The increasing importance of viral vaccine manufacturing has driven the need for high cell density processes that allow for higher production levels of viral vectors in efficient and scalable processes. The present investigation evaluated recombinant Vesicular Stomatitis virus (rVSV) viral vector production in the Pall iCELLis Nano bioreactor. Vero cell growth within the fixed bedding system was monitored using a biomass sensor that measures conductivity and capacitance. Infection was performed upon optimal cell growth as measured by the biomass sensor. Viral vector harvest was triggered by the biomass readings, which occurred two days post-infection.  All iCELLis runs within the campaign yielded an increase of 1 to 2.5 logs of virus production per mL when compared to virus production from standard flat-stock methods.  This correlated to an overall increase of 4 logs of virus per batch.  In terms of dosages, utilization of the iCELLis Nano resulted in an increase in the number of doses per campaign, when compared to standard flat-stock methods, which ultimately led to a reduction in the cost per dose.  In summary, use of the iCELLis bioreactor platform allows for a cost-efficient and scalable process for viral vaccine production.

IgY can be used for different biological functions, which are quite versatile and helpful to control microbiota in different ecosystems. Although egg yolk has been recognized as a convenient and inexpensive source of antibodies, vaccines and schedule immunizations change IgY concentrations in egg yolks, production, and economic efficiency. This work aimed to evaluate immunization schedules using spoilage yeasts during polyclonal antibody production to select the most efficient method. Spoilage yeast strains were thawed, grown in plates, collected by scratching, and aseptically transferred to a broth tube. The control vaccine (vaccine A: adjuvant plus PBS) was compared against three vaccines containing antigen strains known to consume lactic acid (vaccine B with 8.83 × 109 cells of Candida glabrata, Pichia kudriavzevii, and Pichia manshurica), sugar (vaccine C with 6.86 × 109 cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Torulospora delbrueckii, and Schizosaccharomyces pombe), and mixed cultures combining B and C. One mL of each vaccine was deeply inoculated at 14, 28, or 42 interval days in the pectoral muscles of 252 hens. The experimental design was randomized plots in the 4 × 3 factorial arrangement. There was a significant interaction between vaccines and schedule immunizations. The treatments A, B, C, and D injected each at 14, 28, and 42 interval days presented as 22.62, 21.15, and 23.29; 58.89, 125.08, and 87.43; 149.06, 109.80, and 81.79; 192.20, 114.43, and 79.70 mg/yolk of IgY, respectively. The antimicrobial activity against yeasts prevented spoilage and ensured quality of the sugarcane silage. The IgY production procedure is simple and allows utilization of the remaining egg yolk as a food product. An added advantage is the elimination IgY purification steps, which can improve economic efficiency of IgY production. In conclusion, vaccine D injection at 14 days produced large-scale, high-yield active IgY and should be selected as the preferred method.

Reduced exposures to gastrointestinal microbiota have been proposed as an explanation for the increase in allergic diseases prevalence. The aim of this research was to study the relationship between H. pylori atopy and allergic diseases. 210 children (2 to 16 years old) with or without allergic diseases were recruited to participate in the study in asthma clinic in Al-karak Governmental Hospital. Their parents were asked to fill questionnaires. Atopy test was done and serum IgG antibodies to H. pylori antigens were measured. Among 210 children, 38 were H. pylori positive patients (18.1%), 31 cases (14.1 %) were atopic and 60  patients  (28.6%) were asthmatic. Amongst the 38 H. pylori positive patients, only one case (2.6 %) was atopic. A significant negative association between H pylori and asthma was observed in the age group less than 9 years (p value= 0.007).Whereas the negative association between H pylori and atopy was significant in male gender (p value= 0.02).The factors that best predict asthma were Family history of asthma, positive H pylori, positive allergy test (p values of <0.005). Our findings showed that there is an inverse correlation between H. pylori and atopy.

Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted disease, caused by Gram negative diplococcus bacteria, Nisseria gonorrhoeae. Resistance has emerged to many antimicrobials; therefore, preventative vaccine for gonorrhea can be of great importance in the healthcare because of wide occurrence of the infection. Langerhans cells in skin, are phagocytic cells that signal T-cells. Upon activation, T cells and macrophages drain into nearby lymph nodes causing an increased immune response.

