<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study aimed to assess the bacteriological and physicochemical properties of the water supplying the artificial concrete fish ponds in Bechar province (Southwestern Algeria).<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Methods: </strong>Bacteriological and physicochemical parameters were assessed using standard procedures for water and wastewater analysis, as outlined by the APHA and WEF.<br />
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<strong>Result: </strong>Physicochemical analysis showed that water temperatures ranged from 18 to 21<sup>o</sup>C, with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (7.4 to 8.53). Electrical conductivity (EC) varied from 1313 to 3848 &micro;S/cm and the water was classified as hard, with total hardness (TH) ranging from 297 to 873 mg/L. Bacteriological analysis revealed that 13 of the 21 samples (62%) complied with national regulations, while 8 samples (38%) were contaminated with fecal coliforms, fecal streptococci and sulfite-reducing <em>Clostridia</em> (SRC) spores. Five samples (Sb7, Sb8, St15, St16, St17) and one sample (Sb7) were contaminated with <em>Pseudomonas</em> spp and <em>Salmonella</em> spp, respectively. Among the 21 samples analyzed, 16 had a total aerobic mesophilic flora (TAMF) load ranging from 2 to 4 Log10&nbsp;CFU/mL at 22<sup>o</sup>C, while the remaining 5 had a TAMF load below 2 Log10&nbsp;CFU/mL. Pathogen identification revealed the presence of <em>Salmonella choleraesuis</em> ssp. <em>arizonae</em> and <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em>. We observed that the contaminated samples originated from the elevated water storage tank in Boukais and from some shallow well samples in Taghit, whereas borehole samples from Nif-Rhaa (Ouakda) and Boukais showed good microbiological quality. Further investigation is needed to identify the source of water contamination. Ensuring water quality is essential for safe aquaculture practices, which contribute to high-quality fish production and national food safety strategies.</p>


<p>Water Quality of Borehole and Shallow Wells Feeding Artificial Fish Ponds in Bechar Province, Southwestern Algeria: Bacteriological and Physicochemical Aspects</p>


<div><strong>Background:</strong> The present study was done to ascertain prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus from various canine affections in Banaskantha district of Gujarat, India. Along with this, use of classical and molecular techniques were compared in identification and virulence characterization of this pathogen.<br />
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<strong>Methods:</strong> A total of 165 samples were collected and bacterial identification was carried out with bacteriological (phenotypic) techniques and confirmed by genus specific 16S rDNA and Staphylococcus aureus specific sa442 gene based PCR. Isolates were characterized for coagulase production, haemolysis activity and presence of spa gene. &nbsp;<br />
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<strong>Result: </strong>Samples yielded, 88 (53.33%) Staphylococcus spp. via bacteriological and PCR methods. Clinically, 19 (21.59%), 28 (31.82%), 12 (13.64%), 15 (17.04%) and 14 (15.91%) isolates were from abscess/wound, pyoderma, respiratory problems, eye infections and Otitis, respectively. A total of 46/88 (52.27%) isolates were confirmed as Staphylococcus aureus in PCR. In tube coagulase test, 51/88 (57.95%) isolates were found positive. A tota of 42 isolates revealed presence of coa gene, including two tube coagulase negative isolates. Haemolytic activity revealed beta (51.14%) gamma (31.82%), alpha (13.64%) and alpha-beta (3.41%) haemolysis, respectively. X-region of Protein A (spa gene) was detected in 26 /46 (56.52%) isolates in PCR.</div>


<div>Bacteriological and Molecular Identification and Characterization of <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> from Different Affections of Canines</div>


<p><strong>Background:</strong> This study aimed at assessing the physicochemical and bacteriological parameters of the water at the softener outlet and the steam boiler water condensate of a dairy unit located in Bechar province (South-West of Algeria).<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> Some physicochemical and bacteriological parameters were analyzed based on standard methods given by the American Public Health Association (APHA).<br />
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<strong>Result</strong>: The obtained results showed that the parameters: pH, EC, salinity, TA, TAC, sulfate, nitrate, and fluoride ions of most analyzed water samples at the softener outlet (SW) were in agreement with national regulations. However, the steam boiler water condensate samples (BW) were out of specification except for TA, TAC, nitrate, and fluoride ions. The SW and BW samples were qualified as very hard exceeding the standard set at 15&deg;f and 10,5 to 11,5&deg;f, respectively, with high salinity and TDS values. The bacteriological analysis showed that most of the steam boiler water condensate samples complied with national regulations with the absence of fecal coliforms, knowing that the BW5 and BW8 samples were contaminated with spores of sulfite-reducing Clostridia at a load of 3 and 1 spore/50 mL, respectively. However, an average of 6/10 (i.e. 60%) of the softened water samples were contaminated with the opportunistic species &lsquo;<em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em>&rsquo;, while the SW5, SW8 and SW10 samples were contaminated with spores of sulfite-reducing Clostridia (1 to 11 spores/50 mL). All samples were free from Salmonella spp. A high TH of the water at the softener outlet reveals a malfunction of the external treatment (softening). On the one hand, boiler scaling that may occur can reduce the steam flow (low efficiency of the heat treatment), which contributes to poor pasteurization of the milk, especially in the presence of bacterial contaminants, and on the other hand, increase the energy expenditure.</p>


