Graduate Student Research Projects:

1. Occurrence of antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacteria in shell fish in Grenada

• Dr A. Rodrigues, faculty and MSc student
• Dr H. Hariharan, faculty and supervisor
• Dr S. Kotelnikova, faculty
• Dr D. Stone, faculty
• Dr G. Sabarinath, faculty

Research Goal: There is no published information on the presence and drug resistance of pathogenic bacteria in shell fish such as oysters, mussels, and clams harvested in Grenada. Shell fish can be a source of commensal bacteria that can be pathogenic to shell fish, as well as human pathogens including E.coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Staphylococci, Enterococci and various species of Vibrios. Further, these and other bacteria in shell fish can serve as source of antimicrobial drug resistant genes, which could be transferred to bacteria in the human gut, ultimately resulting in infections with drug resistant pathogens.

This study will examine the presence and antimicrobial drug resistance of bacterial pathogens, including E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Staphylococci, Enterococci and Vibrios in clams, oysters, conch and wilks harvested in Grenada. The result of this study should help define the microbial hazards posed by shell fish in Grenada.

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2. Prioritization of production constraints within the Kampala urban and periurban pig production system: a baseline study

• L. Doble, DVM/MSc student
• Dr B. Nyack, faculty and supervisor
• Dr J. Kabasa, faculty, Makerere University Uganda
• Dr G. Nyasiama, faculty, Makerere University, Uganda

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3. A comparative study of bovine bone protein and vascular endothelial growth factor in natural coral exoskeleton used for bone grafting

• M. Unis, DVM/MSc student
• Dr J. McKibben, faculty and supervisor
• Dr M.I. Bhaiayt, faculty
• Dr R. Tarpley, faculty
• Dr B. Nyack, faculty

Previous studies in human medicine have been very successful in using natural coral as a replacement biomaterial for bone grafts. Natural coral has been used as a cortical replacement biomaterial for bone grafts in human orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery. The present study will look at the use of natural coral in veterinary medicine as a substitute biomaterial for bone grafts in long bones.
Graduate Student Research Projects:

Twelve sheep underwent distraction fractures of the metacarpal bone of a 20 mm portion of bone in the midshaft region (middiaphysis). The bone deficit was filled with a 20 mm coral graft (Biocoral, Inc). Group 1 consist consisted of 6 sheep which received coral grafts supplemented with bovine bone protein (Osteocalcin, VWR) and bone marrow cells collected via intramedullary aspirate. In group 2; 6 sheep received coral grafts supplemented with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF, Sigma V3513) and bone marrow cells collected via intramedullary aspirate.

Bone marrow protein is a single chain Vit. K-dependent protein produced by osteoblasts which stimulates angiogenesis and bone formation. VEGF is reported to induce angiogenesis, enhances vascular permeability, and is a procoagulant and a mitogen for endothelial cells. For this reason, VEGF was used in an attempt to increase the re-establishment of medullary circulation and to increase the formation of extraosseous blood vessels. The action of these growth promoters was evaluated for their ability to increase resorption of the graft, stimulate the formation of new endogenous bone and enhance the healing process.

In group 1 radiographs taken after one month showed radiographic evidence of bone union to the graft, resorption of coral grafts and decrease in graft density. Sheep in the group which had supplementation of VEGF showed a greater degree of resorption and neovascularization.

At the end of sixteen-week experimental time all sheep were able to regain full weight bearing and function of limb. The methods employed in this study may provide an alternative for repair of severe fractures of long bones in small animals and reduce the healing time.

