Unveiling distinct genetic features in multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from mammary tissue and gut of mastitis induced mice

Escherichia coli is one of the major pathogens causing mastitis in lactating mammals. We hypothesized that E. coli from the gut and mammary glands may have similar genomic characteristics in the causation of mastitis. To test this hypothesis, we used whole genome sequencing to analyze two multidrug resistant E. coli strains isolated from mammary tissue (G2M6U) and fecal sample (G6M1F) of experimentally induced mastitis mice. Both strains showed resistance to multiple (>7) antibiotics such as oxacillin, aztreonam, nalidixic acid, streptomycin, gentamicin, cefoxitin, ampicillin, tetracycline, azithromycin and nitrofurantoin. The genome of E. coli G2M6U had 59 antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and 159 virulence factor genes (VFGs), while the E. coli G6M1F genome possessed 77 ARGs and 178 VFGs. Both strains were found to be genetically related to many E. coli strains causing mastitis and enteric diseases originating from different hosts and regions. The G6M1F had several unique ARGs (e.g., QnrS1, sul2, tetA, tetR, emrK, blaTEM-1/105, and aph(6)-Id, aph(3″)-Ib) conferring resistance to certain antibiotics, whereas G2M6U had a unique heat-stable enterotoxin gene (astA) and 7192 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Furthermore, there were 43 and 111 unique genes identified in G2M6U and G6M1F genomes, respectively. These results indicate distinct differences in the genomic characteristics of E. coli strain G2M6U and G6M1F that might have important implications in the pathophysiology of mammalian mastitis, and treatment strategies for mastitis in dairy animals.

Dose- and time-dependent effects of interferon tau on bovine endometrial gene expression

Failure by the developing conceptus to secrete sufficient interferon tau (IFNT), required for maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP), at the appropriate time is related to early pregnancy loss in cattle. We aimed to test the hypothesis that there is a dose- and time-dependent relationship between IFNT and the endometrial expression of key interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) involved in the signalling cascade leading to MRP in cattle. Candidate genes were identified first through a bioinformatic approach, where integrated transcriptomic data from two previous studies were analyzed to identify endometrial genes induced by IFNT. Next, expression of selected candidate genes was investigated in vitro in endometrial explants. Endometrial explants collected from cows (n = 8) in the late luteal phase of the estrous cycle were cultured in medium without (control) or with recombinant ovine IFNT (1, 10, 100 ng/mL) for 6 h. Simultaneously, endometrial explants were cultured in medium containing 100 ng/mL IFNT for different time periods (15 min, 30 min, 1 h, 3 h, 6 h). Gene expression was analyzed by RT-qPCR. We identified 54 endometrial genes responding to IFNT and to some degree to the conceptus, from which five ISGs (CMPK2, BPNT1, IFI35, TNFSF10 and TRIM38) were further selected for the dose- and time-dependent experiments. Classical ISGs (ISG15, OAS1, MX1 and MX2) were up-regulated (P < 0.05) in endometrium by 1 ng/mL IFNT. However, other selected ISGs (CMPK2, BPNT1, IFI35, TNFSF10 and TRIM38) were induced only by higher concentrations (10 and 100 ng/mL) of IFNT (P < 0.05). In terms of duration of exposure, IFNT at 100 ng/mL induced a significant (P < 0.05) increase in ISG15 and CMPK2 expression after 1 h incubation, while all other studied ISGs in the endometrium were upregulated when cultured for 3 or 6 h, but did not affect expression when the duration of culture was for 1 h or less. These results suggest that IFNT acts on the uterus in both a dose- and time-dependent manner in cattle and that timely exposure of the endometrium to sufficient IFNT is essential for appropriate signalling to ensure successful pregnancy establishment.

