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Papers by Masoud Haghkhah

TURKISH JOURNAL OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES, 2017

Introduction Escherichia coli O157 and other enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) are a worldwide thr... more Introduction Escherichia coli O157 and other enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) are a worldwide threat to public health (1). Mostly in developed countries, E. coli O157 has been recognized as a cause of serious clinical symptoms such as hemorrhagic colitis (HC) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) characterized by thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, and nephropathy (2). Cattle are the primary reservoir and asymptomatic carriers of E. coli O157. The bacteria were spread via cattle faces (3). Most outbreaks of EHEC infections have been associated with the consumption of uncooked meat and meat products, unpasteurized dairy products, and feces-contaminated vegetables and water (2-4). E. coli O157, a member of EHEC, has important virulence factors such as shiga toxins (stx1 and stx2), enterohemolysin (hlyA), and intimin (eaeA). Shiga toxinproducing E. coli (STEC) can cause HC and HUS (5,6) due to the inhibiting protein synthesis, eukaryotic cell injury, and death (7). Intimin, encoded by the eaeA gene, is able to adhere to intestinal mucosa and cause intestinal lesions (5,7). In addition, enterohemolysin, encoded by hlyA, leads to lysis of the erythrocytes, which may contribute to the iron intake of the bacterium to live in the intestine (4). The frequency of antimicrobial resistance in foodborne pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella spp., and Campylobacter spp. has recently increased. The misuse of antimicrobial agents for farming and therapeutic purpose in animals and humans is the main cause of transmission of antibiotic-resistant strains, which are very difficult to treat with commonly used antibiotics, to humans via the food supply (8). The aim of this study was to investigate the potential risk of public health by determining the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 and identifying the virulence genes from The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of E. coli O157 and to identify virulence genes and also to determine the antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates in different poultry-originated materials.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2009

A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2006 in dairy herds in Fars province, ... more A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2006 in dairy herds in Fars province, southern Iran to determine the herd-level risk factors for infection with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). Statistical analysis using multivariable logistic regression showed that contamination of udders of periparturient cows with manure (OR= 6.4, P=0.02) and history of having suspected cases of Johne's disease in the herd (OR=6.7, P=0.04) were significantly associated with the herd infection status. No relationship between breed, herd size and other management practices with the infection status of the herd were found in this study. Implementing high sanitary measures in the farm, particularly with respect to manure handling and cleaning could be considered as one of the important aspects in controlling disease in the region as well as in the future educational effort.

Heliyon

Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic bacterium which is carried as a normal flora organism b... more Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic bacterium which is carried as a normal flora organism but has a major role in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of different staphylococcal infections in humans and animals. Fifty S. aureus isolated from banknotes, foods, human infections and bovine mastitis were subjected to DNA fingerprinting by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis to examine their genotypic polymorphism and investigate the amount of genetic relatedness among these various isolates. At 100% RAPD profile similarity level, isolates were classified into four, five and seven groups of the same clone, according to the RAPDPCR with OLP6, OLP11 and OLP13 primers, respectively. Amplification of the isolates resulted in several polymorphic bands ranged from >50 to >1500 bp in size. Maximum number of bands was obtained by primer OLP13 which produced seven bands in bovine mastitis isolates. Most polymorphisms were observed in isolates of bovine mastitis and the lowest were associated with human infections isolates. There was no relationship between the RAPD patterns and the sources of isolates, except the three clusters which showed host specificity and only included the strains from the same sources. The results confirm the wide genotypic diversity of the studied S. aureus strains. RAPD-PCR technique can be a valuable tool for assessing the genetic relationship, detection of polymorphism in S. aureus and tracing the sources and management of S. aureus infections.

