Influence of silver nanoparticles on growth and health of broiler chickens after infection with Campylobacter jejuni

Emerging trends of biomedical nanotechnology in nutrition, health monitoring and disease diagnosis

The transdisciplinary nature of nanotechnology has facilitated its application across various fields, especially in biological sciences. The primary aim of this review is to consolidate the many facets of nanomedicine, theranostics, and nanotechnology in food preservation into a unified framework and to underscore established research methodologies in the medical domain. Nanoparticles serve a crucial function in improving the bioavailability of orally delivered bioactive substances. This review demonstrated that nanoparticles can enhance the bioavailability of micronutrients, such as vitamin B12, vitamin A, folic acid, and iron. New advances in nanotechnology have made big differences in finding pathogens and killing them specifically, helping people to get better health through medication delivery and imaging, improving food packaging better so it lasts longer, and making foods healthier overall. Nanotechnology currently enhances the safety of delivering highly hazardous medicines through the use of nanozymes that exhibit antioxidant and antibacterial characteristics. Moreover, wearable devices can identify significant alterations in vital signs, medical problems, and infections occurring within the body. We anticipate that these technologies will provide physicians with enhanced direct access to crucial information about the causes of changes in vital signs or diseases, as they are directly connected to the source of the problem. This review paper thoroughly examines the latest developments in nanomaterials and nanozymes as antimicrobial agents in food science and nutrition, wound healing, illness diagnostics, imaging, and potential future uses. The paper presents a concise and structured report on nanotechnology, which will be beneficial to researchers and scientists for future research opportunities.

Smart application of silver nanoparticles in the treatment of chicken coccidiosis in combination with special supplement to alleviate its toxicity

This study investigated the efficacy of a locally formulated nano-silver particle (Ag-NPs) treatment for controlling Eimeria spp. in chickens. Various concentrations of Ag-NPs were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the sporulation of five Eimeria species oocysts in vitro, with LC50 and LC100 values determined. The most effective concentrations (20 μg/mL and 25 μg/mL) were administered to experimentally infected chickens for five consecutive days through their feed, either as a normal diet or supplemented with a Vitamin A, E, C, and selenium complex (VSeC). Results showed a significant reduction in the number of oocysts shed, lower lesion scores, and improved weight gain in chickens treated with Ag-NPs, with effects comparable to the reference drug Amprolium. Ag-NPs at 25 μg/mL exhibited the highest efficacy, though mild silver toxicity was observed. Supplementation with VSeC enhanced all parameters and mitigated the mild toxicity associated with the high-dose Ag-NP treatment. Further analysis of redox parameters (malondialdehyde, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) and liver (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase) and kidney function (serum urea, creatinine) revealed slight elevations in these markers, which were negligible in the VSeC-supplemented groups. In conclusion, Ag-NPs at doses of 20-25 μg/mL for five days were effective in controlling Eimeria infection in chickens. The inclusion of VSeC in the feed provided protective effects, alleviating potential toxicity and enhancing overall treatment outcomes.

Antimicrobial resistance, virulence gene profiles, and phylogenetic groups of Escherichia coli isolated from healthy broilers and broilers with colibacillosis in Thailand

BACKGROUND

Multidrug resistance in Escherichia coli has a significant global impact on poultry production. This study aimed to determine the phenotypic and genotypic backgrounds of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence gene profiles of E. coli strains isolated from diseased and healthy broilers. A total of 211 E. coli isolates were recovered from diseased (n = 110) and healthy broilers (n = 101). All the isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. A PCR-based technique was applied to screen AMR genes, virulence genes and analyze phylogenetic groups.

RESULTS

Phylogenetic groups B1 and D were the most prevalent for E. coli isolated from diseased and healthy birds. Among virulence genes, the detection rates of cva/cvi, iutA, iucD, iroN, iss and ompT were considerably greater in E.coli strains from diseased birds than in healthy birds. The virulence gene pattern of hlyF-iutA-iucD-iroN-iss-ompT (16.4%) was frequently observed in E.coli isolated from diseased birds, whereas approximately 22.8% of E.coli from healthy birds did not carry any virulence genes. Analysis of AMR profiles revealed that 58.3% of E.coli were resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics, and 96.7% carried at least one antibiotic resistance gene AMR genes.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study demonstrate the variable distribution of phylogenetic groups and virulence genes. E.coli strains isolated from broilers had multidrug resistance profiles. The study emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring of AMR emergence in E. coli from broilers. This monitoring allows for early detection and implementation of strategies to control the spread of resistant strains.

Supplementation of a Basal Goat Diet With Incremental Doses of Canola Essential Oil Modulates In Vitro Rumen Fermentation and Microbial Diversity

BACKGROUND

Canola essential oil (CEO) contains linoleic and oleic fatty acids that can inhibit the growth of pathogenic micro-organisms and alter microbial digestion to increase ruminal fermentation and nutrient utilisation.

OBJECTIVES

The study evaluated the effect of supplementing a basal goat diet with incremental doses of CEO on chemical constituents and in vitro ruminal fermentation parameters and microbial diversity.

METHODS

Experimental treatments were a basal goat diet containing 0.0025% antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) without CEO (POSCON), a basal diet without AGP and CEO (NEGCON), and NEGCON supplemented with 0.5 (CEO5), 1.0 (CEO10), 1.5 (CEO15), and 2.0% (v/w) CEO (CEO20). The treatment samples were homogenised, oven-dried, milled and analysed for chemical constituents. For the in vitro experiment, each sample (1 g) was weighed into serum bottles containing a pre-mixed phosphate buffer solution (pH 6.8) and pre-warmed (39°C) overnight. Ruminal inoculum from three donor goats was used for the incubation. Rumen fermentation parameters and volatile fatty acids were determined and the 16s rRNA gene of the fermentation medium was sequenced and amplified to detect the archaea and bacteria abundance.

RESULTS

Dry matter and organic matter contents were lower (p < 0.05) for CEO15 and CEO20. Crude fat increased with CEO doses with the highest value recorded for CEO20. Treatment CEO20 produced the highest (p < 0.05) value for the immediately fermentable fraction, effective gas production and 96-h partition factor. Lag time had a positive quadratic effect whereas acetic and butyric acids conferred a positive quadratic effect in response to CEO inclusion. A total of 15 phyla, 46 genera and 65 species were identified. The Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria predominated the phyla groups while unclassified microbes, Prevotella and Succiniclasticum across all treatments predominated the genera and species. The genus Methanobrevibacter and Ruminococcus reduced significantly at CEO15 and CEO20.

CONCLUSION

The inclusion of CEO in a basal goat diet increased gas production, partition factor at 96 hour of incubation and decreased total volatile fatty acids. However, 1.5% CEO level enhanced the abundance of fermentative bacteria such as Firmicutes and Actinobacteria while 1.5% and 2% CEO levels reduced the abundance of methanogenic microbes.

Staphylococcus aureus in subclinical bovine mastitis: Prevalence and innovative treatment with Moringa oleifera and Selenium nanoparticles

Background

Bovine subclinical mastitis is a significant disease that significantly impacts the health of dairy cows and subsequently affects milk production. Among the various causes of subclinical mastitis, bacterial infections, particularly Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), play a crucial role.

Aim

The aim of this investigation was to isolate and identify S. aureus strains from cows with subclinical mastitis, assess their antimicrobial susceptibility, virulence genes, and investigate the potential antibacterial activity of Moringa oleifera ethanolic extract and Selenium (Se) nanoparticles against both somatic cell count (SCC) and S. aureus count in subclinical mastitic cows.

Methods

We collected 110 milk samples from dairy cows with subclinical mastitis in the Kafrelsheikh governorate before treatment with intramammary antibiotics. Samples were identified using pH detection, SCC at ≤200,000 cells/ ml, and California Mastitis Test.

Results

The effect of M. oleifera ethanolic extract, Se nanoparticles, and Ciprofloxacin antibiotic in reducing SCC and S. aureus counts was significant. Selenium nanoparticles and Ciprofloxacin antibiotics showed the highest reduction in the S. aureus count, comparable to M. oleifera ethanolic extract, while ciprofloxacin followed by M. oleifera ethanolic extract, and Selenium nanoparticles were effective against somatic cell count.