Spirulina ameliorates arsenic induced reproductive toxicity in male rats

Spirulina (Spirulina platensis), has numerous health benefits including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities, works against heavy metal toxicity, and is often used as a food supplement in human, animals, birds and fishes. This study aimed to evaluate the protective ability of the dietary spirulina against the toxic effects of inorganic arsenic (iAs) on male reproductive parameters in rats. Seventy-two mature Long-Evans male rats, dividing into six groups (T0, T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5) (12 rats/group) were included in this study. The T3, T4 and T5 group rats were treated with three consecutive doses (1.0 g, 1.5 g and 2.0 g/kg feed) of spirulina in feed along with 3.0 mg NaAsO₂/kg body weight (BW) in drinking water (DW) daily for 90 days. Each rat of group T1 received NaAsO₂ (3.0 mg/kg BW) in DW, and those of T2 group were fed with spirulina (2.0 g/kg feed) daily for 90 days. The rats of group T0 served as the control with normal feed and water. Total arsenic (tAs) contents, reproductive parameters (testicular weight, sperm motility and morphology), and histological changes in the testicles were evaluated in these rats. Arsenic dosing significantly (p=0.003, Kruskal-Wallis test) increased the tAs contents in the testicles, decreased testes weight, sperm morphology and motility compared to the controls. The effect of arsenic dosing was also evidenced by the histological changes like decreased germinal layers in the seminiferous tubules of the treated rats. Moreover, dietary spirulina (2.0 g/kg feed) supplementation significantly (p=0.011, Kruskal-Wallis test) lowered tAs contents in testicles and increases testes weights, sperm motility and morphology. Therefore, spirulina can be used as an effective dietary supplement to ameliorate the adverse effects of arsenic induced reproductive toxicities. However, further study is required to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of reduction of arsenic induced reproductive toxicity by spirulina.

Tackling the COVID-19 pandemic: The Bangladesh perspective

An outbreak of a COVID-19 pandemic disease, caused by a novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has posed a serious threat to global human health. Bangladesh has also come under the attack of this viral disease. Here, we aimed to describe the responses of Bangladesh to tackle the COVID-19, particularly on how Bangladesh is dealing with this novel viral disease with its limited resources. The first case of a COVID-19 patient was detected in Bangladesh on March 8, 2020. Since then, a total of 263,503 peoples are officially reported as COVID-19 infected with 3,471 deaths until August 11, 2020. To combat the COVID-19, the government has taken various steps viz. diagnosis of the suspected cases, quarantine of doubted people and isolation of infected patients, local or regional lockdown, closure of all government and private offices, increase public awareness and enforce social distancing, etc. Moreover, to address the socio-economic situations, the government announced several financial stimulus packages of about USD 11.90 billion. However, the government got 3 months since the disease was first reported in China, but the country failed in making proper strategies including contact tracing, introducing antibody/antigen-based rapid detection kit, and also failed to make multi-disciplinary team to combat this disease. Further, limited testing facilities and inadequate treatment service along with public unawareness are the major challenges for Bangladesh to tackle this situation effectively. Along with the government, personal awareness and assistance of non-government organizations, private organizations, researchers, doctors, industrialists, and international organizations are firmly required to mitigate this highly contagious disease.

Binocular Visual Discomfort after First Eye Cataract Surgery: An Inattentive Burning Issue

Cataract surgery is the most frequent surgical procedure performed among the elderly. Aniseikonia and anisometropia increased after the first eye cataract surgery. The study was performed to evaluate unwanted visual status after first eye cataract surgery. It was an observational and cross-sectional study performed among the cataract surgery patients attending in out patient department (OPD) of Dr K Zaman BNSB Eye Hospital, Mymensingh from July 2018 to September 2018 for post-operative follow up. Five hundred patients were selected randomly. Patients with gross corneal diseases were excluded from the study. Three hundred forty one patients (68.2%) were with first eye cataract surgery, among them 319 patients (63.8%) had different degree of cataract in other eye. One hundred forty three patients (44.7%) had good presenting vision (≥6/18) in operated eye and much reduced vision in other eye due to cataract, experienced binocular visual discomfort when opened two eyes, which was not experienced by the patients who had reduced vision in both eyes or good vision in both eyes. Cataractous eye interfered with visual function of the pseudophakic eye. So, cataract Surgery for both eyes in separate events is the appropriate treatment for the patients with bilateral cataract to eliminate visual disability and to achieve comfortable visual outcome.

Economic benefit in repeat breeder cows using intrauterine infusion of penicillin and estrus synchronization followed by timed artificial insemination

Objective:

Until recently, management of repeat breeding in cattle remains a major problem to dairy farmers. This study was carried out to improve the fertility in cows, those did not conceive after three or more consecutive services.