Methods:

Microparticles loaded with antigens, were prepared using spray drying method. The particulate vaccine formulation contains a biodegradable, biocompatible, non-antigenic and sustained releasing polymer components containing cross-linked albumin matrix and formalin-fixed inactivated whole-cell gonococci and adjuvants. The microparticles were characterized for percent yield, size, charge and poly dispersity index (PDI). The microparticulate vaccine was delivered via transdermal route using ablative laser (P.L.E.A.S.E.®). In-vivo efficacy of this vaccine was checked in 6-8 weeks old swiss webster mice. Mice were administered one prime dose at day 0 followed by two booster doses at week 2 and 4. There were five groups (n=6) in this study and animals were challenged with Gonorrhea bacteria at week 10, and sacrificed at week 12. Their lymph nodes and spleens were collected and levels of the immune cells such as CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the collected spleens and lymph nodes were measured using BD Accuri™ C6

The development of a safe, immunogenic, globally effective and affordable vaccine may be useful in control of HIV/AIDS. The recombinant vaccines developed by cloning of HIV genes using different vectors have not been found to be effective due to poor or moderate immunogenicity and/or safety. Semliki Forest Virus (SFV), an alpha virus does not have pre-existing immunity, has cytoplasmic but not nuclear expression of heterologous proteins and non-pathogenic in humans. Therefore HIV1 Indian subtype  C gag, env and polRT genes were individually cloned using SFV vector to develop  recombinant SFV2gen replicon RNA constructs and subsequently constructed recombinant SFV2gen viral like replicon particles (VRP) designated as rSFV2gen/gag VRP, rSFV2gen/env VRP, and rSFV2gen/polRT VRP by co-electroporation with Helper RNA.In vitro studies demonstrated high levels of  expression of respective HIV1 proteins and their localization in cytosol and not nucleus from all three recombinant constructs following infection of BHK-21 cells. The recombinant RNA constructs and VRPs individually and in combination of three constructs elicited significantly high cell mediated immune responses as detected by INF gamma and IL2 Assay and humoral immune responses in mice. VRPs have been found to be more immunogenic as compared to RNA constructs. Studies demonstrated that all three recombinant SFV2gen based vaccine constructs of Indian subtype C gag, env and polRT genes were highly immunogenic in the mice model and therefore promising preventive and theraputic candidate vaccine and therefore may be effective in  control and management of HIV/AIDS.  

Measles is highly contagious disease caused by the single stranded envoloped RNA virus of Paramyxoviridae family. Currently there is a tremendous increase in the measles virus infection in the United states and this can partly be attributed to the non-compliance to the vaccine regimen. Thus there is an increased need to develop the easy to administer vaccine dosage forms which can lead to increased patient compliance. Since children are the primary recepients of the vaccine, we aimed at delivering the vaccine via needle-free routes: buccal and transdermal delivery of vaccine.

Introduction:

The vaccine was formulated in microparticulate form to extend the shelf life by eliminating the requirement for cold chain facilities for storage and distribution.

The buccal route was selected because the oral cavity is rich in dendritic cells similar to the Langerhans cells, type of antigen – presenting cells (APCs) and high density of T lymphocytes and mucosal associated lymphoid tissue like tonsils, salivary glands, Waldeyer’s ring and pharyngeal lymphoid tissue. The vaccine was also delivered via transdermal route as skin is an attractive site for vaccine delivery because of its many resident dendritic cells and efficient drainage to lymph nodes. The antigen will be recognized by immune cells in the oral cavity and the skin and will be processed to produce protective antibodies against the measles virus. Later, whenever the body is exposed to virus, the protective antibodies will be capable of combating the infection. The goal of this study was to explore the potential of delivery of microparticulate measles vaccine via oral dissolving films (ODF) and transdermal laser ablation and to compare the efficacy of vaccine in producing a robust immune response

Glycopeptide antibiotics were once considered as drug of choice of serious gram positive infections. These antibiotics interrupt bacterial cell wall synthesis to exert their antibacterial effects. They pose higher barrier for drug resistance development, as they target non-protein components of bacterial cell wall. However, these antibiotics are increasingly becoming less effective due to emergence of resistant strains. To address this issue, modification of glycopeptide antibiotics to enhance their activity is therefore a useful strategy to develop new compounds against drug-resistant strains. We explored an underutilized reactive site on the glycopeptide antibiotics and developed a simple yet highly efficient scheme to synthesize various analogs. Using this scheme, the C-terminal carboxyl group of vancomycin was reacted with amine compounds to yield carboxamide analogs some of which with improved antibacterial activity upto 100 times. Usually multiple chemical reactions are needed to prepare antibiotic analogs. Our single-step scheme provides a simple yet efficient methodology to develop potent analogs of vancomycin. Different analogs are synthesized by reacting series of diamines with vancomycin.

