Background: Porcine cysticercosis, caused by Cysticercus cellulosae a larval stage of adult Taenia solium, is a zoonotic parasitic disease where pigs harbour intermediate stage and human being acts as a definite host. The people of north eastern region of India are mostly non-vegetarian and consumption of pork is very much preferred by the people of this region. Hence,it is essential to detect C. cellulosae infections in pork. But traditional method of detection of C. cellulosae by post mortem examination of pork has disadvantages like need of expert and may be over lookedin case of light infections. Molecular diagnosis have been reported to be highly specific and sensitive for its diagnosis. Keeping in view of the above, the present study on molecular detection of larval cestode C. cellulosae of pigs was undertaken. A study on phylogenetic relation of C. cellulosae of pigs or human Taenae solium of this region was done to know its relation with other parts of the world, as not yet done so far. Methods: A total of 654 pig carcasses in 17 market places of three prime districts of state Arunachal Pradesh, India were examined to detect Cysticercus cellulosae of pigs. The cysticerci samples were obtained manually from the infected muscles and organs of the infected pigs that were preserved in phosphate buffer saline until DNA extraction. Stool samples of human patients who attended out-patient department (OPD) of Community Health Centers, Nursing homes and District etc. of study area of Aunachal Pradesh, India were collected randomly and examined by salt flotation technique for the presence of T. solium eggs. The segments of tapeworm voided by patientswere then identified for species identification and T. solium segments were collected in normal saline solutions (NSS) after clearing the debris and faecal materials. Genomic DNA extraction from 3-4 numbers of cysticerci and T. solium segments collected from affected human being were extractedusing a spin column kit (D Neasy tissue kit: QUIGEN).The technique polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with published primers were used for molecular detection of C. cellulosae and to get molecular (PCR) products of T. solium for further study. The mitochondrial gene cytochrome b oxidase subunit was amplified by PCR. The PCR products were purified, sequenced and phylogenetic tree was constructed using the neighbor-joining method. Result: The present study recorded a PCR amplification of cytochrome b oxidase genes with a definite product size of 1068 bp from DNA extracted from C. cellulosae and T. solium. The product size obtained from C. cellulosae will be helpful for meat inspection by molecular detection of C. cellulosae infections in pork. The present finding signifies that the same genomic isolate of both the larval cestode and adult parasite of T. solium is prevailing in the study areas. The neighbors-joining phylogenic tree shows close similarity of the present isolates with that prevailing in other South East Asian countries and thus it can be assumed from the present finding that the same genotypic isolate of T. solium parasite is prevalent in the whole of South East Asian region.

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in the backyard chickens of mid hill region of Meghalaya. Fecal samples (2,290) were collected from different age groups, viz. < 8 weeks (694), 8–28 weeks (772) and > 28 weeks (824) and examined by flotation, sedimentation and modified McMaster techniques. Overall prevalence of GI parasitic infections was 37.20%. Eight species, viz. Eimeria sp. (30.16%), Heterakis gallinarum (14.08%), Ascaridia galli (21.36%), Strongyloides avium (12.44%), Capillaria sp. (7.51%), Raillietina sp. (8.56%), Syngamus trachea (3.52%) and Choanotaenia infundibulum (2.34%) were recorded. Age wise variations in infections were observed and trend was < 8 (25.64%), 8–28 (48.18%) and > 28 (38.71%) weeks old birds. Eimeria sp. was observed highest in both < 8 (67.97%) weeks and 8–28 (25.80%) weeks birds.A. galli (28.21%) was recorded highest in > 28 weeks old birds. The present study revealed that different species of GI parasites are prevalent throughout the year in the backyard chicken of mid hill region of Meghalaya, thus regular screening and deworming of bird is suggested for profitable backyard poultry farming.

Heart disease has become a common cause of death with one in every four death being affected which includes conditions from abnormal heart rhythms or blood vessel diseases called the cardiovascular diseases. In this paper we have made an approach to find a solution where a person can detect heart rhythms at an initial stage and take necessary actions. Throughout the paper, we have analyzed the standard and the measured values of QRS complex wave function variables which are the graphical deflection parameters of an ECG. The percentage error is the actual deflection from standard values. Heart attack generally occurs when there is a blockage in the path of flow of blood while flowing through the blood vessels. The pulse rate of heart is determined by its electrical activity of heart over a period of time.

