Detection of Hepatocystis sp. Infection in Vervet Monkeys (Chlorocebus Pygrythrus) Imported from Tanzania Using Molecular and Microscopic Methods

The present study examined and reported Hepatocystis sp. infection in wild-caught vervet monkeys imported from Tanzania into the Razi vaccine and serum research institute (RVSRI). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting of 18S rRNA gene, followed by sequencing, Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST), and phylogenetic studies revealed that 82.8% of the imported monkeys were infected with Hepatocystis. Nevertheless, as illustrated by a routine parasitological examination of blood smears and histopathological examination of liver collected samples, the rates of Hepatocystis infection were obtained at 33.9% and 38.1%, respectively. Two isolated 18S rRNA gene sequences of Hepatocystis sp. from Tanzanian vervet monkeys were registered under the accession numbers OM281567 and OM281564 in GenBank. Although Hepatocystis infections do not cause clinical disease, they may interfere with the research data. The results of the current study pointed out that after proper nutrition and implementation of good physical environmental conditions for 3-4 months, the imported monkeys obviously gained weight and most of their hematological parameters, even in the presence of the parasite, returned to the normal levels and the experimental monkeys would be ready for use in studies.

First Report of Massive Myocardial Calcifications in a Vervet Monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus)

A 13-years-old male vervet monkey that was kept in a primates breeding and research facility at Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran (RVSRI) died suddenly. Massively scattered grayish-yellow mottling on both ventricles were the most significant gross necropsy findings. There was a gritty feeling on palpation and sectioning of the yellow areas. Microscopically, the lesions demonstrated scattered degeneration and necrosis of myocardial cells. Inside the affected areas, large calcium deposit plaques were detected using the Von kossa staining method. The development of myocardial calcification in the present case can be attributed to the dystrophic calcification following spontaneous myocardial necrosis or an undetected infection/inflammatory process. Persistent anxiety might trigger spontaneous biventricular necrosis in vervet monkeys. In conclusion, due to similarities between the clinical and histological presentation of the current case with sudden death syndrome associated with myocardial calcification in humans, it was suggested that vervet monkeys might be a relevant animal model for research on the pathophysiological processes of this complication.

The Characteristics of an Ovine Lymphoid Cell-Line sensitive to Vaccinal Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Strain

Infectious bursal disease (IBD), also known as Gumboro disease, is a globally well-known disease with a significant socio-economic effect. For control of IBD, several commercial egg- and cell-based vaccines are prepared. The cell-based IBD vaccines are significantly cost-effective; however, it is essential to confirm their safety and efficacy. The main cell line used to product the cell-based IBD vaccines, is a primary chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF). Nevertheless, manipulation of CEF is extremely challenging and time-consuming. This study aimed to characterize a sensitive suspension cell culture from ovine lymphoid, according to WHO technical report series; No. 978, Annex III. This authentication covered the growth curves, sensitivity, stability, karyotyping and identifying the adventitious agents. This cell line passed all defined tests and was considered as a suitable one for IBD vaccine preparation in a large scale.

Detection and Identification of Toxoplasma gondii Type One Infection in Sheep Aborted Fetuses in Qazvin Province of Iran

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to apply the nested-PCR and bioassay methods in detection and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii infection in provided sheep aborted fetus samples from Qazvin Province of Iran.

METHODS

Eighteen sheep aborted fetal samples were studied by nested-PCR-RFLP, histopathological observation and microbiological assay. Bioassay in mice was carried out by inoculating the brain samples intraperitoneally.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated the frequency of 66% infected sheep aborted fetal samples with T. gondii type one. Although we could not isolate any parasite from inoculated mice even after three passages, but it was confirmed histopathologically formation of cyst like bodies in prepared mice brain sections.

CONCLUSION

The results of the performed nested-PCR and formation of brain cyst in inoculated mice exhibited that T. gondii type one infection might be considered as one of the major causative agents for abortion in ewes.