Browsing by Author "Ravi Latha, Bhaskaran"
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ArticleItem Open Access Chewing lice (Phthiraptera) of pigeons (Columba livia) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu(2021-12) Kavitha, KT; Bino Sundar, ST; Ravi Latha, Bhaskaran; TANUVASThe purpose of this study was to document the finding of chewing lice infesting pigeons in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. A total of 18 pigeons were examined for the presence of lice, out of which five (27.8%) showed severe infestation. The infested pigeons showed restlessness, weak body condition, pruritus, skin reddening, dermatitis, anaemia and lesions on their feathers. A total number of 230 lice were collected from the infested pigeons. Three species of chewing lice, Colpocephalum turbinatum (n=149), Columbicola columbae (n=70), and Campanulotes compar (n=11) were identified morphologically. It was observed that C. turbinatum (64.8%) was the most common parasite, followed by C. columbae (30.4%). C. compar (4.8%) showed the lowest rate of infestation.ThesisItem Restricted CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF PARASITIC AND FUNGAL DERMATOSES IN CATS(2018) Kishorbhai, Kasondra Arjun; Nagarajan, B; Jayathangaraj, MG; Ravi Latha, Bhaskaran; Johnkirubaharan, J; TANUVASThe study was conducted at Small Animal Dermatology out patient unit of Madras Veterinary College Teaching Hospital to study the incidence of parasitic and fungal dermatoses, to evaluate the efficacy of various diagnostic tests in parasitic and fungal dermatoses and to evaluate the efficacy of various therapeutic agents against Lynxacarus radovaskyi (Fur mite) andMicrosporum spp. dermatoses in cats. In this study a total of 303 cats with the history of dermatoses were subjected to detailed clinical examination and various fungal and parasitic diagnostictests.ArticleItem Open Access Entomopathogenic Fungi Prevalent in Soil and Rhipicephalus (B) microplus Ticks in Tamil Nadu(2020-07) Kavitha, KT; Saranya, D; Ravi Latha, Bhaskaran; TANUVASA study to determine the best methods to isolate entomopathogenic fungal species from fieldcollected samples of soil and ticks at different regions of Tamil Nadu was conducted. The isolation was carried out by soil plating method with selective media and insect bait method with Rhipicephalus (B) microplus ticks. A total of 12 isolates of entomopathogenic fungi were isolated from tick as well as soil samples. The most predominant species was Beauveria bassiana (7 isolates) followed by Metarhizium anisopliae (4 isolates) and Isaria fumosorosea (1 isolate). The bait method with ticks isolated 14.5 per cent while the soil plating method it was 8.8 per cent. The other colonies of fungi included Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Mucor, Rhizopus and Fusarium sp. The higher incidence of entomopathogenic fungi was observed using the bait method with high frequencies of B. bassiana and M. anisopliae. The bait method with R. (B) microplus ticks was a sensitive method for the isolation of entomopathogenic fungi in soil.ArticleItem Open Access Expression of putative chitinase of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato in Rosetta (DE3)pLysS cells(2021-12) V. Sagar, Sharath; Ravi Latha, Bhaskaran; Sangaran, A, et al.,; TANUVASwith cell density, aerobic conditions and the toxic effect of metabolite produced post induction. In the current study, the ideal expression conditions needed to obtain optimum yield of a putative chitinase from Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato using recombinant Rosetta (DE3)pLysS cells was evaluated. The expressed proteins were visualised in SDS-PAGE and confirmed by western blotting. Double selection of colonies expressing the recombinant protein was carried in the study. The study showed that induction at an OD600 range of 0.6-0.8 and aerobic conditions with the induction volume being one-fifth the flask volume favoured the expression of recombinant protein. Post-induction incubation periods of 1- 16hr did not influence protein production among the induced cultures.ArticleItem Open Access In-vitro culture as a diagnostic aid to detect Blastocystis infection in food animals(TANUVAS, 2017) Arpitha, GM; Sreekumar, C; Ravi Latha, Bhaskaran; Vijaya Bharathi, M; TANUVASBlastocystis is a unicellular, anaerobic, eukaryotic, polymorphic protist, which lives in the intestinal tract of various hosts. The present study was conducted with an aim to use in-vitro culture using Jones’ medium to diagnose Blastocystis infection. Among the 70 gut contents of different animals cultured in Jones’ medium, 50 were positive, which included 15 microscopically negative samples. In Jones’ medium, organisms appeared generally ovoid or rounded in profile of different sizes, being only occasionally slightly irregular in outline. Vacuolar and granular forms were the most predominant forms found in in-vitro culture of Jones’ medium. The occurrence of granular forms was found to increase