Materials and methods:

Twenty-three repeat breeding cows were selected from the Central Cattle Breeding Station and Dairy Farm (CCBS & DF), Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data of another 23 repeat breeding cows that conceived after four or more services were collected from the same farm as controls. The repeat breeders were synchronized for estrus with two injections of PGF_2α 11 days apart and timed AI (TAI) was performed.

Results:

Seventeen of 23 cows had uterine infections. Intrauterine infusion of penicillin daily for three successive days from the following day of the first PGF_2α injection resulted in 94.1% (16/17) recovery. Of 23 treated cows, four with estrus synchronization and TAI, and one with only AI after hormone treatment were detected pregnant by per rectal examination of the genital tract. By this pregnancy, the treated cows have advanced average of 131.6 days calving interval and days open, and thereby saved neat US $3,045.3 in comparison to control cows. Control group cows incurred losses of US $15,134.0 compared with average days open of the treated pregnant cows.

Conclusion:

Intrauterine infusion of penicillin can successfully recover the uterine infections, and estrus synchronization followed by TAI resulted in pregnancy in a proportion of repeat breeder cows with economic benefit that had a uterine infection.

Antibiotic Resistance: New Challenge in the Management of Bacterial Eye Infections

Ophthalmologists are still facing difficulties in managing bacterial eye infections. The study was designed for the isolation and identification of bacteria from infected eyes and observation of the sensitivity and resistant pattern. This cross sectional study was performed among 160 patients of suspected bacterial eye infection at Dr. K. Zaman BNSB Eye Hospital, Mymensingh and Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh from March, 2010 to June, 2014. After collection of the samples from suspected infected eyes, it was nourished into nutrient broth in shaking incubator for three hours and then cultured into nutrient agar media followed by Mannitol salt agar, MacConkey's agar and blood agar. Bacteria were categorized by colony characteristics and Gram staining. Antibiogram was performed by disc diffusion method on Mueller Hinton agar media. McFarland Equivalence Turbidity Standard was maintained. The efficacy of the drug was evaluated by measuring the diameter of the zone of inhibition surrounding the disc. Ten percent Staphylococcus species isolates was resistant to Gatifloxacin, Gentamicin, Tobramycin and Cloxacillin, 26.0% to Ciprofloxacin, 40.0% to Azythromycin and Moxifloxacin, 58.0% to Cefixime and 64.0% to Cephalexin. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus was 62.8%. About 24.0% Streptococcus species isolates was resistant to Gatifloxacin, 33.3% to Azythromycin, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamycin, Moxifloxacin and Tobramycin, 52.4% to Cefixime and 71.4% to Cephalexin. About 9.0% of Pseudomonas species was resistant to Gatifloxacin and Tobramycin, 14.7% to Ciprofloxacin, 26.5% to Cefixime, 29.4% to Gentamicin and Moxifloxacin, 44.1% to Azythromycin and 82.3% to Cephalexin and Cloxacillin. Rational use of antibiotics and proper attentions of concerned authorities are necessary to overcome the emergent ocular situation leaded by antibiotic resistant.

A survey of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) farming in selected areas of Bangladesh

Aim:

To investigate the status, problems and prospects of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) farming in selected areas of Bangladesh.

Materials and Methods:

The study was conducted in 14 districts of Bangladesh, viz., Dhaka, Narayanganj, Munshiganj, Mymensingh, Netrakona, Faridpur, Jessore, Khulna, Satkhira, Kushtia, Bogra, Naogaon, Comilla, and Sylhet during the period from July 2011 to June 2012. A total of 52 quail farmers were interviewed for data collection using a structured questionnaire. Focus group discussions were also carried out with unsuccessful farmers and those want to start quail farming. Workers of quail farms, quail feeds and medicine suppliers, quail eggs and meat sellers were also interviewed regarding the issue.