The Journal of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences

Background Mycobacterium bovis is the main cause of tuberculosis in cattle. The most commonly use... more Background Mycobacterium bovis is the main cause of tuberculosis in cattle. The most commonly used method to identify bovis-infected cattle is tuberculin test. Objective The present study aimed to investigate the population structure of Mycobacterium bovis in infected cattle farms of Shiraz City in Iran. Methods In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 50 pathological samples from tuberculin-positive cattle that were collected from two abattoirs were cultured on glycerinated and pyruvated Lowenstein-Jensen media. Genomic material from culture-positive slopes was extracted and used in polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-16S rRNA, PCR-IS6110, and PCR-regions of difference (RD) typing. All the M. bovis isolates were then digested by PvuII restriction enzyme and genotyped by polymorphic guanine/cytosine-rich repetitive sequences (PGRS)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique. Findings In bacterial culture, 13 (26%) of samples had living mycobacteria where PCR test results revealed their identity as Mycobacterium bovis. Genotype profiling by RFLP-PGRS method displayed two patterns with 10 isolates shared a single profile identical to that of M. bovis bacillus calmette-guerin (BCG) strain (1173 P2) and three isolated with a different genotype. Conclusion Higher prevalence of BCG-like M. bovis (as a typical characteristic of Iranian M. bovis population) in cattle farms of Shiraz City was expected. This may indicate the local evolution of new M. bovis strains in the region or the infiltration of such strains through cattle farming activities.

Gut Pathogens

Background: Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is a causative agent of Johne's dis... more Background: Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is a causative agent of Johne's disease in all ruminants worldwide. Economic problems in dairy cattle and sheep industries, public health concern, persistence of MAP in the environment and lack of effective vaccines mentioned necessity of research about various antigens to introduce as vaccine candidates. Based on MAP pathogenesis, it seems that research about the production of new recombinant proteins to stimulate cell-mediated immunity is helpful. This study describes successful expression and purification of a chimeric fusion protein which consists of Heparin-Binding Hemagglutinin Adhesin (HBHA) and high antigenic region of Fibronectin Attachment Protein (FAP-P). Triggered antigen-specific IFN-γ response of isolated PBMCs from immunized goats to rHBHA-FAP and all crude proteins of MAP (PPD), was measured by ELISA. Results: Significant increases were observed in the IFN-γ production level of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated by constructed chimeric protein from rHBHA-FAP and PPD vaccinated goats. Antigen-specific gamma interferon (IFN-γ) secretion in positive group (immunized by PPD) against rHBHA-FAP and test group (immunized by rHBHA-FAP) against PPD, also statistically insignificant rises between stimulation with rHBHA-FAP and PPD, suggested the potential and specificity of our chimeric protein to stimulate cell mediated immunity against MAP. Conclusions: Collectively, these results demonstrate that rHBHA-FAP elicits a strong IFN-γ production in PBMC culture. Therefore, further studies of the present product as a candidate vaccine in naturally infected animals should be conducted, to analyze its potential.

BMC Veterinary Research

Paratuberculosis, a chronic disease affecting ruminant livestock, is caused by Mycobacterium aviu... more Paratuberculosis, a chronic disease affecting ruminant livestock, is caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). It has direct and indirect economic costs, impacts animal welfare and arouses public health concerns. In a survey of 48 countries we found paratuberculosis to be very common in livestock. In about half the countries more than 20% of herds and flocks were infected with MAP. Most countries had large ruminant populations (millions), several types of farmed ruminants, multiple husbandry systems and tens of thousands of individual farms, creating challenges for disease control. In addition, numerous species of free-living wildlife were infected. Paratuberculosis was notifiable in most countries, but formal control programs were present in only 22 countries. Generally, these were the more highly developed countries with advanced veterinary services. Of the countries without a formal control program for paratuberculosis, 76% were in South and Central America, Asia and Africa while 20% were in Europe. Control programs were justified most commonly on animal health grounds, but protecting market access and public health were other factors. Prevalence reduction was the major objective in most countries, but Norway and Sweden aimed to eradicate the disease, so surveillance and response were their major objectives. Government funding was involved in about two thirds of countries, but operations tended to be funded by farmers and their organizations and not by government alone. The majority of countries (60%) had voluntary control programs. Generally, programs were supported by incentives for joining, financial compensation and/or penalties for non-participation. Performance indicators, structure, leadership, practices and tools used in control programs are also presented. Securing funding for long-term control activities was a widespread problem.