in older culture. Amoeboid form was rarely observed. In culture, stages of binary fission, peanut shaped, polymorphic budding stages were recorded. In vitro culture in Jones’ medium can be a useful diagnostic tool as well as a means to obtain pure cultures of Blastocystis.ArticleItem Open Access Influence of Magmeal supplementation on haematological parameters in Japanese quails(2020) Mohapatra, Smruti Smita; Suganya, G; Leela, V; Ravi Latha, Bhaskaran; TANUVASA study was conducted on 240 Japanese quail birds (Coturnix coturnix japonica) from day old to six weeks of age to evaluate the effect of magmeal supplementation on haematological parameters at Madras Veterinary College, Chennai. The birds were divided into 4 groups with 20 birds each in each group in 3 replicates and fed with diet replacing fish meal with magmeal at varying proportion - G1 (Control group with 7%), G2 (50%), G3 (75%) and G4 (100%). The effect of magmeal inclusion on hematological parameters suggested that there was a significant decrease in hemoglobin concentration in G2 and G3 when compared G1 and then significantly increased (P < 0.01) in G4. There was no significant difference in hemoglobin concentration between the groups on the inclusion of magmeal at six weeks of age. But there was a significantly high increase (P < 0.01) in hemoglobin concentration at six weeks than at three weeks of age of birds in control and experimental groups of Japanese quails. The highest hemoglobin concentration observed was 14.98 ± 0.10 g/dL in G3 at six weeks of age. There was a significant increase (P < 0.01) in total erythrocyte count as the percentage of magmeal inclusion increased within the groups at three and six weeks of age. There was no significant difference observed in total leucocyte count between the control and experimental groups and between the three and six weeks upon the inclusion of magmeal at different levels. There was no significant difference in differential count between the three weeks and six weeks of age in control and experimental groups of Japanese quails. Thus it was concluded the inclusion of magmeal can possibly lead to increase in poultry production and consequent economic affordability to the much needed animal protein.ArticleItem Open Access Innovative way to dispense pheromones for off-host control of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks(2019) Gowrishankar, S; Ravi Latha, Bhaskaran; Sreekumar, C; Leela, V; TANUVASVapour patches dispensing pheromones were evaluated as lures to increase the attractiveness of sticky tick traps for Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.). Sex pheromone (SP), assembly pheromone (AP) and a combination of SP+AP at optimal concentrations were impregnated in vapour patches. The responses of the different stages of R. sanguineus s.l. (i.e. larvae, nymphs and adults) to the pheromones were evaluated using a Petri dish bioassay. The impregnated vapour patches were retained as such for a period of two mo and their efficacy was reassessed. In a subsequent field trial, pheromone impregnated vapour patches were placed as lures in bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) sticky traps designed for the control of ticks in dog kennels. In vitro AP impregnated vapour patches were effective in attracting the different life stages of R. sanguineus s.l. whereas SP was effective in attracting the unfed and fed male stages of R. sanguineus s.l. The field trial revealed that questing and engorged larvae, nymphs and females of R. sanguineus s.l. were attracted more towards AP impregnated vapour patches than SP and AP+SP impregnated vapour patches. Fed and unfed male ticks were lured effectively by SP alone. The combination of SP+AP revealed no potent additive or synergistic effect.ArticleItem Open Access Lockdown effect of the brown dog tick with-in a bamboo sticky trap using sustained release pheromone beads in kennels(2021) Gowrishankar, S; Ravi Latha, Bhaskaran; Sreekumar, C; Leela, V; TANUVASTicks are ubiquitous in nature and have considerable medical and veterinary importance. They act as vectors for a diverse array of pathogens affecting animals and humans. Rhipicephalus sanguineus is the most prevalent species infesting the dogs in Tamil Nadu. Control of this three-host tick mainly depends on the use of acaricides, with attendant problems of development of acaricidal resistance in ticks and possibility of drug residues. In the current study, pheromones were evaluated as an alternative substance for control of the dog tick. Optimal concentration of attractant sex pheromone (ASP), assembly pheromone (AP), and combination of both ASP and AP were encapsulated using calcium alginate beads for sustained release of pheromones. Bamboo sticky traps were designed as a platform to hold these pheromone encapsulated beads. Field trials were conducted using these pheromone lures as bait in the bamboo trap. Field trials revealed that AP encapsulated calcium alginate beads lured the maximum number of different