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence, species diversity and intensity of gastrointestinal (G.I.) parasitic infections in the backyard poultry of Meghalaya. A total of 1775 numbers of fecal samples were collected from different age groups viz. 28 weeks (650 nos.) and examined by flotation, sedimentation and modified McMaster techniques. Overall prevalence of G.I. parasitic infections was 37.97%. Eight species viz. Eimeria sp. (30.12%), Heterakis gallinarum (14.09%), Ascaridia galli (21.22%), Strongyloides avium (12.46%), Capillaria sp. (7.57%), Raillietina sp. (8.61%), Syngamus trachea (3.56%) and Choanotaenia infundibulum (2.37%) were recorded. Highest and lowest infections were recorded in October (52.88%) and February (26.34%), respectively. Season wise highest infection recorded during monsoon (44.71%) followed by autumn (44.34%), winter (27.22%) and spring (36.62%). Eimeria sp. was recorded highest in monsoon (33.87%), winter (27.78%) and spring (12%) seasons while A. galli (31.63%) in autumn season. Age wise variations in infections were observed in 28 (38.77%) weeks old birds. Eimeria sp. was observed highest in both 28 weeks old birds.

Documentation of the emergence of Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) infection and economic losses incurred due to high mortality has been reported worldwide. The prevalence and genetic diversity of the virus has been reported in Northeast India including the possible chances of Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) vaccine failure in pig population in this region resulting in major disease outbreak. Irrespective of the genetic variability, the emergence of a novel cluster (based on the ORF2 phylogeny) was reported last year. The present study describes a state-wide (Meghalaya, India) molecular epidemiological investigation of PCV2 strains in pig population by amplification, sequencing and undertaking phylogenetic analyses. The results indicate the identification of a novel cluster of PCV2 originating from the inter-genotypic recombination between PCV2c and PCV2d. Multiple sequence alignment of amino acids indicates possible substitution in the A, B and C domains of the capsid protein. Molecular structural modelling of the capsid protein of PCV2 indicated possible motif variations in the secondary structure including presence of a tunnel, encountered at the interface region on each chain facilitating in transportation of molecules and acting as an active site for attachment and penetration. The baseline data strengthens the existing control programme of PCV2 and is possibly helpful in the planning of active surveillance strategy in this region.

Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic, highly pathogenic, biosafety level 4 (BSL4) virus within the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Henipavirus. Humans infected with NiV suffer primarily from severe encephalitis with pulmonary involvement in high percentage of patients, and with fatal outcome in about 40% or more of laboratory confirmed cases, depending on the outbreak. Encroachment of human populations into wildlife habitat is the prime cause for the emergence of these diseases. Emergence also depends on the presence of domestic animal ‘amplifier’ hosts, changes in agricultural operations and human behaviour. In case of NiV, it appears that change in the distribution of flora associated with intensively managed farms (i.e. introduction of fruit bats) along with a probability of viral transmission between co-evolved (fruit bats) and naive (pig) hosts. Serologic studies also suggested that NiV infection occurred in dogs, cats and two polo ponies and in bats in the outbreak area in Malaysia. Two key features of this outbreak were the fatal encephalitis and infection of human having direct contact with pigs. Pathologic studies of infected human and pig tissues provided plausible explanations for these two features of the outbreak. Studies on the status of NiV is of national importance as the disease has occurred and re-emerged in Bangladesh; moreover, there is a very large population of pigs in the north eastern states. The combination of the pathogen prevalence in the near vicinity, along with presence of susceptible reservoir hosts in large numbers could be extremely favourable for emergence of this disease. Better understanding of the NiV infection in swine would be critical for developing control measures, before another NiV disease outbreak initiate in swine.

Porcine circovirus-2 (PCV-2) is primarily detected as a causative agent of post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), a multi-factorial disease with major economic repercussions on global pig industry. This was apparent until 1996 when the syndrome PCVAD and the causative agent PCV were recognised. The present review focuses on the assemblage of the disease profile of the virus and the immune response of the animals and also the recombination events of the virus towards a virulent form that makes the virus ubiquitous in farms. This review also coins the pathway of Classical swine fever (CSF) vaccine failure in Indian scenario due to the immunosuppressive nature of PCV2 remains a challenging task and needs long-term, joint efforts of stakeholders.

Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic, highly pathogenic, biosafety level 4 (BSL4) virus within the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Henipavirus. Humans infected with NiV suffer primarily from severe encephalitis with pulmonary involvement in high percentage of patients, and with fatal outcome in about 40% or more of laboratory confirmed cases, depending on the outbreak. Encroachment of human populations into wildlife habitat is the prime cause for the emergence of these diseases. Emergence also depends on the presence of domestic animal ‘amplifier’ hosts, changes in agricultural operations and human behaviour. In case of NiV, it appears that change in the distribution of flora associated with intensively managed farms (i.e. introduction of fruit bats) along with a probability of viral transmission between co-evolved (fruit bats) and naive (pig) hosts. Serologic studies also suggested that NiV infection occurred in dogs, cats and two polo ponies and in bats in the outbreak area in Malaysia. Two key features of this outbreak were the fatal encephalitis and infection of human having direct contact with pigs. Pathologic studies of infected human and pig tissues provided plausible explanations for these two features of the outbreak. Studies on the status of NiV is of national importance as the disease has occurred and re-emerged in Bangladesh; moreover, there is a very large population of pigs in the north eastern states. The combination of the pathogen prevalence in the near vicinity, along with presence of susceptible reservoir hosts in large numbers could be extremely favourable for emergence of this disease. Better understanding of the NiV infection in swine would be critical for developing control measures, before another NiV disease outbreak initiate in swine.

The present study focused on the detection and genetic characterisation of 5′ untranslated region (5′UTR) and E2 gene of classical swine fever virus (CSFV, family Flaviviridae, genus Pestivirus) from bovine population of the northeastern region of India. A total of 134 cattle serum samples were collected from organised cattle farms and were screened for CSFV antigen with a commercial antigen capture enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (Ag-ELISA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A total of 10 samples were positive for CSFV antigen by ELISA, while all of them were positive in PCR for 5′UTR region. Full length E2 region of CSFV were successfully amplified from two positive samples and used for subsequent phylogenetic analysis and determination of protein 3D structure which showed similarity with reported CSFV isolate from Assam of sub-genogroup 2.1, with minor variations in protein structure.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections in goats of hilly region of Meghalaya. Materials and Methods: A total of 834 fecal samples of goats were screened for 1 year (2014-2015) using flotation techniques. Results: The overall prevalence of GI parasitic infections in goats was 28.65%. Season-wise highest infections were recorded during rainy season (34.92%) followed by cool (26.87%), hot (26.62%), and cold (20.39%) seasons. Helminths and protozoa infections were recorded in 63.60% and 23.02% animals, respectively. Among the helminths, Strongyle spp. (32.63%) was recorded highest followed by Trichuris spp. (12.55%), Moniezia spp. (10.04%), and Trichuris spp. (8.36%). Among protozoa, only Eimeria spp. was detected. Seven different species of Eimeria spp. were identified, viz., Eimeria christenseni, Eimeria hirci, Eimeria caprina, Eimeria jolchijevi, Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae, Eimeria arloingi, and Eimeria kocharii for the first time from Meghalaya. Maximum egg per gram and oocyst per gram of feces were recorded in the month of August (932.4) and September (674.05), respectively. Mixed infections were recorded in 13.38% samples. Coproculture of goat fecal samples revealed the presence of Haemonchus contortus (72.16%), Oesophagostomum spp. (14.41%), Strongyloides spp. (8.91%), and Trichostrongylus spp. (4.50%) larvae. Conclusion: This study indicates that GI helminths and protozoa infections are prevalent in goats of this hilly region of Meghalaya, throughout the year and highly prevalent during rainy season.

Cytokines are important in mucosal immune response and regulation of metabolism and growth. Maternal cytokines form constructive blocks in the development of neonatal immune system. We have studied the expression of pro-inflammatory (Interleukin6, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α), T-helper (Th)-1 (Interferon-γ, Interleukin-2, Interleukin-12, Tumor Necrosis Factor-β) and Th-2 (IL-10) cytokines in sow and weaned piglets based on the infection of porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) and classical swine fever virus (CSFV). PCV2 infection being immunosuppressive and ubiquitous in farms, increase disease susceptibility. This study focused the detection and quantitation of PCV2 and CSFV in serum samples from an organised farm of Meghalaya and enumeration of the relative cytokine expression. TNF-a expression in piglets with combined infection (CI) is considerably very high. The expression of IL-12 was more in piglets with PCV2 infection compared with CI. Thus, this study indicates super expression of Th-1 and Th-2 type cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in case of coinfection, indicating immunocompromise of cell-mediated and humoral immune responses resulting disease severity.

