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Background and Aim: Liver injury results in the production of free radicals that can lead to hepatocytic degeneration, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Liver-fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) is highly expressed in hepatocytes and is a key regulator of hepatic lipid metabolism and antioxidant characteristics. Interestingly, the increase in L-FABP expression could be used as a novel marker of liver injury. Therefore, this study aimed to use immunohistochemical techniques to investigate the expression of L-FABP in dogs with liver injury compared with dogs with non-pathological liver. Materials and Methods: Liver tissue samples were collected from dog biopsy specimens at the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University. The tissues were prepared for immunohistochemistry and the expression and localization of L-FABP were investigated using one-way analysis of variance. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis showed that L-FABP was strongly expressed in the hepatocytes of dogs with lipidosis and HCC when compared with that in normal liver. Semi-quantitative immunohistochemistry evaluation showed the percentage of protein expression of L-FABP 0.023 ± 0.027 in the non-pathological liver. The percentage of L-FABP protein expression in lipidosis and HCC was found to be 8.517 ± 1.059 and 17.371 ± 4.026, respectively. Conclusion: L-FABP expression in dogs with liver injuries was significantly higher than that in dogs with non-pathological liver injury (p = 0.05). These results suggest that L-FABP has the potential as a novel marker for specific diagnosis and prognosis of dogs with liver injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Disease caused by infection with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), collectively known as porcine circovirus-associated disease (PCVAD), is one of the most important viral infectious diseases in pigs. To date, PCV2 has been classified into at least 8 genotypes, namely PCV2a, PCV2b, PCV2c, PCV2d, PCV2e, PCV2f, PCV2g, and PCV2h. Among these, PCV2a, PCV2b, and PCV2d are the predominant genotypes that have chronologically circulated and affected the global pig population. Application of the PCV2 vaccine is a key strategy in the prevention and control of PCV2 infection. However, to the best of our knowledge, little is known about the benefits of using the chimeric PCV2a-2b antigen-based vaccine in Thailand in experimental challenges with field isolates of PCV2d. The present study has demonstrated that the chimeric PCV1-2a-based vaccine and the chimeric PCV1-2a-2b-based vaccine are effective against Thai PCV2d inoculation. The present study further strengthens the use of the PCV2 vaccine as an important tool for prevention of PCVAD in pigs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two multivalent commercial porcine circovirus (PCV) vaccines against heterologous PCV2d challenges. A total of 24 crossbred male pigs aged 26 days selected from a specific pathogen-free herd were randomly divided into four groups (six pigs per group) and assigned as follows: negative control (unvaccinated/sham-challenge), vaccinated with chimeric PCV1-2a vaccine (PCV1-2a/PCV2d-challenge), vaccinated with chimeric PCV1-2a-2b vaccine (PCV1-2a-2b/PCV2d-challenge) and positive control (unvaccinated/PCV2d-challenge). At 21 days after vaccination, the pigs were intranasally and intramuscularly inoculated with either sham or field isolates of PCV2d (PCV2d/149/TH/2020). After being challenged, blood samples were obtained weekly and analyzed for levels of PCV2d viremia, neutralizing antibodies, and IgG against PCV2. At 30 days post-challenge (DPC), the pigs were euthanized and then subjected to pathological evaluations and molecular analysis. The results indicated that pigs in the PCV1-2a-2b/PCV2d-challenge and the PCV1-2a/PCV2d-challenge groups possessed significantly greater levels of PCV2d-neutralizing antibody titer when compared with the positive control group. Moreover, pigs in the PCV1-2a-2b/PCV2d-challenge group exhibited a lower degree of severity in terms of gross lesion scores and lower levels of PCV2 viremia when compared with the positive control group. This study demonstrated that vaccinating pigs with either the PCV1-2a or PCV1-2a-2b chimeric vaccines elicits a potent immune response against PCV2d infection and reduces viremia after PCV2d inoculation in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to identify bioactive compounds from Caesalpinia sappan extract that function as novel porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection inhibitors by computational molecular screening. We obtained a set of small-molecule compounds predicted to target the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domain 5 (SRCR5) of CD163. In addition, the functions of positive hits were assessed and verified utilizing an in vitro antiviral activity assay with PRRSV-infected MARC-145 cells. Combining molecular docking with the results of binding affinity and ligand