Ismael Raheem Jabbar Al-muhana

Background: The cytokine storm and specific biochemical results were both observed during Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) infection. The aim of this study was to see if there was any correlation between biochemical findings and cytokine levels. Methods: A total of 65 COVID‑19 patients, including 32 males and 33 females with ages between (16 and 90 years) were enrolled in this study. Between December 2020 and February 2021, these patients were admitted to Al‑Amal Specialized Hospital or ward of COVID‑19 care in Al‑Sader Hospital. These patients were classified into severe/critical (43 cases), mild/moderate (22 cases) according to the guidelines released by National Health World depending on SpO2 percentage. The biochemical indices were measured using FUJI DRI‑CHEM NX500 automated clinical chemistry analyzer (FUJIFILM, Japan). The proinflammatory cytokine (interleukin‑6 [IL‑6], IL‑1α, and IL‑1β) were measured using ELISA technique. Results: IL-6 serum levels were negatively correlated with SpO2 (P = 0.002, R = - 0.372) and serum albumin (P = 0.034, R = - 0.301). IL-1α serum levels showed significant negative correlation with serum albumin levels (P = 0.039, R = - 0.259). Furthermore, a positive correlation found between IL-1β serum with serum levels of both AST and LDH (P = 0.049; R = 0.255; P = 0.054; R = 0.320 respectively). Discussion: Increased IL-6 serum levels have a direct impact on SpO2 percentage and serum albumin. Whereas the elevated levels of both IL-1α and IL-1β are a possible cause of acute inflammation and liver damage in COVID-19. Conclusions: This study further confirms the growing evidence on the direct role of proinflammatory cytokines in the biochemical changes shown in COVID‑19.

Abstract A cross-sectional study was conducted to identify the involvement of E. coli as secondary pathogen in cases of Swollen Head infection and to detect drug susceptibility pattern of these isolates. This study was carried out on 20 chickens that were purchased from Al-Safaa Company from an outbreak of a sudden increase in mortality in layers farm and experienced clinical signs included difficult breath, coughing, rales, swollen of infraorbital and supraorbital sinuses, and conjunctivitis, as well as severe depression. The main gross lesions demonstrated among the infected chicken including gaseous exudate in trachea, nasal passages and sinuses. There was yellowish gaseous exudate on the air sacs, ovaries and the peritoneum. The samples were inoculated on different bacteriological culture media, the isolates were identified by morphological, and biochemical tests, in which the result revealed that the major pathogens associated with swollen head syndrome in layers was E.coli. The majority of isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin (94.4%), Ampicillin (100%), Erythromycin (100%), azithromycin (100%), trimethoprim (88.9%), and levofloxacin (94.4%). Nonetheless, however majority of APEC isolates were susceptible to nitrofurantoin (72.3%). Moreover, all E.coli strains recovered in the current study showed multidrug resistant to three or more different antibacterial classes. In conclusion, the present findings showed that MDR E. coli is prevalent SHS. The MDR E. coli is alarming signal because these bacteria can transfer their MDR trait to potential human and animal pathogens. Therefore, the introduction of surveillance programs to monitor antimicrobial resistance strains is strongly recommended to protect human and animal health.

Abstract This project attends to exam the prevalence of piroplasmosis in sheep and camels in Al-Najaf desert of Iraq during period of May 2015 to April 2016. The samples were randomly collected from different regions in Al-Najaf province and represent 230 sheep (127 female, 103 male ) and 140 camels ( 90 shecamels and 50 male) . Blood smears were subjected to Geimsa stained and microscopic examination. It was observed that prevalence of babesiosis and theileriosis in sheep were 26.9% and 12.17% respectively ,while in camels the prevalence was25% for babesiosis and 10.7% for theileriosis . The highest incidence for babesiosis was recorded in camels at age more than 4 years , while the lowest percentage was recorded in ages between6-12 month in both species. The highest ratio for theileriosis was observed in camels at ages 1-4 years. The maximal occurrence of babesiosis and theileriosis were noticed in summer season (33.5%) and (15%) respectively in both species , while in winter season were (17.6%)and ((7.6%)respectively . The highest percentage of babesiosis was found in females of sheep and camels (41.7%and 30%respectively) than male (18.4%and 16%respectively).

