Al-Qadisiyah Journal of Veterinary Medicine Sciences

Abstract Visceral leishmaniasis is common in certain areas. The liver and spleen are affected by this illness caused by the Leishmania donovani parasite in humans and animals. This research aimed to develop a new SLA-based liposome vaccination. The purpose is unclear. Improved illness detection and treatment. SLA antigen was encapsulated in a positively charged liposome for vaccine formulation. Stability and immune cell interaction are promoted by egg lecithin, cholesterol, and stearylamine. The vaccine was well-prepared and targeted the antigen, according to testing. A test showed a concentration of 2.1 ± 0.3 mg/min for SLA antigen. The SLA-containing liposome particles were of outstanding size, measuring around 245 ± 10 nm. Particle sizes were consistent with a dispersion value of 0.21 ± 0.05. The zeta-potential investigation found 61.16 mV more positive charge than empty liposomes. Improved cellular absorption and stability should boost immunization efficacy. FTIR and XRD studies revealed that the liposomes contained the SLA antigen, indicating that the loading technique was effective and did not modify the liposomes. Before exposing mice to harmful compounds, their immune reaction has to be assessed. The liposome-SLA group had a stronger antigen-specific IgG response than the SLA-only or empty liposome groups. It seems that liposomes boosted the immunological response. The SL1 group's final count was 1/160, double the S2 group's 1/80. Since it was their first encounter to the virus, the unimmunized group exhibited the greatest antibody response. Even at 1/320 concentrations, the SL1 group had robust and sustained reactions with higher values. This consistent outcome shows that the liposome-SLA vaccination prepares the immune system to respond promptly to the illness. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) vaccination, apparently.

Abstract The aim of this study conducted in Al- Diwaniyah province, in Iraq during the period from September 2023 to March 2024 was to determine seroprevalence  of Toxoplasma gondii infection in camels with study the effect of some epidemiological factors such as sex, age and months on the rate of infection  using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine the IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii infection   and molecular identification of these parasites.One hundred and forty blood and tissue samples were collected   from camels from the slaughter of the Al-Diwaniyah province. The results of total serological prevalence showed that 72 (51.42%) of the camels were infected. There was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) in the prevalence between age groups of camels that showed that the positive rate in >5-10 age group was highest (61.53%). Statistical analysis of the data showed that there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in overall prevalence of camel's infection between sex. In the present study, significant difference (P<0.05) was recorded between infection rate during the months of the study and higher prevalence of infection rate was observed in February (90%) and January (75%), while lowest infection rate was observed in October (15% (While Molecular result was 39.28 % out of 140 camels tissue samples.

Abstract This study aims to determine the SAT-2 serotype causing FMD outbreak in buffalo in Wassit and Dhi-Qar governorates, Iraq. This was done by clinical and serological methods. ELISA technology, which measures antibody levels in buffalo serum samples. 92 blood samples were collected from infected buffalo for antibody screening against FMDV serotype SAT-2 in infected animals which develop antibodies against the non-structural proteins (NSP) of the virus. Affected animals showed various clinical signs, such as fever, decreased appetite, mouth and foot vesicles, and lameness. According to the results of serological tests, the infection rate reached 85/92 positive samples (92.39%). The results showed, Age and sexspecific investigations of FMDV seropositivity did not reveal any statistically significant differences. The age groups (6-18 months and 18-36 months) had lowest infection rate (91.42%) and (92%) respectively, where as the age group 36 months, had highest rate of infection at (93.75%). Also, the results revealed, the seroprevalence rates infection for males were (90.6%), which had lowest than females (93.33%). This study, confirms a widespread outbreak of FMD caused by the SAT2 serotype in buffalo populations across the Wassit and Dhi-Qar governorates of Iraq. The study's findings may offer helpful information about how FMD protection measures are established and carried out in Iraq.

Abstract This study assesses the levels of aflatoxin B1 contamination in broiler feed samples that were taken from farms in the Duhok Governorate between January 2020 and August 2022. An ELISA technique used to evaluate 213 feed samples in total. The data indicated a significant increase in aflatoxin B1 contamination, with 22 samples (10.32%) testing negative and 191 samples (89.67%) testing positive. Every year from 2020 to 2022, the proportion of samples that tested positive for contamination increased, going from 76.36% in 2020 to 91.50% in 2021 and 100% in 2022. The concentration of aflatoxin B1 also showed an increased trend, with mean values of 5.351 ppb in 2020 and 6.338 ppb in 2022. Descriptive statistics indicated considerable variability in aflatoxin levels, with the highest mean observed in 2022. ANOVA results confirmed statistically significant differences between years (F-value = 4.36, p-value = 0.014), highlighting a concerning escalation in contamination levels. This rise emphasizes the need for improved management and monitoring techniques to reduce aflatoxin exposure. The results are consistent with prior research showing elevated levels of contamination brought on by environmental factors and feed management techniques. The research highlights the significance of enforcing more stringent quality control protocols to guarantee feed safety and safeguard the well-being of chickens.