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4. Angiomatous lesions in the skin of dogs in Grenada, West Indies

• Dr A. Chikweto, Faculty and student for MSc degree
• Dr M.I. Bhaiyat, faculty
• Dr R.N. Sharma, faculty
• Dr C. DeAllie, part time faculty
• Dr P. McNeil, faculty and supervisor

A study was made of cutaneous tumors in dogs that were referred to the School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George’s University, Grenada, over a six year period.
In a series of over 160 cases, more than 15% proved to be tumors of vascular origin, the highest among all tumors in frequency. Histologically, the lesions could be classified into three main groups: angiomatosis, hemangiomas and hemangiosarcomas. The main sites involved were trunk and the limbs. The majority of affected dogs were local mixed breed. The angiomatous lesions and hemangiomas were found in younger age group than hemangiosarcomas. Our hypothesis is that the prevalence of vascular tumors in dogs in Grenada is related to a combination of genetic predisposition and sun exposure.

(Kindly refer to the list of publications and presentations listed below).

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5. Seroepidemiological study of  Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infections in domestic and feral cats in Grenada, West Indies

• Dr S. Mofya, student MSc degree
• Dr R.N Sharma, faculty
• Dr A. Pensick, Provost
• Dr D. Stone, faculty
• Dr H. Hariharan, faculty
• A. Baffa, DVM student

A total of 237 cat sera were tested. The prevalence of FeLV was 0% (n=237).  Seroprevalence of FIV in domestic cats was 6.7% (7/104) and in feral cats 28.6% (38/133). This study documents the presence of FIV in cats in Grenada.

Manuscript submitted for publication in West Indian Veterinary Journal.

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6. Seroprevalence of Hanta virus in Rattus norvegicus in Grenada, West Indies

• L. Rivera, student DVM/MPH
• Dr D. Stone, faculty
• Dr A. Pensick, Provost     
• Dr A. Chikweto, faculty
• Dr R.N. Sharma, faculty

Serum from 198 brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) was tested for IgG antibody to Hanta virus using ELISA. Seroprevalence of 29.3% was recorded in Grenada brown rats. This is the first report of Hantavirus exposure in any species on the island of Grenada and clearly documents the brown rat as a reservoir host on this island.

Manuscript submitted to the West Indian Veterinary Medical Journal.

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7. Seroprevalence of leptospira infection in dogs in Grenada, West Indies

• J. Caldwell –DVM/MPH student
• E. Cappon- DVM/MPH student
• Dr D. Stone, faculty
• Dr O. Amuleru Marshal, faculty SOM
• Dr R.N. Sharma, faculty
• Dr H. Russell, part-time faculty
• M.V. Gittens-St Hilairi, Leptospira Laboratory, Barbados

Serum from 105 dogs was tested for antibodies to Leptospira by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM) ELISA. Sera from 64 dogs (60.95%) were positive for Leptospira antibodies by ELISA. Twenty sera were positive at a titer of 1: 100 or greater. All MAT positive sera were positive by ELISA. Serovars identified by MAT were all from icterohemorrhagiae serogroup and included in decreasing order of frequency Copenhagen, mancarso, icterohemorrhagiae and pyrogenes. 

Manuscript submitted for publication in West Indian Veterinary Medical Journal.

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8. Seroprevalence of leptospira in rats (Rattus norvegicus) in Grenada, West Indies

• J. Keenan, Student MS
• Dr R.N. Sharma, faculty
• Dr D. Stone, faculty
• Dr R. Dicker, faculty
• Dr J. Rayner, faculty

Seroprevalence of 27% (64/237) in Rattus norvegicus was recorded. Icterohemorrhagiae was predominant serovar, followed by serogroup Cynopteri, which was identified for the first time in Grenada.

Findings were presented in Caribbean Health Research Council meeting in Suriname 23rd- 28th April, 2008.

Publication (kindly refer to publication and conference presentations listed below)

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9. Treatment of canine generalized demodecosis- a clinical trial

• Dr T.E. Paterson, faculty, MSc student
• Dr R.D. Pinckney, faculty, and supervisor
• Dr C.N.L. Macpherson, faculty
• Dr J. McKibben, faculty
• Dr R. Halliwell, part-time facul

( Project is in collaboration with Bayers Health care, who are funding the entire cost of the project).

