Poultry suffers from many diseases of various etiologies resulting in morbidity as well as mortal... more Poultry suffers from many diseases of various etiologies resulting in morbidity as well as mortality in birds. Poultry plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of rural households in Ethiopia, contributing to income generation and food security. This cross-sectional study, conducted from September 2023 to March 2024 at the Ambo University Guder Mamo Mezemir Campus Veterinary Teaching Clinic in Guder town, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of parasitic infestations in poultry. A total of 1123 local and exotic breed poultry were randomly selected and examined for ectoparasites, revealing a 63.0% overall prevalence. Fleas (41.1%) and lice (21.9%) were the most prevalent ectoparasites. Local breeds exhibited higher infestation rates (38.1%) compared to exotic breeds (24.9%), and females (53.2%) were more affected than males (9.7%). Adult poultry was more prevalent (53.9%) than young poultry (9.0%). Ectoparasite infestations were more common in rural areas (47.2%) than in urban areas (15.7%). The statistical analysis indicated significant associations with age and origin but not with breed, sex, or management system. These findings underscore the need for improved management practices and targeted ectoparasite control measures to enhance poultry health and productivity in the study area.
Journal of Bacteriology & Mycology: Open Access
Vector-borne diseases are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in humans and animals wo... more Vector-borne diseases are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in humans and animals worldwide. Lyme disease, or Lyme borreliosis, is an important emerging vector-borne anthropozoonosis caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. It belongs to the genus Borrelia, phylum Spirochetae. B. burgdorferi is a gram-negative, flagellated spirochete having loosely coiled spiral morphology. Lyme disease is distributed in many parts of Asia, Europe, and the United States. It is the most common arthropod-borne disease in the United States. Due to its dramatically increased prevalence, the disease has become a significant public health problem in many parts of the United States. Hunters, hikers, campers, and travelers involved in outdoor activities in forested areas are at risk of getting the infection. Lyme disease is characterized by a fever that may continue for five days. It is transmitted by the bite of the Ixodid tick (also known as the black-legged tick), commonly found on deer, rodents, and...
International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health, 2022
Introduction: The knowledge about fungal diversity in Mato Grosso, central Brazil records unknown... more Introduction: The knowledge about fungal diversity in Mato Grosso, central Brazil records unknown and scattered information, some related to taxonomy, ecology and description of species listed for the geographic region, consisting of three main biomes: Cerrado, Amazon and Pantanal. Â Aims: To present fungi related to the Mato Grosso region, aspects and species cataloged for central region of Brazil, reported through an extensive review of integrative scientific literature in publications in databases from 1979-2021. Results: We identified 190 articles included in the review, of which 69 (36.3%) were highlighted, due to their fungal aspects for the Midwest region of Brazil, medical mycology shows a strong relationship in publications to pathogenic, mycelial and yeast fungi. The Cerrado of Mato Grosso is the main biome in the Brazilian Midwest, with the largest number of records, with 88.6% of the findings, followed by the Amazon biome with 8.6% and the Pantanal with 5.7%. The capital ...
Salmonellosis is a globally prevalent zoonotic disease that can occur in sporadic as well as in e... more Salmonellosis is a globally prevalent zoonotic disease that can occur in sporadic as well as in epidemic form. Disease is caused by Salmonella, which is a ubiquitous bacterium and one of the most frequently isolated foodborne pathogens. It is a major worldwide public health concern, contributing to the economic burden of both industrialized and underdeveloped countries through the costs associated with disease surveillance, prevention and treatment. As of now, over 2,500 Salmonella serotypes have been identified. Of these, more than half are categorized under Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica, which is the primary cause of Salmonella infections in humans. Salmonellosis remains a major foodborne zoonosis affecting around 93.8 million people with 230,000 deaths every year globally. This review aims to highlight the background information on Salmonella as a foodborne pathogen, illustrating its breaking point and its economic and public health burden. The pathogen naturally exists in the environment and, animals and its by-products. The primary cause of Salmonella infections is known to be foodborne transmission. Even though human infection occurs via ingestion of contaminated water and food with animal feces, and food-processing equipment, animal-origin food and their products are the commonest vehicles of Salmonella to humans. Poultry, pigs, and cattle, and their products like meat, eggs, and milk are most commonly identified as food sources responsible for outbreaks of human salmonellosis. To prevent bacterial contamination of food, it is essential to follow proper handling and cooking procedures. Risk factors such as raw animal product consumption, unstandardized slaughtering, and unhygienic food preparation and handling procedures may expose people to food-borne pathogens in general, and Salmonella in particular, in the country. The coordinated surveillance and monitoring system for food-borne pathogens like Salmonella should be done to design appropriate and effective control and prevention strategies against these pathogens in developing countries including Ethiopia. As a result, collaboration between human and veterinary practitioners is crucial for increasing disease awareness and education, particularly among susceptible risk groups. One Health approach seems imperative for the control of this major bacterial foodborne disease of global significance.