<p>Softened Water and Steam Boiler Water Condensate Quality used in the Milk Production Line of a Private Dairy Unit Located in Bechar Province (South-West of Algeria): Physicochemical and Bacteriological Analysis</p>


<p><strong>Background:</strong> Traditional dairy products are widely consumed by the Mediterranean and sub-Saharan countries; they are traditionally prepared by rural women. This work focuses on understanding the traditional practices and enhancing the same by studying the physicochemical, bacteriological and organoleptic properties of fermented raw goat milk, supplemented by the leaves of the Phenician juniper species.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
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<strong>Methods:</strong> Monitoring of the juniper leaves-supplemented goat milk sample against a control one (without juniper leaves) was conducted. Three physicochemical parameters were tracked: pH, titratable acidity and temperature. However, the bacteriological analysis featured the following parameters: the total aerobic mesophilic flora, thermotolerant coliforms, coagulase-positive Staphylococci, Pathogenic bacteria namely <em>Salmonella</em> spp and <em>Listeria monocytogenes</em>, while the sensory test was based on the descriptive and hedonic analyses.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> The obtained physicochemical results showed a significant change in the pH and the titratable acidity parameters of the test sample compared to the control sample. This change was marked by an increase in the total aerobic mesophilic flora load (due to the fermentation phenomenon) and a decrease in the thermotolerant coliforms and the coagulase-positive Staphylococci loads for the test sample compared to the control test. A total absence of <em>Salmonella spp</em> and <em>L. monocytogenes</em> as pathogenic microorganisms was also notified for both samples. The qualitative phytochemical screening carried out on the <em>J. phoenicea </em>L leaves showed the presence of several compounds known as constituents having an antimicrobial effect. On the sensory level, the control sample was characterized by a milky and acidic taste, while the herbaceous taste due to the components of the Phenician juniper leaves characterizing the test sample gave it a lower score on the established rating scale. A vision to maintain this type of artisanal practice, traditional knowledge and preserve this important indigenous wealth become necessary which contributes to improving the hygienic, sensory quality and shelf-life of the fermented goat milk.</p>


<p>Monitoring Some Physicochemical and Bacteriological Parameters and Sensory Analysis of <em>Juniperus phoenicea</em> L. Leaves-supplemented Goat Milk: A South-western Algerian Traditional Flavored and Fermented Product</p>


<div><strong>Background: </strong>Repeat breeding syndrome (RBS) associated with sub-clinical uterine infection (UI) remains to be a major reproductive problem faced by Indian farmers. Present study documents its diagnosis, prevalent etiological agents, antibiogram pattern and efficacy of the treatment at field level.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
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<strong>Methods:</strong> Seventy-eight RBS affected bovines were selected. The cervical mucous (CM) was collected for study of its characteristics, white-side test, endometrial cytology, microbial examination and antibiogram. The treatment protocol was developed and the animals&rsquo; response to the treatment was assessed.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Result: </strong>The overall incidence of RBS was found to be 12.9% and the cases associated with uterine infection (RBS/UI+ve) and without uterine infection (RBS/UI-ve) were 44.87% and 55.13%, respectively. The mean scores of CM character, odour, pH and number of polymorphonuclear cells in RBS/UI +ve were 2.09&plusmn;1.39, 1.14&plusmn;0.12, 8.49&plusmn;0.08 and 12.46&plusmn;0.96, respectively, and differed significantly (P&lt;0.05) from RBS/UI-ve cases. The microbial examination revealed the presence of gram negative bacilli, <em>Trueperella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli</em> and yeast infection. Antibiogram studies recorded the response of Tetracyclin as best (48.57%) followed by Cephalexin (22.86%), Chloramphenicol (20.0%) and Streptomycin (8.57%). The RBS/UI+ve cases were treated individually, on one-to-one basis, obeying antibiogram. The infection appeared to be considerably controlled and overall success rate was observed in the form of confirmed pregnancy in 71.43% cases. Thus, it was concluded that prompt diagnosis using endometrial cytology and antibiogram guided therapeutic approach may aid for effective management of RBS/UI +ve cases, under field conditions.&nbsp;</div>


<p>Cytological, Bacteriological and Antibiogram Studies for the Management of Uterine Infection in Repeat Breeder Bovines</p>


