Molecular Study of Gamma Coronaviruses in Birds from the Southern Caspian Sea Coast of Iran
Gammacoronaviruses (γ-CoVs), including infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), cause economically important diseases in poultry and may act as reservoirs or bridges for viral dissemination. This study aimed to determine the frequency and genetic relationships of γ‑CoVs in asymptomatic wild and free-ranging birds of northern Iran. From February to December 2020, 60 cloacal swabs were collected from 11 bird species (n=3–10 per species); RNA was extracted and a one‑step RT‑PCR targeting a 266‑bp fragment of the 3’ untranslated region (3’ UTR) was performed, positive amplicons were Sanger‑sequenced, sequences were aligned with reference γ‑CoV sequences, and phylogenetic analysis was carried out. Six of 60 samples (10.0%) were RT‑PCR positive—4/10 rural chickens (40.0%) and 2/10 white‑headed ducks (20.0%)—while all other sampled species were negative. Sequence analysis of six isolates placed chicken‑derived viruses in a cluster with known chicken IBV strains (one isolate clustering closely with the H120 vaccine sequence and two forming a separate subcluster), whereas the two duck-derived sequences were identical to each other and formed a distinct cluster with reference γCoV sequences from wild birds (e.g., duck, pigeon, and other avian hosts), indicating a shared lineage but not necessarily genetic identity with those reference strains. These findings indicate that asymptomatic free-ranging chickens and white-headed ducks in Golestan Province harbor γ-CoV RNA, suggesting local viral circulation and potential interactions at the wild–domestic interface
Effects of CytoGard as Drinking Water Supplement on Some Gut Health-Related Genes Expression, Inflammatory Responses, and Bone Strength Characteristics in Broiler Chickens
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Gastrointestinal health plays a crucial role in enhancing immune function and maintaining a balanced gut microbiota in poultry. Regulation of inflammatory gene expression and upregulation of genes related to intestinal health are key factors in preserving epithelial integrity and immune efficiency. In the present study, the effects of a drinking water supplement, commercially known as CytoGard, on the expression of inflammatory and intestinal health-related genes during the rearing period of broiler chickens were evaluated. A total of 180 Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly allocated to three experimental treatments: CytoGard, a commercial probiotic serving as a positive control, and control groups, with six replicates of 10 birds each. On day 42, ileum samples were collected to analyze the expression of pro-inflammatory genes (TNF-α and IL-1β) as well as the anti-inflammatory gene (IL-10). Additionally, the expression of gut health-related genes, including occludin, mucin-2, and immunoglobulin A, was assessed using real-time PCR. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the tibia bone were evaluated. The results showed that CytoGard significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β compared to the control group (p<0.01). Moreover, the expression of intestinal health-related genes such as mucin-2 and occludin was significantly upregulated (p<0.01). The mechanical properties of tibia bone did not differ significantly among groups (p>0.05). Therefore, regular supplementation with CytoGard during the rearing period may be considered as an effective strategy to enhance poultry gut health by reducing inflammation and upregulating the expression of intestinal health-related genes. |
Digital Radiography and CT-Scan Findings in Femoral Bone Structures of Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus)
Veterinary diagnostic methods are rapidly evolving, with radiology techniques playing a key role in clinical activities and disease diagnosis. Computed Tomography (CT) has gained popularity for its detailed structural imaging and ability to provide precise diagnostic information. The Buteo rufinus, a common bird of prey species admitted to the Environmental Protection Department of Kerman, often presents with skeletal injuries, making advanced imaging techniques valuable for effective treatment. This study examined the femoral bone structure using digital radiology and CT in 10 adult Buteo Rufinus. Sedated birds underwent imaging of left and right femur structures, and multiple indices were measured. A significant difference was found in the diameter of the medullary cavity and thickness of the cortex between radiology and CT techniques (P<0.05), while no significant difference was observed between left and right femoral indices using either method (P>0.05). CT offers higher accuracy in measuring some femur indices and provides precise information for managing femoral injuries in Buteo rufinus. It is recommended for enhancing clinical outcomes in these raptors
The Role of Aspirin and Its Derivatives in Enhancing Broiler Health and Performance: A Comprehensive Review"
Following restrictions on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in many regions due to their link to the development of microbial resistance. The recent ban on antibiotics in poultry has underscored the urgent need for alternative methods to enhance growth performance in chickens. Various innovative strategies are being explored to address this challenge. Aspirin, known chemically as acetylsalicylic acid, has garnered attention in poultry nutrition, particularly in broiler diets. Its potential benefits include enhancing growth performance, improving feed efficiency, and possibly providing anti-inflammatory effects. This review synthesizes findings from 64 studies conducted between 2015 and 2025 on the impacts of aspirin usage in many animals, especially broiler rations, focusing on growth and development, carcass traits, and health criteria. Review of the literature indicates that the addition of Aspirin to drinking water at concentrations exceeding 200 mg/L was associated with reduced performance and adverse histology in several studies. Conversely, including up to 100 mg/kg of Aspirin in the diet has been demonstrated in several studies to improve performance and decrease the population of Escherichia coli. These effects are especially pronounced under stressful conditions commonly faced in broiler production, such as high stocking densities and heat stress. This review underscores the health advantages and potential uses of Aspirin and its derivatives in broiler nutrition.