Rabies is the most lethal viral zoonosis, with bats as reservoirs, causing fatal encephalomyeliti... more Rabies is the most lethal viral zoonosis, with bats as reservoirs, causing fatal encephalomyelitis in humans and terrestrial mammals across various categories, including pets, livestock, stray animals, and wildlife. Rabies spans natural, rural, and urban areas, primarily affecting marginalized communities in low-income countries and posing a threat to food security and livelihoods. In Ethiopia, where dog-mediated human rabies is endemic, it is considered a prioritized zoonotic disease addressed through ongoing efforts, including parental dog vaccination initiatives. These efforts are supported by various global and international organizations. The One Health approach emphasizes the need to intensify these actions to resolve the persistent issue of a large population of stray dogs possibly interacting with wild animals and bats. Urgent experimentation is essential for the development of new protective vaccines against the bat-associated rabies viruses present in Ethiopia. These viruses can infect dogs vaccinated with the currently available vaccine. Additionally, adopting Oral Rabies Vaccination for stray and guard dogs in urban and rural areas, respectively, could be crucial. Oral Rabies Vaccination, already successfully implemented in Europe for wildlife (foxes), establishes a natural barrier of vaccinated animals effectively protecting the territory from the entry of rabid wild animals, as vaccinated animals can preside over the territory without being infected.
In recent years, several opportunistic fungi have emerged as an important cause of morbidity and ... more In recent years, several opportunistic fungi have emerged as an important cause of morbidity and mortality in humans and also in animals. In this paper, we describe the etiologic role of Geotrichum candidum, an opportunistic pathogen, in oral lesions of a 34-years-male immunocompromised patient from Gujarat, India. The scrapings from oral lesions in wet mount preparation of KOH and Narayan stain showed many elongated rectangular arthrospores morphologically simulating to G. candidum. Similar morphology was observed in cytological smears of oral lesions by Gram technique. The fungus was easily isolated from clinical specimens on Pal sunflower seed medium. Treatment regime included topical application of 1% solution of gentian violet on the lesions and oral administration of fluconazole. It is emphasized that Narayan stain and Pal sunflower seed medium should be widely employed in Microbiology and Public Health laboratories for the study of fungi, which are implicated in various clinical disorders of humans and also animals. It is advised that immunocompromised patients with oral ulcers should be investigated for fungal infections by employing standard mycological techniques.
Fungi, which include moulds, yeasts and dimorphic fungi are eukaryotic, heterophilic and versatil... more Fungi, which include moulds, yeasts and dimorphic fungi are eukaryotic, heterophilic and versatile group of living organisms, have the potential to cause infections in humans and animals [1]. There are around 5 million species of fungi that are widespread in the nature, of which about 600 are found to be associated with several clinical disorders of in humans and animals [2]. Fungi are isolated from a wide variety of sources, such as the soil, avian excreta, air, water, sewage, bat guano, vegetables, fruits, woods, grains etc. [1,3,4]. There are evidences to believe that humans and animals have an equal opportunity to acquire the zoopathogenic fungi from the immediate environment.