 The objective of the project is to compare the efficacy of ‘Advocate’ at varying application rates and ‘Ivermectin’ in the treatment of canine generalized demodicosis, using a randomized clinical trial. To date 57 dogs have been recruited in the study. These dogs remain at various stages of the investigation-currently being treated, achieved parasitological cure and are in the 1- year follow-up phase, or have achieved parasitological cure and completed follow-up. Eighteen dogs were withdrawn from the study due to non-compliance, lost to follow-up, death (due to unrelated causes) or were treatment failures. As the study is ongoing, data to follow. 

Preliminary research findings will be presented in a plenary session at the World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology in Hong Kong, November 19-22, 2008.

Title of the presentation: Treatment of canine generalized demodecosis: a blind randomized clinical trial comparing the efficacy of Advocate (Bayer Health Care AG) with Ivermectin.

Authors: T.E. Paterson, R.E.W. Halliwell, M. Lanza Louw, J. Louw, G. Ball, P.J. Fields.

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10. Helminthes parasites in dogs in Grenada, West Indies

• C. Coomansingh, student
• Dr R.D. Pinckney, faculty and supervisor
• Dr C.N.L. Macpherson, faculty
• Dr D. Stone, faculty

One hundred and eighty one privately-owned and stray dogs were used in this study. Fecal samples were examined for the presence of parasites. Blood analysis was performed using Antigen rapid Dirofilaria immitis Ag test kit for Dirofilaria worms.

 The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs was 62.35%. Of the 106 positive fecal samples, single parasitic infections occurred in 83.02% (88) while mixed infections were in 6.98% (18). Ancylostoma spp was the most common parasite (58%) followed by Dipylidium caninum (6%) and Toxocara canis (4%). A general reduction in prevalence was found as animal’s age increased.

The overall prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis was 25%.

There was no significant difference in the incidence of parasites in different parishes of Grenada. Given the socioeconomic reality in Grenada, it is likely that parasitic zoonoses is going to be a problem for the foreseeable future.

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11.  Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women and cats in Grenada, West Indies

• S.P. Asthana, MD/MSc student SOM
• Dr C.N.L. Macpherson, faculty
• Dr R.N Sharma, faculty
• Dr J.P. Dubey, Animal Parasitic Diseases Lab, ARS, Maryland, USA

Seropositivity of 57% in 534 pregnant women and 35% in 40 cats was recorded.

Published in J. Parasitology (refer to publications and conference presentations listed below).

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 12.  Comparative study into the prevalence of intestinal parasites in owned dogs in Grenada, West Indies (Student research project: Externship)

• E.A.I. Jacob, Student from Royal Veterinary College, University of London.
• Dr R.D. Pinckney, faculty
• Dr S. Mofya, faculty
• Dr J. McKibben, faculty
• Dr C. Field, Bayer Animal Health, UK

One hundred owned dogs were used in this study. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs in this study was 63%. Ancylostoma spp were most common (55%), followed by Strongyloides (12%) and Toxocara canis (7%).

A multidisciplinary approach involving veterinarians is needed, both to continue to understand the epidemiological situation on the Island, and to educate owners, particularly targeting those without access to veterinary care.

Paper presented at the 21st International conference of the World Association for the advancement of Veterinary Parasitology, Gent, Belgium 19th-23rd August, 2007.

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Publications:

1. Dubey, J.P., Bhaiyat, M.I., deAllie, C., Macpherson, C.N.L., Sharma, R. N., Sreekumaran, C., Vianna, M.C.B., Shan, S.K., Kwok, O.C.H., Miska, K.B., Hill, D. E., and Lehmann, T.  Isolation, tissue distribution and molecular characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from chickens in Grenada, West Indies. J. Parasitol. 91 (3), 2005, pp 557-560.