conformation, it was found that brazilin had the highest binding energy with the SRCR5 receptor compared to catechin and epicatechin (− 5.8, − 5.5, and − 5.1 kcal/mol, respectively). In terms of molecular mechanics, the binding free energy between the SRCR5 receptor was − 15.71 kcal/mol based on the Poisson-Boltzmann surface area of brazilin. In addition, PRRSV infection in MARC-145 cells was significantly inhibited by brazilin compared to the control (virus titer, 4.10 vs. 9.25 TCID50/mL, respectively). Moreover, brazilin successfully limited the number of PRRSV RNA copies in MARC-145 cells as determined by RT-qPCR. By inhibiting the PRRSV-CD163 interaction with brazilin from Caesalpinia sappan, it may be possible to prevent PRRSV infection in pigs, as suggested by this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Craniofacial superimposition is a method for identifying individuals by using secondary data in order to identify a target group of persons before a DNA process can be used, or to identify an individual instead of using primary data in cases where DNA, fingerprint or dental records are not found. Craniofacial superimposition has continued to evolve, with various techniques, including computer-assisted and photography techniques, to help the operation be more convenient, faster and reliable. The knowledge of forensic anthropology is applied, with a comparison between anatomical landmarks. The study of developments in craniofacial superimposition using computer-assistance has yielded satisfactory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome ( PRRS) has become a major swine disease worldwide. Relevant management strategies and diagnostic assays are of importance for PRRS virus (PRRSV) control. The objective of this study was to determine the use of oral fluids for PRRSV monitoring in endemically PRRSV- infected herds. PRRSV RNA and PRRSV- specific antibodies were monitored using oral fluid samples and serum samples in two conventional swine farms in Thailand ('Farm A', a one-site conventional system farm, and 'Farm B', a one-site P0-P1 segregation system farm) during farrowing to nursery periods. Both PRRSV RNA and PRRSV antibodies were detected from 3 to 9 weeks of age in both sample types. Pen-based oral fluid samples were detected positive over 71% when the prevalence of serum PRRSV-positive pigs in the pens was at least 40%. Mean S/P ratios of the oral fluid samples showed significantly higher levels but had similar pattern to the seroprofile of the blood samples. Increased levels of PRRSV antibodies were detected in all groups at 5 to 9 weeks of age. Overall, the positive correlation of both sample types was 0.65 (p < 0. 001). It should be noted that Farm B had higher production losses in the farrowing and nursery units, concurrently, with higher levels of PRRSV load in both sample types. Oral fluid testing provides convenient and economical approach, better welfare, and satisfied performance to determine PRRS status, especially during nursery period, when there is moderate to high PRRSV prevalence. These objectives could be better achieved and benefit practitioners by using oral fluid testing together with other measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the first introduction of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) into Thailand, Thai type 1 PRRSV has existed in the Thai swine population and caused subclinical diseases while type 2 PRRSV, which most PRRSV isolates belong to, has caused moderate to severe diseases. Highly pathogenic-PRRSV (HP-PRRSV) has recently emerged in Thailand, causing significant damages since its first introduction in 2010. Genetic characterization of Thai PRRSV isolates collected from several clinically affected swine herds distributed in different geographical locations in 2012 was analyzed using a comparative analysis between 2 hyper-variable regions, NSP2 and ORF5. Eleven selected PRRSV clinical samples collected from 11 clinically affected swine herds distributed in 10 provinces located in 4 regions of Thailand were sequenced. Partial NSP2 and ORF5 sequences of the virus revealed that the studied isolates were Thai type 2 PRRSV and could be separated into 2 groups, Thai HP-PRRSV and previous Thai type 2 PRRSV which had been circulating before the HP-PRRSV introduction in 2010. The Thai HP-PRRSV contained 30 deduced amino acids in 2 positions, which is the genetic characteristic of HP-PRRSV prototypes, and might be derived from the isolates introduced in 2010 or introduced later from neighboring countries based on a phylogenetic analysis. However, the classical Thai type 2 PRRSV isolate found in this study was also able to cause severe clinical diseases in the Thai swine herds. Mutations in some positions of both NSP2 and ORF5 genes naturally occurred; NSP2 and ORF5 are often used as genetic markers in terms of PRRSV evolution. In conclusion, after the introduction of HP-PRRSV, major PRRSV outbreaks in Thailand were mostly caused by HP-PRRSV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) 2009 influenza A virus and its reassortant pandemic