Results:

Out of 52 farms, 86.5% were operated by male, 67.3% farmers did not receive any training and 92.3% farmers had no earlier experience of quail farming although 58.0% farmers primary occupation was quail farming. Most of the farms (63.4%) were mixed in type having ≤5000 birds of two or three varieties. About 80.7% farms were operated separately round the year with no other poultry and 83.0% farmers wanted to expand their farming. The average pullet weight 145.0±0.12, 110.0±0.07, 120.0±0.22, and 128.0±0.17 g; age at the first lay 46.0±0.04, 42.0±0.31, 42.0±0.09, and 45.2±0.05 days; rearing period 15.0±0.01, 12.0±0.14, 15.0±0.32, and 15.2±0.18 months; culling period 15.5±0.14, 13.0±0.06, 15.0±0.03, and 15.4±0.26 months were for layer, parent stock, hatchery, and mixed farms, respectively. Most of the layer farms had an average egg production of ≤5000/day and net profit BDT 0.75/egg. However, an average number of birds, hatchability and net profit per day-old-chick were ≤5000, 76.8% and BDT 2.75, respectively, in the hatchery. Broiler quails were sold at 30 days with mean weight of 110.8 g and net profit BDT 9.02/bird. The major constraints of quail farming were higher feed price, outbreak of endemic diseases, lack of proper knowledge, farmers training, proper market access, difficulties of parent stock collection, inadequate biosecurity practices, and limited access to veterinary care. Thus, a proper training on quail farming, bio-security management, and government subsidy on feeds could make quail farming sustainable in Bangladesh.

Conclusions:

The study concludes that Japanese quail farming has enormous potentiality and could be an alternative to chicken farming particularly in providing gainful employment, supplementary income and as a valuable source of meat and egg, quail farming should be encouraged and promoted in Bangladesh.

Management of Infective Corneal Ulcer: Epidemiology Needs To Be Evaluated As Priority Basis

Because of known and unknown etiology, management of ocular devastating situation like corneal ulcer is still a challenge for the Ophthalmologists. The cross sectional study was designed for detection of predisposing factor and identification of causal agent. To serve the above purpose, a cross sectional study was performed among 140 patients of the corneal ulcer at Dr K Zaman BNSB Eye Hospital, Mymensingh and Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Detail history of patient was taken and recorded in a pretest questionnaire sheet. Two pieces of sample were collected from each corneal ulcer patient. One sample was examined in KOH wet mount for fungus. Other sample was nourished into nutrient broth and for further culture and identification. Bacterial corneal ulcer was higher among the patient of age group ≥46 years (61.9%) followed by 31-45 years (21.5%). P value is 0.261. Males were found predominant (58.5%). P value is 0.13. Agricultural related work was identified as most risky occupation in 83.1% of the total bacteria positive samples. P value is 0.01. Trauma was noted as most predominant influencing factor (56.9%). P value is <0.05. Bacteria were identified in 65(46.4%) and fungus in 40(28.6%) samples. Pseudomonas species were predominant (52.3%) followed by Staphylococcus species (26, 2%) and Streptococcus species (21.5%). No mixed infection was identified. For easier and earlier diagnosis of corneal ulcer, information about epidemiology is very essential. History should be taken meticulously followed by the laboratory procedures.

Retrobulbar abscess in a child

A 14 months old male child was admitted into Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Bangladesh, with fever, watering, swelling, redness of right eye and running nose. On initial examination, patient was febrile, toxic, right-sided severe proptosis, restricted ocular movement, conjunctival chemosis and exposure keratitis of right eye. A sluggish pupillary light reaction was present in the right eye. Visual acuity was not recordable. CT scan of Brain and Orbit revealed, retrobulbar abscess of right orbit. The left eye was normal. The abscess was drained through a wide bore needle. The extraocular motility improved and pupil became brisk with a reduction in the temperature and toxic signs within 48 hours following surgery. Proptosis at the time of discharge from the hospital was absent in the right eye with no other complication. Post operative 8 months follow up period was excellent.

Different screening tests and milk somatic cell count for the prevalence of subclinical bovine mastitis in Bangladesh