The aim of this study was to determine the uterine bacteria in cows with endometritis and to comp... more The aim of this study was to determine the uterine bacteria in cows with endometritis and to compare other characteristics in cases of endometritis without bacterial growth, with

Veterinary research forum : an international quarterly journal, 2015

Paratuberculosis (John's disease) is infectious and chronically progressive granulomatous dis... more Paratuberculosis (John's disease) is infectious and chronically progressive granulomatous disease which affects domestic and wild ruminants. The causative agent is Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP), a slow growing mycobactin dependent acid-fast bacillus. We investigated the detection and frequency of MAP in apparently healthy dromedary and Bactrian camels by insertion sequence 900 (IS900) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and acid fast staining of fecal samples in Iran. Acid fast staining results showed that 6/50 (12.0%) samples of dromedary camels and 4/26 (15.3%) samples of Bactrian camels were suspected to MAP. Although the percentage of positivity for PCR assay of fecal dromedary camel was 8.0%, no bands corresponding to MAP detect in all samples of Bactrian camels. In conclusion, Although the incidence of MAP infection was low, further studies should be conducted to get more information on MAP infection in camel population, especially in areas where camels are close ...

It is extremely important to investigate the presence of Brucella melitensis as a nonspecific and... more It is extremely important to investigate the presence of Brucella melitensis as a nonspecific and heterogeneous agent in dairy cows in Iran due to mixed populations of sheep, goats, and cattle. B. melitensis from infected sheep or goat herds may be introduced into the cattle population in this area. Hence, it is essential to obtain epidemiological data on the probable existence of B. melitensis as a different source of the infection or new exotic Brucella phenotypes development in dairy cow herds in Iran. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of B. melitensis infection in cows, using both traditional bacteriological tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay. Traditional biotyping and PCR results of 42 Brucella spp. isolates from Tehran and Fars (northern and southern) provinces of Iran identified five (11.9%) and 37 (88.1%) as B. melitensis (four biovar 1 and one biovar 2) and 37 (88.1%) Brucella abortus biovar 3. This study demonstrated that B. melitensis infection in dairy cows of Iran is still present at a low level. However, the Iranian Veterinary Organization should be careful to have dairy cow herds free of B. melitensis infection as a nonspecific agent of brucellosis, since this type of brucellosis may be extended and act as a potential source of severe infection in humans.

Theriogenology Insight - An International Journal of Reproduction in all Animals, 2015

International Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics, 2015

Veterinary Record, 2009

BRUCELLOSIS is endemic in Iran; Brucella abortus biovar 3 and Brucella melitensis biovar 1 are th... more BRUCELLOSIS is endemic in Iran; Brucella abortus biovar 3 and Brucella melitensis biovar 1 are the most frequently isolated strains (Zowghi and Ebadi 1982, Sharifi Yazdi and others 2008). B abortus strain RB51 was developed for use in vaccines to protect cattle against brucellosis (Schurig and others 1991, Cheville and others 1996, Lord and others 1998). RB51 is an attenuated rough organism that lacks the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O chain. This allows repeated use of the strain as a live vaccine without inducing antibodies that would ...

Comparative Clinical Pathology, 2013

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2012

There are inconsistent results for the association of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratubercul... more There are inconsistent results for the association of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection with production and reproduction in dairy cows. Determination of these associations in each region is essential to encourage participation of dairy cattle producers in disease control programs. This study was conducted in Shiraz, southern Iran, to quantify the association of subclinical MAP infection with 305-day milk production and calving interval in Iranian Holsteins. A total of 21 dairy herds were selected for the study and in each herd, quarter milk samples were collected from ten to 12 dairy cows for PCR analysis. Data about parity, calving interval, length of lactation period, total milk production and 305-day milk production were also provided for each animal. Overall, 252 individual milk samples were collected. Herd- and individual-level prevalence of MAP infection were 23.8% (95% CI, 6.2-41.4%) and 3.2% (95% CI, 1.3-5.1%), respectively based on IS900 nested PCR. The results for 305-day milk production revealed a 248 kg reduction in positive cows compared with negative ones (P = 0.009). When cows from positive herds were compared with cows from negative herds, a 335-kg reduction in 305-day milk production (P = 0.005) and a 30-day increase in calving interval (P = 0.057) were observed in the former group. These findings support the previous results that paratuberculosis infection is negatively associated with the performance of the animals.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2012