2. Bhaiyat, M.I., and Sharma, R.N.  A four-footed broiler chicken with duplication of cloaca. West Indies Veterinary journal 5, (1), 2005, pp27-29.

3. Smita Asthana,  Calum N. L. Macpherson, Stanley H. Weiss, Richard Stephens, Thomas N. Denny, R. N. Sharma and J. P. Dubey.  Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma Gondii  in pregnant women and cats in Grenada. J. Parasitol. 92 (3), 2006 pp 644-645.

4. Dubey, J.P., Bhaiyat, M.I., Macpherson C.N.L., DeAllie, C., Chikweto, A., Kwok, O.C.H. and Sharma, R.N.  Prevalence of Toxoplasma Gondii in rats (Rattus norvegicus) in Grenada, West Indies. J. Parasitol. 92, (2006): In Press.

6. Dubey, J.P., Stone, D., Kwok, O.C.H. and Sharma R.N.,  Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum antibodies in dogs from Grenada, West Indies. J. Parasitology, 94 (3) 2008; 750-751

7. Pinckney, R.D., Coomansingh, C., Bhaiyat, M.I., Chikweto, A., Sharma, R.N., and Macpherson, C.N.L.  Prevalence of parasites in free range chickens from Grenada, West Indies. West Indian Veterinary Journal (in press). 

8. Hariharan, H., Sharma, S., Chikweto, A., and Vanessa, V.  Enterobacteriacae from chicken ceca in Grenada and susceptibility of E. Coli isolates to fluoroquinolones. West Indian Veterinary Journal. 7 (1) 8-11, 2007

9. Kabuusu, R.M., McCann, T.J., and Sharma, R.N.  Isolation of bacterial pathogens from table eggs in Grenada. Journal of the Caribbean Veterinary Medical Association 3, (1) 21-25. 2003.

10. Jenkins, M.C., Parker, C., Hill, D., Pinckney, R.D., Dyer, R., and Dubey, J.P.  Neospora caninum detected in feral rodents. Veterinary Parasitology, 143 (2007) 161-165.

11. Hariharan, H., Sharma, S., Chikweto, A., Matthew, V., and DeAllie, C. Antimicrobial drug resistance as determined by E-test in Campylobacter jejuni, C, coli and C. lari isolates from ceca of broiler and layer chickens in Grenada. Comparative Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. (In press). Abstract published, available on line in PubMed.

12. Mofya, S., Sharma, R., Stone, D., Hariharan, H., Pensick, A., Baffa, A., Sakari, J., and Doherty, D.  Seroepidemiological study of Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus in feral and domestic cats in Grenada.  West Indian Veterinary Journal (in press).

13. Chikweto, A., Sharma, R., Matthew, V., Stratton, G., Thorns, K., Parke, L., and Dummer, D.  West Nile virus: seroprevalence in Grenada and Carriacou. West Indian Veterinary Journal (in Press).

14. Hariharan, H., Bhaiyat, M.I., Chikweto, A., Brathwaite, E., and Sharma, R.N.  Isolation of Aerococcus viridans from an outbreak of hepatitis in a broiler flock in Grenada. West Indian Veterinary Journal (in press).

15. Coomansingh, C., Pinckney, R.D., Bhaiyat, M.I., Chikweto, A., Bitner, S., Baffa, A., and Sharma, R.N.  Prevalence of parasites in wild rats in Grenada, West Indies. West Indian Veterinary Journal (In press).

16. Hariharan, H., Oliveira, S., Sharma, S., and V. Matthew. Antimicrobial drug resistance and genetic diversity of commensal Escherichia coli from ceca of chickens in Grenada. West Indian Veterinary Journal (In press).

17. Sivanandan V., Hariharan H., Chikweto A., Matthew V., and Dragon, L.  Phaeohyphomycosis of skin caused by Curvularia species in a dog in Grenada. Can. Vet J. (submitted). 

