Trace elements, though required in minute quantities (less than 100 mg/kg dry matter), are essential for maintaining health and immunity. They are involved in growth, production and reproduction. Trace elements act as cofactors of enzymes which are important to the immunity of animal. Superoxide dismutase , glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, thioredoxin reductase, ceruloplasmin and catalase are important enzymes that have trace elements as cofactors. These enzymes act as antioxidants and prevent oxidative stress by neutralizing oxidants produced under different stresses. Besides, trace elements contribute to general health of animal thereby enhancing disease resistance. Trace elements are important for proper functioning of a number of enzymes and proteins which are involved in many physiological, biochemical and metabolic processes that contribute to growth and production. Overall, trace elements improve immune competence and productive performance.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the leading threats in healthcare management system. Staphylococcus aureus is a commensal bacteria commonly seen on skin and nasal passage that can turn as an opportunistic pathogen. The present study was carried out to evaluate the nasal carriage of S. aureus and methicillinresistant S. aureus (MRSA) among apparently healthy companion animals and livestock. A total of 160 nasal swabs were collected from dogs (30), cats (30), cattle (40), goats (30), and pigs (30). All the samples were initially screened for prevalence of S. aureus, which was confirmed by PCR using species specific primer (nuc gene). All the S. aureus isolates were screened for occurrence of MRSA, both phenotypically (by double disc diffusion using cefoxitin and oxacillin discs) and genotypically (by PCR targeting mecA gene). There was significant difference in nasal carriage of S. aureus among animal population (Chi-square value -33.206, p-value < 0.001), which was found as 76.67 per cent, 23.33 per cent, 53.33 per cent, 62.5 per cent, and 86.67 per cent among dogs, cats, cattle, goats, and pigs respectively. None of the nasal swabs from animals were positive for MRSA. The present study signifies the occurrence of nasal carriage of S. aureus and absence of MRSA among domestic animal population of Wayanad district.
Tuberculosis is known to be a disease of elephants for the past 2000 years. The main
causative agent isolated from reported tuberculosis (TB) cases were Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
The study focuses on the haematological and serum biochemical changes in the blood of TB
infected Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). Twelve apparently healthy elephants and twelve
TB infected elephants (confirmed by trunk wash smear positive for acid fast bacilli) were selected
for the study. Neonates, pregnant elephants and elephants in musth were not included in the
study. The study animals were subjected to haematological and serum biochemical evaluation.
The data were analysed statistically. The results showed a significant increase in total leukocyte
count, lymphocyte count, monocyte count, thrombocyte count and ESR in TB affected animals
compared with apparently healthy animals. Serum creatinine, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, globulin
was significantly high in TB affected animals compared with healthy controls. Assessment of
haematological and serum biochemical parameters in TB affected elephants aid in diagnosis and
tracking of the infection
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