Conclusion

This study emphasizes the widespread occurrence of S. aureus in subclinical bovine mastitis and highlights the potential of M. oleifera ethanolic extract and Se nanoparticles as promising treatment options. Selenium nanoparticles demonstrated notable antibacterial effects against S. aureus and contributed to a reduction in somatic cell counts. Considering these findings, we propose additional studies on the potential of Selenium nanoparticles as antibacterial agents, as they demonstrate effectiveness in preventing and managing S. aureus subclinical mastitis.

Silver Nanoparticles as Antimicrobial Agents in Veterinary Medicine: Current Applications and Future Perspectives

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained significant attention in veterinary medicine due to their antimicrobial properties and potential therapeutic applications. Silver has long been recognized for its ability to combat a wide range of pathogens, and when engineered at the nanoscale, silver's surface area and reactivity are greatly enhanced, making it highly effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This narrative review aimed to summarize the evidence on the antimicrobial properties of AgNPs and their current and potential clinical applications in veterinary medicine. The antimicrobial action of AgNPs involves several mechanisms, including, among others, the release of silver ions, disruption of cell membranes and envelopes, induction of oxidative stress, inhibition of pathogens' replication, and DNA damage. Their size, shape, surface charge, and concentration influence their efficacy against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. As a result, the use of AgNPs has been explored in animals for infection prevention and treatment in some areas, such as wound care, coating of surgical implants, animal reproduction, and airway infections. They have also shown promise in preventing biofilm formation, a major challenge in treating chronic bacterial infections. Additionally, AgNPs have been studied for their potential use in animal feed as a supplement to enhance animal health and growth. Research suggested that AgNPs could stimulate immune responses and improve the gut microbiota of livestock, potentially reducing the need for antibiotics in animal husbandry. Despite their promising applications, further research is necessary to fully understand the safety, efficacy, and long-term effects of AgNPs on animals, humans, and the environment.

Potential use of beet-pulp concentrate supplementation in athletic horse

The aim of this two-phase study was to evaluate the use of beet pulp concentrate (BPC) in athletic horses. On the first trial the effects of supplementation with 820g of BPC for 12 weeks were assessed and a crossover postprandial curves of blood biomarkers were determined in five adult Arabian mares. Differences were found in T-chol, HDL-chol, TPP and MCHC (p < 0.05). Postprandial curves varied among challenges (p < 0.05) for glucose, insulin, and hematocrit. These results confirmed that BPC supplementation led to changes in blood biomarkers, without inducing major metabolic disruption. The aim of the second trial was to evaluate effects of resistance training using a horse walker in eight yearling gaited foals fed with BPC (16 %) for 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected before and at 30, 60 and 90 days of training and results demonstrated the highest level of [NEFA] and [triglycerides] at end of experimental period (p < 0.05) and increased of growth hormone after exercise sections after 60 days (p < 0.05). Also, [MCHC] and [Hb] increased 30 days after beginning of training program (p < 0.05), maintaining until the end of trial period. Association of the training program with highly digestible fiber as BPC possibly led to a greater availability of NEFA and hCG certainly helping the physical conditioning of these young animals.

Rabies transmitted from vampires to cattle: An overview

Rabies is a zoonotic infectious disease of global distribution that impacts human and animal health. In rural Latin America, rabies negatively impacts food security and the economy due to losses in livestock production. The common vampire bat, Desmodus rotundus, is the main reservoir and transmitter of rabies virus (RABV) to domestic animals in Latin America. Desmodus rotundus RABV is known to impact the cattle industry, from small farmers to large corporations. We assessed the main patterns of rabies in cattle attributed to D. rotundus RABV across Latin America. Epidemiological data on rabies from Latin America were collected from the Pan American Health Organization spanning the 1970-2023 period. Analyses revealed an average of 450 outbreaks annually for the countries where D. rotundus is distributed, with at least 6 animals dying in each outbreak. Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Mexico were the Latin American countries with the highest number of rabies outbreaks during the study period and are the most affected countries in recent years. Findings suggest a re-emergence of bat-borne rabies in the region with more outbreaks reported in recent years, especially during the 2003-2020 period. Rabies outbreaks in cattle in the 2000-2020 period were significantly more frequent than in previous decades, with an increase in cross-species transmission after 2002. The size of outbreaks, however, was smaller in recent years, involving lower cattle mortality. Peru, El Salvador, and Brazil showed a strong association (R = 0.73, p = 0.01) between rabies incidence in D. rotundus (rates per million humans: 1.61, 0.94, and 1.09, respectively) and rabies outbreaks in cattle (rates per million cattle: 465.85, 351.01, and 48.22, respectively). A sustained, standardized, and widespread monitoring of D. rotundus demography and health could serve to inform an early warning system for the early detection of RABV and other bat-borne pathogens in Latin America. Current data can be used to forecast when, where, and in which intensity RABV outbreaks are more likely to occur in subtropical and tropical Latin America. A decrease in the size of outbreaks could suggest that strategies for epidemic management (e.g., education, early diagnosis, vaccination) have been effective. The increase in the number of outbreaks could suggest that the factors facilitating cross-species transmission could be on the rise.

Seroprevalence of and Associated Risk Factors for Bovine Viral Diarrhea in Dairy Cattle in and Around Nekemte Town, East Wallaga, Oromiya Regional State, Ethiopia

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is an important pathogen affecting dairy cattle all over the world by causing significant economic losses due to reproductive and respiratory problems, immunosuppressive effects, increased risk of morbidity, and calf mortality. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2021 to August 2021 to determine the seroprevalence of bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) and identify risk factors associated with its occurrence in and around Nekemte Town of Ethiopia. Blood samples were collected from 305 dairy cattle of 41 herds by using cluster-sampling method. All sampled animals were identified by their age, breeds, origin, parity, pregnancy status, and history of reproductive and respiratory problems. Competitive ELISA was used in the laboratory to detect the presence of antibodies in the serum. At the animal and herd level, descriptive statistics were utilized to assess the amount of BVDV viral antibody circulation, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to detect potential risk variables. The result demonstrates 9.84% (95% confidence interval (CI): 6.49-13.18) and 28.52% (95% CI: 23.46-33.59) seroprevalence of BVDV antibody at individual and herd level, respectively. Abortion (odds ratio (OR) = 2.75; p = 0.019), retention of fetal membrane (OR = 3.33; p = 0.011), purchasing of animals (OR = 2.98; p = 0.017), and pregnancy (OR = 3.16; p = 0.019) were variables significantly associated with the seropositivity of BVDV. Herd size was found to be substantially linked with BVDV infection at the herd level (p = 0.009). These moderate seroprevalence of BVDV results indicate that the virus is widely spread among dairy cattle at various farms in and around Nekemte Town, hurting dairy farm production and productivity. To reduce the seroprevalence of this infectious agent, cows with a history of reproductive disorders should be tested, and new animals should be quarantined before being introduced into herds, and more research should be done to assess the impact of reproductive failure and other effects associated with this virus.

Seroprevalence of bovine Herpesvirus-1, bovine viral diarrhoea virus, Neospora caninum and Coxiella burnetii in dairy cows in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

The reproductive problem is an animal health-related bottleneck that constrains livestock genetic improvement efforts in tropical countries such as Ethiopia. The infectious causes of reproductive disorders are one cause of decreased reproductive efficiency. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence to Bovine Herpesvirus-1 (BHV1), Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV), Neospora caninum (N. caninum) and C. burnetii (C. burnetii) exposures in dairy cows with reproductive disorders in selected areas of Ethiopia. Overall, 164 serum samples were collected from October 2018 to May 2019 from animals with a history of reproductive disorders. The collected sera were tested for antibody titers to Brucella species, N. caninum, BVDV, BHV1, C. burnetii and Chlamydophila abortus (C. abortus) using Rose Bengal and ELISA.