Comparative Haematology International, 2010

Mastitis is one of the most common diseases in dairy cattle and results in considerable loss of a... more Mastitis is one of the most common diseases in dairy cattle and results in considerable loss of animals. This study was designed to evaluate milk haptoglobin (Hp) and milk amyloid A (MAA) as an inflammatory indicator for clinical and subclinical mastitis of cattle in dairy farms in Shiraz, Iran. Forty-three subclinical mastitic cows with a positive California Mastitis Test (CMT) and no clinical signs of mastitis, 28 clinical mastitic cows, and 10 healthy cows with negative CMT were selected. After confirmation of clinical and subclinical mastitis by bacterial identification, milk samples were taken from four quarters of each cow and mixed, and one sample was taken from the pooled milk. The most dominant isolated bacterium from clinical and subclinical samples was Staphylococcus aureus (n = 25; 35.2%). The most dominant isolated bacterium from clinical (19/28) and subclinical (11/43) samples was Staphylococcus spp. Of isolated bacteria of milk in cattle with clinical mastitis, 67.8% (n = 19) was S. aureus. There was no bacterial growth in 37.1% (n = 16) of cattle with subclinical mastitis. Of isolated bacteria of milk in cattle with subclinical mastitis, 13.9% (n = 6) and 11.6% (n = 5) was S. aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, respectively. There were significant differences (P 13.43 μg/ml for MAA, >9.71 ng/ml for milk Hp, and >14 × 104 cell per millilitre for somatic cell count with corresponding 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for MAA, 83.72% sensitivity and 100% specificity for milk Hp, and 88.37% sensitivity and 100% specificity for somatic cell count. The results of this study reveal that MAA is a sensitive factor for diagnosis of subclinical mastitis in cattle.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2009

A cross-sectional study was conducted from

Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 2008

A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2006 in dairy herds in Fars province, ... more A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2006 in dairy herds in Fars province, southern Iran to determine the herd-level prevalence of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection. Bulk-tank milk samples were collected from 110 dairy herds in the 3 districts (Shiraz, Marvdasht and Sepidan) of the province. Among study populations, 12 herds (11%, 95%CI: 5-17%) were positive for MAP infection based on IS900 nested PCR. The prevalence of positive milk samples in the three districts of Fars province was different ranging from 8.6% to 23% which was not statistically significant (P = 0.19). It is recommended to conduct further epidemiologic studies to determine cow-level prevalence and risk factors for infection, and to evaluate the economic consequences of the MAP infection in the region. #

Comparative Haematology International - COMP HAEMATOL INT

It is extremely important to investigate the presence of Brucella melitensis as a nonspecific and... more It is extremely important to investigate the presence of Brucella melitensis as a nonspecific and heterogeneous agent in dairy cows in Iran due to mixed populations of sheep, goats, and cattle. B. melitensis from infected sheep or goat herds may be introduced into the cattle population in this area. Hence, it is essential to obtain epidemiological data on the probable existence of B. melitensis as a different source of the infection or new exotic Brucella phenotypes development in dairy cow herds in Iran. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of B. melitensis infection in cows, using both traditional bacteriological tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay. Traditional biotyping and PCR results of 42 Brucella spp. isolates from Tehran and Fars (northern and southern) provinces of Iran identified five (11.9%) and 37 (88.1%) as B. melitensis (four biovar 1 and one biovar 2) and 37 (88.1%) Brucella abortus biovar 3. This study demonstrated that B. melitensis infection in dairy cows of Iran is still present at a low level. However, the Iranian Veterinary Organization should be careful to have dairy cow herds free of B. melitensis infection as a nonspecific agent of brucellosis, since this type of brucellosis may be extended and act as a potential source of severe infection in humans.

