Comparative genomics of Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis unravels the gene sharing, virulence factors and SNP diversity among the standard, vaccine and field strains

Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis are the primary etiological agents of brucellosis in large and small ruminants, respectively. There are limited comparative genomic studies involving Brucella strains that explore the relatedness among both species. In this study, we involved strains (n=44) representing standard, vaccine and Indian field origin for pangenome, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and phylogenetic analysis. Both species shared a common gene pool representing 2884 genes out of a total 3244 genes. SNP-based phylogenetic analysis indicated higher SNP diversity among B. melitensis (3824) strains in comparison to B. abortus (540) strains, and a clear demarcation was identified between standard/vaccine and field strains. The analysis for virulence genes revealed that virB3, virB7, ricA, virB5, ipx5, wbkC, wbkB, and acpXL genes were highly conserved in most of the Brucella strains. Interestingly, virB10 gene was found to have high variability among the B. abortus strains. The cgMLST analysis revealed distinct sequence types for the standard/vaccine and field strains. B. abortus strains from north-eastern India fall within similar sequence type differing from other strains. In conclusion, the analysis revealed a highly shared core genome among two Brucella species. SNP analysis revealed B. melitensis strains exhibit high diversity as compared to B. abortus strains. Strains with absence or high polymorphism of virulence genes can be exploited for the development of novel vaccine candidates effective against both B. abortus and B. melitensis.

Isolation and characterization of vB_SenS_Ib_psk2 bacteriophage against drug-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Kentucky

Salmonella enterica serovar Kentucky is one of the food-borne zoonotic pathogens which is isolated in high frequency from poultry meat in the recent decades and is known for its multidrug resistance. The current study was aimed to isolate and characterize a bacteriophage against S. enterica serovar Kentucky isolate, 5925, which showed resistance to at least seven antibiotics and to study its efficiency to decontaminate S. Kentucky from chicken skin. The bacteriophage against S. enterica serovar Kentucky was isolated and was named vB_SenS_Ib_psk2 representing the place, source, and host. Electron microscopy revealed that the phage possesses isometric head and contractile tail, indicative of Siphoviridae family. Molecular detection of major capsid protein E gene yielded 511 bp, and NCBI blast analysis revealed that the phage belonged to the genus chivirus. The optimum temperature and pH for phage survival and multiplication were found to be - 20 to 42 °C and 6-10, respectively. One-step growth curve experiment of vB_SenS_Ib_psk2 revealed a latent period of 20 min and burst size of 253 phages/bacterial cell. The host susceptibility studies revealed that 83% of MDR isolates of S. enterica were susceptible to vB_SenS_Ib_psk2. Artificial spiking studies on chicken skin revealed that high multiplicity of infection (MOI) of phages of 106 pfu/mL is required for significant reduction (p ≤ 0.01) of bacterial concentration (0.14 ± 0.04) after 24-h incubation at 8 °C compared to group 1 (2.55 ± 0.89 cfu/mL).

Effects of oral probiotic and lactoferrin interventions on iron-zinc homeostasis, oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium and diarrhoea incidence of neonatal piglets

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of early-life host specific probiotic and lactoferrin (LF) supplementations on diarrhoea incidence, iron (Fe)-zinc (Zn) balance and antioxidant capabilities in serum of neonatal piglets. A total of eight sow litters obtained from parity matched sows were randomly divided into four groups and assigned to one of the four interventions: control (2.0 ml normal saline), bovine lactoferrin (bLF) (100 mg bLF in normal saline), probiotic (Pb) (1×10⁹ cfu of swine origin Pediococcus acidilactici FT28 strain) and bLF+Pb (both 100 mg bLF and 1×10⁹ cfu of P. acidilactici FT28). All the piglets received supplementations once daily orally for first 7 days of life. The incidence of diarrhoea markedly decreased in bLF group compared to control group. Notably, no incidences of diarrhoea were recorded in Pb and bLF+Pb groups. The Zn and Fe concentrations were significantly increased from day 7 to 21 in bLF and on day 21 in bLF+Pb group. No such changes were noted in Pb group. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in serum was significantly increased on days 7 and 15 in bLF group and on days 7 and 21 in bLF+Pb group. Malonaldehyde concentration was markedly reduced from day 7 to 21 in bLF and bLF+Pb groups. The concentrations of nitrate on days 15 and 21 and malonaldehyde on day 7 were significantly higher in Pb group, but mean TAC was unaltered from day 0 to 21. Although no correlation between the incidence of diarrhoea and Zn/Fe and oxidant/antioxidant homeostasis was noted in the Pb group, the supplementation of P. acidilactici FT28 alone was sufficient to prevent the incidence of diarrhoea in neonatal piglets. Taken together, it is concluded that strategic supplementation of P. acidilactici FT28 in early life could help in preventing diarrhoea until weaning of piglets.

Development and validation of multiplex PCR based molecular serotyping of Salmonella serovars associated with poultry in India

Salmonella species are Gram-negative bacteria with more than 2600 serovars. Among these serovars, many are associated with various diseases in livestock and humans. White Kauffman Le-Minor (WKL) serotyping scheme applies specific serum to determine the serovars of Salmonella. Recent studies have applied molecular methods for serovar predictions. These methods include PCR, hybridization and sequence data to detect/predict serovar-specific genetic elements. Among these, PCR is a robust method if the unique genetic element is already known. Within this context, also involving novel primers, two multiplex PCR assays were standardized to detect six important Salmonella serovars viz. Typhimurium, Enteritidis, Kentucky, Infantis, Virchow and Gallinarum associated with poultry in India. The developed PCR assays showed targeted serovar specificity. Serial dilution experiments of both kit-based and crude lysate DNA preparations indicated similar applicability of both methods for testing from pure cultures. Further the developed assays were validated with 25 recent field isolates to confirm the applicability in routine diagnosis. The PCR assay could predict all the targeted serovars (17/25) with 100% specificity (CI-95%; 0.63-1). Molecular serotyping can reduce the number of serum used incomparison to the conventional serotyping which involves more random application of serum.

