This study attempted synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using the aqueous extract of Piper longum catkin and its in vitro antibacterial efficacy against multi-drug-resistant strains (MDR) of non- typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) spp. (S. enterica Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis). The green synthesized ZnO NPs exhibited an absorbance peak at 340 nm by UV-Vis spectroscopy, which was confirmed by FTIR analysis. The TGA/DTA revealed a progressive thermal degradation of the ZnO NPs between 250 °C and 400 °C; however, good thermal stability was exhibited for annealing temperatures between 900 °C and 1300 °C. The ZnO NPs exhibited hexagonal wurtzite crystalline structure by PXRD analysis, which was further confirmed by electron microscopy. Microbroth dilution technique exhibited an MIC and MBC values of 125 and 250 µg/mL, respectively. Overall, the study demonstrated a facile, eco-friendly method for the synthesis of ZnO NPs, which could be employed as a potential antimicrobial alternative candidate.

Protoparvovirus carnivoran1, known commonly as feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is a highly contagious and environmentally stable parvovirus of domestic as well as wild felids. A rapid and robust diagnostic tool will aid in implementing prompt treatment and control measures. A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) as a point-of-care diagnostic tool for diagnosing feline panleukopenia was standardised using faecal samples of cats. The assay will reduce the cost and time required to diagnose feline panleukopenia. A set of two outer primers (F3 and B3) and two inner primers (FIP and BIP) were designed to target the viral polypeptide (VP2) gene of FPV. Optimisation of the LAMP reaction was done at 60 °C for one hour after an initial denaturation at 95 °C for five minutes. Visualisation of the result based on the addition of SYBR Green 1 dye offered an easy and reliable diagnosis. The detection limit of the standardised LAMP assay was as low as 1.25 ng/μl of the target DNA. Species specificity of the LAMP primers revealed no amplification of the non-target DNA of any other species except that of the canine parvovirus DNA template. DNA extracted from 100 PCR-positive and 20 PCR-negative faecal samples were subjected to the standardised assay and compared with PCR. Analysis of the results revealed that the LAMP assay was 100% sensitive and 90% specific compared to PCR. The LAMP assay could be a reliable tool for the point-of-care diagnosis of feline panleukopenia in limited resource settings.

Immune response against malaria and the clearance of Plasmodium parasite relies on germinal-center-derived B cell responses that are temporally and histologically layered. Despite a well-orchestrated germinal center response, anti-Plasmodium immune response seldom offers sterilizing immunity. Recent studies report that certain pathophysiological features of malaria such as extensive hemolysis, hypoxia as well as the extrafollicular accumulation of short-lived plasmablasts may contribute to this suboptimal immune response. In this review, we summarize some of those studies and attempt to connect certain host intrinsic features in response to the malarial disease and the resultant gaps in the immune response.