TURKISH JOURNAL OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES, 2017

Introduction Escherichia coli O157 and other enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) are a worldwide thr... more Introduction Escherichia coli O157 and other enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) are a worldwide threat to public health (1). Mostly in developed countries, E. coli O157 has been recognized as a cause of serious clinical symptoms such as hemorrhagic colitis (HC) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) characterized by thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, and nephropathy (2). Cattle are the primary reservoir and asymptomatic carriers of E. coli O157. The bacteria were spread via cattle faces (3). Most outbreaks of EHEC infections have been associated with the consumption of uncooked meat and meat products, unpasteurized dairy products, and feces-contaminated vegetables and water (2-4). E. coli O157, a member of EHEC, has important virulence factors such as shiga toxins (stx1 and stx2), enterohemolysin (hlyA), and intimin (eaeA). Shiga toxinproducing E. coli (STEC) can cause HC and HUS (5,6) due to the inhibiting protein synthesis, eukaryotic cell injury, and death (7). Intimin, encoded by the eaeA gene, is able to adhere to intestinal mucosa and cause intestinal lesions (5,7). In addition, enterohemolysin, encoded by hlyA, leads to lysis of the erythrocytes, which may contribute to the iron intake of the bacterium to live in the intestine (4). The frequency of antimicrobial resistance in foodborne pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella spp., and Campylobacter spp. has recently increased. The misuse of antimicrobial agents for farming and therapeutic purpose in animals and humans is the main cause of transmission of antibiotic-resistant strains, which are very difficult to treat with commonly used antibiotics, to humans via the food supply (8). The aim of this study was to investigate the potential risk of public health by determining the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 and identifying the virulence genes from The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of E. coli O157 and to identify virulence genes and also to determine the antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates in different poultry-originated materials.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2009

A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2006 in dairy herds in Fars province, ... more A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2006 in dairy herds in Fars province, southern Iran to determine the herd-level risk factors for infection with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). Statistical analysis using multivariable logistic regression showed that contamination of udders of periparturient cows with manure (OR= 6.4, P=0.02) and history of having suspected cases of Johne's disease in the herd (OR=6.7, P=0.04) were significantly associated with the herd infection status. No relationship between breed, herd size and other management practices with the infection status of the herd were found in this study. Implementing high sanitary measures in the farm, particularly with respect to manure handling and cleaning could be considered as one of the important aspects in controlling disease in the region as well as in the future educational effort.

Heliyon

Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic bacterium which is carried as a normal flora organism b... more Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic bacterium which is carried as a normal flora organism but has a major role in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of different staphylococcal infections in humans and animals. Fifty S. aureus isolated from banknotes, foods, human infections and bovine mastitis were subjected to DNA fingerprinting by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis to examine their genotypic polymorphism and investigate the amount of genetic relatedness among these various isolates. At 100% RAPD profile similarity level, isolates were classified into four, five and seven groups of the same clone, according to the RAPDPCR with OLP6, OLP11 and OLP13 primers, respectively. Amplification of the isolates resulted in several polymorphic bands ranged from >50 to >1500 bp in size. Maximum number of bands was obtained by primer OLP13 which produced seven bands in bovine mastitis isolates. Most polymorphisms were observed in isolates of bovine mastitis and the lowest were associated with human infections isolates. There was no relationship between the RAPD patterns and the sources of isolates, except the three clusters which showed host specificity and only included the strains from the same sources. The results confirm the wide genotypic diversity of the studied S. aureus strains. RAPD-PCR technique can be a valuable tool for assessing the genetic relationship, detection of polymorphism in S. aureus and tracing the sources and management of S. aureus infections.