Early-Life Intervention of Lactoferrin and Probiotic in Suckling Piglets: Effects on Immunoglobulins, Intestinal Integrity, and Neonatal Mortality

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of early-life bovine lactoferrin and host specific probiotic interventions on growth performance, mortality, and concentrations of immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G and transforming growth factor beta 1 (a marker of intestinal integrity) in serum of neonatal piglets. A total of eight piglet litters from parity matched sows were randomly divided into four groups and assigned to one of the four interventions: control (sterile normal saline), bovine lactoferrin (100 mg bovine lactoferrin), probiotic (1 × 109 colony forming unit (cfu) of swine origin Pediococcus acidilactici FT28 probiotic), and bovine lactoferrin + probiotic (100 mg bovine lactoferrin and 1 × 109 CFU of P. acidilactici FT28 probiotic). All the interventions were given once daily through oral route for first 7 days of life. The average daily gain (p = 0.0004) and weaning weight (p < 0.0001) were significantly improved in the probiotic group. The piglet survivability was significantly higher in bovine lactoferrin and probiotic groups than control group in Log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test. The concentrations of immunoglobulin A on day 21 in bovine lactoferrin, probiotic, and bovine lactoferrin + probiotic groups increased significantly (p < 0.05). Immunoglobulin G concentrations on day 7 and 15 in bovine lactoferrin and bovine lactoferrin + probiotic groups and on day 15 in probiotic group were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated, whereas, the concentration of transforming growth factor-β1 was significantly (p < 0.05) increased from day 7 to 21 in all the supplemented groups. In conclusion, the early-life bovine lactoferrin and P. acidilactici FT28 probiotic interventions reduced the mortality in the suckling piglets by promoting the systemic immunity and enhancing the intestinal integrity.

Isolation and characterization of bacteriophage Ib_pec2 against shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli

This study was aimed to isolate and characterize bacteriophage against drug-resistant, shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC), one of the zoonotic, food-borne organisms associated with ruminants, mainly cattle. STEC were isolated (n = 35) from neonatal calves, dairy workers, and the surrounding environment and their antimicrobial resistance pattern was studied. Out of the 35 isolates tested, 17 isolates were found to be multidrug resistant to important antibiotics like ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, ciprofloxacin, streptomycin, and tetracycline. Bacteriophage namely Ib_pec2 was isolated against one of the STEC isolates and its morphology, genetic and proteomic characterization was done. Morphological analysis by TEM revealed bacteriophages belonging to myoviridae family. The genetic characterization of g23 gene revealed that the bacteriophage belonged to Tequatrovirus of myoviridae family. Proteomic analysis was able to identify five proteins identical to Tequatrovirus of myoviridae family. One-step growth curve experiment revealed a latency period of 40 min and a burst size of 893 pfu/bacteria. Temperature and pH ranging from 40°C to 50°C, pH 6-8, respectively. Phage could able to lyse majority of the STEC isolates. STEC are commensal organisms in the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants but are pathogenic in humans. Bacteriophages can be used as alternatives to antibiotics to control bacterial growth in ruminants and prevent its further spillage in the environment.

A comparative genomics approach for identifying genetic factors in Escherichia coli isolates associated with bovine diseases

AIMS

Escherichia coli are ubiquitously present bacterial pathogens that cause septicaemia, diarrhoea and other clinical illness in farm animals. Many pathogen factors can be associated with disease conditions. Currently, studies inferring E. coli genetic factors associated with infection in bovines are limited. Hence, the present study envisaged to determine the pathogen genetic factors associated with bovine disease conditions.

METHOD AND RESULTS

The comparative genomic analysis involved genome sequence data of 135 diseased and 145 healthy bovine origin E. coli strains. Phylogroups A and C, as well as pathotypes ExPEC and EPEC, were found to have a strong connection with bovine disease strains. STEC strains, including EHEC, seem to play a less important role in bovine disease. Sequence types (STs) predominant among strains from diarrhoeal origin were ST 301 (CC 165) and ST 342. Correlation of core genome phylogeny with accessory gene based clustering, phylogroups and pathotypes indicated lineage specific virulence factors mostly associated with disease conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Comparative genomic analysis was applied to infer genetic factors significant in bovine disease origin E. coli strains. Isolates from bovine disease origin were enriched for the phylogroups A and C, and for the pathotypes ExPEC and EPEC. However, there was minimal evidence of STEC involvement. The study also indicated predominant genetic lineages and virulence genes (pap, sfa and afa) associated with disease origin strains. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY;: The study revealed significant pathotypes, phylgroups, serotypes and sequence types associated with bovine disease conditions. These identified genetic factors can be applied for disease diagnosis, implementing vaccine and therapeutic measures. In addition, E. coli isolates from the bovine species revealed a complex pattern of disease epidemiology.

