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Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and M. synoviae (MS) can infect many bird species. Susceptible species of birds are responsible for spillover infections from poultry to wild birds. In Malaysia, previous studies reported the detection of MG in free-flying birds, but there is a lack of information on the characterization and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of these isolates. Therefore, this study aims to molecular characterize and assess the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of MG and MS isolated from different bird species, including aviary, free-flying, and pet birds. Altogether 54 choanal slit swab samples were collected. All the swab samples were subjected to isolation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection. Positive samples were subjected to molecular characterization and MIC assay. Molecular characterization was done using targeted gene sequencing, and microdilution MIC assay was employed to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the isolates. Using both culture and PCR techniques, 5.6% (3/54) of the samples were positive for MG, while MS was detected in 29.6% (16/54) and 40.7% (22/54) of samples using culture and PCR, respectively. The partial sequence of the mgc2 gene showed a distinct pattern of this gene in one of the MG isolates. Phylogenetic analysis of this isolate indicated that this isolate is a progeny of a Thailand poultry strain. Microdilution MIC assay indicated 100% resistance to erythromycin and chlortetracycline. The findings of this study indicate the possibility of avian interspecies transmission of MG and MS in Malaysia and the need for antimicrobial treatment dosage optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1994, Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) was reported to be responsible for conjunctivitis outbreak in the North American house finch population. This new course of MG infection in passerine was the result of spillover infections from the poultry strains. In severe cases of the disease, the conjunctival lesions might cause blindness and death, but in the mild form, there is a chance of recovery. The immune system of the recovered birds develops a resistance to the previous strains. However, the incomplete immune responses and the ability of MG to rapidly alter its surface antigens allow the pathogen to evolve new strains that can infect the birds that have already developed immune resistance. Although the rate of mortality decreases as a result of developing resistance, the persistence of the disease continues due to the increase in both virulence and the replication rate of the new strains. Therefore, the morbidity rate has remained steady, and new species of birds become infected as a result of evolutionary adaptation of the new strains. In this regard, the objective of this study is to provide a review of the mycoplasma conjunctivitis in passerine species, notably by looking at it from the host-pathogen interaction point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autologous bone marrow, alone or as a composite marrow graft, has received much attention in various species. To assess the potential osteogenicity of autologous, extramedullary bone marrow implants in an avian model, 24 adult pigeons (Columba livia) were given intramuscular implantations of autologous marrow aspirated from the medial tibiotarsus. Birds were euthanatized at 1, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks after surgery to evaluate whether ectopic bone had formed at the implant sites. Primary evaluations by in situ radiography and postmortem histologic examinations showed no evidence of bone formation. Further evaluation with histologic scores and histomorphometry revealed a significantly increased rate of angiogenesis at the implant sites by the sixth and tenth week postimplantation (P < .05). No significant differences between the treatment and control sites were present at any other endpoints. Results of this study show that, although autologous bone marrow lacks heterotopic osteogenic potentials in this avian model, it could still function as a useful adjunct to routine bone grafting techniques because of its unique capabilities to promote early angiogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 32-year-old female American flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruher) was presented with a squamous cell carcinoma of the middle digit of the right foot. No clinical, hematologic, or radiologic evidence of metastasis was present. Salvage amputation of the digit resulted in complete cure, whereas previous electrosurgery and radiation therapy were unsuccessful. Three years later, another squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed in the middle digit of the left foot. The digit was also amputated. Seven months after the second amputation, the bird did not have any recurrence or signs of metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) causes a chronic infectious in the birds known as avian mycobacteriosis. Almost all species of the birds are susceptible to MAC which consists of two closely related species of mycobacteria, that is, M. avium and M. intracellulare. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium (MAA) in chickens and captive birds in selected states of Peninsular Malaysia. Results: A 300 fecal samples were collected from village chickens (n = 100), layer chickens (n = 100) and captive birds (n = 100). Fecal samples were split into two aliquots for microbiological and molecular detection of MAA. Microbiology detection consisted of microscopy (Ziehl-Neelsen staining) and culture of samples decontaminated with 1% Cetylperidinium chloride and vancomycin, nalidixic acid and amphotericin B (VNA) antibiotic cocktail [vancomycin (VAN) 100 μg/ml, nalidixic acid (NAL) 100 μg/ml and amphotericin B (AMB) 50 μg/ml] onto Löwenstein-Jensen (L-J). Molecular detection (PCR-IS901) was performed to detect MAA DNA from the feces and PCR-16S rRNA and IS901 for identification of genus Mycobacterium and Mycobacterium avium sub species avium isolated onto L-J. All samples (296) were AFB negative smear. M. avium was isolated in 0.3% (1/296) samples by culture and detected in 2.5% (6/242) samples by PCR (IS901). Other mycobacteria were found in 1.7% (5/296) chickens. Of five isolates, two were identified as Mycobacterium terrae and M. engbaekii and remaining isolates were not sequenced. Birds positive for M. avium included White Pelican (n = 1) Black Hornbill (n = 1), Macaw (n = 2), Cockatoo (n = 2) and village chicken (n = 1). Conclusion: It is concluded that chickens and birds were infected with M. avium in selected areas of Peninsular Malaysia. Although, PCR is rapid, reliable and cost effective method for detection of M. avium in a subclinical stage, the culture of the avian feces should still be used as a reference test for the diagnosis of avian tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Papillomaviruses (PVs), double-stranded circular DNA viruses, typically cause regressing papillomas (warts) on mucosal or keratinized epithelia of a wide spectrum of species. The viruses largely infect mammals, whereby PV infections in humans, bovines, and rabbits are extensively reported. However, studies on non-mammalian PVs, particularly avian ones, are relatively lacking and worthy of investigation. This study performed a metaanalysis post-systematic review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement guidelines to evaluate the occurrences of avian papillomaviruses (APVs) in bird species and effective materials used for virus detection. The electronic databases Science Direct, Medline via PubMed, and Google Scholar were used to search for the journal articles. Upon article eligibility check, the QUADAS-2 was employed to assess the data. Of 1139 records, 31 were eligible for full-text review, but only 9 were significant for the final review. The results showed that APVs are highly prevalent among the Fringillidae family, with a proportion of 81%, followed by Laridae (30%) and Anatidae (13%). The pooled prevalence of APV in tissue samples was 38%, while in swab samples was 13%. Only one study reported positive APV from fecal materials (0.4%); hence, the reliability comparison between these three samples was not performed. This study concluded that APVs are most prevalent in the Fringillidae bird family, while tissues are the most suitable biological samples for APV screening and should be considered as a single sample material. From epidemiology, knowledge of APV incidences and distribution may assist in controlling papillomatosis in bird species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Village chicken or Ayam Kampung , common to Southeast Asian countries, has always been regarded as superior in comparison to commercial broiler chicken in terms of wholesomeness and health benefits. The current study investigates the prevalence and risk factors of Salmonella among village chicken flocks from the central and southern states of Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 35 village flocks were sampled from Selangor (n = 19), Melaka (n = 10), Johor (n = 4), and Negeri Sembilan (n = 2). In total, 1,042 samples were collected; these included cloacal swabs (n = 675), eggs (n = 62), pooled drinking water (n = 175), pooled feeds (n = 70), and pooled flies (n = 60). Isolation of Salmonella from cloacal swabs, poultry drinking water, and feeds was carried out according to the protocols and recommendations of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) terrestrial manual. The prevalence of Salmonella at an individual bird-level was 2.5% (17/675, 95% CI: 1.6 to 4.0). All eggs screened were negative; in the case of environmental samples, however, Salmonella was detected in 5.14% (9/175), 7.14% (5/70), and 5.0% (3/60) for water, feed, and flies, respectively. A total of 34 isolates and 8 Salmonella serotypes were identified. Weltevreden (20.6%) was the most common, followed by Typhimurium and Agona (17.6%), Albany and Enteritidis (8.8%), Molade (5.9%), Corvallis and Schleissheim (2.9%), and others