RESULTS

The apparent seroprevalence of BHV1, BVDV, N. caninum and C. burnetii were 61%, 33.5%, 4.9% and 0.6%, respectively. Among the selected study areas, the mean apparent seroprevalence was significantly greater in Bishoftu (35.9%), Holeta (34.2%) and Adaberga (28.6%) than in Mekelle (9.9%) and Ambo (16.2%). Among the specific seroprevalence in specific areas, BHV1 was the most common in Adaberga, with an apparent seroprevalence of 92.9%. Similarly, the seroprevalence of BVDV was the highest in Holeta, with an apparent seroprevalence of 73.3%. On the other hand, no seropositive animal to Brucella spp. or C. abortus was found in these study areas.

CONCLUSION

BVDV and BHV1 seroprevalence was higher in dairy cattle with a history of reproductive disorder in Ethiopia as compared to the seroprevalence of N. caninum and C. burnetii.

Assessment of PRRSV and PCV2 seroprevalence and antigen prevalence in minipigs at laboratory-animal production facilities

Objective

Pigs are used in various biomedical research fields because of their anatomical and physiological similarities to humans. While farm pigs are raised outdoors for several months, minipigs are typically raised in indoor barrier facilities for several years. Although numerous studies have investigated the prevalence of major pathogens, including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), in farm pigs, similar studies targeting minipigs are lacking.

Materials and Methods

We imported 57 minipigs to our institution from three experimental animal production facilities and immediately assessed the serological and antigenic prevalence of PRRSV and PCV2.

Results

PRRSV and PCV2 had seroprevalences of 80.7% and 94.7%, respectively, with 0% antigen positivity rates for PRRSV types 1 and 2 and high-pathogenic PRRSV and PCV2.Two factors could account for the high seroprevalence rates: the majority of individuals may have been vaccinated despite official claims from the origin facilities or exposed to PRRSV and PCV2. Preventing microbial infections is crucial for obtaining accurate and reproducible results.

Conclusion

As the first investigation of microbial prevalence in minipigs, our findings indicate that minipigs raised in barrier facilities are not necessarily free from vaccines or infections. These results will significantly enhance the credibility of future biomedical research.

A perspective on nanomaterials against Campylobacter jejuni biofilm - New control strategies

Campylobacter jejuni - a Gram-negative bacterium - is considered the fourth cause of diarrheic diseases that can form biofilms (mono and multi-species) or colonize pre-existing biofilms adhering to both, inert or biotic surfaces; its biofilms contribute to transmission through the food chain and survival under harsh environmental conditions. Thus, developing alternatives against this pathogen is compulsory. Nanomaterials have revolutionized the way of fighting infections related to biofilms due to their unique properties compared to traditional antibiotics. Nanomaterials have also been used against C. jejuni based on zinc, titanium, silver, molybdenum, magnesium, cobalt, erbium, lithium, nickel, hydroxide, polyethylene, graphene, lipids, chitosan, and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). Those organic and inorganic materials have synthesized nanoparticles, nanofillers, nanowires, nanoferrites, double layers, nanocomposites, and films that have encapsulated, entrapped, coated or doped molecules. Additionally, bare metal nanoparticles have been tested by their antimicrobial activity on planktonic and sessile forms. Therefore, the present review aimed to describe general biology, virulence factors, host-pathogen relationships and biofilm formation, as well as nanomaterials and nanoparticles fighting against C. jejuni biofilms. Considerations are presented and placed in perspective.

Advanced chelate technology-based trace minerals reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in Eimeria-infected broilers by modulating NF-kB and Nrf2 pathways

This study investigated the effects of substituting inorganic trace minerals (ITM) with advanced chelate technology-based TM (ACTM) in broiler chicken feed on productive performance, metabolic profile, humoral immunity, antioxidant status, and modulation of NF-kB and Nrf2 signaling pathways in mixed Eimeria species exposure. The study involved 480 newly hatched male broiler chickens, which were divided into 5 treatment groups, each with 6 replicate cages and 16 chickens per replicate. The experimental treatments included an uninfected negative control group fed a basal diet with recommended inorganic TM levels (NC), an infected positive control group fed the same diet (PC), a PC group supplemented with salinomycin (SAL), and two PC groups in which the basal diet was replaced with 50% and 100% ACTM instead of inorganic TM (ACTM50 and ACTM100, respectively). All groups, except for the NC group, were orally challenged with mixed Eimeria species oocysts on day 14. According to the results, the PC group showed lower feed intake, breast yield, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentration, lactobacillus spp. counts, and serum IgG levels, but higher jejunal TGF-β expression versus the NC group. The broilers in the NC, SAL, and ACTM100 groups showed higher body weight gain, carcass yield, and TGF-β expression, but lower serum alkaline phosphatase activity, ileal E. coli count, and jejunal expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, Nrf2, and SOD1 compared to the PC group, with the NC group having the highest body weight gain and lowest IL-1β and Nrf2 expression levels. Furthermore, the administration of ACTM100 treatment improved feed efficiency, increased serum iron, zinc, manganese, and copper levels, enhanced total antioxidant capacity and different antioxidant enzyme activities, and reduced malondialdehyde concentration. In conclusion, complete replacement of ITM with ACTM effectively protects broilers from Eimeria infection, with similar positive effects to SAL treatment in terms of productive performance and anti-inflammatory responses and better antioxidant responses and mineral availability.

Use of Metallic Nanoparticles Against Eimeria-the Coccidiosis-Causing Agents: A Comprehensive Review

Coccidiosis is a protozoan disease caused by Eimeria species and is a major threat to the poultry industry. Different anti-coccidial drugs (diclazuril, amprolium, halofuginone, ionophores, sulphaquinoxaline, clopidol, and ethopabate) and vaccines have been used for their control. Still, due to the development of resistance, their efficacy has been limited. It is continuously damaging the economy of the poultry industry because under its control, almost $14 billion is spent, globally. Recent research has been introducing better and more effective control of coccidiosis by using metallic and metallic oxide nanoparticles. Zinc, zinc oxide, copper, copper oxide, silver, iron, and iron oxide are commonly used because of their drug delivery mechanism. These nanoparticles combined with other drugs enhance the effect of these drugs and give their better results. Moreover, by using nanotechnology, the resistance issue is also solved because by using several mechanisms at a time, protozoa cannot evolve and thus resistance cannot develop. Green nanotechnology has been giving better results due to its less toxic effects. Utilization of metallic and metallic oxide nanoparticles may present a new, profitable, and economical method of controlling chicken coccidiosis, thus by changing established treatment approaches and improving the health and production of chickens. Thus, the objective of this review is to discuss about economic burden of avian coccidiosis, zinc, zinc oxide, iron, iron oxide, copper, copper oxide, silver nanoparticles use in the treatment of coccidiosis, their benefits, and toxicity.

Molecular detection and genotyping of bovine viral diarrhea virus in Selangor, Malaysia

Objective

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) disease is a viral infection in cows caused by a single-stranded plus-sense RNA virus of the Pestivirus genus under the Flaviviridae family. The clinical manifestation of BVD mainly includes diarrhea and immunosuppression, thereby exacerbating various respiratory diseases. This study was conducted to detect and molecularly characterize the bovine viral diarrhea disease virus (BVDV) in cattle on selected farms in Selangor, Malaysia.

Materials and Methods

A reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed for antigen detection in 253 plasma samples collected from cows using a cross-sectional study design. We selected the 5 untranslated regions (5'-UTR) region and the E2 region to compare the genetic differences between the isolates.

Results

One sample was found to be positive (1/253) following RT-PCR targeting the conserved 5'-UTR region of BVDV. Thus, BVDV antigen prevalence was 0.40% (95% confidence interval: 0.0%-2.2%). By targeting the hypervariable E2 region of the isolated virus, UPM/MAL/BVDV/D17, the virus was classified under the subgenotype BVDV-1a.

Conclusion

BVDV is present and circulating on selected cattle farms in Selangor, Malaysia. Given the presence of BVDV in several subgenotypes, the screening of all incoming cattle at Malaysia's border is pertinent to prevent the entry of other BVDV subgenotypes into the country.