Vaccine-enhanced respiratory disease has thwarted the attempts to develop a vaccine for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) using the inactivated form of the virus. As a result, there is a need for a safe and effective vaccine for RSV. Fusion protein is a one of the major proteins present on the surface of the virus, which can be integrated into a virus-like particle (VLP), yielding a highly immunogenic non- virulent F-VLP antigen. This study aims at using a needle free transdermal route of administration to exploit the rich population of Langerhans cells present in the epidermis and dermis. We have used microneedles (AdminPatch®) as well as Precise Laser Epidermal System (P.L.E.A.S.E), a minimally invasive ablative fractional (Er: YAG) laser for creating micro-channels to deliver the antigen.

Leptospirosis is an economically important neglected zoonotic disease often overlooked in Cameroon and Africa. Its complex epidemiology and transmission have hindered the full understanding of this disease. Due to unspecific symptoms in human and animals, it has led to poor suspicion and under-reporting of the disease. The aim of this study therefore is to contribute to the available knowledge of bovine and human leptospirosis through a prevalence study in slaughtered cattle and abattoir personnel at the Ngaoundéré Municipal Abattoir, investigating the risk factors involved and KAP (knowledge aptitude practice) assessment of the abattoir personnel with regards to leptospirosis. A total of 172 bovine and 96 human serum samples were screened for the detection of Leptospira spp antibodies by ELISA while questionnaire survey was used to obtain information on the risk factors of abattoir personnel. The results showed that 18.02% CI (4.7-33.34) of the animals slaughtered were seropositive to Leptospira spp hardjo antibody. Although there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in seropositivity between sex, it however existed (p<0.05) between the different age groups and body condition score. A prevalence of 10.42% CI (4.30-16.52) was obtained for the screened abattoir personnel with a significant difference (p<0.05) in seropositivity between those who made use of gloves during work. KAP assessment revealed that 96.2% of those surveyed made use of their personal protective equipment and 66% had never seen any of the characteristic symptoms of leptospirosis. Of those who have observed the symptoms, 5.7% of the respondents were aware of the disease called leptospirosis and 72.3% of them knew it is a zoonotic disease with 38.5% of the respondent affirmed that it could be transmitted through contact with the skin, urine, blood, and the secretions of an infected animal. Overall, the respondents who knew about leptospirosis in the study reported yellowness of carcass and liver (19.44%), jaundice (33.33%), infertility (2.78%), abortion (2.78%) while 38.88% of them did not know clinical sign. In conclusion, Leptospirosis is prevalent and distributed among the cattle and workers in the Ngaoundéré Municipal abattoir. Abattoir workers thus stand a greater risk of being infected, and since the infection may mimic other febrile infection, the illnesses may go unnoticed. Education of high-risk individual is necessary to combat this occupational disease.

Dromedary camel is widely distributed in the desert of the Arabian countries. It is characterized by its ability to tolerate greater than 30% water loss, which is generally impossible for other mammals. The camels’ milk is rich with vitamin C and have some therapeutic uses. The present study aimed to spot the light on the differences between the two milk systems of each quarter of the she camels’ udder. Twelve mammary glands of lactating she camels (in mid-lactation) were dissected from the animals immediately after slaughter and prepared for different anatomical, histological, radiographical and ultrasonographical evaluations. The udder of the she camel consists of four quarters; each has two separate milk systems without external demarcation between them. The fluid produced from the cranial system was milky, while that of the caudal one was watery. The streak canal, teat cistern and the gland cistern of the cranial system was wider and with thicker wall than the caudal one. The size of the parenchymal tissue of the cranial system was larger. The number of Furstenberg’s rosettes were larger in the caudal system. The number of the alveoli to the interstitial connective tissue were greater and the glands were more active in the cranial system in comparison to the caudal system where the number of the alveoli were smaller, and the glands were less active. The anatomical, histological and imaging studies of the udder of the dromedary’s camel stated that, each quarter composed of two systems of milk production differs in structure from each other. The differences between the two milk systems of each quarter may refer to the adaptation to water deprivation or the medicinal use of the camels’ milk as well as to physiological rest by changing the systems between the successive births.