H1N1 influenza (rH1N1) viruses have been circulating in pigs population in many countries around the world including Thailand. Many organizations and researchers have raised some concerns about interspecies transmission, particularly in aquatic avian species including domestic ducks commingling in backyard farming. In order to elucidate the pathogenesis of those viruses in domestic ducks, the study on pH1N1and rH1N1 recently isolated from pigs was conducted to understand the susceptibility, clinical signs, viral shedding and lesions in experimental ducks. Twenty-one 6-week-old influenza A virus negative ducks were divided into 3 groups (2 challenged groups and 1 control group). In the challenged groups, the ducks in each group were individually inoculated with pH1N1 or rH1N1 as mentioned previously. All experimental ducks were observed for clinical signs and oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs were collected to investigate the viral shedding using a modified real time RT-PCR. Tissues samples were collected for pathological and immunohistochemistry examination. Results demonstrated that neither pH1N1 nor rH1N1 induced significant flu-like clinical signs. However, both viruses could infect the experimental ducks as varied gross and microscopic lesions as well as duration of virus shedding were observed. Interestingly, the detectable lesions and the extended shedding period were found in the group of rH1N1-infected ducks. In conclusion, inter-species transmission should be considered when commingling different animal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of four commercial tilmicosin preparations (A, B, C and D) against type 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), 01NP1 (Thai isolate), infection in cultured pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAMs) was conducted in vitro. Primary PAMs were collected from four 4-week-old PRRSV-free pigs. After separately plated onto four 24-well plates, PAMs were treated separately by 4 commercial tilmicosin preparations of 2 concentrations each (0.1 mg/ml and 0.01 mg/ml). The treated PAMs were inoculated with 0.05 MOI of 01NP1 strain and were stained with PRRSV specific antibody using immunoperoxidase monolayer assay (IPMA) to evaluate the quantity of PRRSV infected cells after 12 hours post infection (HPI). Comparing to the untreated-tilmicosin PRRSV-infected PAMs, all tilmicosin-treated preparations exhibited significant virus titer reduction against 01NP1. Based on the results, 0.01 mg/ml of tilmicosin B solution exhibited the greatest PRRSV-titer reduction (65%), but was not statistically different from the others. The results indicated that tilmicosin could be one of the effective chemotherapy in reducing type 2 PRRSV infection in vitro regardless of differences in the preparations. The information obtained is of interest for practitioners for future study of implementation of tilmicosin use in PRRSV-positive farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virusnip™ is one of the commercial potassium peroxymonosulfate disinfectants widely used in swine farms. This disinfectant is well studied and proves to be excellent in antimicrobial activity previously. However, there is no information about its efficacy under field condition. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the virucidal activity of Virusnip® against PCV2 in farm condition. Consequently, 1:200 concentration of VirusnipTM was sprayed for 15 minutes once or twice daily depending on the acclimatization period in gilts isolation units compared to the untreated group in the same building. Environmental swabs and oral fluid samples were collected and pooled to determine virucidal effectiveness of PCV2 in the environment as well as virus shedding in the oral secretion of the studied animals. Viral load in each group was quantified by a modified real-time PCR specific for ORF1 of PCV2. Result showed significant reduction in the viral load from the environment contamination and also from the oral fluid samples of the treatment group compared to the control group. This indicates that potassium peroxymonosulfate disinfectant (Virusnip™) can be a disinfectant of choice used for reducing the viral contamination and viral transmission among animals under field situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pandemic H1N1 2009 (pH1N1) virus is considered as a low pathogenic influenza virus, however, it rapidly spread among humans and was finally found in the swine population of 6 continents. Interspecies transmissions among different animal species are of interest. In this study, sentinel ducks were commingled with pH1N1 or pandemic H1N1 reassortment virus (rH1N1) inoculated pigs in separate groups. According to the results, both studied viruses were able to cross-species transmit to a few sentinel ducks with mild or no clinical signs. Viral shedding measured by a modified real time RT-PCR detection from the oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs were also observed in both studied viruses. Interestingly, ducks commingled with pH1N1-infected