ABSTRACT. As little is known about antimicrobial resistance genes in fish farms, this study was conducted to monitor the incidence and prevalence of a wide range of antimicrobial resistance genes in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from water samples taken from fish farms in the northern part of Egypt. Ninety-one out of two hundred seventy-four (33.2%) non-repetitive isolates of Gram-negative bacteria showed multidrug resistance phenotypes and harbored at least one antimicrobial resistance gene. PCR and DNA sequencing results showed that 72 (26.3%) isolates contain tetracycline resistance genes and 19 (6.9%) isolates were positive for class 1 integrons with 12 different gene cassettes. The -lactamase-encoding genes were identified in 14 (5.1%) isolates. The plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes, qnr and aac(6')-Ib-cr, were identified in 16 (5.8%) and 3 (1.1%) isolates, respectively. Finally, the florphenicol resistance gene, floR, was identified in four (1.5%) isolates. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report for molecular characterization of antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from fish farms in Africa.

A rapid and accurate assay for evaluating antibabesial drugs on a large scale is required for the discovery of novel chemotherapeutic agents against Babesia parasites. In the current study, we evaluated the usefulness of a fluorescence-based assay for determining the efficacies of antibabesial compounds against bovine and equine hemoparasites in in vitro cultures. Three different hematocrits (HCTs; 2.5%, 5%, and 10%) were used without daily replacement of the medium. The results of a high-throughput screening assay revealed that the best HCT was 2.5% for bovine Babesia parasites and 5% for equine Babesia and Theileria parasites. The IC50 values of diminazene aceturate obtained by fluorescence and microscopy did not differ significantly. Likewise, the IC50 values of luteolin, pyronaridine tetraphosphate, nimbolide, gedunin, and enoxacin did not differ between the two methods. In conclusion, our fluorescence-based assay uses low HCT and does not require daily replacement of culture medium, making it highly suitable for in vitro large-scale drug screening against Babesia and Theileria parasites that infect cattle and horses.

The objective of the present study was to describe the prevalence and risk factors associated with cryptosporidiosis in buffalo calves in Middle Egypt. During one year, 458 fecal samples were collected from buffalo calves less than 3 month age in 55 small scale herds and examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts. Data describing age, gender, season, and herd management practices were gathered to assess potential risk factors. Fecal examination showed that 14.19% of the examined calves were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. Calves at 1-15 days were at the highest risk (P < 0.001), and a significant relationship between season and infection (P < 0.05) was recorded. A significant association between infection and hygiene (P < 0.001), type of floor (P < 0.01) and source of water (P < 0.01) was also recorded. Statistical analysis concerning the clinical signs and fecal characteristics revealed a significant association with fecal consistency (P < 0.001), presence of blood (P < 0.01) and mucous (P < 0.01). Moreover, a significant association was found between infection and the desire for suckling (P < 0.05) and tenesmus (P < 0.05). The results of the present study demonstrated the strong relation between infections by Cryptosporidium spp. and diarrhea in buffalo calves.

As little is known about the oxidant/antioxidant status in buffalo with ketosis, the present study was delineated to assess the oxidative stress level associated with clinical ketosis in water buffalo. A total of 91 parturient buffalo at smallholder farms were studied (61 suspected to be ketotic and 30 healthy). Clinical and biochemical investigations were carried out for each buffalo. Based on clinical findings and the level of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), buffalo were allocated into ketotic (42), subclinical cases (19). Clinically, there was an association between clinical ketosis and anorexia (p<0.001), constipation (p<0.001), decreased milk yield (p<0.001), ruminal stasis (p<0.001), and loss of body condition (p<0.01). Biochemically, in clinical ketosis compared with subclinical and control cases, there was a significant increase (p<0.05) of BHB, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), L-alanine aminotransferase (ALT). However, there was a significant decrease of glucose, phosphorus, magnesium,total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol. There was a positive correlation between BHB and MDA (r=0.433), BHB and NO (r=0.37), MDA and NO (r=0.515), and Glucose and phosphorus(r=0.521). However, there was a negative correlation between BHB and glucose (r= -0.341) and HDL and NO (r= -0.379). The result of the present study indicates that hyperketonemia in buffalo is associated with an increase of oxidative stress levels. Further studies need to be done on the efficacy of antioxidants as an ancillary treatment to relief the oxidative stress caused by ketosis.