The Journal of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences

Background Mycobacterium bovis is the main cause of tuberculosis in cattle. The most commonly use... more Background Mycobacterium bovis is the main cause of tuberculosis in cattle. The most commonly used method to identify bovis-infected cattle is tuberculin test. Objective The present study aimed to investigate the population structure of Mycobacterium bovis in infected cattle farms of Shiraz City in Iran. Methods In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 50 pathological samples from tuberculin-positive cattle that were collected from two abattoirs were cultured on glycerinated and pyruvated Lowenstein-Jensen media. Genomic material from culture-positive slopes was extracted and used in polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-16S rRNA, PCR-IS6110, and PCR-regions of difference (RD) typing. All the M. bovis isolates were then digested by PvuII restriction enzyme and genotyped by polymorphic guanine/cytosine-rich repetitive sequences (PGRS)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique. Findings In bacterial culture, 13 (26%) of samples had living mycobacteria where PCR test results revealed their identity as Mycobacterium bovis. Genotype profiling by RFLP-PGRS method displayed two patterns with 10 isolates shared a single profile identical to that of M. bovis bacillus calmette-guerin (BCG) strain (1173 P2) and three isolated with a different genotype. Conclusion Higher prevalence of BCG-like M. bovis (as a typical characteristic of Iranian M. bovis population) in cattle farms of Shiraz City was expected. This may indicate the local evolution of new M. bovis strains in the region or the infiltration of such strains through cattle farming activities.

Gut Pathogens

Background: Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is a causative agent of Johne's dis... more Background: Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is a causative agent of Johne's disease in all ruminants worldwide. Economic problems in dairy cattle and sheep industries, public health concern, persistence of MAP in the environment and lack of effective vaccines mentioned necessity of research about various antigens to introduce as vaccine candidates. Based on MAP pathogenesis, it seems that research about the production of new recombinant proteins to stimulate cell-mediated immunity is helpful. This study describes successful expression and purification of a chimeric fusion protein which consists of Heparin-Binding Hemagglutinin Adhesin (HBHA) and high antigenic region of Fibronectin Attachment Protein (FAP-P). Triggered antigen-specific IFN-γ response of isolated PBMCs from immunized goats to rHBHA-FAP and all crude proteins of MAP (PPD), was measured by ELISA. Results: Significant increases were observed in the IFN-γ production level of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated by constructed chimeric protein from rHBHA-FAP and PPD vaccinated goats. Antigen-specific gamma interferon (IFN-γ) secretion in positive group (immunized by PPD) against rHBHA-FAP and test group (immunized by rHBHA-FAP) against PPD, also statistically insignificant rises between stimulation with rHBHA-FAP and PPD, suggested the potential and specificity of our chimeric protein to stimulate cell mediated immunity against MAP. Conclusions: Collectively, these results demonstrate that rHBHA-FAP elicits a strong IFN-γ production in PBMC culture. Therefore, further studies of the present product as a candidate vaccine in naturally infected animals should be conducted, to analyze its potential.

BMC Veterinary Research

Paratuberculosis, a chronic disease affecting ruminant livestock, is caused by Mycobacterium aviu... more Paratuberculosis, a chronic disease affecting ruminant livestock, is caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). It has direct and indirect economic costs, impacts animal welfare and arouses public health concerns. In a survey of 48 countries we found paratuberculosis to be very common in livestock. In about half the countries more than 20% of herds and flocks were infected with MAP. Most countries had large ruminant populations (millions), several types of farmed ruminants, multiple husbandry systems and tens of thousands of individual farms, creating challenges for disease control. In addition, numerous species of free-living wildlife were infected. Paratuberculosis was notifiable in most countries, but formal control programs were present in only 22 countries. Generally, these were the more highly developed countries with advanced veterinary services. Of the countries without a formal control program for paratuberculosis, 76% were in South and Central America, Asia and Africa while 20% were in Europe. Control programs were justified most commonly on animal health grounds, but protecting market access and public health were other factors. Prevalence reduction was the major objective in most countries, but Norway and Sweden aimed to eradicate the disease, so surveillance and response were their major objectives. Government funding was involved in about two thirds of countries, but operations tended to be funded by farmers and their organizations and not by government alone. The majority of countries (60%) had voluntary control programs. Generally, programs were supported by incentives for joining, financial compensation and/or penalties for non-participation. Performance indicators, structure, leadership, practices and tools used in control programs are also presented. Securing funding for long-term control activities was a widespread problem.