grouped as Salmonella spp. (11.8%). Multivariable logistic regression models revealed that Salmonella positivity among flocks could be strongly predicted by storage of feeds (uncovered feeds; OR = 10.38; 95% CI: 1.25 to 86.39; p = 0.030) and uncovered water tanks (uncovered tank; OR = 6.43; 95% CI: 1.02 to 40.60; p = 0.048). The presence of Salmonella in village chickens in the study area was lower than that of commercial chickens in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing demand of edible bird's nest (EBN) worldwide as well as competition from neighbouring countries has made the EBN industry one of the rising industries in Malaysia with stringent exportation requirement by China. However, as majority of the EBN products in the market is in commercialised form, studies on the nutritional composition of these commercialised EBN in comparison with farmed, raw EBN are limited. The farmed EBN samples were taken from 4 different regions of Malaysia: Perak (central), Kelantan (eastern), Johor (southern) and Sarawak (west Borneo) while the commercialised sample was obtained from a local drug store. Proximate, amino acid and elemental composition were performed on these EBNs. Farmed EBNs mainly comprised protein followed by carbohydrate while the commercialised EBN had similar protein and carbohydrate composition. The total collection of essential amino acid in commercialised EBN was higher (237.9 mg/g protein) compared to the farmed EBN which was between 156.81 - 236.6 mg amino acid/g protein. Among the essential amino acids, valine was found to be highest in both commercialised and farmed EBN. The differences between the nutritional compositions of EBNs could be due to the process of commercialisation of the EBN as well as seasonal, breeding sites and diet of the swiftlets. Farmed EBN therefore can be considered to be more nutritional due to higher protein levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a vector-borne zoonotic disease caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). It causes encephalitis in human and horses, and may lead to reproductive failure in sows. The first human encephalitis case in Malaya (now Malaysia) was reported during World War II in a British prison in 1942. Later, encephalitis was observed among race horses in Singapore. In 1951, the first JEV was isolated from the brain of an encephalitis patient. The true storyline of JE exposure among humans and animals has not been documented in Malaysia. In some places such as Sarawak, JEV has been isolated from mosquitoes before an outbreak in 1992. JE is an epidemic in Malaysia except Sarawak. There are four major outbreaks reported in Pulau Langkawi (1974), Penang (1988), Perak and Negeri Sembilan (1998–1999), and Sarawak (1992). JE is considered endemic only in Sarawak. Initially, both adults and children were victims of JE in Malaysia, however, according to the current reports; JE infection is only lethal to children in Malaysia. This paper describes a timeline of JE cases (background of each case) from first detection to current status, vaccination programs against JE, diagnostic methods used in hospitals and factors which may contribute to the transmission of JE among humans and animals in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Culture is considered the gold standard for definitive diagnosis of mycobacterial infections. However, consensus about the most suitable culture procedure for isolation of nontuberculous mycobacteria is lacking. The study compared the recoveries of mycobacteria after decontamination of spiked and fresh avian feces with 4% sodium hydroxide (NaOH), 12% sulfuric acid (H2SO4), or 1% cetylperidinium chloride (CPC), with and without mixture of three antibiotics, namely vancomycin (VAN, 100 μg/ml), nalidixic acid (NAL, 100 μg/ml), and amphotericin B (AMB, 100 μg/ml). The antibiotic mixture was referred to as VNA. Decontamination procedures were evaluated using two (n = 2) avian fecal samples spiked with 106, 104, and 102 CFU/ml of Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium (ATCC 15769) and fresh avian feces (n = 42). M. avium subsp. avium was detected on the culture media from spiked samples (106 and 104 CFU/ml) decontaminated with NaOH, NaOH-VNA, H2SO4, and H2SO4 -VNA for 2−6 weeks. These bacteria were detected in 2–4 weeks when using CPC and CPC-VNA. M. avium subsp. avium cannot be isolated on culture media from spiked samples (102 CFU/ml) decontaminated with any decontaminating agent. Two mycobacterial isolates, namely, Mycobacterium terrae and M. engbaekii, were isolated from field samples decontaminated with NaOH and CPC-VNA. With regard to the contamination rate, the use of CPC-VNA showed lower contamination rates (5.5% and 19.0%) from spiked and field samples than those of the other methods (NaOH: 22.2% and 59.5%, NaOH-VNA: 16.7% and 21.4%, H2SO4: 11.1% and 40.5%, H2SO4-VNA: 5.5% and 21.4%, and CPC: 66.7% and 50%). In conclusion, the decontamination of fecal samples following a two-step procedure with 1% CPC and VNA can ensure high recovery rate of many mycobacteria with the