Emerging viral zoonoses remain a global threat to public health with challenges to develop strate... more Emerging viral zoonoses remain a global threat to public health with challenges to develop strategies for their control. Monkeypox, first identified in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970, has become a growing global health concern, particularly due to its two distinct viral clades: the more severe Central African (Congo Basin) clade and the less virulent West African clade. Recent data from 2022 to July 2024 reports 37,583 cases and 1,451 deaths across 15 African Union Member States, with the majority occurring in the DRC. Nations of the world. Presently, the disease is found in more than 120 nations of the world, including India. Very recently, the World Health Organization declared monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern. Clinical manifestations include fever, lymphadenopathy, headache, chills, rigor, and rashes on different parts of the body including the face, palm, soles and oral cavity. The disease can occur in sporadic as well as in epidemic form, and is more severe in children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised subjects. Laboratory assistance is required to make an unequivocal diagnosis of monkeypox. Most patients recover within 7 to 14 days. The resurgence of monkeypox, driven by several factors like increased global travel and reduced smallpox vaccination coverage, underscores the need for enhanced surveillance, public education, and preventive strategies, including vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis, to control future outbreaks. The One Health approach seems imperative in the control of this emerging viral zoonosis that has posed a global public health threat.
Milk obtained from the healthy mammary glands of various types of domesticated dairy animals is u... more Milk obtained from the healthy mammary glands of various types of domesticated dairy animals is used by the people throughout the world. Cow milk is more commonly consumed globally. However, in recent years people have become more conscious about their health, and therefore, many persons prefer to know the composition and nutritional value of the milk they are going to consume. The milk produced by non-bovine sources like goats, camels, and yaks offer distinctive nutritional and health benefits compared to bovine milk. Rich in bioactive compounds, these milks provide unique advantages such as improved digestibility, cardiovascular health, and hypoallergenic properties. Camel milk is known for its antimicrobial effects, while goat milk supports cardiovascular health. Sheep milk aids bone health, and donkey milk is suitable for infants with allergies. Yak milk shows promise for various medical conditions. This review highlights the expanding role of non-bovine milks in human nutrition and their therapeutic potential.
Poultry suffers from many diseases of various etiologies resulting in morbidity as well as mortal... more Poultry suffers from many diseases of various etiologies resulting in morbidity as well as mortality in birds. Poultry plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of rural households in Ethiopia, contributing to income generation and food security. This cross-sectional study, conducted from September 2023 to March 2024 at the Ambo University Guder Mamo Mezemir Campus Veterinary Teaching Clinic in Guder town, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of parasitic infestations in poultry. A total of 1123 local and exotic breed poultry were randomly selected and examined for ectoparasites, revealing a 63.0% overall prevalence. Fleas (41.1%) and lice (21.9%) were the most prevalent ectoparasites. Local breeds exhibited higher infestation rates (38.1%) compared to exotic breeds (24.9%), and females (53.2%) were more affected than males (9.7%). Adult poultry was more prevalent (53.9%) than young poultry (9.0%). Ectoparasite infestations were more common in rural areas (47.2%) than in urban areas (15.7%). The statistical analysis indicated significant associations with age and origin but not with breed, sex, or management system. These findings underscore the need for improved management practices and targeted ectoparasite control measures to enhance poultry health and productivity in the study area.
Journal of Bacteriology & Mycology: Open Access
Vector-borne diseases are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in humans and animals wo... more Vector-borne diseases are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in humans and animals worldwide. Lyme disease, or Lyme borreliosis, is an important emerging vector-borne anthropozoonosis caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. It belongs to the genus Borrelia, phylum Spirochetae. B. burgdorferi is a gram-negative, flagellated spirochete having loosely coiled spiral morphology. Lyme disease is distributed in many parts of Asia, Europe, and the United States. It is the most common arthropod-borne disease in the United States. Due to its dramatically increased prevalence, the disease has become a significant public health problem in many parts of the United States. Hunters, hikers, campers, and travelers involved in outdoor activities in forested areas are at risk of getting the infection. Lyme disease is characterized by a fever that may continue for five days. It is transmitted by the bite of the Ixodid tick (also known as the black-legged tick), commonly found on deer, rodents, and...