Molecular Characterization of Plasmid-Mediated Fluoroquinolone Resistance Genes (qnr, oqxAB, aac(6′)-Ib-cr, qepA) in Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli from Broiler Flocks with Colibacillosis in Northern Iran
Colibacillosis caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is a major health and stewardship concern in poultry. We conducted a study in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran, which was chosen because it is a major hub for broiler production and frequently reports veterinary cases of colibacillosis. From 106 diagnostic submissions with compatible necropsy lesions, 81 isolates of Escherichia coli were recovered using EMB culture and confirmed by IMViC. Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes were screened by conventional PCR for qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, oqxAB, qepA, and aac(6′)-Ib-cr, with one representative amplicon per target Sanger-confirmed. Fluoroquinolone susceptibility was assessed by Kirby–Bauer with ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, norfloxacin, and nalidixic acid. PMQR carriage was common: oqxAB in 53.1% of isolates and qnrS in 34.6%, with lower frequencies of aac(6′)-Ib-cr (13.6%) and qnrB (4.9%); qnrA and qepA were not detected. Non-susceptibility in disk diffusion was highest for enrofloxacin (76.5%) and also high for nalidixic acid (60.5%), while ciprofloxacin was lowest (23.5%), indicating substantial but heterogeneous fluoroquinolone pressure in this setting. Genotype–phenotype discordance occurred: five PMQR-positive isolates were fully susceptible to all tested fluoroquinolones, whereas nine non-susceptible isolates lacked the screened PMQR genes, consistent with alternative mechanisms such as gyrA/parC mutations or non-oqxAB efflux. These Mazandaran-specific data link PMQR genotypes to clinically relevant phenotypes in a high-priority poultry region, providing a baseline for surveillance and targeted stewardship to curb empirical fluoroquinolone use while expanding monitoring of both plasmid-borne and chromosomal resistance.
Role of Synbiotic additive on Chicken Gut Microflora for Disease Control and Production Efficiency: A Narrative Review
The use of synbiotic additives in chicken feed improves gut microbiota and represents a promising approach to bolster protective immunity against infectious diseases and enhance production efficiency. These additives, which encompass probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, are essential in modulating the microbiota of the chicken, thus promoting gut health. This narrative review aimed to explore the application of synbiotic feed additives to enhance gut microflora and mucosal immunity to disease control and improve production efficiency in chickens. In poultry production, infectious diseases are among the major challenges. Chickens may acquire these diseases either from external sources or from opportunistic pathogens that normally exist within their bodies. Most commensal bacteria reside in the gastrointestinal tract, where they form the gut microbiota. This microbiota, which begins to establish immediately after hatching, is essential for the health and well-being of chickens. The gut microbiota includes both beneficial and opportunistic pathogens. While medications are used to control infections and promote growth, excessive antibiotic use in poultry disrupts this balance, leading to negative health effects. To promote a balanced intestinal microbiota in chickens, beneficial microbes can be provided through synbiotic feed additives. This strategy can improve gut health for better nutrient absorption, strengthen mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue to enhance immunity, and potentially reduce reliance on antibiotics. Synbiotics generally have beneficial effects on host biological functions, acting as immunomodulators and promoting growth in chickens. They help limit pathogen colonization and enhance overall performance. Therefore, poultry producers should be encouraged to incorporate synbiotic-based feed supplements.