The aim of this study was to determine the uterine bacteria in cows with endometritis and to comp... more The aim of this study was to determine the uterine bacteria in cows with endometritis and to compare other characteristics in cases of endometritis without bacterial growth, with

Veterinary research forum : an international quarterly journal, 2015

Paratuberculosis (John's disease) is infectious and chronically progressive granulomatous dis... more Paratuberculosis (John's disease) is infectious and chronically progressive granulomatous disease which affects domestic and wild ruminants. The causative agent is Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP), a slow growing mycobactin dependent acid-fast bacillus. We investigated the detection and frequency of MAP in apparently healthy dromedary and Bactrian camels by insertion sequence 900 (IS900) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and acid fast staining of fecal samples in Iran. Acid fast staining results showed that 6/50 (12.0%) samples of dromedary camels and 4/26 (15.3%) samples of Bactrian camels were suspected to MAP. Although the percentage of positivity for PCR assay of fecal dromedary camel was 8.0%, no bands corresponding to MAP detect in all samples of Bactrian camels. In conclusion, Although the incidence of MAP infection was low, further studies should be conducted to get more information on MAP infection in camel population, especially in areas where camels are close ...

It is extremely important to investigate the presence of Brucella melitensis as a nonspecific and... more It is extremely important to investigate the presence of Brucella melitensis as a nonspecific and heterogeneous agent in dairy cows in Iran due to mixed populations of sheep, goats, and cattle. B. melitensis from infected sheep or goat herds may be introduced into the cattle population in this area. Hence, it is essential to obtain epidemiological data on the probable existence of B. melitensis as a different source of the infection or new exotic Brucella phenotypes development in dairy cow herds in Iran. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of B. melitensis infection in cows, using both traditional bacteriological tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay. Traditional biotyping and PCR results of 42 Brucella spp. isolates from Tehran and Fars (northern and southern) provinces of Iran identified five (11.9%) and 37 (88.1%) as B. melitensis (four biovar 1 and one biovar 2) and 37 (88.1%) Brucella abortus biovar 3. This study demonstrated that B. melitensis infection in dairy cows of Iran is still present at a low level. However, the Iranian Veterinary Organization should be careful to have dairy cow herds free of B. melitensis infection as a nonspecific agent of brucellosis, since this type of brucellosis may be extended and act as a potential source of severe infection in humans.

Theriogenology Insight - An International Journal of Reproduction in all Animals, 2015

International Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics, 2015

Veterinary Record, 2009

BRUCELLOSIS is endemic in Iran; Brucella abortus biovar 3 and Brucella melitensis biovar 1 are th... more BRUCELLOSIS is endemic in Iran; Brucella abortus biovar 3 and Brucella melitensis biovar 1 are the most frequently isolated strains (Zowghi and Ebadi 1982, Sharifi Yazdi and others 2008). B abortus strain RB51 was developed for use in vaccines to protect cattle against brucellosis (Schurig and others 1991, Cheville and others 1996, Lord and others 1998). RB51 is an attenuated rough organism that lacks the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O chain. This allows repeated use of the strain as a live vaccine without inducing antibodies that would ...

Comparative Clinical Pathology, 2013

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2012

There are inconsistent results for the association of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratubercul... more There are inconsistent results for the association of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection with production and reproduction in dairy cows. Determination of these associations in each region is essential to encourage participation of dairy cattle producers in disease control programs. This study was conducted in Shiraz, southern Iran, to quantify the association of subclinical MAP infection with 305-day milk production and calving interval in Iranian Holsteins. A total of 21 dairy herds were selected for the study and in each herd, quarter milk samples were collected from ten to 12 dairy cows for PCR analysis. Data about parity, calving interval, length of lactation period, total milk production and 305-day milk production were also provided for each animal. Overall, 252 individual milk samples were collected. Herd- and individual-level prevalence of MAP infection were 23.8% (95% CI, 6.2-41.4%) and 3.2% (95% CI, 1.3-5.1%), respectively based on IS900 nested PCR. The results for 305-day milk production revealed a 248 kg reduction in positive cows compared with negative ones (P = 0.009). When cows from positive herds were compared with cows from negative herds, a 335-kg reduction in 305-day milk production (P = 0.005) and a 30-day increase in calving interval (P = 0.057) were observed in the former group. These findings support the previous results that paratuberculosis infection is negatively associated with the performance of the animals.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2012