Development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens the future availability of effective antibiotics necessary to guarantee both livestock and public health. To minimize AMR California passed the Senate Bill (SB) -27 effective January 1, 2018, that limited the use of all medically important antimicrobial drugs (MIADs) in livestock to veterinary prescription only and prohibited the use of MIADs for performance enhancement. SB-27 expanded on the elements of the amended federal Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD rule) effected January 1, 2017.In order to evaluate the impact of the regulatory changes, we are collaborating with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to study the complex pathways between on-farm drug use and antimicrobial resistance on California dairies. Amongst these pathways are perceptions and challenges related to the current legislation, compliance by both livestock producers and veterinarians, on-farm drug use practices and the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance. We have surveyed CA’s dairy industry for changes in antimicrobial drug use and stewardship practices attributable to SB-27 and the VFD. In addition, we implemented a statewide surveillance of drug use and exposure and the antimicrobial resistance profiles of bacterial from animals and environmental samples. The survey results showed most of the producers were aware of the changes in regulations that promote stewardship and judicious drug use. Antibiotics use was perceived to be extremely important in raising livestock by most of the respondents. Cost-wise, majority of the respondents reported no change in the cost of antibiotics in their operations following the regulatory changes. The AMR profiles showed wide spread resistance to commonly used antimicrobial drugs. Our study provides benchmark data for future evaluation of the impact of the regulatory changes and guide the development of practical drug use stewardship guidelines.

An experiment was conducted with three hundred (300) day-old broiler chicks to evaluate the effect of feeding varying levels of millet processing waste as replacement for dietary maize on haematological and serum biochemical indices of broiler chicks. The birds were allocated to five treatments with three replicates in a completely randomized design (CRD). Diet 1(Control) contain 100% of the maize component in the ration; Diet 2 contain 20% of the maize component replaced by millet waste; Diet 3 contain 40% of the maize component replaced by millet waste; Diet 4 contain 60% of the maize component replaced by millet waste; Diet 5 contain 80% of the maize component replaced by millet waste. Data generated was statistically analyzed using the General Linear Model Procedure of Statistical Analysis (SAS, 2002). Significant difference between treatments means were separated by Duncan Multiple Range Test (Steel and Torrie, 1980).The results indicated that there were significant (p<0.05) differences in the packed cell volume, haemoglobin, white blood cells, red blood cells, heterocytes and total proteins. However, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils were not significantly (p>0.05) affected.The serum biochemical indices differ (p<0.05) significantly across dietary treatments.  In general, the values of haematological parameters fell within the safety limit forhealthy broiler chickens.Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) value in this study indicated that there was no damage done to the heart or liver due to treatment diets.The experiment lasted for a period of 4weeks. The result of this study concluded that replacement of MPW up 80% result in no adverse effect on the health of broilers.

Poultry Production in Nigeria has made a spectacular progress over the years,Oyo state ranks first among the states in egg production and Ibadan has emerged as the "Poultry City" within the last one decade. The progress in this industry is attributed to the continued supportive services offered by the private sector. The major objectives of this study are: (1) To study the growth and development of this industry with special reference to the layers in southwest states; (2) To analyse the cost, revenue and production of eggs; (3)To assess the operational efficiency of poultry farms; (4) To probe the existing marketing channel and marketing of eggs; (5) To identify the constraints and problems faced by poultry farmers and (6) To offer suggestions for improving the performance of poultry farms. The hypotheses regarding the Average cost of production per egg and size of the farms, the Average production of egg per bird and size of the farms and the average cost of total production of eggs have been tested. The area of the study is south-western states and the reference period is one cycle of egg production. This study is based on (1) Primary data collected from sample poultry farmers by Interview Schedule and (2) Secondary data from published sources . The study has covered 300 poultry farmers, in five blocks, namely Ogun, Oyo, Lagos, Osun, and Ondo. The collected data were analysed percentages, averages and ratios. The major findings of the study highlight the production, cost, revenue, marketing of eggs, gains and constraints of poultry farming. The reasons and remedies for the present plight of the poultry farms are discussed in detail and suitable micro and macro policy measures have been outlined for the overall upliftment of this sector.