Abstract Leishmaniasis is a major mosquito-borne disease due to protozoa of Leishmania genus which spread by sand flies' bites. This study was conducted to detect Leishmaniasis in domestic and stray cats by using serological test (Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay -ELISA) and to determine the effects of sex, age and months on the infection rate in Al-Qadisiyah Province. A total of 142 samples were collected during the period from the first of July to the end of December/ 2024. Leishmaniasis IgG antibodies were detected rate 20.42% (29/142) of the cats by indirect ELISA. High infection rate was recorded in stray cats 28.37% (21/73), compared to domestic cats 11.76% (8/68), with significant difference at P<0.05. the prevalence rate was in males 23.28% (17/73) and in females 17.39% (12/69) without significant difference at P≥0.05. Moreover, the highest infection rate in domestic cats was observed in the adult was 15.55% (7/45) while the lowest in kittens 4.34% (1/23), without significant difference at P<0.05. The prevalence was altered during various months studied where the highest and lowest rate was recorded (34.61%) and (4.54%) in September and July respectively, without significant difference at P≥0.05. For the first time, Leishmaniasis was recorded to infected stray and domestic cats in Iraq

Abstract Hydatid disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus is an important zoonotic disease for livestock health and economy in endemic areas such as Iraq. The study aimed at molecularly isolating E. granulosus from sheep and goats and use cytokine biomarkers to determine patterns of immune responses in infected hosts. There were 150 liver samples from sheep (n=75) and goats (n=75) from an abattoir located in Al-Diwaniyah city, Iraq. The 18S rRNA gene was amplified by PCR. PCR products were sequenced, and the phylogenetic analyses were done to establish genetic variation and evolutionary relationships. For biomarker analysis, the cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 were measured with ELISA. The results verified the presence of E. granulosus in all the infected samples. Phylogenetic analysis identified genetic sub-groups within local isolates and regional genetic diversity. Cytokine measurements indicated significantly high IL-10 levels in the animals, especially those with more severe infections, which indicates an anti-inflammatory response. IL-4, by contrast, was variable based on host immune modulation. It explains in detail the molecular and immunological nature of E. granulosus disease in sheep and goats. This combination of phylogenetic and biomarker profiling makes region-specific diagnosis and immune test critical. These discoveries will lead to better diagnostic and management methods for hydatid disease in endemic areas for improved veterinary medicine and economic sustainability.

Abstract The feed and light restriction programs are two of the main growth curves that influence methods for improving productivity in broiler chickens. However, when birds are fed unlimited amounts, their rapid growth rate is accompanied by body fat accumulation, mortality, and a high frequency of metabolic problems that also weaken their immune system. The current research studied the effects of feeding and light restrictions on broiler productivity, humoral immunity (IgG), and histological changes in the liver, spleen, kidney, and intestine of Ross 308 broilers. The experiment involved 110 broiler chicks (divided into four groups, each with 25 chicks) with the following conditions: G1 served as a negative control group since they were not subject to restrictions or vaccination. G2: served as a positive control and received vaccination without any restriction. G3: Chicks were under feeding restriction for one hour every three hours. G4: Chicks were under light restriction for one hour every three hours. The chicks were vaccinated against Newcastle disease, influenza and Gumboro disease. Feed restriction was far superior to light restriction in terms of increasing growth performance and the immunological response to vaccination in broiler chickens. Compared to the first group, the fourth and second groups exhibited the highest pathological abnormalities in the liver, spleen, kidney, and intestine. Feeding limits of one hour every three hours improve the immune response and enhance broiler performance.

Abstract  Gammacoronavirus, which causes avian infectious bronchitis (IB), is characterized by respiratory and urogenital disease and causes substantial financial loss in both layers and broiler chickens. In order to determine the prevalence of antibodies against the infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in immunized birds that showed respiratory signs as well as to evaluate the pathological changes in the trachea and lung, this preliminary study was carried out. The current work is designed to evaluate the presence of humoral immunity against IBV among six vaccinated broiler flocks in Nineveh governorate suffering from respiratory signs. At the same time, clinical signs, necropsy lesions, and histopathological findings were studied. Six pooled tracheal (T) samples and six pooled kidney (K) samples from six flocks were collected for rapid testing. On the other hand, 138 serum samples were collected to investigate the level of IBV antibodies using the indirect ELISA® test. The results of the IBV antigen rapid detection test from suspected field samples revealed that 83.3% of tracheal samples were positive, while positive kidney samples showed 66.6%. With respect to the ELISA results, they show the highest titer of 12910 and the lowest titer of 6379, with a titer mean of 9471.5. Considering the overall picture of the health status, all flocks display pathological changes. This study demonstrates that the detection of Ab titers against IBV can be successfully used for the early and rapid screening of IBV in vaccinated or infected flocks. However, due to a lack of vaccine specificity against endemic strains of IBV in Iraq, IBV infection has persisted as a challenge on chicken farms.