glucose meter (PBGMs) has increased. However, assessment of their analytical and clinical accuracy is a matter of concern. OBJECTIVES: To assess accuracy of two veterinary (AlphaTRAK2 and CERA-PET) and one human-based (Bionime) PBGMs for canine blood samples. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 160 client-owned dogs with various signalment and disease were included. Venous blood samples were obtained from a peripheral vein of each dog and blood glucose was measured with the three PBGMs. Immediately afterward, serum was harvested and sent to laboratory until analysis with reference methods. RESULTS: Blood glucose measured with the reference method was 21 to 650 mg/dl. There was a significant correlation between results of the reference method and PBGMs. Both of the veterinary specific PBGMs showed significant proportional and constant bias, nevertheless, no proportional and constant bias were recorded for human-based one. Mean deviation from reference methods was -7.4, 9.8, and -3.9 for AlphaTRAK2, CERA-PET, and Bionime respectively. Although most of the PBGMs readings lay in the calculated 95% limits of agreement, none of the devices completely satisfied the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 15197:2013) criteria. Error grid analysis revealed all measurements for AlphaTRAK2 in zone A and B, while CERA-PET demonstrates one measurement in zone D. Bionime showed two measurements in zone C and D. CONCLUSIONS: Only the result of AlphaTRAK2 could be interpreted without any hazardous outcome on medical decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Microsporidia as one of the most important pathogens in veterinary and agricultural settings, have emerged in immunocompromised patients in Iran. To date, different Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes have been identified in humans and animals, supporting the possibility of zoonotic zoonosis transmission potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of E. bieneusi genotypes among overpopulated stray dogs in vicinity of Tehran, the capital city of Iran. Methods: Totally, 75 stool and 75 urine samples were obtained from 75 stray dogs during the time period from Mar 2015 to Oct 2015. DNA extraction was performed on all the samples and specific fragment of small subunit ribosomal RNA gene of E. bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. was amplified. Furthermore, specific primers targeting the internal transcribed spacer region of E. bieneusi were applied to determine the genotype of the microorganism. Results: Microsporidia was detected in 5.3% of stool samples, while none of the urine samples was positive for microsporidia species. Overall, 440 bp fragment of E. bieneusi was amplified in all the samples and there was no amplification for Encephalitozoon spp. The results of sequencing of 410 bp fragment of internal transcribed spacer region showed that all the E. bieneusi were genotype D. Conclusion: E. bieneusi was the most prevalent microsporidian species in the stray dogs and all the positive isolates were characterized as genotype D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]