Identification of cows with subclinical mastitis (SCM) is an important tool for sustainable dairying and implementing effective mastitis control strategies. A total of 892 quarters milk samples from 228 lactating cows were screened by California mastitis test (CMT), White side test (WST), Surf field mastitis test (SFMT), and somatic cell count (SCC) to study the prevalence of bovine SCM in some selected areas of Bangladesh. Out of 228 cows, 148 (64.9%), 138 (60.5%), 132 (57.9%), and 164 (71.9%) were found positive for SCM by CMT, WST, SFMT, and SCC, respectively. The prevalence of bovine SCM was diagnosed 45.7, 40.2, 36.6, and 29.6% in Chittagong, Sirajgonj, Mymensingh, and Gazipur districts, respectively, based on a combination of all tests. The overall quarter-wise prevalence of SCM was 45.7, 43.5, 41.2, and 55.0% for CMT, WST, SFMT, and SCC. Single quarters and left front quarters were more prone to SCM (P < 0.05). Friesian crossbred cows (56.4%), BCS 2.0-2.5 (55.4%), and parity 4-6 (52.4%), the late lactation stage (5-8 months; 64.7%) and high yielding cows (16-20 L/day; 65.3%) were more susceptible to SCM (P < 0.05). The sensitivity of the CMT, WST, SFMT, and SCC was 65.8, 57.9, 51.0, and 82.5%; specificity 76.2, 72.4, 69.5, and 89.4%; percentage accuracy 70.0, 64.8, 59.9, and 85.2%; positive predictive value 75.2, 69.8, 64.9, and 92.7%, respectively. The categories of CMT reactions were strongly correlated with SCC (P < 0.05). Kappa value of SCC was higher than that of other tests (SCC>CMT>WST>SFMT). Thus, CMT was concluded to be the most accurate (r = 0.782) field diagnostic test after laboratory test like SCC (r = 0.924). However, the use of any single test may not be reliable in diagnosing SCM, while the result of CMT supported by SCC might be used effectively to pinpoint diagnosis of SCM in dairy animals than alone.

Epidemiology and outcome of non viral keratitis

This cross sectional study was done to evaluate the epidemiological pattern of fungal keratitis. It was done among 120 patients, selected randomly, at the cornea clinic, BNSB Eye Hospital, Mymensingh during the period of April 2008 to July 2008. In this study Chi-square test was done and males were predominant. Rural patients were mostly affected (93%). Study showed bacterial infection (41.66%) and fungal infection (39.16%). Among the fungus infected patient, 49% had history of trauma and 51% had no history of trauma (p>0.05), about 30% had vegetative injury and 19% had injury other than vegetative. Fungus was identified under microscope, 95% of which was confirmed by culture. Fifty five percent (55%) patients of bacterial infection and 31% patients of fungal infection attended with hypopyon (p<0.05). For fungal keratitis, trauma considered as the important predisposing factor. Immuno-compromised condition, ocular surface disease and climatic effects should also be kept in consideration. Microscopic investigation at the beginning of the treatment might help to achieve better outcome.

High resolution ultrasound of ophthalmic patients in a tertiary hospital

The study was done to find out pathologic processes in ophthalmic patients in different age group to understand the use, role and limitations of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of ocular pathology in this locality. A prospective study was done on total 143 patients from September 2004 to January 2006 who attended Centre for Nuclear Medicine & Ultrasound, Mymensingh for ultrasound evaluation of eye. Total 100 (69.93%, n=100) cases were male and 43 (30.06%, n=43) cases were female. The age ranges were 2 months to 80 years. A variety of ocular pathology was diagnosed with the help of high resolution ultrasound (HRUS) with unique ultrasound appearance. Bulk of the referral patients had history of ocular trauma (38.46 %, n= 38) and most commonly detected pathology in these group are vitreous hemorrhage (34.44%, n=34) and cataract formation (28.28%, n=28). Almost all of the patients did not have conclusive diagnosis clinically and by conventional means available before ultrasonography were performed. High resolution sonography may be used as a valuable tool for evaluation of ophthalmic pathology as a well suited, noninvasive method, and only practical imaging modality for assessing those cases particularly when light conducting media are opaque.

Ciliary staphyloma: very rare sequelae of conjunctival rhinosporiodosis

The main ocular manifestation of rhinosporiosis is lid or conjunctival infection. Conjunctival rhinosporiodosis is very rately causing sclera necrosis. A patient named Shumi (8 years), D/O.- Rukan Uddin of Rupchandrapur, Atpara, Netrokona admitted on 09/03/2003 in the department of Ophtalmology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital with complains of mass in right eye looks externally like a growth in upper lid and mild dimness of vision of right eye. On examination, it was found that she got VAR : 6/24 and having a shaphyloma near 12-00 O'clock position with a mass adjacent to it which was identified as rhinosporiodosis after excisional biopsy. No history of ocular trauma or any other ocular disease was found.