pigs showed higher number of infected ducks detected by viral shedding in cloacal swabs. This present study suggested that pH1N1 and rH1N1 were able to transmit from pigs to ducks but viral replication in ducks were limited. As a result clinical signs were not obvious and low levels of viral shedding were detected in both sentinel duck groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Following the emergence of the pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus in 2009 in humans, this novel virus spread into the swine population. Pigs represent a potential host for this virus and can serve as a mixing vessel for genetic mutations of the influenza virus. Reassortant viruses eventually emerged from the 2009 pandemic and were reported in swine populations worldwide including Thailand. As a result of the discovery of this emergent disease, pathogenesis studies of this novel virus were conducted in order that future disease protection and control measures in swine and human populations could be enacted. Methods: The pandemic H1N1 2009 virus (pH1N1) and its reassortant virus (rH1N1) isolated from pigs in Thailand were inoculated into 2 separate cohorts of 9, 3-week-old pigs. Cohorts were consisted of one group experimentally infected with pH1N1 and one group with rH1N1. A negative control group consisting of 3 pigs was also included. Clinical signs, viral shedding and pathological lesions were investigated and compared. Later, 3 pigs from viral inoculated groups and 1 pig from the control group were necropsied at 2, 4, and 12 days post inoculation (DPI). Results: The results indicated that pigs infected with both viruses demonstrated typical flu-like clinical signs and histopathological lesions of varying severity. Influenza infected-pigs of both groups had mild to moderate pulmonary signs on 1-4 DPI. Interestingly, pigs in both groups demonstrated viral RNA detection in the nasal swabs until the end of the experiment (12 DPI). Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that both the pH1N1 and rH1N1 influenza viruses, isolated from naturally infected pigs, induced acute respiratory disease in experimentally inoculated nursery pigs. Although animals in the rH1N1-infected cohort demonstrated more severe clinical signs, had higher numbers of pigs shedding the virus, were noted to have increased histopathological severity of lung lesions and increased viral antigen in lung tissue, the findings were not statistically significant in comparison with the pH1N1-infected group. Interestingly, viral genetic material of both viruses could be detected from the nasal swabs until the end of the experiment. Similar to other swine influenza viruses, the clinical signs and pathological lesions in both rH1N1 and pH1N1 were limited to the respiratory tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major objective of this work was to investigate the shedding of porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) in sow colostrum. PCV3 titers in the serum and colostrum samples of 38 sows were determined using qPCR. Interestingly, this is the first report regarding the identification of PCV3 from the colostrum samples. In the studied farm, the prevalence of PCV3 in the colostrum samples was 44.74% (17/38). When sows were grouped based on the PCV3 titers in the serum into the “High-viremic”, “Low-viremic” and “Non-viremic” sows, it was shown that the High-viremic sows showed significantly higher PCV3 colostrum prevalence (100%; 9/9) with the PCV3 titers ranging from 4.01 to 7.33 genomic copies/mL. The results indicated that PCV3 in the colostrum might be partly influenced by the viremic stage of the infection. However, the results also showed that approximately 41% of sows shedding PCV3 with low titers in the colostrum (7/17) were non-viremic sows. In conclusion, this study identified the presence of PCV3 in sow colostrum. Clinical impacts and mechanisms of colostrum shedding of PCV3 should be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) is a newly emerging virus with unknown pathogenesis. The major objective of this study was to investigate the presence of PCV3 in pigs from a farm in Thailand suffering from porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC). Initially, a Thai PCV3 strain (PCV3/Thailand/PB01/17) was identified from a pig originated from a farm with PRDC problem during grower period and whole genome analysis showed that the Thai PCV3 shared highest nucleotide identity of 99.60% with the South Korean strain PCV3/KU-1602. The presence of PCV3 infection in PRDC-affected pigs was then investigated in this farm. Serum samples from clinically healthy pigs and pigs showing PRDC-related clinical signs during 5–18 weeks were used in PCV3 detection by PCR. The results showed that the PRDC-affected pigs exhibited higher prevalence of PCV3 infection and higher PCV3 titers comparing with the clinically healthy pigs. These results confirmed the presence of PCV3 in a Thai farm with PRDC problem. The pathogenesis of PCV3 on PRDC should be clarified in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]