Enhanced Thermo-Fluidic Performance of Aqueous SiO2 Nanofluid Flow Through a Horizontal Tube—An Experimental Investigation

The thermo-fluidic performance of SiO2-water nanofluid (NF) flow inside a horizontal tube of circular cross section were examined applying constant heat flux. An aqua based dispersion of SiO2 nanopowders with 16.58 nm average particle diameter were used as the working fluid with 0.15–0.35 vol.%. Experiments are conducted in the Reynolds number (Re) range of 2798.96–27989.62 maintaining the bulk temperature of the flow at 45 °C. Thermo-physical properties namely conductivity (k) and viscosity (μ) of NF were determined at various temperatures range of 25–65 °C. Maximum 13% enhancement in k and a maximum of 20% enhancement in μ were obtained at 0.35 vol.% as compared to basefluid. Heat transfer and friction factor (f) were increased with enhancing concentration and Re. The Nusselt number (Nu) increased upto 40% along with a maximum increase of 28.57% in f as compared to their basefluid. New empirical correlations for Nu and f of nanofluids were developed. Finally, a figure of merit (FOM) was determined, which reveals the potency of nanofluids as working fluid for rapid cooling applications.

Isolation and characterization of bacteriophage Ib_pec2 against Shigatoxigenic E.coli

The current study aimed to isolate and characterize bacteriophage against drug resistant, Shiga toxigenic E.coli, one of the zoonotic, food-borne organisms associated with ruminants, mainly cattle. STEC were isolated (n=35) from neonatal calves, dairy workers and the surrounding environment and their antimicrobial resistance pattern was studied. Out of the 35 isolates tested, 17 isolates were found to be multi-drug resistant to important antibiotics like as ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, ciprofloxacin, streptomycin and tetracycline. Bacteriophage namely Ib_pec2 was isolated against NM—18-040 isolate and its morphology, genetic and proteomic characterization was done. Morphological analysis by TEM revealed bacteriophage belonging to myoviridae family. The genetic characterization of g23 gene revealed that the bacteriophage belonged to Tequatrovirus of myoviridae family. SDS-PAGE analysis of structural proteins followed by LC-MS/MS analysis could able to identify five proteins identical to Tequatrovirus of myoviridae family. One step growth curve experiments revealed a latency period of 40 mins and a burst size of 893 PFU/ bacteria. Temperature and pH ranging from 40-50°C, pH 7-8, respectively were ideal for phage survival and multiplication. Phage was able to lyse 22 out of 35 STEC isolates. Thus, the study could able to characterize Ib_pec2 which could be used in control of STEC in the near future. STEC is a commensal organism in the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants but pathogenic in humans. Bacteriophages can be used as alternatives to antibiotics to control its growth in ruminants and prevent its further spillage in the environment.

Immunization with Brucella abortus S19Δper Conferred Protection in Water Buffaloes against Virulent Challenge with B. abortus Strain S544

Vaccination of cattle and buffaloes with Brucella abortus strain 19 has been the mainstay for control of bovine brucellosis. However, vaccination with S19 suffers major drawbacks in terms of its safety and interference with serodiagnosis of clinical infection. Brucella abortus S19∆per, a perosamine synthetase wbkB gene deletion mutant, overcomes the drawbacks of the S19 vaccine strain. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of Brucella abortus S19Δper vaccine candidate in the natural host, buffaloes. Safety of S19∆per, for animals use, was assessed in guinea pigs. Protective efficacy of vaccine was assessed in buffaloes by immunizing with normal dose (4 × 10¹⁰ colony forming units (CFU)/animal) and reduced dose (2 × 10⁹ CFU/animal) of S19Δper and challenged with virulent strain of B. abortus S544 on 300 days post immunization. Bacterial persistency of S19∆per was assessed in buffalo calves after 42 days of inoculation. Different serological, biochemical and pathological studies were performed to evaluate the S19∆per vaccine. The S19Δper immunized animals showed significantly low levels of anti-lipopolysaccharides (LPS) antibodies. All the immunized animals were protected against challenge infection with B. abortus S544. Sera from the majority of S19Δper immunized buffalo calves showed moderate to weak agglutination to RBPT antigen and thereby, could apparently be differentiated from S19 vaccinated and clinically-infected animals. The S19Δper was more sensitive to buffalo serum complement mediated lysis than its parent strain, S19. Animals culled at 6-weeks-post vaccination showed no gross lesions in organs and there was comparatively lower burden of infection in the lymph nodes of S19Δper immunized animals. With attributes of higher safety, strong protective efficacy and potential of differentiating infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA), S19Δper would be a prospective alternate to conventional S19 vaccines for control of bovine brucellosis as proven in buffaloes.

Detection of novel sequence types and zoonotic transmission potentiality among strains of Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) from dairy calves, animal handlers and associated environments

Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) is one of the most important food-borne zoonotic bacterial pathogens responsible for causing gastrointestinal infections, haemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic uremic syndrome. The present study was aimed to isolate and characterize STEC from neonatal dairy calves, animal handlers and their surrounding environment and to establish the genetic relationship among isolates by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). A total number of 115 samples were collected and processed for the isolation of E. coli. The occurrence rate of E. coli was 92.2% (106/115), of which, 18 were typed as STEC. Antibacterial susceptibility analysis revealed 11 (61.1%) strains as multiple drug-resistant (MDR). MLST analysis has delineated 16 sequence types (STs) including nine novel STs. Among STs, ST58 dominated with three strains and was recovered from the environment and neonatal calves. Strains from neonatal calves and humans showed genetic relatedness with significant bootstrap support values indicative of zoonotic transmission potentiality. Analysis of 211 global isolates belonging to 61 STs indicated predominant STs (ST 21, ST 33 and ST 3416) that can be either host-specific (ST 33 and ST 3416) or can be shared among human and bovine hosts (ST 21). The MLST analysis indicates genetic relatedness among isolates and the results predispose inter-host transmission and zoonotic spread.