18. Hariharan H., Brathwaite, E., Sivanandan, V., and Matthew, V. Antibiotic susceptibility of clinical isolates of Staphylococcus intermedius and S. aureus from dogs in Grenada. West Indian Veterinary Journal (submitted).

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Manuscripts in Preparation:

• Tripathy, D. N., Bhaiya,t M.I., Chikweto, A., Matthew, V., and Sharma R.N. Isolation of avian pox virus in Grenada, West Indies.

• Pinckney, R.D., Coomansingh, C., Bhaiyat, M.I., and Chikweto, A.  Clinical case report. What is your diagnosis? Dirofilaria immitis adults recovered from the urinary bladder and vomitus of two dogs. Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association.

• Hariharan, H., Chikweto, A., Bhaiyat, M.I., Brathwaite, E., Burnett, J., Matthew, V., and Oliviera, S.  Isolation of Salmonella from thoracic fluid and abdominal mass of a cat with Lymphoma in Grenada.

• Hariharan, H., Brathwaite, E., and Matthew, V.  Bacterial isolates from dogs suspected for urinary infection in Grenada and their susceptibility to five antibiotics.

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Conference Attendance and Paper Presentations:

1. Sharma, R.N., Bhaiyat, M.I., deAllie, C., Tawde, S. and Macpherson, C.L.N.  Serologic evidence of five poultry pathogens in free ranging chickens in Grenada, West Indies. Poster presentation: In 143 AVMA Annual Convention, Hawaii, July 15-19, 2006.

2. Sharma, R.N., Bhaiyat, M.I., deAllie, C., Dubey, J.P., and Macpherson, C.N.L.  Toxoplasma  Gondii in Grenada, West Indies. Platform Presentation: In 51st Annual Scientific meeting for the Caribbean Health research Council (CHRC) Conference in St kitts. Nevis, April 27-29, 2006. Abstract published: West Indies Indian Medical Journal Vol 55 (supplement 2, 2006.

3. Dubey, J.P., Bhaiyat, M.I., deAllie, C., Macpherson, C.N.L., Sharma, R.N., Sreekumar, C., Vienna, M.C.B., Shan, S.K., Kwok, O.C.H., and Lehmann, T.  Seroprevalence and isolation of Toxoplasma gondii in free ranging chickens in Grenada. Platform presentation: In Eighth Biennial Conference of the Society for the Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Hanoi, Vietnam , June 26- July 01, 2005.

4. Kabuusu, R.M., McCann, T.J. and Sharma R.N. Potentially harmful bacterial pathogens isolated from poultry eggs in Grenada. Platform presentation: 140th American Veterinary Medical Association Annual                    Convention (AVMA) 18th -23rd July, 2003 Denver, USA.

5.  Araskine, A., Jacobs, D., Fields, C., and Pinckney, R.D.  A comparative study into the prevalence of intestinal parasites in owned dogs in Grenada, West Indies. Platform Presentation: World Association for the advancement of Veterinary              Parasitology, Ghent, Belgium, August 19-23, 2007 (Abstract 529 p. 401).

6. Coomansingh, C., Macpherson, C.N.L, Stone, D., and Pinckney, R.D.  Helminth parasites in dogs in Grenada, West Indies. Platform Presentation: 52nd Annual American Association of Veterinary         Parasitologists meeting, Washington, D.C. July 14-17, 2007 (Abstract 25 p. 25).

7. Stone, D.M. and Dickers R.C.  Opportunities and challenges of a DVM/MPH dual degree program in the Caribbean. Platform Presentation: Symposium for partnership and preparedness sponsored by the Association of  Schools of Public Health and Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, Atlanta, Georgia, April 22-24, 2007.

8. Chikweto, A., Bhaiyat, M.I., Sharma, R.N., DeAllie, C., and McNeil, P. E.  Angiomatous lesions in the skin of dogs in Grenada, West Indies. Platform Presentation:  4th Pan Commonwealth Veterinary Conference, Barbados, 4-8 November, 2007.
   