stages of dog ticks. Thus, a bamboo trap with AP encapsulated calcium alginate beads can be used in integrated pest management along with other routine practices for control of dog tick in kennels. Statistical analysis by chi-square test revealed that there was a highly significant (p < 0.01) difference in the level of attraction between engorged and questing stages of ticks to the pheromones in the trap.ArticleItem Open Access MOLECULAR DETECTION OF THEILERIA LUWENSHUNI IN SHEEP AND GOATS OF CHENNAI, TAMIL NADU(Indian Society for Sheep and Goat Production and Utilization, 2019) Anu, S. Jayaram; Soundararajan, C; Ravi Latha, Bhaskaran; Senthilkumar, TMA; TANUVASTheileriosis is an important haemoprotozoan disease of sheep and goats in tropical and subtropical regions caused by the different species of Theileria (Altay et al., 2007). It is mainly transmitted trans-staidly by various tick vectors of family Ixodidae and cause heavy economic losses (US$ 62 million) to livestock (Li et al., 2014). T. lestoquardi is the most important and highly pathogenic species causing malignant theileriosis in sheep (Friedhoff, 1997). In addition, two newly reported species (T. luwenshuni and T. uilenbergi) from China are also pathogenic to small ruminants (Ahmed et al., 2006; Yin et al., 2007). The other species like T. ovis, T. separata and T. recondita are non-pathogenic in small ruminants (Altay et al., 2007; Alessandra and Santo, 2012). General ly, the diagnosis of smal l ruminant piroplasmosis is based on microscopic examination of blood and lymph node smears and clinical symptoms.ArticleItem Open Access Ocimum sanctum Oil Treatment for Natural Psoroptes cuniculi Infestation in Rabbits(2020-03) Jeyathilakan, N; Bino Sundar, ST; Sangaran, A; Ravi Latha, BhaskaranOcimum sanctum oil (Tulsi oil) used for treatment of New Zealand white rabbits naturally infested with Psoroptes cuniculi and compared with ivermectin based on the healing of wound and hair growth. Complete healing of infested ears was noticed in rabbits treated with tulsi oil and ivermectin, but healing was most rapid in tulsi oil treated rabbits than those treated with ivermectin. The crusts in the ear disappeared within one week and regrowth of hair was noticed in tulsi oil treated rabbits. In ivermectin treated rabbits, lesions persisted after one week of treatment and hair growth was also delayed.ArticleItem Open Access Prevalence, Molecular Diagnosis and Management of Klebsiella species in Captive Sloth Bears (Melursus ursinus)(2019) Palanivelrajan, Muthusami; Shanmugam Arun, Attur; Jayathangaraj, Madurai Ganesan; Vijayarani, Kumanan; Ravi Latha, Bhaskaran; Sridevi, Purushothaman; TANUVASGenus Klebsiella from faeces of sloth bears was screened by using culture morphology, Gram’s staining, biochemical tests and polymerase chain reaction. Our results showed that out of 60 samples collected, 22 samples (36.67%) were cultured on Klebsiella Selective Agar Base with Klebsiella Selective Supplement and Gram’s stain revealed rod-shaped Gram-negative organism with purple-magenta colony - like colonies. The biochemical tests of cultured samples revealed negative to indole production and methyl red test, positive to Voges-Proskauer test, positive to Simmon citrate utilization test, negative to H2S production and that produced acid over acid reaction in TSI agar and positive to urea production in cultured samples. All Klebsiella species isolates were sensitive to azithromycin followed by enrofloxacin and resistant to clindamycin and methicillin. The gyrA gene was amplified by PCR for the genus Klebsiella and found to be positive of 36.67%. This study may provide information for developing strategies in the future in the control of Klebsiella species infections in sloth bears.ArticleItem Open Access Prognostic markers and their discriminant score in predicting the outcome of Babesia gibsoni infection(2021) Kandasamy, Rajamanickam; Venkatasubramanian, Leela; Loganathasamy, Karuppusamy; Ravi Latha, Bhaskaran; Mani, Balagangatharathilagar; TANUVASAbstract Background:We aimed to identify prognostic markers and their discriminant score in predicting the lethal outcome of canine Babesia gibsoni. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 108 client-owned dogs with clinical signs commensurate with babesiosis to analyze haematological, biochemical, haemostatic, antioxidant profile and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels. Samples were screened for Babesia infection (microscopic and molecular techniques). Babesiosis-affected dogs were classified into survivors and non-survivors, and 30 healthy dogs were used in the control group. Results: Haemoglobin, thrombocytes, catalase, urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, lactate and reticulocytes were highly correlated to survival. Receiver operating characteristics analysis revealed urea, ALT and lactate as specific prognostic markers for the disease. The formula for calculation of discriminant scores (Di) for lethal outcome