Microcapillary LAMP for rapid and sensitive detection of pathogen in bovine semen

A microcapillary-based loop-mediated isothermal amplification (µcLAMP) has been described for specific detection of infectious reproductive pathogens in semen samples of cattle without sophisticated instrumentation. Brucella abortus, Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona and bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) cultures were mixed in bovine semen samples. The µcLAMP assay is portable, user-friendly, cost-effective, and suitable to be performed as a POC diagnostic test. We have demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity of µcLAMP for detection of Brucella, Leptospira, and BoHV-1 in bovine semen samples comparable to PCR and qPCR assays. Thus, µcLAMP would be a promising field-based test for monitoring various infectious pathogens in biological samples.HighlightsDetect infectious organism in bovines semenReduction in carryover contamination is an important attribute, which may reduce the false-positive reaction.µcLAMP is a miniaturized form, which could be performed with a minimum volume of reagents.The µcLAMP assay is portable, user-friendly, and suitable to be performed as a POC diagnostic test.

Multilocus sequence typing of pathogenic Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri reveals the predominance of a novel clonal complex among isolates from goats in India

Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri (Mmc) typically causes pneumonia, mastitis, arthritis, keratitis and septicaemia in goats. Mortality associated with Mmc in goat flocks is lower compared to Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae-associated respiratory infections. Case fatality rates associated with Mmc ranged from 9.8 to 26.8% among several states in India. Molecular epidemiology approaches aimed at genotyping help to identify the diversity of isolates involved in a disease. Ten clinical pathogenic Mmc isolates were analysed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) for studying genotypic relationships with 50 isolates available from public databases. The MLST analysis indicates high genetic diversity among Mmc isolates. From a total number of 60 isolates, 43 six sequence types (STs) were recognized comprising of six STs from India and 37 STs from other geographical regions. MLST profiles of isolates revealed none of the STs observed in Indian isolates were shared with global isolates. Some of the STs representing Indian isolates (four STs) were clustered into a novel clonal complex 1 (CC1). Maintenance of genetically related STs forming CCs among the goat population in India for longer periods indicates disease causing potentiality of these isolates. Based on various recombination analysis, weak clonal relationship among Mmc isolates were identified. The present study has enlightened further steps in disease investigations and to design future control measures by employing prevalent genotypes as vaccine candidates against Mmc infections.

Non-infectious outer membrane vesicles derived from Brucella abortus S19Δper as an alternative acellular vaccine protects mice against virulent challenge

The prime human and animal safety issues accentuate the search of promising newer alternative vaccine candidates to resolve complications associated with the live attenuated Brucella abortus strain19 (S19) vaccine. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs S19 Δper) extracted from Brucella abortus S19Δper (S19Δper) as an alternative subunit vaccine candidate has been explored in the present study as OMVs are endowed with immunogenic molecules, including LPS and outer membrane proteins (OMPs) and do not cause infection by virtue of being an acellular entity. The LPS defective S19Δper released a higher amount of OMVs than its parent strain S19. Under transmission electron microscopy (TEM), OMVs were seen as nano-sized outward bulge from the surface of Brucella. Dynamic light scattering analysis of OMVs revealed that OMVs S19Δper showed the less polydispersity index (PDI) than OMVs S19 pointing towards relatively more homogenous OMVs populations. Both OMVs S19Δper and OMVs S19 with or without booster dose and S19 vaccine were used for immunization of mice and subsequently challenged with 2 × 10⁵ CFU virulent Brucella abortus strain 544 (S544) to assess protective efficacy of vaccines. The less splenic weight index and less S544 count in OMVs immunized mice in comparison to unimmunized mice after S544 challenge clearly indicated good protective efficacy of OMVs. OMVs S19 Δper induced relatively high titer of IgG than OMVs S19 but conferred nearly equal protection against brucellosis. An ELISA based determination of IgG and its isotype response, Cytometric Bead Array (CBA) based quantitation of serum cytokines and FACS based enumeration of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells revealed high titer of IgG, production of both Th1 (IgG2a) and Th2 (IgG1) related antibodies, stimulation of IL-2, TNF (Th1) and IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 (Th2) cytokines, and induced T cell response suggested that OMVs S19Δper elicited Th1 and Th2 type immune response and ensured protection against S544 challenge in murine model.

Multilocus sequence typing of Clostridium perfringens strains from neonatal calves, dairy workers and associated environment in India

Clostridium perfringens is a globally recognized zoonotic pathogen. We report isolation and genotyping of C. perfringens from neonatal calves, dairy workers and their associated environment in India. A total of 103 fecal samples from neonatal calves, 25 stool swabs from the dairy workers and 50 samples from their associated environment were collected from two dairy farms. C. perfringens was detected in 26 out of 103 (25.2%) neonatal calf samples, 7 out of 25 (28%) human stool samples and 17 out of 50 (34%) environmental samples. C. perfringens type A strains were predominant in neonatal calves (24/26; 92.3%) and associated environment (15/17; 88.2%). In contrast, strains from dairy workers mostly belonged to type F (5/7; 71.4%), which also carried the beta2 toxin gene. Seventeen strains were analyzed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) for studying genotypic relationship along with 188 C. perfringens strains available from public databases. A total of 112 sequence types (STs) were identified from 205 C. perfringens strains analyzed. A Clonal complex (CC) represented by three STs (ST 98, ST 41 and ST 110) representing predominantly type F (18/20 strains) were mostly associated with human illnesses. Among predominant STs, ST 54 was associated with enteritis cases in foals and dogs and ST 58 associated with necrotic enteritis in poultry. Seventeen Indian strains were assigned to 13 STs. Genetic relatedness among strains of calves, dairy worker and associated environments indicate inter-host transfers and zoonotic spreads.

