Evaluation of the Antiviral Activity of Propolis from Native Bees (<i>Plebeia frontalis</i>) against Canine Distemper Virus

Propolis is a natural substance made from resins collected from trees and plants, and which bees combine with pollen, wax, and their own enzymes. It has a complex chemical composition that varies with the harvest season, vegetation type, bee species, and geographical region. Thanks to its components, it has valuable biological properties such as antifungal, antibacterial, anticancer, antiviral, and immunomodulatory activity. For this study, a sample of propolis harvested in April 2019 was used, which came from a bee native to Mexico (Plebeia frontalis) in whose geographical environment there are seven other native species. Canine distemper virus is an RNA virus that causes a systemic infection with high fatality rates in guests without protective immunity. In this work, the antiviral effect of Plebeia frontalis propolis on canine distemper virus was tested, administering it one hour before and simultaneously to infection. The antiviral effect was evaluated by determining cellular viability with the MTT assay. The results obtained show that this propolis has a statistically significant antiviral effect on both treatments, although it is slightly better when applied one hour before viral infection, so we can recommend it as an antiviral treatment in both domestic animals and human beings. There are currently few studies of the antiviral effect of propolis, this being the first study of a melliponium propolis in veterinary medicine.

Evaluation of Changes in Actin Filaments of RK13 Cells Infected with <i>Malassezia pachydermatis</i>

Background: Malassezia pachydermatis is the main causative agent of canine otitis and also of a myriad of dermatological problems in companion animals;its interaction mechanisms with host cells are still unclear. Objectives: To establish an in vitro infection model of M. pachydermatis-exposed RK13 cells in order to evaluate cell morphological changes as well as changes in the structure of actin filaments. Methods: Cultures of RK13 cells were infected with M. pachydermatis, alterations caused by the yeast were evaluated by optical and fluorescence microscopy. Results: M. pachydermatis adheres itself to the cell and produces the formation of multiple agglomerates that cause changes in cell morphology, formation of cell aggregates in overlays, presence of syncytia and destruction of cell culture structure. The damaged cells presented changes in the actin filaments consisting of thickening of the cell cortex and loss of stress fibers. On the other hand, the formation of perinuclear actin rings in the yeasts was observed. Conclusions: An in vitro infection model was established with M. pachydermatis and alterations in cell morphology were observed consisting of changes in the structure of the actin filaments, overgrowth of the cells and the presence of syncytia.

Propolis in Dogs: Clinical Experiences and Perspectives (A Brief Review)

In light of the scarcity of novel therapeutic agents that are effective, the pharmaceutical industry has found a newer source of therapeutic compounds in natural products and herbal medicine to address the current health problems in humans and animals. What is particularly promising about these agents is that they produce fewer side effects and are more cost effective than synthetic compounds. This means greater availability of these treatments particularly for less developed countries who can’t afford expensive treatments. The reduced side effects also mean greater patient tolerance and increased compliance thereby yielding maximal therapeutic effect without negatively impacting on quality of life. Among the natural products more frequently employed nowadays is propolis, a resin that is routinely collected by bees (Apis mellifera). Propolis contains flavonoids, caffeic acid esters and diterpenic acids, which provide the bactericidal, antiviral and antifungal properties to this product. The use of propolis to address a variety of conditions in small animal species is beginning to play an important role in the currently available treatments. Its use appears to be an effective treatment with no side effects at low cost. This paper reviews the different applications of this compound to treat diseases in dogs.

Use of Mexican Propolis for the Topical Treatment of Dermatomycosis in Horses

Five horses with lesions compatible with dermatomycosis were selected and skin scrapings were taken from all affected areas. Samples were then treated with 10% KOH and observed by direct microscopic examination;fungal cultures using Mycobiotic Agar and Borelli Agar were also preformed;Trichophyton mentagrophytes was identified in two cases, whereas Candida albicans was identified in the other three. Skin lesions in cases 1 and 2 were treated topically with ketoconazol ointment, while in the remaining cases a weekly bath with propolis-based shampoo and application of propolis-based ointment on the lesions 2 to 3 times a week were implemented. Treatment in all cases lasted 4 weeks. Pictures were taken before and after treatment and, making use of the Image Pro-Express® software, therapy efficacy was determined by measurement of lesion area diameter and a significant reduction in lesion size was observed by the end of the 4 weeks of treatment with ketoconazole and propolis-based products. Thus proving the effectiveness of such propolis-based products, making them a natural therapeutic alternative for the treatment of cutaneous mycoses in horses, and carrying none of the toxic side effects of conventional pharmaceuticals.