Abstract | Bovine pneumonia is a complex disease which results in significant financial losses. The aims of this investigation were to identify the respiratory syncytial virus, the prevalence of infection that has spread throughout Al-Anbar region, and the factors that contributed to the infection in Calves also by detecting the virus using a molecular technique. In this study, fifty-two (n=52) nasal swabs were collected from male and females in young cattle by using viral transport media from the period between October 2022 and April 2023 and were utilized by time PCR (RT-PCR). Thus, the virus was identified by employing this technique, which is a more precise and sensitive method of detection. The system utilized for nucleic acid extraction was RT-PCR compatible, and successfully extracted the virus’ genome and detected the suspected animals with RSV. Were calves’ male RSV infection with a prevalence of (68%), which was significantly higher than the female (32%) rate for young cows. Moreover, a significant difference between Holstein Friesian and Local-cross breed in the percentage of RSV viral infection (χ2= 6.231, p= 0.013) was noticed, which revealed that Holstein Friesian are more susceptible to RSV. Also, a significant difference was found between male and female in both breed in percentage of RSV viral infection (χ2 = 4.923, p = 0.027). We also found that there was highly significant difference between the strains of RSV (p = 0.000) in RSV-positive animals. The infection of calves with genotype B was more (n=13 cases) compared to 7 and 10 cases of genotype A and genotype AB, respectively. Based on these findings, i is plausible to recommend a wider use of the vaccine in small animals less than 2 years with pneumonia and the periodic examination when symptoms first appeared.

Alongside Koi herpesvirus (KHV) infection, secondary bacterial diseases can significantly increase mortality rates in affected fish populations. This study aimed to investigate and identify secondary bacterial infections, particularly Aeromonas species and other gram-negative bacteria, associated with KHV outbreaks in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). A total of 40 infected common carp specimens were collected from five cage system farms located along the Euphrates riverbed in Al-Najaf Governorate, Iraq, with each farm providing eight fish. For bacterial isolation, tissue samples were first incubated in ampicillin-supplemented nutrient broth to suppress non-target bacterial growth, and then cultured on bacteriological media. Macroscopic examination of the infected fish revealed brown to crimson hemorrhagic lesions on the skin and widespread gill damage, characterized by pale white to gray discoloration and filament degradation. Microscopically, colonies of Aeromonas hydrophila and Aeromonas sobria displayed clear zones of β-hemolysis on sheep blood agar, while Aeromonas caviae formed non-hemolytic colonies. On MacConkey agar, Aeromonas species produced pale, lactose-negative colonies. Further identification using the VITEK® 2 systems confirmed the presence of three Aeromonas species (A. sobria, A. hydrophila, and A. caviae) along with two other gram-negative bacteria: Raoultella ornithinolytica and Shewanella putrefaciens. This study highlights the role of secondary bacterial infections, particularly Aeromonas species and other gram-negative bacteria, in exacerbating the mortality associated with Koi herpesvirus outbreaks in common carp, underscoring the need for integrated disease management and improved biosecurity in aquaculture systems.

There are two types of otters in Iraq, the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) and the smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli). The latter is native to southern Iraq and is named for its soft fur compared to other otter species. The story of this animal began in the 1950s with the Scottish naturalist Gavin Maxwell who discovered it in 1956 and added a new creature to the list of biological diversity in Iraq. The smooth-coated otter or the water dog prefers lowlands and marshes that are rich in plants such as reeds and papyrus, wetlands with fresh water. In London, specialized studies showed that it is a unique animal, and Maxwell named it after himself as he was an expert in studying the aquatic otters known as “water dogs”. The Iraqi smooth-coated otter is considered part of “our Iraqi heritage”. Studies indicate that there are between 200 and 900 of this animal in the marshes. Unpredictable water levels, illegal hunting and neglect are seriously reducing its numbers. The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli) has suffered several setbacks that have put it in the corner of endangered animals, starting from the 1990s and the drying of the marshes, and then being exposed to excessive hunting. Therefore, the smooth-coated otter “Maxwell” may have played a major role in adding the Iraqi marshes to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016, as an international natural reserve, for fear of its complete extinction. According to environmental scientists, the Iraqi smooth-coated otter is known as one of the “bio-indicators” that cannot be underestimated in importance. It is one of the species that are used to assess the health of a whole ecosystem and because it is at the top of the food chain in the Iraqi marshes, it eats fish and sometimes birds, which makes its presence ensure balance. Iraq is characterized by a unique biological diversity, especially in its southern region. It is home to nine of the most important environmental areas in the Middle East, two of which face the risk of extinction. Iraq is home to a variety of endangered plant and animal species, some of which are endemic only to Iraq. These endemic species include the Iraqi jerboa and the long-tailed raccoon, both of which are listed on the Red List of Endangered Species.