9. Kabuusu, R.M.S., Kumthekar, H., Larkin, R., Pinckney, R.D.. and Nyack, B., Hematology and biochemistry reference values for small ruminants in Grenada, West Indies. Platform Presentation: 24th Biennial Caribbean Veterinary Medical Association (CbVMA) Conference, St Georges, Grenada. 8-10 Nov, 2006.

10. Pinckney, R.D., Coomansingh, C., Bhaiyat, M.I., Chikweto, A., Sharma, R.N., and Macpherson, C.N.L. Prevalence of parasites in free-range chickens from Grenada, West Indies. Platform Presentation: 24th Biennial Caribbean Veterinary Medical Association Conference, Grenada, West Indies, 8-10 Nov, 2006.

11. Capo, E., Caldwell, J., Amuleru-Marshal, O., Russell, H.L., Stone, D.M., and Sharma, R.N. Seroprevalence of canine leptospiral infection in Grenada. Platform Presentation: 24th Biennial Caribbean Veterinary Medical Association Conference, Grenada, West Indies, 8-10 Nov, 2006.

12. Bhaiyat, M.I., Sharma, R.N., Mofya, S., and Potter, K. Canine Uveal Melanoma with metastasis. Platform Presentation: 24th Biennial Caribbean Veterinary Medical Association Conference, Grenada, 8-10 Nov. 2006.

13. Bhaiyat, M.I., Chikweto, A., DeAllie, C., and Sharma, R.N.  Prevalence of Spirocercosis in dogs in Grenada.
    Platform presentation: 24th Biennial Caribbean Veterinary Medical Association Conference, Grenada, West Indies, 8-10 Nov, 2006.

14. Deokar, M.S., and Dhande, P.L.. Gross anatomical study of the ovary during prenatal development (day 46- day 60) in sheep (Ovis aries) Platform Presentation: 24th Biennial Caribbean Veterinary Medical Association Conference, Grenada, West Indies, 8-10 Nov, 2006.

15. Larkin, H., Kumthekar, S., Kabuusu, R.M., and Chikweto, A.  Blood values of dogs with microfilariasis. Platform Presentation:  24th Biennial Caribbean Veterinary Medical Association Conference, Grenada, 8-10 Nov, 2006.

16. Tripathy, D.N., Bhaiyat, M.I., Chikweto, A., Matthew, V., and Sharma, R.N. First isolation of a virus (avian pox) in Grenada.
    Poster Presentation: AVMA convention (AAAP meetings) New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, 19-23 July, 2008.

17. Hariharan, H., Sharma, S., Chikweto, A., Matthew, V., and DeAllie, C.  Antimicrobial drug resistance as determined by the E-test in Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli and C. lari isolates from the ceca of broilers and layer Chickens in Grenada. Poster Presentation: at the World Veterinary Congress in Vancouver, Canada, July 27-30, 2008.

18. Eurell, T.E., Eurell, J.C., Fouke, B.W.  The gross morphology and histopathology of individual polyps from the scleractinian coral Montastrea cavernosa with signs of black band disease. Platform Presentation: International Association of Aquatic Animal Medicine (AAAM) meeting, Rome, Italy, May 13, 2008.

19. Kabuusu, R.M., Kumthekar, S.M., Larkin, H., and Sharp, D.F.  Characteristics of transmissible venereal tumors (TVT) in Grenada, West Indies. Poster Presentation: 29th World veterinary Congress, Vancouver, Canada, 27-30 July, 2008.

20. Keenan, J., Sharma, R.N., Decker, R., Rayner, J., and Stone, D.M. Seroprevalence of leptospira in Rattus norvegicus in Grenada, West Indies. Poster Presentation: 53rd Annual Scientific meeting of Caribbean Health Research Council, Suriname, April 23-26, 2008

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