Brucella abortus S19 rfbD mutant is highly attenuated, DIVA enable and confers protection against virulent challenge in mice

Brucella abortus S19 is an important tool for controlling bovine brucellosis across the globe. However, vaccination with S19 suffers critical shortcomings such as, presence of residual virulence, induction of abortion and sero-diagnostic interference. In this study, rfbD gene deleted mutant S19 was developed. The mutant strain designated S19ΔR displayed rough LPS phenotype, which was confirmed by acriflavine dye-agglutination and LPS-SDS-PAGE analysis. The virulence was amply reduced as suggested by increased sensitivity to complement killing; reduction in splenic-bacterial load and the recovery time RT50 as validated in mice model. Anti-brucella humoral response was significantly lower as compared to S19 immunization. The minimal induction of Brucella specific IgG1, IgG2a & IgG2b, and IgG3 resulted in no apparent reactivity to RBPT antigen. S19ΔR showed protective index of 1.90 against virulent challenge. S19ΔR being highly attenuated and DIVA compatible may facilitate a platform for developing a safer bovine adulthood vaccine.

Transcriptome analysis of Brucella abortus S19∆per immunized mouse spleen revealed activation of MHC-I and MHC-II pathways

The mouse (Mus musculus) has been extensively used for studying brucellosis, regarding pathogenesis, immunity and the evaluation of vaccines and therapeutics. In this work, RNA-seq was applied to explore the immunological potential of a live Brucella abortus S19∆per, a perosamine synthetase gene mutant of B. abortus S19. Comparison of transcriptome data was carried out for identifying differentially expressed genes among PBS (control) and B. abortus S19∆per immunized mice at 15 days post-immunization. Functional analysis revealed 545 significant differentially expressed genes related to mouse immunity. Specific activation of MHC-I and MHC-II antigen-processing pathways were identified as the highly enriched pathways based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes annotation. Other major immune response pathways regulated within the host were NF-kappa B signalling, chemokine signalling, T-cell receptor pathway, apoptosis, TNF signalling and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor signalling. These data provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms of B. abortus S19∆per-induced immune response in mice spleen that might facilitate the development of a highly immunogenic vaccine against brucellosis.

Adding α-tocopherol-selenium and ascorbic acid to periparturient sow diets influences hemogram, lipid profile, leptin, oxidant/antioxidant imbalance, performance and neonatal piglet mortality

Alpha-tocopherol-selenium (ATS) and ascorbic acid (AA) are the potent antioxidants. The present study investigated whether supplementation of ATS and AA in periparturient sows has positive effects on amelioration of oxidative stress, serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), lipid profile and sows performance. For this, twenty-four pregnant multiparous sows (landrace×indigenous) were randomly distributed into four groups (6 sows per group) 20 days before expected date of farrowing as Control (basal diet); ATS (basal diet + ATS); AA (basal diet + AA) and ATS-AA (basal diet + ATS plus AA). The results of the study revealed that the concentrations of triglyceride and cholesterol significantly reduced from day -7 to day 7 of farrowing irrespective of supplementations to sows, but the leptin concentration significantly reduced on day 7 of farrowing in ATS-AA supplemented sows (p<0.05). Moreover, sows of supplemented groups experienced decreased oxidative stress and cortisol level than control sows. The serum IgG concentration was significantly increased on day 7 post-farrowing in ATS group but it was much earlier on day 2 of farrowing in ATS-AA group (p<0.001). Supplementing sows with ATS and/or AA did not influence significantly the birth weight, weaning weight and litter size at weaning (p>0.05). Although piglet survival rate was not affected significantly by supplementation, however, piglet mortality rate was lowest in ATS-AA than any other groups. It was concluded that supplementation of ATS and/or AA to sows during late gestating and early lactating period ameliorated oxidative stress, improved lipid profile and serum IgG level without influencing reproductive performance.

Prospective evaluation of the diagnostic potential of LipL32 based latex agglutination test for Bovine leptospirosis

The Livestock Sector of India plays an important role in livelihood security and socioeconomic development of rural households. Leptospirosis is an important zoonotic disease responsible for septicaemia, interstitial nephritis, jaundice, abortion, reproductive problem in most of the animal species. Reproductive disturbances in bovine population is most often restricted to investigation of brucellosis, however apart from brucellosis, there are many undiagnosed diseases like leptospirosis that takes a toll in the reproductive anomalies of cattle and buffalo. Hence, the present study was elucidated to screen the seroprevalence of Leptospira in cattle and buffalo in various hamlets of North India using a user friendly screening test i.e. LipL32 latex agglutination test. The overall seropositivity was found to be 26.01% (230/884) in case of bovine in this study and the LipL32 LAT showed a profound sensitivity and specificity with level of 94.97% and 99.53% respectively.