The Northeast (NE) India is the eastern most region of India, constitutes about 8% of India’s size and its population is approximately 3.1% of the total Indian population. The NE region of India though predominantly dependent on cultivation of crops, animal husbandry is an inseparable part of the economy. They not only contribute to their income but also their best insurance against any natural calamity. The humid climatic conditions of this region are very conducive for the rapid growth and multiplication of parasites. They cause clinical and subclinical parasitism. Subclinical infections are responsible for high morbidity and mortality in young animals and enormous production losses in adults. Different species of gastrointestinal parasites i.e. Haemonchus, Strongyloides, Mecistocirrus, Cooperia, Neoascaris, Fasciola gigantica, Paramphistomes, Bunostomum phlebotomum, Nematodirus fillicolis, Nematodirus helvetianus, Trichostrongylus sp., Oesophagostomum raditum, Moniezia sp., Trichuris sp., Eimeria bovis, E. zuernii, E. subspherica, E. bukidnonensis, E. auburnensis, E. ellipsoidalis, E. alabamensis etc were reported from cattle of this region. Zoonotic parasites such as Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia duodenalis, Cysticercus bovis, Fasciola hepatica and hydatidosis in cattle was also reported. Cattle ticks and tick borne diseases (TBD) such as Babesiosis, Oriental theileriosis and Anaplasmosis are also observed in this region. Many epidemiological factors are responsible for causing parasitic infections in cattle of this region. So, proper monitoring, diagnosis and control of parasitic infections in cattle of this region is required for sustainable growth and development of cattle population.

The members of the phylum Nematomorpha, called as horsehair or gordian worms, are the parasites of arthropods and emerge from their host for reproduction and early development in water. There are about 360 species of nematomorphs described till date. Although, horsehair worms are parasites of arthropod species, sporadic cases of their occurrence have also been reported from several other hosts, including man. This paper describes a case history of the occurrence of two nematomorph worms in the meat of a pig in Shillong, India. The worms were reported to have emerged in live condition from pork bought by a consumer from local market in Shillong. One of the recovered specimens was studied by scanning electron microscopy for species determination and identified as Gordius sp., mainly on the basis of flat polygonal areoles and fine bristles on the cuticle.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism in turkeys and quails reared in the poultry farm of ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Umiam, Meghalaya was carried out by examining faecal samples from 25 turkeys and 100 quails of about 12 and 8 weeks of age, respectively. Faecal samples were collected at weekly intervals for a period of four months. Faecal samples have been subjected to floatation technique using saturated sugar solution. Microscopic examination of faecal samples revealed eggs of Ascaridia galli (EPG 50-350) and Capillaria sp. (EPG 50-100) in turkeys and only Ascaridia galli (EPG 50-300) in quails. Both turkeys and quails are reared under deep litter system.

A study of antipyretic plants was made in the state of Mizoram. After the study a total of 25 families were identified from 35 species. It also provides information about the diversity of antipyretic plants in the state. Conservation of antipyretic plants is essential for the future.

Article History: Present communication describes a clinical case of babesiosis in a 15 -month Labrador bitch which at its first presentation showed few piroplasms of Babesia canis, occasional nucleated red blood cells and polychromasia in Giemsa stained blood smear microscopy. Initial values of haemoglobin (Hb) 7 g% and packed cell volume (PCV) 22% further dropped to 3 g% Hb and 12% PCV in subsequent 90 days when the animal was presented in a critical condition with corresponding increase of nucleated RBC (18%), polychromasia and presence of howell jolly bodies. Polymerase chain reaction conducted in the blood revealed Babesia DNA despite negative in blood smear examination. Administration of Diminazene diaceturate, Clindamycin hydrochloride, cortisone and supportive fluid therapy, vitamins and mineral resulted noticeable improvement. Blood examination done after 45 days of treatment showed 9.2 g% Hb and 28% PCV without any red cell abnormality. Based on therapeutic response, performance of blood smear reading for red cell abnormalities characterizing regenerative anaemia as a diagnostic marker for occult/cryptic babesiosis of dog in endemic areas is discussed.

ABSTRACT We report here the first characterized complete genome sequence of porcine circovirus types 2a and 2b from northeastern states of India. These isolates may serve as a potential reference for the Indian strains of porcine circovirus types 2a and 2b.

To determine the prevalence of Giardia duodenalis infection in dairy cattle present in Assam, India, a total of 1176 numbers of faecal samples of cattle comprising 535 numbers of faecal samples of calves and 641 numbers of faecal samples of heifers were screened for one year using Formol-Ether technique and zinc sulphate (33%) floatation method.The overall prevalence of infection in cattle was 17.94%.Age-wise infection rate was 13.45 and 21.68% in calves and heifers, respectively.Season-wise highest infection was recorded during monsoon (30.90%) followed by pre-monsoon (21.97%), post-monsoon (5.50%) and winter (4.45%).Infection was higher among the diarrhoeic (83.41%) than non-diarrhoeic (16.58%) animals.The prevalence of G. duodenalis infection in cattle of Assam has significance because it infects a wide range of hosts, including humans worldwide and responsible for causing diarrhoea.