International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health, 2022
Introduction: The knowledge about fungal diversity in Mato Grosso, central Brazil records unknown... more Introduction: The knowledge about fungal diversity in Mato Grosso, central Brazil records unknown and scattered information, some related to taxonomy, ecology and description of species listed for the geographic region, consisting of three main biomes: Cerrado, Amazon and Pantanal. Â Aims: To present fungi related to the Mato Grosso region, aspects and species cataloged for central region of Brazil, reported through an extensive review of integrative scientific literature in publications in databases from 1979-2021. Results: We identified 190 articles included in the review, of which 69 (36.3%) were highlighted, due to their fungal aspects for the Midwest region of Brazil, medical mycology shows a strong relationship in publications to pathogenic, mycelial and yeast fungi. The Cerrado of Mato Grosso is the main biome in the Brazilian Midwest, with the largest number of records, with 88.6% of the findings, followed by the Amazon biome with 8.6% and the Pantanal with 5.7%. The capital ...
Salmonellosis is a globally prevalent zoonotic disease that can occur in sporadic as well as in e... more Salmonellosis is a globally prevalent zoonotic disease that can occur in sporadic as well as in epidemic form. Disease is caused by Salmonella, which is a ubiquitous bacterium and one of the most frequently isolated foodborne pathogens. It is a major worldwide public health concern, contributing to the economic burden of both industrialized and underdeveloped countries through the costs associated with disease surveillance, prevention and treatment. As of now, over 2,500 Salmonella serotypes have been identified. Of these, more than half are categorized under Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica, which is the primary cause of Salmonella infections in humans. Salmonellosis remains a major foodborne zoonosis affecting around 93.8 million people with 230,000 deaths every year globally. This review aims to highlight the background information on Salmonella as a foodborne pathogen, illustrating its breaking point and its economic and public health burden. The pathogen naturally exists in the environment and, animals and its by-products. The primary cause of Salmonella infections is known to be foodborne transmission. Even though human infection occurs via ingestion of contaminated water and food with animal feces, and food-processing equipment, animal-origin food and their products are the commonest vehicles of Salmonella to humans. Poultry, pigs, and cattle, and their products like meat, eggs, and milk are most commonly identified as food sources responsible for outbreaks of human salmonellosis. To prevent bacterial contamination of food, it is essential to follow proper handling and cooking procedures. Risk factors such as raw animal product consumption, unstandardized slaughtering, and unhygienic food preparation and handling procedures may expose people to food-borne pathogens in general, and Salmonella in particular, in the country. The coordinated surveillance and monitoring system for food-borne pathogens like Salmonella should be done to design appropriate and effective control and prevention strategies against these pathogens in developing countries including Ethiopia. As a result, collaboration between human and veterinary practitioners is crucial for increasing disease awareness and education, particularly among susceptible risk groups. One Health approach seems imperative for the control of this major bacterial foodborne disease of global significance.
Rabies is the most lethal viral zoonosis, with bats as reservoirs, causing fatal encephalomyeliti... more Rabies is the most lethal viral zoonosis, with bats as reservoirs, causing fatal encephalomyelitis in humans and terrestrial mammals across various categories, including pets, livestock, stray animals, and wildlife. Rabies spans natural, rural, and urban areas, primarily affecting marginalized communities in low-income countries and posing a threat to food security and livelihoods. In Ethiopia, where dog-mediated human rabies is endemic, it is considered a prioritized zoonotic disease addressed through ongoing efforts, including parental dog vaccination initiatives. These efforts are supported by various global and international organizations. The One Health approach emphasizes the need to intensify these actions to resolve the persistent issue of a large population of stray dogs possibly interacting with wild animals and bats. Urgent experimentation is essential for the development of new protective vaccines against the bat-associated rabies viruses present in Ethiopia. These viruses can infect dogs vaccinated with the currently available vaccine. Additionally, adopting Oral Rabies Vaccination for stray and guard dogs in urban and rural areas, respectively, could be crucial. Oral Rabies Vaccination, already successfully implemented in Europe for wildlife (foxes), establishes a natural barrier of vaccinated animals effectively protecting the territory from the entry of rabid wild animals, as vaccinated animals can preside over the territory without being infected.