The aim of the present study was to carry out molecular epidemiological investigation on enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K99 and Salmonella spp. in diarrheic neonatal calves. Fecal samples were obtained from 220 diarrheic calves at 9 farms related to four governorates in central and northern Egypt. E. coli and Salmonella spp. isolates were examined for E. coli K99 and Salmonella spp. using PCR. ETEC K99 was recovered from 20 (10.36 %) out of 193 isolates, whereas Salmonella spp. was recovered from nine calves (4.09%). Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the risk factors associated with both infections. ETEC K99 was significantly affected by age (P<0.01; OR: 1.812; CI 95%: 0.566-1.769), colostrum feeding practice (P<0.01; OR: 5.525; CI 95%: 2.025-15.076), rotavirus infection (P<0.001; OR: 2.220; CI 95%: 0.273-1.251), vaccination of pregnant dams with combined vaccine against rotavirus, coronavirus and E. coli (K99) (P<0.001; OR: 4.753; CI 95%: 2.124-10.641), and vitamin E and selenium administration to the pregnant dam (P<0.01; OR: 3.933; CI 95%: 0.703-1.248). Infection with Salmonella spp. was found to be significantly affected by the animal age (P<0.05; OR: 0.376; CI 95%: 0.511-1.369), Hygiene (P<0.05; OR: 0.628; CI 95%: 1.729-5.612), and region (P<0. 01; OR: 0.970; CI 95%: 0.841-1.624). The results of the present study indicate the importance of PCR as rapid, effective and reliable tool for screening of ETEC and Salmonella spp. when confronted with cases of undifferentiated calf diarrhea. Moreover, identification of the risk factors associated with the spreading of bacteria causing diarrhea may be helpful for construction of suitable methods for prevention and control.

The present study was delineated to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of camel brucellosis in Northern Somalia (Somaliland). The study was carried out at three main districts of camel-rearing regions of Somaliland (Awdal, Waqoyi Galbed and Togdheer) in the period from July to November, 2008. A total of 1246 camel blood sera were randomly collected from 42 sporadic small scale camel herds. Two serological tests were used to screen all serum samples, Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and indirect ELISA (I-ELISA). Multivariate logistic regression was constructed to study the risk factors associated with Brucella seropositive cases. The overall prevalence of camel brucellosis in districts under investigation was 3.9% by RBPT and 3.1% by (I-ELISA). Multivariate logistic regression on animal level showed that locality (P < 0.05; OR: 6.254; CI, 1.186-32.976), herd size (P < 0.001; OR: 5.493; CI, 2.956-10-207), rearing with other ruminants (P < 0.001; OR: 12.433; CI, 3.957-39.060), and contact with other camels (P < 0.05; OR: 5.311; CI, 1.093-25.800) were the potential risk factors. However, herd size (P < 0.05; OR: 5.425; CI, 1.181-24.932), and rearing with other ruminants (P < 0.05; OR: 20.466; CI, 1.456-28.638) were recorded as risk factors on the herd level. The results of the present investigation indicate that the Brucella spp. exists within the camel herds in Somaliland. Further studies need to be done on Brucella infection in the other ruminants to determine which measure should be followed for control of brucellosis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antinociceptive and sedative effects of epidural administration of romifidine in dairy cattle. Twenty-four dairy cows, divided randomly into four groups (three experimental and one control; n=6) received one of three doses of romifidine (30, 40 or 50 μg/kg) diluted in sterile saline (0.9 per cent) to a final volume of 25 ml or an equivalent volume of sterile saline. Antinociception and its anatomical extent was assessed by applying a standard stimulus (needle pin pricks) in different areas and by applying an electrical stimulus to the flank. The antinociceptive effect of romifidine was produced not only in the tail, anus, perineum, vulva and inguinal area but extended up to the coronary band of the hindlimbs and chest areas. Epidural romifidine induced mild-to-moderate sedation at 30 and 40 μg/kg doses and deep sedation at the 50 μg/kg dose. The antinociceptive and sedative effect was dose-dependent in terms of intensity and duration. Thus, epidural administration of romifidine was effective in providing antinociception and sedation in cattle, and can be used in standing flank and udder surgery in cattle.

No abstract