Effect of different synbiotic administration methods on growth, carcass characteristics, ileum histomorphometry, and blood biochemistry of Cobb-500 broilers

Background and Aim

To combat enteric infections and antibiotic resistance in the poultry industry, researchers seek alternatives such as probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics as growth promoters. Synbiotics support probiotic growth through the supply of essential nutrients. The study's objectives were to assess the most effective delivery methods for synbiotics and evaluate their growth, histomorphometric, and hematological impacts on Cobb-500 broilers.

Materials and Methods

Two studies, independently conducted, employed a completely randomized design. One hundred and eighty viable eggs in the first trial were assigned to three groups: Control (T1), sterile water (T2), and synbiotic in sterile water (T3). On the 21st day of hatching, hatchability, day-old body weights, and ileum samples for histomorphometric analysis were recorded. In the second trial, out of 500 viable eggs, 200 eggs were fed in ovo with synbiotics (PoultryStar® sol, Biomin Singapore Pte Ltd, Singapore) on 17.5 days and 300 were set aside without in ovo injection. The treatments were control (T1), in water synbiotic (T2), in ovo synbiotic (T3), combination of in ovo synbiotic and synbiotic in feed (T4), and synbiotic in feed only (T5). On 21 and 42 days, blood, ileum, and visceral organ samples were collected for laboratory analysis. Data on weight gain, daily feed intake, and water consumption were recorded for 42 days.

Results

The initial experiment's results revealed a decrease in hatchability, slight weight increase, and significant intestinal morphological changes with the use of an in ovo synbiotic. Applying synbiotic through various methods in the second trial yielded better growth results, lower blood cholesterol, and significantly longer (p < 0.05) villi on 21 days.

Conclusion

Using the in ovo method to administer synbiotics lowered hatchability. Use of synbiotics with any method or in combination enhances growth, ileum structure, dressing yield, feed efficiency, and cholesterol levels in blood. Synbiotics enhance gut health and overall performance in broilers when used through diverse approaches.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of some essential oils against zoonotic methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from dairy products and humans

Objective

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a zooanthroponotic, nosocomial, and community-associated pathogen that threatens livestock management and even public health. The goal of this investigation was to clarify the role of S. aureus in zoonotic illnesses. Besides that, a novel trial was conducted in the current Egyptian study using oil extracts such as cactus oil, tea oil, geranium oil, and thyme oil to demonstrate the susceptibility of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates to these organic oils in response to the alarming global concern regarding the decreased susceptibility of S. aureus to known antibiotics, which exacerbates control and treatment protocols.

Materials and Methods

A total of 110 samples (45 raw cattle milk samples, 35 Karish cheese samples, and 30 human sputum samples) were collected. The bacterium was identified via traditional culturing methods, Gram staining, and the application of several biochemical tests. After that, various kinds of known commercial antibiotics were used to detect the antimicrobial susceptibility (AMS) of the obtained isolates. Furthermore, conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing was performed to identify S. aureus (nuc gene) and MRSA (mecA gene), with further application of multiplex PCR for screening of all the obtained isolates for vancomycin resistance via targeting vanA, vanB, and vanC genes. Finally, the agar gel diffusion method was performed to assess the antibacterial activity of four plant extracts (cactus oil, tea oil, geranium oil, and thyme oil) against the obtained MRSA.

Results

The culturing method revealed S. aureus positivity in raw cattle milk (13.33%), in Karish cheese (28.57%), and in human samples (20%). The obtained isolates showed mainly resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic and ampicillin antibiotics, while the dairy samples showed further resistance against ceptaxime and an intermediate reaction against erythromycin. On the molecular side, PCR positivity was present in human samples (10%), raw cow milk (13.33%), and Karish cheese (14.29%). Nine of the fourteen PCR isolates were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates. Comparing the four oil extracts against the acquired MRSA isolates, cactus oil extract proved to be the most effective.

Conclusion

The study's results are highly promising as they support the notion that certain essential oils possess strong antimicrobial properties against zoonotic S. aureus, thereby reducing the excessive use of antibiotics in veterinary and medical settings.

Occurrence, antimicrobial susceptibility, and resistance genes of Staphylococcus aureus in milk and milk products in the Arsi highlands of Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

In Ethiopia, milk production and handling practices often lack proper hygiene measures, leading to the potential contamination of milk and milk products with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), including methicillin-resistant strains, posing significant public health concerns. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles and presence of resistance genes in S. aureus strains isolated from milk and milk products.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Arsi highlands, Oromia, Ethiopia from March 2022 to February 2023. A total of 503 milk and milk product samples were collected, comprising 259 raw milk, 219 cottage cheese, and 25 traditional yogurt samples. S. aureus isolation and coagulase-positive staphylococci enumeration were performed using Baird-Parker agar supplemented with tellurite and egg yolk. S. aureus was further characterized based on colony morphology, Gram stain, mannitol fermentation, catalase test, and coagulase test. Phenotypic antimicrobial resistance was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, while the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed for confirming the presence of S. aureus and detecting antimicrobial resistance genes.

RESULTS

S. aureus was detected in 24.9% of the milk and milk products, with the highest occurrence in raw milk (40.9%), followed by yogurt (20%), and cottage cheese (6.4%). The geometric mean for coagulase-positive staphylococci counts in raw milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese was 4.6, 3.8, and 3.2 log10 CFU/mL, respectively. Antimicrobial resistance analysis revealed high levels of resistance to ampicillin (89.7%) and penicillin G (87.2%), with 71.8% of the isolates demonstrating multidrug resistance. Of the 16 S. aureus isolates analyzed using PCR, all were found to carry the nuc gene, with the mecA and blaZ genes detected in 50% of these isolates each.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed the widespread distribution of S. aureus in milk and milk products in the Arsi highlands of Ethiopia. The isolates displayed high resistance to ampicillin and penicillin, with a concerning level of multidrug resistance. The detection of the mecA and blaZ genes in selected isolates is of particular concern, highlighting a potential public health hazard and posing a challenge to effective antimicrobial treatment. These findings highlight the urgent need to enhance hygiene standards in milk and milk product handling and promote the rational use of antimicrobial drugs. Provision of adequate training for all individuals involved in the dairy sector can help minimize contamination. These measures are crucial in addressing the threats posed by S. aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains, and ensuring the safety of milk and its products for consumers.

Dietary fiber and weaning age affect stress and immune markers in saliva of sows and their offspring

Diet, especially the intake of dietary fiber, and weaning practices may influence pig wellbeing. This study assessed changes in salivary stress and immune markers in sows and their offspring fed either hay (HAY) or sugar beet pulp (SBP), either fine (F) or coarse (C), during gestation and lactation. The effect of weaning age (conventional-CW, late-LW) on these markers was also evaluated. Saliva was analyzed for chromogranin A (CgA), cortisol, alpha-amylase, oxytocin, immunoglobulin A (IgA), and adenosine deaminase (ADA). CgA was higher at CW versus LW in sows fed SBP-F (P = 0.038). Alpha-amylase was higher in sows fed HAY-C at CW versus LW (P = 0.005) and in sows fed SBP-C at LW versus CW (P = 0.096). CgA and oxytocin were higher in sows fed SBP-F at CW versus LW (P = 0.038 and P = 0.017, respectively). ADA was higher in sows fed SBP-C versus HAY-C (P = 0.035) at LW and at LW versus CW in sows fed SBP-C (P = 0.002). Piglet salivary CgA was higher at CW versus LW in HAY-F (P = 0.002) and SBP-F (P = 0.031). Oxytocin was higher at CW versus LW in piglets fed HAY-F (P = 0.006). Piglet salivary IgA was higher in HAY-C versus HAY-F at CW (P = 0.010) and at LW versus CW in piglets fed HAY-F (P = 0.021). ADA was higher in piglets fed SBP-F versus HAY-F (P = 0.053) at CW and SBP-F versus SBP-C (P = 0.042) at LW. Dietary fiber type, weaning age, and to a lesser extent grinding degree affect stress and immune markers in pigs. These findings highlight the impact of diet and weaning practice on pig welfare.