In recent years, several opportunistic fungi have emerged as an important cause of morbidity and ... more In recent years, several opportunistic fungi have emerged as an important cause of morbidity and mortality in humans and also in animals. In this paper, we describe the etiologic role of Geotrichum candidum, an opportunistic pathogen, in oral lesions of a 34-years-male immunocompromised patient from Gujarat, India. The scrapings from oral lesions in wet mount preparation of KOH and Narayan stain showed many elongated rectangular arthrospores morphologically simulating to G. candidum. Similar morphology was observed in cytological smears of oral lesions by Gram technique. The fungus was easily isolated from clinical specimens on Pal sunflower seed medium. Treatment regime included topical application of 1% solution of gentian violet on the lesions and oral administration of fluconazole. It is emphasized that Narayan stain and Pal sunflower seed medium should be widely employed in Microbiology and Public Health laboratories for the study of fungi, which are implicated in various clinical disorders of humans and also animals. It is advised that immunocompromised patients with oral ulcers should be investigated for fungal infections by employing standard mycological techniques.
Fungi, which include moulds, yeasts and dimorphic fungi are eukaryotic, heterophilic and versatil... more Fungi, which include moulds, yeasts and dimorphic fungi are eukaryotic, heterophilic and versatile group of living organisms, have the potential to cause infections in humans and animals [1]. There are around 5 million species of fungi that are widespread in the nature, of which about 600 are found to be associated with several clinical disorders of in humans and animals [2]. Fungi are isolated from a wide variety of sources, such as the soil, avian excreta, air, water, sewage, bat guano, vegetables, fruits, woods, grains etc. [1,3,4]. There are evidences to believe that humans and animals have an equal opportunity to acquire the zoopathogenic fungi from the immediate environment.
Emerging viral zoonoses remain a global threat to public health with challenges to develop strate... more Emerging viral zoonoses remain a global threat to public health with challenges to develop strategies for their control. Monkeypox, first identified in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970, has become a growing global health concern, particularly due to its two distinct viral clades: the more severe Central African (Congo Basin) clade and the less virulent West African clade. Recent data from 2022 to July 2024 reports 37,583 cases and 1,451 deaths across 15 African Union Member States, with the majority occurring in the DRC. Nations of the world. Presently, the disease is found in more than 120 nations of the world, including India. Very recently, the World Health Organization declared monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern. Clinical manifestations include fever, lymphadenopathy, headache, chills, rigor, and rashes on different parts of the body including the face, palm, soles and oral cavity. The disease can occur in sporadic as well as in epidemic form, and is more severe in children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised subjects. Laboratory assistance is required to make an unequivocal diagnosis of monkeypox. Most patients recover within 7 to 14 days. The resurgence of monkeypox, driven by several factors like increased global travel and reduced smallpox vaccination coverage, underscores the need for enhanced surveillance, public education, and preventive strategies, including vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis, to control future outbreaks. The One Health approach seems imperative in the control of this emerging viral zoonosis that has posed a global public health threat.
Milk obtained from the healthy mammary glands of various types of domesticated dairy animals is u... more Milk obtained from the healthy mammary glands of various types of domesticated dairy animals is used by the people throughout the world. Cow milk is more commonly consumed globally. However, in recent years people have become more conscious about their health, and therefore, many persons prefer to know the composition and nutritional value of the milk they are going to consume. The milk produced by non-bovine sources like goats, camels, and yaks offer distinctive nutritional and health benefits compared to bovine milk. Rich in bioactive compounds, these milks provide unique advantages such as improved digestibility, cardiovascular health, and hypoallergenic properties. Camel milk is known for its antimicrobial effects, while goat milk supports cardiovascular health. Sheep milk aids bone health, and donkey milk is suitable for infants with allergies. Yak milk shows promise for various medical conditions. This review highlights the expanding role of non-bovine milks in human nutrition and their therapeutic potential.