Differential expression of cytokines in PBMC of Bos indicus and Bos taurus × Bos indicus cattle due to Brucella abortus S19 antigen

Brucellosis is the most dreadful disease among bovines, although breed differences have been observed in prevalence of disease, worldwide. In present study, antibody response and relative expression of proinflammatory cytokines was compared in Bos indicus (zebu) and Bos taurus × Bos indicus (crossbred) cattle vaccinated by live attenuated Brucella abortus S19 antigen. Six female calves (4-6 months age) of both groups were vaccinated with B.abortus S19 strain. Blood samples were collected before vaccination (0d) and 7^th (7d), 14^th (14d) and 28^th (28d) days after vaccination. Indirect ELISA showed high (p < .05) anti-Brucella antibody level after vaccination; with no significant difference between the groups. During Real-time expression, IFNγ, TNFα, IL6 and IL10 genes initially showed down regulation followed by upregulation in both the groups; however, the trend was much prominent in crossbreds. The expressions of IFNγ, TNFα and IL6, proinflammatory molecules important for initial containment of the Brucella were significantly (p < .01) higher in crossbred. The study showed that the Sahiwal cattle were less responsive to B.abortus S19 antigen than crossbreds, indicating its lower sensitivity to the Brucella, comparatively. In contrary, higher expression of the proinflammatory molecules in crossbreds could be important for containment of the organism during initial stage of infection.

Rapid Veterinary Diagnosis of Bovine Reproductive Infectious Diseases from Semen Using Paper-Origami DNA Microfluidics

The health and well-being of cattle is an important issue in maintaining and increasing global agricultural output. In dairy production within low and middle income countries (LMICs), there is a significant biosensing challenge in detecting sexually transmitted infection (STI) pathogens during animal husbandry, due in part to difficulties associated with the limited infrastructure for veterinary medicine. Here we demonstrate low-cost, multiplexed, and sample-to-answer paper-origami tests for the detection of three bovine infectious reproductive diseases in semen samples, collected at a test site in rural India. Pathogen DNA from one viral pathogen, bovine herpes virus-1 (BoHV-1), and two bacteria (Brucella and Leptospira) was extracted, amplified (using loop-mediated isothermal amplification, LAMP), and detected fluorescently, enabling <1 pg (∼ from 115 to 274 copies per reaction) of target genomic DNA to be measured. Data was collected as a fluorescence signal either visually, using a low-cost hand-held torch, or digitally with a mobile-phone camera. Limits of detection and sensitivities of the paper-origami device for the three pathogens were also evaluated using pathogen-inoculated semen samples and were as few as 50 Leptospira organisms, 50 CFU Brucella, and 1 TCID₅₀ BoHV-1. Semen samples from elite bulls at a germplasm center were also tested in double-blind tests, as a demonstrator for a low-cost, user-friendly point-of-care sensing platform, for in-the-field resource-limited regions. The sensors showed excellent levels of sensitivity and specificity, and for the first time a demonstrated ability of the application of paper microfluidics devices for the diagnosis multiple infectious diseases from semen samples.

Visual detection of Brucella in bovine biological samples using DNA-activated gold nanoparticles

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease, which, although affecting cattle primarily, has been associated with human infections, making its detection an important challenge. The existing gold standard diagnosis relies on the culture of bacteria which is a lengthy and costly process, taking up to 45 days. New technologies based on molecular diagnosis have been proposed, either through dip-stick, immunological assays, which have limited specificity, or using nucleic acid tests, which enable to identify the pathogen, but are impractical for use in the field, where most of the reservoir cases are located. Here we demonstrate a new test based on hybridization assays with metal nanoparticles, which, upon detection of a specific pathogen-derived DNA sequence, yield a visual colour change. We characterise the components used in the assay with a range of analytical techniques and show sensitivities down to 1000 cfu/ml for the detection of Brucella. Finally, we demonstrate that the assay works in a range of bovine samples including semen, milk and urine, opening up the potential for its use in the field, in low-resource settings.

AN EVALUATION OF ELISA USING RECOMBINANT P17 ANTIGEN FOR CATTLE BRUCELLOSIS

Brucellae are Gram-negative cocccobacilli, facultative intracellular bacterial pathogens of both humans and animals. Brucellosis is an important disease that is difficult to diagnose and treat that causes heavy economic losses and human suffering. Diagnosis of brucellosis plays a vital role for control and prevention of the disease. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) based Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) shows false positivity due to cross-reactivity with other gram-negative bacteria LPS. The present investigation was undertaken to assess the diagnostic potential of the recombinant P17 protein of Brucella. P17 gene of Brucella abortus (B. abortus) was amplified, cloned and subcloned into pQE 30 vector yielding high levels of protein expression. The purified recombinant P17 (rP17) protein was used to develop an indirect ELISA (i-ELISA) test for brucellosis. The rP17-ELISA was compared with RBPT (Rose Bengal Precipitation Test) and LPS-ELISA using 530 cattle sera. The concordance percentage and kappa statistics of P17-ELISA is greater in compression with LPS-ELISA. Relative sensitivity and relative specificity of P17-ELISA shows a positive trend with RBPT. The data suggest that P17-ELISA can be a useful method for Brucella diagnosis and recombinant P17 protein is a potential antigen for diagnosis of cattle brucellosis.