Comparative Haematology International, 2010

Mastitis is one of the most common diseases in dairy cattle and results in considerable loss of a... more Mastitis is one of the most common diseases in dairy cattle and results in considerable loss of animals. This study was designed to evaluate milk haptoglobin (Hp) and milk amyloid A (MAA) as an inflammatory indicator for clinical and subclinical mastitis of cattle in dairy farms in Shiraz, Iran. Forty-three subclinical mastitic cows with a positive California Mastitis Test (CMT) and no clinical signs of mastitis, 28 clinical mastitic cows, and 10 healthy cows with negative CMT were selected. After confirmation of clinical and subclinical mastitis by bacterial identification, milk samples were taken from four quarters of each cow and mixed, and one sample was taken from the pooled milk. The most dominant isolated bacterium from clinical and subclinical samples was Staphylococcus aureus (n = 25; 35.2%). The most dominant isolated bacterium from clinical (19/28) and subclinical (11/43) samples was Staphylococcus spp. Of isolated bacteria of milk in cattle with clinical mastitis, 67.8% (n = 19) was S. aureus. There was no bacterial growth in 37.1% (n = 16) of cattle with subclinical mastitis. Of isolated bacteria of milk in cattle with subclinical mastitis, 13.9% (n = 6) and 11.6% (n = 5) was S. aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, respectively. There were significant differences (P 13.43 μg/ml for MAA, >9.71 ng/ml for milk Hp, and >14 × 104 cell per millilitre for somatic cell count with corresponding 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for MAA, 83.72% sensitivity and 100% specificity for milk Hp, and 88.37% sensitivity and 100% specificity for somatic cell count. The results of this study reveal that MAA is a sensitive factor for diagnosis of subclinical mastitis in cattle.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2009

A cross-sectional study was conducted from

Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 2008

A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2006 in dairy herds in Fars province, ... more A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2006 in dairy herds in Fars province, southern Iran to determine the herd-level prevalence of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection. Bulk-tank milk samples were collected from 110 dairy herds in the 3 districts (Shiraz, Marvdasht and Sepidan) of the province. Among study populations, 12 herds (11%, 95%CI: 5-17%) were positive for MAP infection based on IS900 nested PCR. The prevalence of positive milk samples in the three districts of Fars province was different ranging from 8.6% to 23% which was not statistically significant (P = 0.19). It is recommended to conduct further epidemiologic studies to determine cow-level prevalence and risk factors for infection, and to evaluate the economic consequences of the MAP infection in the region. #

Comparative Haematology International - COMP HAEMATOL INT

It is extremely important to investigate the presence of Brucella melitensis as a nonspecific and... more It is extremely important to investigate the presence of Brucella melitensis as a nonspecific and heterogeneous agent in dairy cows in Iran due to mixed populations of sheep, goats, and cattle. B. melitensis from infected sheep or goat herds may be introduced into the cattle population in this area. Hence, it is essential to obtain epidemiological data on the probable existence of B. melitensis as a different source of the infection or new exotic Brucella phenotypes development in dairy cow herds in Iran. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of B. melitensis infection in cows, using both traditional bacteriological tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay. Traditional biotyping and PCR results of 42 Brucella spp. isolates from Tehran and Fars (northern and southern) provinces of Iran identified five (11.9%) and 37 (88.1%) as B. melitensis (four biovar 1 and one biovar 2) and 37 (88.1%) Brucella abortus biovar 3. This study demonstrated that B. melitensis infection in dairy cows of Iran is still present at a low level. However, the Iranian Veterinary Organization should be careful to have dairy cow herds free of B. melitensis infection as a nonspecific agent of brucellosis, since this type of brucellosis may be extended and act as a potential source of severe infection in humans.