The efficacy of simultaneous successive classic and variant infectious bronchitis virus vaccines versus circulating variant II Egyptian field virus

Background

Being a ubiquitous, highly contagious virus with a continuous mutation and a large number of evolutions worldwide, the infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) continues to wreak problems among Egyptian chickens and generate economic losses. The commonly applied IBV vaccination protocols in broilers include alternatives to classic and/or variant attenuated live virus vaccines.

Aim

The current study targeted to assess the protective efficacy of concurrent and successive Ma5 and 4/91 vaccine strain regimens against the field variant II IBV strain (IBV-EGY-ZU/Ck-127/2021) in chickens.

Methods

Commercial broiler chickens were vaccinated with Ma5 and 4/91 strains simultaneously at 1 and 14 days of age. The evaluation parameters included clinical protection and humoral and early innate immunity aspects in the renal tissues of vaccinated and infected birds.

Results

The vaccine regimen ameliorated the clinical and histopathological lesions against variant II IBV and enhanced body gain as well as succeeded in preventing tracheal shedding and minimizing cloacal shedding of the field virus. The IL-1β mRNA gene expression was evident as early as 24 hours, with highly significant upregulation at 48 hours post vaccination and 24 hours post challenge (PC) in vaccinated birds. Remarkable upregulation was observed in oligoadenylate synthetases (OAS) expression 48 hours PC in vaccinated and unvaccinated infected birds. The vaccinated birds developed a significant antibody titer of 704.0 ± 111.98 at 28 days of age, with a consistent antibody titer increase after the challenge.

Conclusion

Overall, a combination of heterologous protectotype commercial vaccines achieved good protection against the Egyptian variant II IBV strain. This vaccine program could be an effective protocol against the threat posed by IBV viruses circulating in the Egyptian field.

Influence of silver nanoparticles on mRNA expression of thyroid hormone-related genes in the thyroid gland and liver of laying hens

The widespread use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in consumer products and animal husbandry raises the need to study their impact on living organisms. This study was conducted on Hy-Line Brown hens at the age of 25 weeks with an average weight of 1.58 kg. Hens for 2 weeks received a solution of 50 nm AgNPs at a concentration of 100 pm (experimental group; n = 6) or a solution in which the nanoparticles were suspended (control group; n = 6). Thyroid hormones (thyroxine - T4, triiodothyronine - T3) were evaluated in the blood plasma and expression profiles of genes involved in thyroid hormone (TH) synthesis (TSHR, NIS, TPO, TG), metabolism (DIO1, DIO2, DIO3) and transport (MCT8, MCT10, LAT1) were determined in the chicken thyroid gland. Furthermore, iodothyronine deiodinase, TH transporter and TH receptor (THRA, THRB) mRNA expressions were evaluated in the livers isolated from the same chickens. AgNPs did not affect serum T4 levels but elevated serum T3 concentration. The results showed that AgNPs increased DIO3 mRNA in the thyroid gland. In turn, in the liver AgNPs administration significantly upregulated DIO2 and downregulated MCT10 mRNA levels. These results indicate that exposure to AgNPs leads to a tissue-specific alternative expression of genes engaged in TH metabolism. Moreover, the mRNA expression of DIO2 in the liver showed a positive correlation with plasma T3 levels. In conclusion, AgNPs may have an impact on TH metabolism by affecting deiodinases and TH transporter MCT10 mRNA expression.

Diagnosis and treatment of traumatic reticulitis associated with abomasal obstruction in beef cattle during late pregnancy: A case report

Background

Traumatic reticulitis (TR) and abomasal obstruction are common digestive diseases in beef cattle. In clinical practice, these two conditions are often detected alone and rarely occur at the same time. Surgical therapy is an effective approach to treat both of these diseases. However, there are no reports on the treatment of abomasal obstruction in cattle induced by TR.

Case Description

We here report a rare case of the diagnosis and treatment of TR associated with abomasal obstruction in a beef cow during late pregnancy. The affected cattle had an iron wire that was piercing the wall of the reticulum, but did not penetrate the wall; the abomasum was blocked and appeared solid; and the fetus survived well in utero (268 days gestation). To save the lives of the cow and fetus on the same day, a cesarean section was first performed, followed by rumenotomy, the foreign body (wire) was removed, and abomasotomy was finally performed. The fetus removed by cesarean section grew well, and the beef cow recovered and successfully became pregnant again.

Conclusion

This case thus offers guidance for the timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and postoperative management of these digestive diseases in cattle to prevent progression and further complications.

Determinants for the presence of avian influenza virus in live bird markets in Bangladesh: Towards an easy fix of a looming one health issue

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus subtype H5N1 endangers poultry, wildlife, and human health and is enzootic in large parts of Asia, with live bird markets (LBMs) as putative hotspots for their maintenance, amplification, and spread. To mitigate the extent of these and other avian influenza viruses (AIV) of concern, we aimed to increase our quantitative understanding of the factors determining the presence of avian influenza virus in LBM stalls. Between 2016 and 2017, we collected fecal or offal samples from 1008 stalls in 113 LBMs across the Dhaka and Rajshahi districts in Bangladesh. For each stall, samples were pooled and tested for the AIV matrix gene, followed by H5 and H9 subtyping using rRT-PCR. We detected Influenza A viral RNA in 49% of the stalls. Of the AIV positive samples, 52% and 24% were determined to be H5 and H9 viruses, respectively, which are both subtypes of considerable health concern. We used generalized linear mixed effect modelling to study AIV presence in individual stalls within LBMs as a function of 13 out of the 20 risk factors identified by FAO. We found that small and feasible improvements in cleaning and disinfection frequency, installing running water in stalls, and not mixing different breeds of chicken in the same cages had large impacts on the presence of AIV in stalls (Odds ratios 0.03-0.05). Next, cleaning vehicles used in poultry transport, not selling waterfowl with chickens in the same stall, buying stock directly from commercial farms, separating sick birds from healthy ones, and avoiding access by wild birds like house crows, also had major effects on lowering the risk of stalls having AIV (Odds ratios 0.16-0.33). These findings can be directly used in developing practical and affordable measures to reduce the prevalence of AIV in LBMs. Also, in settings with limited resources like Bangladesh, such mitigation may significantly contribute to reducing AIV circulation amongst poultry and spillover to wildlife and humans.

Molecular detection of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa of different avian sources with pathogenicity testing and in vitro evaluation of antibacterial efficacy of silver nanoparticles against multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a serious zoonotic pathogen threaten the poultry industry causing severe economic losses therefor, this study aimed to isolation, phenotypic, molecular identification of P. aeruginosa from different avian sources (chickens, turkey, pigeons, table eggs, and dead in shell chicken embryos), from different Egyptian governorates (Giza, Qalubia, Beheira, El-Minya, and Al-Sharqia) with applying of antibiotic sensitivity test on all P. aeruginosa isolates. Highly resistant isolates (n = 49) were subjected to molecular identification of P. aeruginosa with detection of resistant genes including carbapenemase-encoding genes blaKPC, blaOXA-48, and blaNDM. On the base of molecular results, a highly resistant P. aeruginosa strain was tested for its pathogenicity on day old specific pathogen free (SPF) chicks. Also, in vitro experiment was adopted to evaluate the efficacy of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) against highly antibiotic-resistant P. aeruginosa strains. The overall isolation percentage was from all examined samples were 36.2% (571/1,576) representing 45.2% (532/1,176) from different birds' tissues and 39/400 (9.7%) from total egg samples. Some of isolated strains showed multidrug resistance (MDR) against kanamycin, amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, neomycin, chloramphenicol, vancomycin, cefotaxime clavulanic acid, lincomycin-spectinomycin, co-trimoxazole, cefoxitin, gentamycin, and doxycycline. These MDR strains were also molecularly positive for ESBL and carbapenemase-encoding genes. MDR strain showed high pathogenicity with histopathological alterations in different organs in challenged birds. Main histopathological lesions were necrosis of hepatocytes, renal tubular epithelium, and heart muscle bundles. The MDR strain showed in vitro sensitivity to Ag-NPs. In conclusion, MDR P. aeruginosa is a serious pathogen causing high morbidity, mortality, and pathological tissue alterations. Ag NPs revealed a promising in vitro antimicrobial sensitivity against MDR P. aeruginosa and further in vivo studies were recommended.

