Lumpy jaw caused by Nocardia farcinica in a Holstein cow

A 3-year-old Holstein cow was examined in an intensive system due to unilateral swelling in the mandible. A right mandibular mass was associated with painful mastication and Ptyalism. In palpation, the mass was raised, ulcerated, attached to the mandible bone and firm, approximately 17 × 12 × 10 cm3 in size. The lesion was sampled, and after routine bacteriology and histopathology procedures, the occurrence of lumpy jaw caused by Nocardia farcinica was confirmed. The bacterium was analysed using genome sequencing and new strain called Najm 114. Due to the risk of zoonosis of the isolated agent, the cow was euthanized. This is the first report of lumpy jaw caused by N. farcinica in a cow. This study showed that N. farcinica should be considered a possible etiological agent for lumpy jaw in cattle.

Clinico-histopathological and phylogenetic analysis of protozoan epibiont Epistylis wuhanensis associated with crustacean parasite Lernaea cyprinacea from ornamental fish in Iran

Parasitic infestations are one of the most concerning problems limiting ornamental fish farming. In addition to the direct economic losses due to the major mortalities, parasites may significantly negatively impact the body shape, coloration, growth rate, and health condition of the fish. The results of the study highlight the importance of comprehensive parasitological analysis in the diagnosis and treatment of parasitic infections in ornamental fish farms. The presence of multiple parasites in the affected fish emphasizes the need for effective biosecurity measures, such as extending the quarantine period for newly imported fish, closely monitoring fish populations, and implementing isolation units to prevent the spread of infections. By implementing these preventative measures, ornamental fish farmers can reduce the risk of parasitic infections and ensure the health and well-being of their fish populations. This, in turn, can lead to increased profitability and sustainability for their business. Overall, the current study aimed to conduct a clinical, histopathological, and phylogenetic analysis of the epibiont ciliated protozoan Epistylis wuhanensis and the copepod crustacean Lernaea cyprinacea in a freshwater ornamental fish farm in Iran. Furthermore, it provides valuable insights into the prevalence and impact of parasitic infections in ornamental fish farms and underscores the need for continued research and the development of effective preventative measures to address this issue. A total of 60 symptomatic freshwater ornamental fish, including 30 guppy (Poecilia reticulata) and 30 sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna), were packed in polyethylene bags filled with oxygenated pond water and transported to the Ornamental Fish Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, for parasitological analysis. Following the clinical examination, histopathological analysis was performed on 10% NBF (neutral buffered formalin)-fixed samples from affected tissues, including the skin, skeletal muscle, and liver, to identify any pathological changes associated with the parasitic infections. Furthermore, the DNA was extracted from the 99% ethanol-fixed samples using a commercial DNA extraction tissue kit (SinaPure DNA, Iran), and PCR was performed using Peri18S-F1 (5'-ACC TGG TTG ATC CTG CCA GT-3') and Peri18S-R1 (5'-TGC AGG TTC ACC TAC GGA AA-3') (first reaction), and Peri18S-F2 (5'-CCG CGG TAA TTC CAG CTC-3') and Peri18S-R2 (5'-GAT CCC CTA ACT TTC GTT CTT GA-3') (second round) primers for the identified parasites. Finally, the PCR products were sequenced using Sanger dideoxy sequencing methods, and the resulting sequences were compared to sequences in the BLAST search program to provide a comprehensive picture of the current parasite-based disorder. The crustacean L. cyprinacea and the epibiont sessilid E. wuhanensis were identified in the examined ornamental guppy (6/30) and sailfin molly (6/30), with an overall parasitic prevalence of 20.00% (12/60). Ciliates were found in all tissue lesions but not in fish without lesions. A great number of the ciliated protozoan E. wuhanensis were found attached to the integumentary area of L. cyprinacea. Microscopically, oval to round granulomatous lesions were observed in cutaneous and skeletal muscles. Lymphoplasmacytic dermatitis and myositis were also observed. The crustacean L. cyprinacea serves as a mechanical vector for E. wuhanensis infection and spreads the disease in ornamental fish farming operations. For the first time in Iran, we successfully presented diagnostic morphological and molecular data on sessilids isolated from L. cyprinacea. Based on the findings of the current study, such parasitic infections may cause significant economic losses following invasion of the integument area of fish, eventually leading to death, if treatment is neglected or inadequate. Furthermore, the findings of the analysis were used to develop effective diagnostic approaches for the affected fish, as well as recommendations for improved health conditions to prevent future outbreaks of parasitic infections. However, further research is needed to determine the precise mechanisms of crustacean attachment and host-crustacean-peritrich protozoan interactions. Furthermore, the direct and indirect effects of various environmental factors on the emergence and spread of the current disease should be considered.

Complete genome sequence of Himetobi P strain Sh.Moghaddam, isolated from the Laodelphax striatellus (small brown planthopper)

Objective

Himetobi P virus (HiPV) is an insect virus belonging to the genus Cripavirus in the Dicistroviridae family within the Picornavirales order. Himetobi P strain. Sh.Moghaddam is the first study reported, was isolated from the Laodelphax striatellus (small brown planthopper) of an internal chicken organ in Iran.

Data description

Genomic analysis showed a nucleotide identity of 93.16% with the family Dicistroviridae, genus Triatovirus, and species Himetobi P. The genome assembly comprised 9227 bp, with a 38.8% GC content. Annotation of the genome showed 2 ORF, a total of 2 genes: including 2 coding sequences (CDs) (total) and 8 Miss features. Thus, the whole-genome sequence presented in this study serves as a platform for detecting new genes that may contribute to the pathogenicity of the Himetobi P strain. Sh.Moghaddam.