Visual Detection of Brucella spp. in Spiked Bovine Semen Using Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Assay

Several pathogens including Brucella spp. are shed in semen of infected bulls and can be transmitted to cows through contaminated semen during artificial insemination. The present study reports omp2a and bcsp31 gene based loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays for detection of Brucella genomic DNA in semen from infected bulls. The positive results could be interpreted visually by change in colour of reaction mixture containing hydroxyl naphthol blue (HNB) dye from violet to sky blue. LAMP assays based on omp2a and bcsp31 could detect as little as 10 and 100 fg of B. abortus S19 genomic DNA, respectively. Sensitivity of omp2a and bcsp31 LAMP assays for direct detection of organisms in bovine semen was 2.28 × 10(1) CFU and 2.28 × 10(2) CFU of B. abortus S19 in spiked bovine semen, respectively. The omp2a LAMP assay was found equally sensitive to TaqMan probe based real-time PCR and 100 times more sensitive than conventional PCR in identifying Brucella in spiked semen. The diagnostic applicability of the omp2a LAMP assay was evaluated with seventy-nine bovine semen samples and results were re-evaluated through TaqMan probe based real-time PCR and conventional PCR. Taken together, the omp2a LAMP assay is easy to perform, rapid and sensitive in diagnosis of Brucella spp. in bovine semen.

Creep and flow of glasses: strain response linked to the spatial distribution of dynamical heterogeneities

Mechanical properties are of central importance to materials sciences, in particular if they depend on external stimuli. Here we investigate the rheological response of amorphous solids, namely colloidal glasses, to external forces. Using confocal microscopy and computer simulations, we establish a quantitative link between the macroscopic creep response and the microscopic single-particle dynamics. We observe dynamical heterogeneities, namely regions of enhanced mobility, which remain localized in the creep regime, but grow for applied stresses leading to steady flow. These different behaviors are also reflected in the average particle dynamics, quantified by the mean squared displacement of the individual particles, and the fraction of active regions. Both microscopic quantities are found to be proportional to the macroscopic strain, despite the non-equilibrium and non-linear conditions during creep and the transient regime prior to steady flow.

Zweikernige Komplexe des Molybdan(III): Die Kristallstruktur von μ-Bromo-μ-hydroxo-bis- [bromo(1,4,7-triazacyclononan)molybdan(III)]dibromid · Tetrahvdrat Dinuclear / Complexes of Molybdenum(III): The Crystal Structure of μ-Bromo-μ-hydroxo-bis- [bromo(1 ,4,7-triazacyclononane)molybdenum(III)]dibromide · tetrahydrate

The syntheses of two binuclear complexes of molybdenum(III) is reported. The oxidation of LMo(CO)3 (L = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane, C6Hi5N3) with bromine in chloroform (0.75% ethanol) yields the monomeric complex [MovLOBr2](Br3) (μeff(298 K) = 1.61 μB). Reduction of this species in aqueous solution with Zn under an argon atmosphere at 25 °C affords - upon addition of NaBr - green crystals of [Mo2L2(μ-OH)(μ-Br)Br2]Br2 · 4H2O. The reduction at elevated temperatures yields green crystals of [Mo2L2(μ-OH)2Br2]Br2 ·2 H2O. Both complexes exhibit antiferromagnetic behaviour. The crystal structure of [Mo2L2(μ-OH)(μ-Br)Br2]Br2 · 4 H2O con­sists of dinuclcar cations, bromide ions and water of crystallization. It crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 with cell constants a = 821.3(3). b = 837.7(2), c = 1008.1(3) pm, α = 103.63(2)°, β = 98.92(2)°, γ = 79.54(2)° and Z = 1. The two Mo(III)-centers are in a distorted octahedral environment of the tridentate amine, a terminal bromo-ligand and one hydroxo- and one bromide bridging ligand (edge sharing). The short Mo-Mo distance of 255.8(3) pm indicates strong metal- metal bonding.

Screening obesity by direct and derived anthropometric indices with evaluation of physical efficiency among female college students of kolkata

BACKGROUND

The available information regarding the obesity pattern of the undergraduate female students of Kolkata is inadequate, though there are several reports which indicate the complications and/or awful consequences of obesity on female health particularly, during the reproductive years.

AIM

The present investigation has thus been carried out to report their present physiological status along with the prevalence of obesity, based on their body mass index (BMI), some direct and derived anthropometric indices, and physical fitness.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This small-scale cross-sectional study conducted in randomly selected 100 female students of different colleges of Kolkata with the age of 18-22 [mean age 20.4 (2.3)] years. Measurements of body composition included total 24 variables, with thirteen direct and eleven derived anthropometric variables; while physical efficiency parameters were physical fitness index, VO2max, energy expenditure and anaerobic power. The data of the experimental group were compared with those of the control group by t-test, using SPSS v.15.0 and MS-Excel v.2013.

RESULTS

Analysis of collected data showed majority of the students have normal range of BMI (67.95%), but, 21.95% of students found to be overweight and 3.84% are obese. They also showed higher fat mass [14.40 (4.11)], but, lower waist-to-hip ratio and conicity index. They were found to have poor to moderate physical fitness [57.60 (3.90)] and higher energy expenditure [5.61 (0.72)].

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present obesity screening reports almost one of four female students (24 out of 100 participants) are overweight/obese, indicated higher body fat distribution and increased propensity of being obese with age. Thus, the overall data along with their low physical fitness points out to health risks among female undergraduates of Kolkata.