Genetic modification regulates pathogenicity of a fowl adenovirus 4 strain after cell line adaptation (genetic mutation in FAdV-4 lowered pathogenicity)

Fowl adenovirus 4 (FAdV-4) is a major avian virus that induces fatal diseases in chicken such as, hydropericardium and hepatitis. The viral structure consists of hexon, penton, fiber-1, and fiber-2 which are associated with immunopathogenesis. In this study, we investigated the genetic modification of a FAdV-4 strain after continuous passages in a cell line and evaluated the pathogenicity associated with mutations. We used the FadV-4 KNU14061 strain, which was isolated from layers in 2014. The virus went through 80 passages in the Leghorn male hepatoma (LMH) cell line. The full genetic sequence was identified, and we found a frameshift in the fiber-2 amino acid sequence after the initial thirty passages. To examine whether the frameshift in the fiber-2 gene affects the pathogenicity in chicken, we inoculated LMH80 (80 times passaged) and LMH10 (10 times passaged) into 3-day-old chickens and examined the pathogenesis. LMH10 infection via intramuscular route induced fatal pathology, but LMH80 did not. Furthermore, LHM80 pre-treatment protected hosts from the LMH10 challenge. Thus, the genetic modification isolated by serial passage lowered pathogenicity and the resulting virus acted as an attenuated vaccine that can be a FAdV-4 vaccine strain candidate.

Relationship between piglets' survivability and farrowing kinetics in hyper-prolific sows

BACKGROUND

Prolonged farrowing and more piglets born with low birth weight are undesirable consequences of genetic selection for increased litter size. The objective of the present observational study was to evaluate the relationship between piglets' survivability and farrowing kinetics in hyperprolific sows. A total of 58 sows of different parities and 1190 piglets were included. The entire farrowing process was monitored and the following parameters were recorded: inter-piglet birth interval, birth order, total born, live born, dead born, and mummified piglets, obstetric intervention, weight at birth and 24h, colostrum yield and intake.

RESULTS

The sows included in this study had on average 20.6 ± 0.6 total piglets born, of which 16.4 ± 0.6 were live born, 3.3 ± 0.4 were stillborn and 0.9 ± 0.2 were mummified piglets. The average farrowing duration and average birth interval were 411.3 ± 31.6 and 20.6 ± 1.7 min, respectively. Farrowing duration was positively associated (p < 0.05) with parity, number of stillborn and mummified piglets. Piglet mortality 24h after birth was negatively affected (p < 0.01) by birth weight and positively affected (p < 0.01) by cumulative birth interval. The last tercile of piglets born (birth order ≥ 17) had the highest (p < 0.01) inter-piglet birth interval (IPBI) (43.4 ± 4.17 min) compared to piglets born in the first (birth order between 2 and 7) (26.5 ± 3.8 min) and second (birth order between 8 and 16) terciles (21.9 ± 3.8 min). Cumulative birth interval, birth weight, occurrence of stillborn piglets and manual intervention were positively associated (p < 0.05) with IPBI. Piglet birth weight was also positively associated (p < 0.01) to individual colostrum intake. Piglets ingesting more colostrum had lower (p < 0.01) mortality from 24h after birth until weaning. Sow's parity and cumulative birth interval were positively associated with the presence of stillborn piglets (p = 0.02 and p < 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Reducing farrowing duration may be crucial to decrease stillbirth rate and neonatal mortality in hyperprolific sows. Moreover, special care must be provided to the lighter piglets within a litter to increase their colostrum intake and minimize piglet's mortality throughout lactation.

Multidimensional futuristic approaches to address the pandemics beyond COVID-19

Globally, the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been enormous and unrelenting with ∼6.9 million deaths and ∼765 million infections. This review mainly focuses on the recent advances and potentially novel molecular tools for viral diagnostics and therapeutics with far-reaching implications in managing the future pandemics. In addition to briefly highlighting the existing and recent methods of viral diagnostics, we propose a couple of potentially novel non-PCR-based methods for rapid, cost-effective, and single-step detection of nucleic acids of viruses using RNA mimics of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and nuclease-based approaches. We also highlight key innovations in miniaturized Lab-on-Chip (LoC) devices, which in combination with cyber-physical systems, could serve as ideal futuristic platforms for viral diagnosis and disease management. We also discuss underexplored and underutilized antiviral strategies, including ribozyme-mediated RNA-cleaving tools for targeting viral RNA, and recent advances in plant-based platforms for rapid, low-cost, and large-scale production and oral delivery of antiviral agents/vaccines. Lastly, we propose repurposing of the existing vaccines for newer applications with a major emphasis on Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-based vaccine engineering.

In ovo injection of silver nanoparticles modulates some productive traits and hepatic gene expression of broilers exposed to lipopolysaccharide challenge

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the embryonic injection of silver nanoparticles (SilNPs) on some productive traits and hepatic gene expression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged broilers after a 42 d rearing period. 560 fertile eggs were randomly allocated to four groups and received either of the following treatments at d 7 of incubation, control (no injection), placebo (1 mL saline), SilNP20 (20 mg/kg silver nanoparticles), or SilNP40 (40 mg/kg silver nanoparticles). After the incubation, 320 hatchlings experienced a 42 d standard rearing period. Live body weight (LBW), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were weekly recorded. At the end of the experiment, two birds from each replicate (n = 8 per treatment) were exposed to LPS intraperitoneal injection at 48, 24, and 12 h before slaughter time. They were also used for blood, intestinal, and microbial evaluations. The hepatic mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) were assessed at d 1 and 42 of the experiment. Adminstration of SiLNPs improved LBW, FI, and FCR and also enhanced liver and spleen weights (P < 0.05). SilNP20 birds had significantly lower bursa of Fabricius weight (P < 0.05). SilNP20 had lower total cholesterol levels than others. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between SliNP40 and SilNP20 in the ratio of villus height to crypt width. Compared to control groups, chicks of SilNP20, but not SilNP40, showed a significant increase in the relative expression of TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β, and IFG-I genes at d 1. On d 42, however, both SilNP20 and SilNP40 had significantly higher TNF-α and TGF-β levels than both controls. Silver nanoparticles did not significantly affect the microflora of the ileum and cecum in the current study. In summary, SilNPs administration to chick embryos showed a long-term positive effect on their productive performance.

Epidemiological study and dairy farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices on foot and mouth disease in central Ethiopia

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is consistently ranked as the most economically significant viral disease and one of the top five livestock diseases in Ethiopia. Although FMD is endemic in Ethiopia, the epidemiology and the farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding FMD were poorly quantified. Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2021 to April 2022 to estimate the seroprevalence, identify the FMD serotypes, and assess the farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices on FMD in Addis Ababa city and Sebeta special zone, central Ethiopia. A total of 384 serum samples were collected from cattle and tested using a 3ABC enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In this study, an overall 56% seroprevalence was recorded. Two types of FMD serotypes were detected in which serotype O was the dominant serotype (75.5%) followed by serotype A (45.5%). A significantly higher seroprevalence (P = 0.00) was recorded in Addis Ababa (85%) compared to Sebeta (28.7%). Seropositivity in older and semi-intensively managed cattle was 2.9 (95% CI: 1.36-6.50; P = 0.006) and 2.1 (95% CI: 1.34-3.26; P = 0.001) times higher compared to young and intensively managed cattle, respectively. A survey on knowledge, attitude, and practice of 103 farmers revealed that 90.2% knew of FMD and the majority of them can recognize its clinical pictures. However, 12.7% of farmers who knew FMD didn't practice any prevention methods. Additionally, 70% of the farmers responded that their cattle roamed outside of their farms for communal grazing, watering, breeding purposes, and vaccination which might put them more at risk of FMD. The current study demonstrated that the majority of farmers have gaps in biosecurity practices and vaccination of cattle against FMD. Therefore, educating farmers on FMD prevention measures is necessary for successful disease control programs.