Prof. Mahendra Pal, born on 10-04-1964 in Delhi, India, is an internationally renowned scientist ... more Prof. Mahendra Pal, born on 10-04-1964 in Delhi, India, is an internationally renowned scientist and a well known distinguished academician, who has over 46 years experience of research, teaching, disease investigation, planning, and administration in the field of Veterinary Science. Prof. Pal obtained B.V.Sc. &A.H., M.V.P.H., Ph.D., and D.Sc. from Indian Universities in 1969, 1975, 1981, and 2008, respectively. Prof. Pal worked in Veterinary and Medical Colleges in India and other foreign countries, and published over 502 papers, and authored 7 books. His books namely on " Zoonoses " and " Veterinary and Medical Mycology " are highly appreciated by veterinary and medical professionals of the world. Prof. Pal guided over 67 students at DVM, MSc, MVSc and Ph.D. level in India and Ethiopia. He is credited to develop Sunflower seed agar (Pal's medium) (1980), Modified sunflower seed medium (1986), APRM medium (2015), PHOL stain (1990), and Narayan stain (1998) for the study of fungi, which are implicated in the etiology of many clinical disorders of humans and animals. Prof. Pal elucidated for the first time the role of Cryptococcus neoformans in the mastitis of goat and buffalo, Fusarium solani in corneal ulcer of buffalo, Aspergillus fumigatus in rhinitis of camel and mule, Trichophyton verrucosum in dermatitis of deer, Candida tropicalis in human lung empyema, Nocardia asteroides in keratitis of cattle, Aspergillus niger in abortion of bufffalo, and Aspergillus fumigatus in ocular disorders of cattle and buffalo, Exserohium rostratum in equine dermatitis, Trichosporon beigelii in cutaneous lesion of cattle, and human lung empyema, and Staphylococcus aureus in wound of Hanuman Langur. He has established for the first time the prevalence of Cryptococcus neoformans in the environment of New Zealand, Nepal, and Djibouti. He has reported the first isolation of Candida albicans from mastitic milk, and Trichophyton verrucosum in dermatitis of camel in Ethiopia. Prof.
Prof. Mahendra Pal, born on 10-04-1964 in Delhi, India, is an internationally renowned scientist ... more Prof. Mahendra Pal, born on 10-04-1964 in Delhi, India, is an internationally renowned scientist and a well known distinguished academician, who has over 46 years experience of research, teaching, disease investigation, planning, and administration in the field of Veterinary Science. Prof. Pal obtained B.V.Sc. &A.H., M.V.P.H., Ph.D., and D.Sc. from Indian Universities in 1969, 1975, 1981, and 2008, respectively. Prof. Pal worked in Veterinary and Medical Colleges in India and other foreign countries, and published over 502 papers, and authored 7 books. His books namely on " Zoonoses " and " Veterinary and Medical Mycology " are highly appreciated by veterinary and medical professionals of the world. Prof. Pal guided over 67 students at DVM, MSc, MVSc and Ph.D. level in India and Ethiopia. He is credited to develop Sunflower seed agar (Pal's medium) (1980), Modified sunflower seed medium (1986), APRM medium (2015), PHOL stain (1990), and Narayan stain (1998) for the study of fungi, which are implicated in the etiology of many clinical disorders of humans and animals. Prof. Pal elucidated for the first time the role of Cryptococcus neoformans in the mastitis of goat and buffalo, Fusarium solani in corneal ulcer of buffalo, Aspergillus fumigatus in rhinitis of camel and mule, Trichophyton verrucosum in dermatitis of deer, Candida tropicalis in human lung empyema, Nocardia asteroides in keratitis of cattle, Aspergillus niger in abortion of bufffalo, and Aspergillus fumigatus in ocular disorders of cattle and buffalo, Exserohium rostratum in equine dermatitis, Trichosporon beigelii in cutaneous lesion of cattle, and human lung empyema, and Staphylococcus aureus in wound of Hanuman Langur. He has established for the first time the prevalence of Cryptococcus neoformans in the environment of New Zealand, Nepal, and Djibouti. He has reported the first isolation of Candida albicans from mastitic milk, and Trichophyton verrucosum in dermatitis of camel in Ethiopia. Prof.
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