<div style="text-align: justify;">In India buffaloes are reared for milk, meat and draft purposes. The economic importance of buffalo rearing in Nagpur is more than cow and contribute major share to the milk production of the district. Apart from its zoonotic implications; Leptospirosis is one of the major causes of abortion, still births, infertility, repeat breeding, decreased milk production, mastitis in ruminants. Considering its endemic nature in India, the present study is aimed at estimating the prevalence of leptospirosis in buffaloes and to establish the possible route of transmission through related canine, rodent and environment. A total of 621(299 each blood &amp; sera and 23 urine) samples collected from 196 apparently healthy and 103 clinically suspected buffaloes and blood samples of 21 stray dogs along with 27 environmental samples were subjected to PCR targeting sec Y gene (202bp) and 16SrRNA gene (331bp).A total of 92 samples including 53 blood samples (buffalo= 45, rodent= 5, canine= 3), 30 buffalo sera samples, four urine samples (buffalo=2 and canine=2) and five environmental samples comprising of 3 water and 2 feed, &nbsp;were processed for isolation of Leptospira in the EMJH medium. Out of 196 blood samples of apparently healthy buffaloes a total of 27 (13.77%) animals were found positive for 16S rRNA gene and 3(1.53%) for sec Y gene. Similarly, 17.47% (18/103) animals were positive for 16S rRNA gene while 7(6.79%) for sec Y gene. A total of 30 (15.30%) apparently healthy animals were positive for either 16SrRNA gene or secY gene. Whereas 25(24.27%) samples from suspected animals were positive for either of the gene. All the urine samples from buffaloes, dogs and environmental samples were negative for presence of both the genes. All the samples processed for isolation of organism turned negative. The accurate and rapid diagnosis of leptospirosis is important and beneficial for surveillance and investigation of transmission dynamics of the disease. Even though the active infection can be readily diagnosed through blood samples it is essential to screen each sample by various tests for proper understandings about the disease distribution.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Study of <em>Leptospira</em> Infection in Buffaloes through Molecular and Bacteriological Techniques</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">The objectives of this study were to compare conventional preservatives used in milk analysis, including potassium dichromate and bronopol with a non-toxic and biodegradable preservative such as methylene blue, to verify their effectiveness and limitations of use. This was achieved by comparing their effects on raw milk composition at different storage temperatures. The best performing preservative doses were 0.1, 0.036 and 0.01% for potassium dichromate, bronopol, and methylene blue respectively. Raw milk composition was significantly affected (p &lt; 0.05) during the storage period at 25&deg;C for all tested preservatives. However, at 4&deg;C, potassium dichromate and bronopol preservatives maintained stable milk composition during 10 days of storage, whereas methylene blue maintained stable milk composition for three days. Methylene blue can be considered as an environmentally friendly and safe alternative for short-term preservation of refrigerated raw milk samples.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Comparative Study Between Conventional Preservatives and Methylene Blue on Chemical and Bacteriological Composition of Raw Milk</div>

<div>The present study was carried out to investigate the role of acute phase proteins [Serum amyloid A (SAA) and milk amyloid A (MAA)] for diagnosis of sub-clinical mastitis in cross-bred cows. The study was conducted on 40 apparently healthy cross-bred cows, in the mid-lactation period and were equally divided into four groups [Group-I (Bacteriologically negative milk samples, California mastitis test (CMT) negative), Group-II (Bacteriologically negative with SCC &pound;200,000 cells/ml milk, CMT positive), Group-III (Bacteriologically negative with SCC &sup3;200,000 &pound;500,000 cells/ml milk, CMT positive) and Group-IV (Bacteriologically positive with SCC &sup3;200,000 &pound;500,000 cells/ml milk, CMT positive)]. On bacteriological examination of 57 milk samples, 27(47.36%) were found positive and 30 (52.63%) were found negative. A highly significant (P&lt;0.01) differences in the mean values of SCC were observed between groups except group I and II and group III and IV. Highly significant (P&lt;0.01) differences in mean values of SAA were reported between all groups except group I and II. Highly significant (P&lt;0.01) differences in mean values of MAA were observed between all groups except group III and IV. Results of the correlation matrix revealed strong positive correlations (P&lt;0.01) of SCC with SAA and MAA; and between SAA and MAA. The proposed cutoff points for SCC, SAA and MAA were &gt;200,000 cells/ml, 74 &micro;g/ml and 10 &micro;g/ml, respectively for the diagnosis of sub-clinical mastitis with high sensitivity (90% to 100%). The area under curve of the SAA was larger than those of SCC and MAA, which suggests that the SAA test was more accurate than SCC and MAA for the diagnosis of sub-clinical mastitis.</div>


<div>Acute Phase Protein as Biomarker for Diagnosis of Sub-Clinical Mastitis in Cross-Bred Cows</div>