Dual fluorescent hollow silica nanofibers for in situ pH monitoring using an optical fiber

This study reports a sensitive and robust pH sensor based on dual fluorescent doped hollow silica nanofibers (hSNFs) for in situ and real-time pH monitoring. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)dichlororuthenium(ii) hexahydrate (Ru(BPY)3) were chosen as a pH sensitive dye and reference dye, respectively. hSNFs were synthesized using a two-step method in a reverse micelle system and were shown to have an average length of 6.20 μm and average diameter of 410 nm. The peak intensity ratio of FITC/Ru(BPY)3 was used to calibrate to solution pH changes. An optical-fiber-based fluorescence detection system was developed that enabled feasible and highly efficient near-field fluorescence detection. The developed system enables fully automated fluorescence detection, where components including the light source, detector, and data acquisition unit are all controlled by a computer. The results show that the developed pH sensor works in a linear range of pH 4.0-9.0 with a fast response time of less than 10 s and minimal sample volume of 50 μL, and can be stored under dark conditions for one month without failure. In addition, the as-prepared hSNF-based pH sensors also have excellent long-term durability. Experimental results from ratiometric sensing confirm the high feasibility, accuracy, stability and simplicity of the dual fluorescent hSNF sensors for the detection of pH in real samples.

Antimicrobial Drug Resistance in Poultry Production: Current Status and Innovative Strategies for Bacterial Control

The world population’s significant increase has promoted a higher consumption of poultry products, which must meet the specified demand while maintaining their quality and safety. It is well known that conventional antimicrobials (antibiotics) have been used in livestock production, including poultry, as a preventive measure against or for the treatment of infectious bacterial diseases. Unfortunately, the use and misuse of these compounds has led to the development and dissemination of antimicrobial drug resistance, which is currently a serious public health concern. Multidrug-resistant bacteria are on the rise, being responsible for serious infections in humans and animals; hence, the goal of this review is to discuss the consequences of antimicrobial drug resistance in poultry production, focusing on the current status of this agroeconomic sector. Novel bacterial control strategies under investigation for application in this industry are also described. These innovative approaches include antimicrobial peptides, bacteriophages, probiotics and nanoparticles. Challenges related to the application of these methods are also discussed.

Conventional and advanced detection techniques of foodborne pathogens: A comprehensive review

Foodborne pathogens are a major public health concern and have a significant economic impact globally. From harvesting to consumption stages, food is generally contaminated by viruses, parasites, and bacteria, which causes foodborne diseases such as hemorrhagic colitis, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), typhoid, acute, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Hence, early detection of foodborne pathogenic microbes is essential to ensure a safe food supply and to prevent foodborne diseases. The identification of foodborne pathogens is associated with conventional (e.g., culture-based, biochemical test-based, immunological-based, and nucleic acid-based methods) and advances (e.g., hybridization-based, array-based, spectroscopy-based, and biosensor-based process) techniques. For industrial food applications, detection methods could meet parameters such as accuracy level, efficiency, quickness, specificity, sensitivity, and non-labor intensive. This review provides an overview of conventional and advanced techniques used to detect foodborne pathogens over the years. Therefore, the scientific community, policymakers, and food and agriculture industries can choose an appropriate method for better results.

Therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs)-based cell therapy for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) therapy

Recently, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) therapy has become an emerging therapeutic modality for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), given their immunoregulatory and pro-survival attributes. MSCs alleviate dysregulated inflammatory responses through the secretion of a myriad of anti-inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin 10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6), etc. Indeed, MSC treatment of IBD is largely carried out through local microcirculation construction, colonization and repair, and immunomodulation, thus alleviating diseases severity. The clinical therapeutic efficacy relies on to the marked secretion of various secretory molecules from viable MSCs via paracrine mechanisms that are required for gut immuno-microbiota regulation and the proliferation and differentiation of surrounding cells like intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and intestinal stem cells (ISCs). For example, MSCs can induce IECs proliferation and upregulate the expression of tight junction (TJs)-associated protein, ensuring intestinal barrier integrity. Concerning the encouraging results derived from animal studies, various clinical trials are conducted or ongoing to address the safety and efficacy of MSCs administration in IBD patients. Although the safety and short-term efficacy of MSCs administration have been evinced, the long-term efficacy of MSCs transplantation has not yet been verified. Herein, we have emphasized the illumination of the therapeutic capacity of MSCs therapy, including naïve MSCs, preconditioned MSCs, and also MSCs-derived exosomes, to alleviate IBD severity in experimental models. Also, a brief overview of published clinical trials in IBD patients has been delivered.

Development of a multiplexed Luminex assay for simultaneous detection of enteric viruses in cattle

Viral and bacterial gastroenteritis and diarrhea have long been a problem in livestock with devastating effects on animal health and production causing a heavy financial burden on producers. Therefore, the bead-based multiplex detection assay was created for simultaneous detection of three livestock viral diarrheic agents viz. bovine rotavirus (BRV), bovine coronavirus (BCoV) and bluetongue virus (BTV). The primers and probes for triplex MAGPIX assay for simultaneous detection of three enteric viruses were designed and the assay was optimized for hybridization temperature, primer-probe and bead concentrations. The newly developed MAGPIX assay was used to determine the prevalence of these diarrhea-associated viruses by testing 200 fecal samples collected from Haryana state of India during 2018-2019. The limit of detection of the developed triplex assay was 1 × 105, 1 × 104, and 1 × 105 RNA copies for BRV, BCoV, and BTV, respectively, being lower than the reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). However, it was higher than the conventional RT-PCR, showing it to be more sensitive. The newly developed MAGPIX assay was a rapid, cost-effective and high throughput diagnostic tool for identification of three major entero-pathogenic diarrhea associated viruses, either alone or in tandem, with the aim to prevent and control viral diarrhea in animals.

Newcastle disease burden in Nepal and efficacy of Tablet I2 vaccine in commercial and backyard poultry production

Poultry (Gallus domesticus) farming plays an important role as an income generating enterprise in a developing country like Nepal, contributing more than 4% to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Newcastle Disease (ND) is a major poultry disease affecting both commercial and backyard poultry production worldwide. There were more than 90 reported ND outbreaks in Nepal in 2018 with over 74,986 birds being affected. ND is responsible for over 7% of total poultry mortality in the country. Recent outbreaks of ND in 2021 affected many farms throughout Nepal and caused massive loss in poultry production. ND is caused by a single-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus that presents very similar clinical symptoms as Influenza A (commonly known as bird flu) adding much complexity to clinical disease identification and intervention. We conducted a nationwide ND and Influenza A (IA) prevalence study, collecting samples from representative commercial and backyard poultry farms from across the major poultry production hubs of Nepal. We used both serological and molecular assessments to determine disease exposure history and identification of strains of ND Virus (NDV). Of the 40 commercial farms tested, both NDV (n = 28, 70%) and IAV (n = 11, 27.5%) antibodies were detected in majority of the samples. In the backyard farms (n = 36), sero-prevalence of NDV and IAV were 17.5% (n = 7) and 7.5% (n = 3) respectively. Genotype II NDV was present in most of the commercial farms, which was likely due to live vaccine usage. We detected never reported Genotype I NDV in two backyard farm samples. Our investigation into 2021 ND outbreak implicated Genotype VII.2 NDV strain as the causative pathogen. Additionally, we developed a Tablet formulation of the thermostable I2-NDV vaccine (Ranigoldunga™) and assessed its efficacy on various (mixed) breeds of chicken (Gallus domesticus). Ranigoldunga™ demonstrated an overall efficacy >85% with a stability of 30 days at room temperature (25°C). The intraocularly administered vaccine was highly effective in preventing ND, including Genotype VII.2 NDV strain.

Molecular detection, genetic diversity, and phylogenetic analysis of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) type O in Iran during 2015-2016

Background

The major challenge of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) control is attributed to the rapid mutations in the FMDV RNA genome, resulting in continuous antigenic changes of circulating strains. Despite widespread vaccination of livestock populations, the incidence of the FMDV serotype O outbreaks in Iran during 2015-2016 raised concerns about the emergence of new strains.

Aims

The aim of this study is the genetic and antigenic evaluation of FMDV type O isolates from different outbreak areas including Alborz, Tehran, Isfahan, Markazi, Zahedan, and Qom provinces.

