Abstract

Now-a-days, rapid detection and identification of rodent pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, virus etc., have become important step in the development of therapeutic management of infectious disease. Conventional microbiological diagnostic methods have made inconclusive results in early diagnosis of pathogens as well as demanding labor too. Numerous recent innovations bought us different molecular diagnostics methods aiming to automated laboratory system with rapid detection and identification of rodent pathogens. Those innovative methods targets specific nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) for the detection of microorganisms based on nucleic acid probe (TaqMan chemistry) and amplification chemistry. The present review emphasised on the application of TaqMan chemistry in the design, development and evaluation of commercial kit for rapid detection of rodent pathogens.

Abstract

The objective of the present study is to evaluate phytochemical composition and the high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprint profile of methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, acetone, and aqueous extracts of medicinally useful plant Cassia tora. The CAMAG HPTLC system was used for the fingerprint profiling of various extracts of C. tora using the mobile phase toluene: ethyl acetate: glacial acetate (55: 45: 3 v/v/v). The profile showed that the various extracts of C. tora exhibited several peaks with different Rf values when visualized at 254 nm and 366 nm. The results from HPTLC fingerprint scanned at wavelength 550 nm revealed the presence of 18, 13, 15, 12 and 14 phytoconstituents in methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, acetone, and aqueous extracts, respectively. The result of HPTLC analysis of various extracts of C. tora shows that the maximum number of chemical constituents present in methanolic extract in comparison to ethanol, ethyl acetate, acetone, and aqueous extracts of C. tora in given solvent system of toluene, ethyl acetate and glacial acetate. Further bioactivity guided fractionation and analysis of isolated chemical entity can reveal the active constituents in the various extracts of C. tora. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of carbohydrates, proteins. glycosides, sapnonins, flavonoids, phenolics and tannins, phytosterols and triterpenoids.

Abstract

Microbiological quality control is undertaken to check the health status of laboratory animals. Pathogens infect the laboratory animals in various respiratory, digestive, central nervous systems, haematopoietic systems, dermal systems, etc. PCR detects pathogens with high sensitivity and specificity when compared to ELISA. Multiplex PCR can detect two or more pathogens at the same time. Multiplex PCR gives result based on the enzyme activity, bonding between the primer and DNA. In the present study, animal samples were analysed for the pathogen DNA at the molecular level to know the health status of laboratory animals. The respiratory pathogens Mycoplasma pulmonise and Sendai virus were detected simultaneously at 245, 340 bp, respectively. The digestive pathogens Salmonella typhimuriume andClostridium piliforme were detected simultaneously at 246, 196 bp, respectively. The animals were free from the specific respiratory and digestive pathogens. The multiplex PCR method is beneficial to detect the various pathogens in the laboratory rodents using the high throughput method.

Abstract

Laboratory animals are being used widely in the research and development organizations and hence their welfare is of a great concern. The welfare of laboratory animals varies in a continuum between the countries in the world and are linked to their cultural, societal and religious practices. There is a need for very good laboratory animal welfare in India and also countries for the advancement of scientific knowledge and benefit of the human kind. The status of the welfare of the laboratory animals used for research in India was discussed and also the way forward is explained.

Abstract

Conventional animal facilities lack HVAC systems with HEPA filters and therefore pose great hurdles in maintaining the pathogen-free status of macro-environment of the animal rooms. Even in places where HVAC has no HEPA filters, maintaining clean air in the animal room is a challenge. Production of healthy animals for biomedical research is a key objective of any laboratory animal facility. There are several factors which can contribute to achieve this goal, and macro-enviornment is one of them. Decontamination of animal rooms eliminates the pathogens from the room. Chemical liquids and vapours are mainly used as decontaminating agents. Vaporised Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) technology is being widely used for this purpose. For VHP technology, motorised equimpents are required which are very expensive. Small animal facilities can not afford to buy expensive VHP equipments. Therefore, the present study was planned to find out cost effective alternative for expensive equipments. Fine mist of working solution Huwa-San- TR50 was sprayed over the walls using a domestic Vacuum Cleaner. Effectnivness of decontamination procedure was conducted by microbiological examination of air and surface monitoring with swab methods after 15 mins. of contact time. Our results suggested that after decontamination, there was significant reduction in microbiological load from animal rooms. Hence, alternatively, facilities with tight annual budget can use this technique to limit the microbiological load in animal facilities in cost effective manner.

Abstract

Recently procured New Zealand White rabbits were brought to the department and kept for quarantine in the animal house facility. Out of 5 rabbits, one rabbit was anorexic, corner seating setting, and could not respond to the physical stimuli. On physical examination, we found the raised subcutaneous nodule covered under fur at lateral side of the face. PET-CT imaging was done which indicated the central area of dead tissue with peripheral uptake of 18F-FDG. Fine needle aspiration was performed and collected sample was subjected for bacteriology and cell cytological examination. Cell cytology showed many degenerated heterophils, few RBCs, and other cellular debris. Predominantly Klebsiella and few Escherichia coli s bacterial colonies were grown on agar. A broad spectrum Enrofloxacin antibiotic was given to the other animals as a preventive measures to control the infection