lowest contamination in cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All four nightjar species resident in Peninsular Malaysia are vocally distinct, yet they remain little studied. Conventional field methods based on visual cues to study diurnal species may be impractical for nightjars. Alternatively, aural survey can potentially be applied on nightjars provided that individuality in their vocalisations can be proven. Our study aimed to determine the vocal individuality of the common, large-tailed nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) in oil palm smallholdings and an isolated forest patch located in Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia. From the call recordings obtained from 22 individuals, results of the Kruskal-Wallis analysis revealed significant differences in all the nine vocal parameters (call length, interquartile range bandwidth, low, high, average, centre and peak frequencies as well as first and third quartile frequencies) measured among individual nightjars (p < 0.001) regardless of study sites. Discriminant Function Analysis showed that more than 94.5% of original grouped cases were correctly classified. This implied that the majority of vocalizations can be assigned to individual birds based on the parameters measured. This study demonstrated the occurrence of vocal individuality in the large-tailed nightjar and such a finding pertaining to distinct vocalisations at the individual level will compensate for the limited access to visual cues in field surveys, as with the case for all nocturnal birds. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

West Nile virus (WNV) is a zoonotic single-strand RNA arbovirus (family Flaviviridae: Flavivirus), transmitted among avian hosts in enzootic cycles by a mosquito vector. The virus has a significant disease effect on humans and equines when it bridges into a cycle with various sequelae with epidemic potential. This study was carried out to identify the potential spectrum of WNV hosts in three geographic areas with climatologically distinct features: Malaysia, Qatar, and the United States of America (U.S.). Serum samples were collected from avian and mammal species suspected to be reservoirs for the virus at these areas in a cross-sectional epidemiologic study. The samples were tested for the presence of antibodies against the virus using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data on putative risk factors were also collected and analyzed for significance of association with seropositivity using the logistic regression analysis. Among the tested avian and mammalian species, raccoons had the highest seroconversion rate (54%) followed by crows (30%), horses (27%), camels (10%), other avian species (7%), and canine species (3%). It was almost twice as likely to detect seroconversion among these mammalian and avian species in the fall in comparison to other seasons of the year. Only mammalian and avian species and seasons of the year were significantly associated with the likelihood of seroconversion to WNV when we controlled for other factors in the multivariate analysis. Our data from the U.S. showed that raccoons and camels are susceptible to infection by the virus and may play a role in the perpetuation of endemic foci for the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, a Salmonella Typhimurium lytic bacteriophage, Φ st1, which was isolated from chicken faecal material, was evaluated as a candidate for biocontrol of Salmonella in chickens. The morphology of Φ st1 showed strong resemblance to members of the Siphoviridae family. Φ st1 was observed to be a DNA phage with an estimated genome size of 121kbp. It was found to be able to infect S. Typhimurium and S. Hadar, with a stronger lytic activity against the former. Subsequent characterisation of Φ st1 against S. Typhimurium showed that Φ st1 has a latent period of 40min with an average burst size of 22 particles per infective centre. Approximately 86.1% of the phage adsorbed to the host cells within the initial 5min of infection. At the optimum multiplicity of infection (MOI) (0.1), the highest reduction rate of S. Typhimurium (6.6log10 CFU/ml) and increment in phage titre (3.8log10 PFU/ml) was observed. Φ st1 produced adsorption rates of 88.4–92.2% at pH7–9 and demonstrated the highest bacteria reduction (6.6log10 CFU/ml) at pH9. Φ st1 also showed an insignificant different (P>0.05) reduction rate of host cells at 37°C (6.4log10 CFU/ml) and 42°C (6.0log10 CFU/ml). The in vivo study using Φ st1 showed that intracloacal inoculation of ~1012 PFU/ml of the phage in the chickens challenged with ~1010 CFU/ml of S. Typhimurium was able to reduce (P <0.05) the S. Typhimurium more rapidly than the untreated group. The Salmonella count reduced to 2.9log10 CFU/ml within 6h of post-challenge and S. Typhimurium was not detected at and after 24h of post-challenge. Reduction of Salmonella count in visceral organs was also observed at 6h post-challenge. Approximately 1.6log10 PFU/ml Φ st1 was found to persist in the caecal wall of the chicks at 72h of post-challenge. The present study indicated that Φ st1 may serve as a potential biocontrol agent to reduce the Salmonella count in caecal content of chickens. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simple Summary: Many of the existing screening methods of avian viruses depend on clinical symptoms and pathological gross examinations that still necessitate confirmatory microscopic testing. Confirmation of a virus is often conducted at centralized laboratories that are well-equipped with instruments for virus isolation, hemagglutinin inhibition, virus neutralization, ELISA, PCR and qPCR. These assays are known for their great accuracy and sensitivity, and hence are set as standard practices. Nevertheless, limitations arise due to the time, cost and on-site applicability. As the technology progresses, molecular diagnostics should be more accessible to isolated areas and even practicable for use by non-skilled personnel such as farmers and private breeders. One of the point-of-care diagnostic strategies to consider for such matters is loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). Over the years, development of molecular diagnostics has evolved significantly in the detection of pathogens within humans and their surroundings. Researchers have discovered new species and strains of viruses, while mitigating the viral infections that occur, owing to the accessibility of nucleic acid screening methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), quantitative (real-time) polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and reverse-transcription qPCR (RT-qPCR). While such molecular detection methods are widely utilized as the benchmark, the invention of isothermal amplifications has also emerged as a reliable tool to improvise on-field diagnosis without dependence on thermocyclers. Among the established isothermal amplification technologies are loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), recombinant polymerase amplification (RPA), strand displacement activity (SDA), nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA), helicase-dependent amplification (HDA) and rolling circle amplification (RCA). This review highlights the past research on and future prospects of LAMP, its principles and applications as a promising point-of-care diagnostic method against avian viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The role of wildlife animals, such as macaques and bats, in the spreading and maintenance of deadly zoonotic pathogens in nature are documented in several studies. The present study substantially highlights the first evidence of West Nile Virus (WNV) infection, a mosquito borne virus in the Malaysian macaques and bats. Of the 81 macaques sampled, 24 of the long-tailed macaques were seropositive to WNV, indicating that they were exposed to the virus in the past. The long-tailed macaques were found in the mangrove forests located in the Central, Southern, and West Peninsular Malaysia. Meanwhile, five out of 41 bats (Lesser Short-nosed Fruit Bats, Lesser Sheath-tailed Bats, and Thai Horseshoe Bats) that were found in the caves from Northern Peninsular Malaysia showed susceptibility to WNV. Therefore, a constant bio surveillance of WNV in the wildlife in Malaysia is a proactive attempt. This study was aligned with the Malaysian government's mission under the Malaysia Strategy for Emerging Diseases and Public Health Emergencies (MYSED) II (2017–2021) and the Ministry of Health priorities in order to enhance the regional capability to rapidly and accurately survey, detect, diagnose, and report outbreaks of pathogens and diseases of security concern. The role of wildlife such as wild birds, macaques, and bats in the spreading and maintenance of deadly zoonotic pathogens in nature have been well documented in many parts of the world. One such pathogen is the mosquitoes borne virus, namely the West Nile Virus (WNV). Previous research has shown that 1:7 and 1:6 Malaysian wild birds are WNV antibody and RNA positive, respectively, and bats in North America may not be susceptible to the WNV infection. This study was conducted to determine the status of WNV in Malaysian macaques and bats found in mangrove forests and caves, respectively. Archive sera and oropharyngeal swabs from long-tailed macaques were subjected to the antibody detection using WNV competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) and WNV RNA using RT-PCR, respectively, while the archive oropharyngeal and rectal swabs from bats were subjected to RT-PCR without serological analysis due to the unavailability of serum samples. The analysis revealed a WNV seropositivity of 29.63% (24/81) and none of the macaques were positive for WNV RNA. Meanwhile, 12.2% (5/41) of the bats from Pteropodidae, Emballonuridae, and Rhinolophidae families tested positive for WNV RNA. Here, we show a high WNV antibody prevalence in macaques and a moderate WNV RNA in various Malaysian bat species, suggesting that WNV circulates through Malaysian wild animals and Malaysian bat species may be susceptible to the WNV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]