Effect of Green Nano Cineole and Green Nano silver on Altering the Expression of Caspase 3 and NFkB in Kidney Cells Exposed with Ochratoxin A
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a biologically generated mycotoxin with nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, and immunotoxic properties generated by various Aspergillus and Penicillium species. The present investigation aimed to study the toxicological effects of OTA on human kidney cells by examining the genes associated with inflammation (Caspase 3 and NFκB), as well as the combined effects of AgNPs and Nano cineole alone and in combination on the expression of these genes. The cell viability of the treated HEK-293 cell line and OTA-induced HEK-293 cells was evaluated using the MTT assay. Silver nanoparticles, Cineole nanoparticles, and combined-NPs treated and untreated HEK-293 cells and OTA-induced HEK-293 cells were used to study the expression of the genes involved in the apoptosis pathway, including Caspase 3 and NFkB genes. The rate of apoptosis in HEK-293 and OTA-induced normal cells subjected to nanoparticles was also assessed using the Annexin-V Apoptosis Detection Kit. The MTT assay indicated that treatment of HEK-293 cells with OTA resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability . In contrast, a substantial rise in the vitality of HEK-293 cell lines was observed in cells treated with higher concentrations of both AgNPs and cineole nanoparticles. The qPCR analysis showed that treatment of the OTA-treated cells with all produced NPs (single form and combination form) significantly decreased the expression of Caspase 3 and NFkB genes relative to normal OTA-induced cells (p<0.05). The frequency of apoptotic cells in cells treated with produced nanoparticles was slightly lower compared to cells treated with OTA, suggesting that exposure to these nanoparticles can decrease the toxicity caused by OTA in normal cells. Altogether, combining AgNPs and cineole nanoparticles shows promise for utilizing nanoparticles to improve mycotoxin-induced toxicity in human cells.
Current Issue
Articles
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Investigation of Chicken Ascaridia galli, Associated Risk Factors, and Assessment of Farmers' Anthelmintic Drug Use for Chicken
Asnakew Mulaw Berihun * ; Zenebe Jemere , Bemerew Admassu , Wondmagegn Abebe , Seid kassa , Abibo wondie Mekonen , Dejen Takele , Melaku Getahun Feleke , Kassahun Berrie , Yesuneh Tefera Mekasha , Yitayew Demessie1-10 -
Molecular Characterization of Plasmid-Mediated Fluoroquinolone Resistance Genes (qnr, oqxAB, aac(6′)-Ib-cr, qepA) in Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli from Broiler Flocks with Colibacillosis in Northern Iran
Kimia Tahmasbi Ghasabsaraei , Habib Miri Ahoodashti ; Saeed Shateri * ; Majid Alipour , Mohammad Barari1-8 -
Effects of CytoGard as Drinking Water Supplement on Some Gut Health-Related Genes Expression, Inflammatory Responses, and Bone Strength Characteristics in Broiler Chickens
Sare Hajiabadi , Mehrdad Movahed Nasab , Jawad Kadhim Al-jorani , Hojat Sarvari , Nazanin Alishahi , Bahman Ounagh , Alireza Haghparast , Abdollah Jamshidi ; Mohammad Hadi Sekhavati *1-9 -
Effect of Green Nano Cineole and Green Nano silver on Altering the Expression of Caspase 3 and NFkB in Kidney Cells Exposed with Ochratoxin A
Saeid Razzaghi khezerloo ; Alireza Khosravi * ; Donya Nikaein , Hesameddin Akbarein , Javad Malakootikhah1-11 -
Digital Radiography and CT-Scan Findings in Femoral Bone Structures of Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus)
Basir Abolghasemi ; Mohammadreza Esmailinejad * ; Hemad Shafiei , Mohammadjavad Jahedi , Nafiseh Alinejad1-9
Bibliographic information:
Title: Journal of Poultry Sciences and Avian Diseases.
Abbreviated title: J Poult Sci Avian Dis
Accronym: JPSAD
Online ISSN: 2981-135X
Print ISSN: 2981-1368
Editor-in-chief: Jamshid Razmyar
Owner: SANA Institute for Avian Health and Diseases Research
Funder: Ramin Salamati
Publisher: KMAN Publication Inc. 
Language: English
Subject classification: Dewey : 636.5
Subject headings: Avian Diseases, Poultry Sciences
Email: admin@jpsad.com
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