Wild bird trade at live poultry markets potentiates risks of avian influenza virus introductions in Iran

Wild aquatic birds are the main natural host reservoir of avian influenza viruses (AIV). Migratory aquatic birds can translocate AI viruses over wide geographic distances. AIV may be transmitted reciprocally at the wild bird–poultry interface, increasing viral variability and potentially driving the zoonotic potential of these viruses. A cross-sectional study on AIV and several further avian viral pathogens conducted in 396 trapped migratory aquatic birds traded at live bird markets (LBM) in northern Iran identified 11 AIV-positive cases. The 10 identified H9N2 viral sequences fell into wild bird H9 lineage Y439; in addition, an H10N3 virus of Eurasian lineage was detected. Ten samples contained low viral loads of avian coronavirus but could not be further characterized. Although traditional trading of live-trapped wild birds provides income for hunters, particularly during fall migration periods, it increases the risk of introducing new AIV strains from the natural reservoir to poultry kept at LBMs and, potentially, to traders and customers. Banning these birds from poultry trading lines would lower such risks considerably.

Complete genome sequence of Trueperella pyogenes strain Arash114, isolated from the uterus of a water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in Iran

Objective

Trueperella pyogenes has been considered a major causative agent of metritis, abortion, and death in a broad range of domestic and wild animals, including cattle, swine, sheep, goats, camels, buffalo, deer, antelopes, reptiles, and birds.

Data description

Here, we report the complete chromosome sequence of Trueperella pyogenes strain Arash114, isolated from the uterus of a water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) died due to the infection caused by this pathogen. The genome assembly comprised 2,338,282 bp, with a 59.5% GC content. Annotation of the genome showed 46 tRNA genes, 6 rRNA, 1 CRISPR and 2059 coding sequences. Also, several genes coding for antimicrobial resistance such as tetW and virulence factor including plo, nanH, nanP, cbp and 4 fimbrial proteins were found. This study will advance our knowledge regarding the metabolism, virulence factors, antibiotic resistance and evolution of Arash114 strain and serve as an appropriate template for future researches.

Oral Abscess Caused by Chryseobacterium indologenes in Ball Python (Python regius); A Case Report

Chryseobacterium indologenes is an opportunistic pathogen isolated from human infections and, rarely, from some aquatic animals. A 3-year-old male ball python (Python regius) was admitted to the veterinary clinic by a pet owner because of acute respiratory and swallowing failure. During physical examinations, oral secretions and abscesses were observed in the mouth cavity and throat of the animal. After microbiological analysis including isolation, identification, and 16s rRNA sequencing, C. indologenes was detected as the main cause of the oral abscess in this case. Phylogenetic relatedness analysis showed a close relationship between this isolate and other strains isolated from human infections. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that the isolate was multi-drug resistant. However, it was very sensitive to minocycline, ceftazidime, and tetracycline. The patient was treated by antibiotic therapy and completely recovered after two weeks. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first incidence of C. indologenes in an oral abscess in a ball python. As a result we would consider this organism as an opportunistic animal pathogen with zoonotic potentiality.

The first full genome characterization of an Iranian foot and mouth disease virus

High transmissibility of FMDV and drop in productivity following infection, make FMD an important economically disease of livestock. According to the endemic nature of the disease in Iran, vaccines have been routinely applied, but not able to prevent frequent outbreaks. Circulation of different FMDV types in Iran along with unrestricted animal movements complicates epidemiological situations. The relatively short length of VP1 does not provide high resolution molecular epidemiological data, therefore FMDV full genome sequencing has been employed. Outbreaks of FMD occurred in Qom province, Iran during 2017. A 8190 nucleotide-long FMDV complete genome was sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the virus into Asia 1 serotype. Complete genome analysis revealed a high level of homology of the virus to Asia 1 viruses previously detected in Turkey, India, Israel, and Pakistan. The data suggest that Asia 1/Shimi/2017 probably originated from India, have circulating in Iran since the last couple of years and reached Turkey in 2013. The results highlight the role of Iran in westward spreading of FMDV among South-central Asia, hinting the urgent need for an effective vaccine against Asia 1 type FMDV and also applying restriction rules on animal movements.

The fowl adenovirus (Fadv-11) outbreak in Iranian broiler chicken farms: The first full genome characterization and phylogenetic analysis

Fowl adenoviruses D and E (FAdV-D and E) can cause inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) in commercial chicken flocks. Recently, IBH outbreaks have been increasingly reported in different regions of Iran, particularly in broiler farms. The present study was conducted to perform, for the first time, a complete genome characterization of a FAdV isolate from an IBH outbreak in Iran. Briefly, liver samples were collected from affected broiler flocks and following viral DNA extraction and confirming by PCR technique; one positive sample was selected from an affected flock to conduct a complete genome sequencing. The current FAdV, named "Fowl_Adenovirus_D_isolate_iran/UT-Kiaee_2018", was placed into FAdV-11 serotype (D species). According to the complete genome sequence analysis, UT-Kiaee had high homology with Chinese and Canadian FAdV. The partial sequence of the hexon gene revealed that UT-Kiaee shared 100% identity with previous Iranian FAdVs. The present study was the first to report full genome FAdV in Iran and complete the puzzle of molecular epidemiology of FAdV in Iran through determining the possible origin of Iranian FAdvs, which are the causative agents of recent IBH outbreaks in Iran.