of the disease was generated with cut-off score 0.141. The scoring system was 79% sensitive and 83% specific in predicting the lethal outcome of the disease. Conclusions: A scoring system developed from the prognosticating markers may aid in predicting the outcome of Babesia gibsoni infection on the day of presentation itself enabling intensive care for those animals with a cut-off score more than 0.141.ThesisItem Open Access RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ZOONOSIS DUE TO TOXOCARA CANIS(TANUVAS, 2016) Selvakmar, S; Sangaran, A; Ravi Latha, Bhaskaran; Nambi, AP; TANUVASA study was undertaken to assess the risk factors associated with Zoonosis due to Toxocara canis and the related parameters which facilitate the problem in human beings. Toxocara canis Worms were collected from puppies and washed in distilled Water to remove the adherent faecal materials. Specifically female Worms were selected and the uterus of the worms was dissected for removal of unembryonated eggs.ArticleItem Open Access Silicone Resin Plastination of Helminth Parasites for Preservation(Indian Veterinary Association, 2019-12) Bino Sundar, ST; Sivagnanam, S; Ravi Latha, Bhaskaran; TANUVASHelminth parasites viz, ukes (Fasciola gigantica), tapeworms (Moniezia sp.), round worms (Parascaris equorum, Toxocara canis, Setaria digitata) and Cysticercus tenuicollis cysts were subjected to silicone resin plastination. Formalinized specimens were brie y pre-cooled at 4ºC for 24 h followed by alcohol dehydration, silicone resin impregnation and curing. Plastinated helminths were sturdy and retained the natural colour. Handling of plastinated specimens was easy with aesthetic superiority compared to conventional formalin preserved specimens. The technique was found to be effective in preserving helminth parasites.ArticleItem Open Access Solar tick trap with a pheromone lure – A stand-in approach for off-host control of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks(2021) Gowrishankar, S; Ravi Latha, Bhaskaran; Sreekumar, C; Leela, V; TANUVASRhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.), the brown dog tick, transmits several important haemo-protozoan and rickettsial pathogens to dogs. Effective control of these ticks is entirely by the use of acaricidal preparations both on and off the host. Indiscriminate use of acaricides can cause environmental pollution and toxicity to humans as well as development of acaricidal resistance in ticks. As an alternative control strategy, a novel, eco-friendly and economical solar tick trap, which attracts ticks using pheromones and kills them by electrocution, was fabricated for use in kennels to control different stages of ticks. All stages of ticks were found to be lured to sex pheromone (SP), assembly pheromone (AP) and a combination of SP + AP impregnated vapour patches and electrocuted. There was a highly significant (p < 0.01) difference in the level of attraction between engorged and questing stages of ticks to the pheromones in the trap. AP lured a higher number of ticks, both engorged and questing, in comparison to other pheromones. The solar tick trap bearing vapour patch impregnated with AP was considered most suitable for use in integrated pest management (IPM) of ticks in heavily infested kennels. The solar trap remained effective for a month after which, replacement of pheromone impregnated vapour patch was necessary for continued and effective attraction of the ticks. This solar tick trap device, which uses pheromone without any acaricide, could prove to be an ideal green alternative for use in IPM of ticks in kennels.ArticleItem Open Access Use of polymerase chain reaction: Restriction fragment length polymorphism to detect acaricidal resistance to synthetic pyrethroids in Boophilus microplus ticks of South India(2013) Cattavarayane, Mathivathani; Basith, Abdul; Ravi Latha, Bhaskaran; TANUVASBackground: Boophilus microplus is an important ectoparasite of livestock. Apart from transmitting diseases, heavy tick burden can decrease production and damage hides. The synthetic pyrethroids which are advantageous over other acaricides for treatment of this infestation are now losing their efficacy due to development of resistant strains of ticks. Materials and Methods: Boophilus microplus ticks with a previous history of acaricidal treatment especially synthetic pyrethroids (SP) such as cypermethrin, deltamethrin and flumethrin were randomly collected from different pockets of four Southern States of India namely Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry from cattle. Deoxyribonucleic acid extracted from pooled adult B. microplus tick from each State was subjected to polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism to detect point mutation in carboxyl esterase gene. Results: A product size of 372 bp was obtained for cattle tick samples collected from all over Southern States of India. Conclusions: B. microplus ticks found in Southern part of India are not resistant to commonly used SP.