<div><strong>Background: </strong>In the dairy industry, hygienic quality and safety of milk and dairy products are very important for human health.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods: </strong>The samples taken at the inlet and outlet of the HTST pasteurization process were subjected to physicochemical, bacteriological and sensory analysis.<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> showed that pasteurization has not only been beneficial, as in the case of the hygienic quality of raw milk, where the number of the Total Mesophilic Aerobic Flora dropped by 94% after heat treatment, to reach an average of 5.62 &times; 10<sup>4</sup> CFU ml<sup>-1</sup> of the thermo-resistant bacteria. Heat treatment resulted in a decrease of protein and lactose values for both types of milk. In fact, this loss is more marked in raw milk than in reconstituted milk (4% against 1.8%, respectively, p&lt;0.05). Wetting was more marked after pasteurization for raw milk (0.102&deg;C) compared to reconstituted milk (0.014&deg;C). Sensory profiles were modified in both milk types, with a significant decrease in color, viscosity and flavor descriptors and a significant increase in the intensity of smell and taste (p&lt;0.05).</div>


<div>Effect of High Temperature, Short Time (HTST) Pasteurization on Milk Quality Intended for Consumption</div>


<div style="text-align:justify"><strong>Back ground:</strong> India has a huge resource of livestock and stands first globally in milk production, but reemergence of diseases like foot and mouth disease (FMD) causes a great concern and economic losses to the farmers. Three serotypes of FMD virus (O, A and Asia 1) are prevalent and serotype O was responsible for 80 per cent of confirmed outbreaks /cases in India. The highest incidence of the disease was seen in Southern region (31.5%) and during the month of September. Highest number of outbreaks (201) occurred in Tamil Nadu in the year 2007-08 caused by serotype O virus. FMD causes very high morbidity and mortality rate among young animals and the mortality rate is generally low in adult animals and seen with manifestation of infection limited to epithelial sites. However, In the present study an unusually high mortality among adult cattle due to FMD, complicated with Mannheimia hemolytica infection with specific myocardial lesions were discussed in several outbreaks of FMD in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> Outbreaks of FMD occurred in various districts of Tamil Nadu during the period of October to December in the year 2013 causing large scale mortality among adult cross bred (Jersey cross and Holstein Friesian cross) cows, heifers and calves and detailed disease investigations were carried out .Samples were collected from ailing animals and dead animals for laboratory confirmation of the disease. The collected samples were subjected to isolation of bacteria, serology and molecular confirmation of the virus.<br /><strong>Result:</strong> Affected animals showed characteristic lesions of FMD with multiple, focal to coalescing ulcers and erosions covered with shreds of epithelium and fibrin on the dorsum and lateral margins of the tongue, dental pad, hard palate, mucosa of lips and gums. Samples of vesicular fluid, oral and tongue epithelium and heart confirmed the presence of FMD type &lsquo;O&rsquo; virus based on sandwich ELISA and multiplex PCR. Cultural examination of bacteriological samples revealed presence of Mannheimia hemolytica which was further confirmed by multiplex PCR. Out of 83 serum sample collected, 45 sera were positive for FMD by LPB ELISA, while 32 serum samples were positive for FMD by DIVA test. The sudden deaths among adult cattle and heifers during the FMD outbreak might be attributed to the severe myocarditis and the disease was controlled by following appropriate treatment and preventive measures.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">A Report on Massive Outbreaks of FMD with Concurrent <em>Mannhaemia hemolytica</em> Infection among Cattle in Tamil Nadu</div>

Water Quality of Borehole and Shallow Wells Feeding Artificial Fish Ponds in Bechar Province, Southwestern Algeria: Bacteriological and Physicochemical Aspects

Bacteriological and Molecular Identification and Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus from Different Affections of Canines

Softened Water and Steam Boiler Water Condensate Quality used in the Milk Production Line of a Private Dairy Unit Located in Bechar Province (South-West of Algeria): Physicochemical and Bacteriological Analysis

Monitoring Some Physicochemical and Bacteriological Parameters and Sensory Analysis of Juniperus phoenicea L. Leaves-supplemented Goat Milk: A South-western Algerian Traditional Flavored and Fermented Product

Cytological, Bacteriological and Antibiogram Studies for the Management of Uterine Infection in Repeat Breeder Bovines

Study of Leptospira Infection in Buffaloes through Molecular and Bacteriological Techniques

Comparative Study Between Conventional Preservatives and Methylene Blue on Chemical and Bacteriological Composition of Raw Milk

Acute Phase Protein as Biomarker for Diagnosis of Sub-Clinical Mastitis in Cross-Bred Cows

Effect of High Temperature, Short Time (HTST) Pasteurization on Milk Quality Intended for Consumption

A Report on Massive Outbreaks of FMD with Concurrent Mannhaemia hemolytica Infection among Cattle in Tamil Nadu