A Triangular Iron(III) Complex Potentially Relevant to Iron(III)-Binding Sites in Ferreascidin

An asymmetric triangular Fe(III) complex has been synthesized by an unusual Fe(II) -promoted activation of salicylaldoxime. Formation of the ligand 2-(bis(salicylideneamino)methyl)phenol in situ is believed to occur through the reductive deoximation of salicylaldoxime by ferrous ions. The trinuclear ferric complex has been characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, IR, variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility, and EPR and Mössbauer spectroscopies. The molecular structure established by X-ray diffraction consists of a trinuclear structure with a [Fe3 (μ3 -O)(μ2 -OPh)](6+) core. Two iron ions are in a distorted octahedral environment having FeN2 O4 coordination spheres, and the five-coordinated third iron ion, with an FeNO4 coordination sphere, is in a trigonal bipyramidal environment. The magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed an St = 5/2 ground state with the antiparallel exchange interactions J = - 34.3 cm(-1) , J' = - 4.7 cm(-1) , and D = - 0.90 cm(-1) . The EPR results are consistent with a ground state of S = 5/2 together with a negative D5/2 value. The Mössbauer isomer shifts together with the quadrupole splitting also provide evidence for the high-spin state of the three ferric sites. Magnetic Mössbauer spectra lead to the conclusion that the internal magnetic fields possibly lie in the plane of the three ferric ions.

Survey of pyrethroids resistance in Indian isolates of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus: identification of C190A mutation in the domain II of the para-sodium channel gene

Monitoring acaricide resistance and understanding the underlying mechanisms are critically important in developing strategies for resistance management and tick control. Eighteen isolates of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus collected from four agro-climatic regions of India were characterized and the resistant data were correlated with bioassay results, esterase enzyme activities and with the presence/absence of point mutation in the para-sodium channel gene. The adult immersion test was standardized to assess the level of resistance and resistant factors (RF) in the range of 1.2-95.7 were detected. Out of eighteen isolates, three were categorized as susceptible (RF<1.4), five isolates at level I (RF=1.5-<5), eight at level II (RF=5.1-<25), and one isolate each at level III (RF=26-<40) and level IV (RF=>41). The esterase enzyme ratio and survival% of tick isolates was observed significantly (p<0.001) correlated with correlation coefficient (r) in α- and β-esterase activity. The correlation of determination (R(2)) for α- and β-esterase activity indicated that 73.3% and 55.3% data points of field isolates were very close to the correlation lines. For detection of point mutation, three sites (mutation in domain IIS6, T2134A mutation in domain IIIS6 and C190A mutation in domain IIS4-5 linker) of sodium channel gene were amplified and sequenced. Comparative sequence analysis identified a cytosine (C) to adenine (A) nucleotide substitution (CTC to ATC) at position 190 in domain II S4-5 linker region of para-sodium channel gene in six isolates and in reference deltamethrin resistant IVRI-IV line. The occurrence of mutation in the tick isolates having high resistance factor suggested that target site insensitivity and enhanced esterase activity is the possible mechanism of resistance to deltamethrin in the Indian isolates of R. (B.) microplus. These results also concluded that the mutation site in Indian tick isolates is similar to Australian and Brazilian tick isolates while it is different in tick isolates from Mexico and North America. This is the first report of occurrence of mutation in para-sodium channel gene of deltamethrin resistant Indian isolates of R. (B.) microplus.

Comparative efficacy of rHaa86 and rBm86 against Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus

Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus are the most economically important tick species in India and other tropical and subtropical regions of the world and transmit pathogens causing animal and human diseases. We demonstrated that vaccination of animal by rHaa86 could be used for the control of both H. a. anatolicum and R. (B.) microplus infestations. By comparing the efficacy of rHaa86 and rBm86, it was observed that vaccine based on rHaa86 will be more effective in controlling homologous challenge infestations (68·7% against larvae and 45·8% against adults). The results of this trial demonstrated that species-specific antigens are the better choice for vaccine development and could serve as an effective tool for the integrated control of H. a. anatolicum.

Co-immunization with interlukin-18 enhances the protective efficacy of liposomes encapsulated recombinant Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase protein against Brucella abortus

Brucellosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease caused by Brucella abortus and a number of closely related species. Brucellosis has severe impact on the health and economic prosperity of the developing countries due to the persistent nature of infection and unavailability of effective control measures. The Cu-Zn superoxide dismuatse (SOD) protein of Brucella have been extensively studied as a major antigen involved in bacterial evading mechanism of host defence. Being a critical pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-18 (IL-18) plays key role in induction of immune mediated protection against intracellular pathogens. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the immunogenic potential of fusogenic liposomes (escheriosomes) encapsulated recombinant Cu-Zn SOD (rSOD) protein alone or in combination with recombinant IL-18 (rIL-18). Escheriosomes encapsulated rSOD mediated immune responses were further increased upon co-immunization with rIL-18. Furthermore, immunization with escheriosomes encapsulated rSOD alone or in combination with rIL-18, increased resistance in mice against challenge with B. abortus 544.

Diazinon resistant status in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus collected from different agro-climatic regions of India

The resistance status of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus to "Diazinon" was evaluated in 20 locations situated at various agro-climatic regions of India. Adult immersion test (AIT) was optimized using laboratory reared acaricide susceptible IVRI-I strain of R. (B.) microplus and minimum effective concentration of Diazinon was determined as 635.2 ppm. The discriminating dose (DD) was worked out as 1270.4 ppm and was tested on female ticks collected from organized and unorganized farms located at different agro-climatic regions of India. On the basis of the data generated on three variables viz., mortality, egg masses and reproductive index, the resistance level was categorized as I, II, III and IV. The average resistance factor (RF) of 6.1 (level II) was recorded in the ticks collected from the northern sub-temperate trans-gangetic plains while high average RF values of 26.65 (level III) was recorded in the ticks collected from tropical middle-gangetic plains. The tropical middle gangetic plain has a very high density of animal populations where farmers use Diazinon for tick control, for agricultural practices and for mosquito control. Due to the continuous use of OP compounds the environmental load of Diazinon has become high in the area. This is the first experimental data generated on Diazinon resistant status in ticks of India.