Methods

For this purpose, 71 FMD-infected samples were collected from six provinces of Iran, of which 12 serotype O positive were selected for genetic analysis.

Results

All samples were in ME-SA topotypes/OPanAsia2 lineage, and the overall mean of genetic diversities at the 1D gene level was about 5% between the sequences. Blasting 1D gene sequences of isolated viruses showed more than 90% genetic identity with sequences registered from neighboring countries; therefore, it could be concluded that they had a common origin. Six isolates showed the highest genetic diversity (6% to 11%) with the OPanAsia2 vaccine strain (JN676146), which three of them (Qom, Alborz, and Zahedan isolates), had less than 30% antigenic homology with the OPanAsia2 virus (JN676146).

Conclusion

Results of this study suggested OPanAsia2 vaccine had no enough coverage with some circulating strains in outbreak areas in Qom, Alborz, and Zahedan provinces, and the necessity of OPanAsia2 replacement with a new vaccine strain in Iran.

The effect of metal-containing nanoparticles on the health, performance and production of livestock animals and poultry

The application of high doses of mineral feed additives in the form of inorganic salts increases the growth performance of animals, but at the same, due to their low bioavailability, can contaminate the environment. Therefore, there is a need to find a replacement of administering high doses of minerals with an equally effective alternative. The application of lower doses of metal-containing nanoparticles with the same effect on animal production could be a potential solution. In the present review, zinc, silver, copper, gold, selenium, and calcium nanoparticles are discussed as potential feed additives for animals. Production of nanoparticles under laboratory conditions using traditional chemical and physical methods as well as green and sustainable methods - biosynthesis has been described. Special attention has been paid to the biological properties of nanoparticles, as well as their effect on animal health and performance. Nano-minerals supplemented to animal feed (poultry, pigs, ruminants, rabbits) acting as growth-promoting, immune-stimulating and antimicrobial agents have been highlighted. Metal nanoparticles are known to exert a positive effect on animal performance, productivity, carcass traits through blood homeostasis maintenance, intestinal microflora, oxidative damage prevention, enhancement of immune responses, etc. Metal-containing nanoparticles can also be a solution for nutrient deficiencies in animals (higher bioavailability and absorption) and can enrich animal products with microelements like meat, milk, or eggs. Metal-containing nanoparticles are proposed to partially replace inorganic salts as feed additives. However, issues related to their potential toxicity and safety to livestock animals, poultry, humans, and the environment should be carefully investigated.

Effects of polysaccharide-based silver and selenium nanoparticles on growth performance, biochemical parameters, and immune response of Cyprinus carpio

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Comparative effects of polysaccharide-based AMLP-AgNPs and AMLP-SeNPs on Cyprinus carpio were investigated.

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Fish that received dietary AMLP-SeNPs showed enhanced growth performance,improved  immune systems , antioxidant defense systems and normalize blood biochemical parameters.

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Dietary AMLP-SeNPs and AMLP-AgNPs showed a higher percentage of survivability after A. hydrophila infection.

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Total A. hydrophila count in blood and muscles was found to be lower in fish fed with dietary AMLP-SeNPs followed by AMLP-AgNPs.

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These findings suggested that applying nanotechnology to aquaculture could offer up new opportunities, such as reducing feed nutrient losses, increasing faster growth.

Avicennia marina mangrove leaves polysaccharide (AMLP) was used for the synthesis of polysaccharide-based selenium (AMLP-SeNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AMLP-AgNPs). The synthesized nanoparticles were further characterized by UV-Vis, DLS, FT-IR, X-ray diffraction, and HR-TEM analysis. A 60-day (8 weeks) feeding trial experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of AMLP, AMLP-SeNPs, and AMLP-AgNPs dietary supplementation on growth performance parameters, blood parameters, immunological and enzymatic profiles in Cyprinus carpio. The characterization results of AMLP-SeNPs and AMLP-AgNPs confirmed the formation of well-stabilized spherical nanoparticles with a mean particle size of 37.25 and 72.40 nm, respectively having a crystalline structure. The feeding experiment results demonstrated that 2 mg/kg of AMLP-SeNPs followed by 0.2 mg/kg of AMLP-AgNPs showed significantly (p ˂ 0.05) higher final weight, weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR%), protein and lipid efficiency, and lower food conversion ratio as compared to other groups. The catalase, superoxidase dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activity were significantly (p ˂ 0.05) higher in the group fed 2 mg/kg supplemented AMLP-SeNPs. Total protein and globulin contents were significantly (p ˂ 0.05) higher and albumin concentration was significantly lower in fish that received 2 mg/kg of AMLP- SeNPs as compared to control. A significant increase in serum HDL and decrease in LDL and MDA concentrations were observed in the group supplemented with 2 mg/kg of nano selenium. The body's crude lipid, protein, moisture, and ash were not significantly different from the control. The AMLP-SeNPs showed significantly (p ˂ 0.05) lower aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and higher alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities compared to other test groups. The relative percentage survivability (RPS%) was higher in AMLP-SeNPs (84.6%) followed by AMLP-AgNPs (76.7%) after 8^th weeks of supplementary diets as compared to control groups. Overall, the finding of these studies revealed that the inclusion of AMLP-SeNPs improved the growth performance and antioxidant defense system, enhance immune response, and provide resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in Common carp.

High frequency of Candida krusei colonization in critically ill pediatrics: A cross-sectional study in children's medical center, Tehran, Iran

Background and Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the species distribution and susceptibility pattern of the strains isolated from Candida colonization in pediatric patients staying at pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) and infant ICU of Children's Medical Center in Tehran, Iran.

Materials and Methods

This study was conducted in the Children's Medical Center in Tehran, Iran. In total, 440 samples from 56 patients with oral cavity, skin surrounded catheters, and ear, throat, nasal, and urine cultures were collected. All patients were evaluated in terms of Candida colonization on the admission day as well as the days 7, 14, and 28 according to the previous studies. CHROMagar Candida medium was applied for primary/multiple species identification and the isolates were identified by using polymerase chain reaction-based methods to the species-specific complex level. The antifungal susceptibility test was performed according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards protocol published as M27-A3 and M60 documents.

Results

In total, 136 yeast samples from 26 individuals (30.9%) out of 440 samples were considered colonization. The most prevalent species in IICU was C. albicans (27%, n=20) followed by C. krusei (24 %, n=18) and C. parapsilosis (16%, n=12). In PICU, the predominant species was C. krusei (40%, n=24) followed by C. parapsilosis (18%, n=11) and C. dubliniensis (16%, n=10). Among the 40 tested isolates from both units, fluconazole-resistant isolates (n=11, 8.15%) were determined according to the new breakpoints. In the case of echinocandins, 2 isolates, including C. albicans (n=1) and C. krusei (n=1) were resistant against both caspofungin and anidulafungin (totally 1.48%).

Conclusion

In the present study, since C. krusei is intrinsically-resistance against fluconazole, emphasizing the importance of species-level identification of Candida isolates is outstanding. However, according to the antifungal susceptibility testing results, only 7.2% of the strains were resistant to fluconazole. It would be beneficial to monitor the ICU patients who are at high risk of invasive Candida infection.

Human integrin α10β1-selected mesenchymal stem cells home to cartilage defects in the rabbit knee and assume a chondrocyte-like phenotype

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown promising results in stimulating cartilage repair and in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). However, the fate of the MSCs after intra-articular injection and their role in cartilage regeneration is not clear. To address these questions, this study investigated (1) homing of labeled human adipose tissue derived integrin α10β1-selected MSCs (integrin α10-MSCs) to a cartilage defect in a rabbit model and (2) the ability of the integrin α10-MSCs to differentiate to chondrocytes and to produce cartilage matrix molecules in vivo.

DESIGN

Integrin α10-MSCs were labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) co-conjugated with Rhodamine B to allow visualization by both MRI and fluorescence microscopy. A cartilage defect was created in the articular cartilage of the intertrochlear groove of the femur of rabbits. Seven days post-surgery, labeled integrin α10-MSCs or vehicle were injected into the joint. Migration and distribution of the SPION-labeled integrin α10-MSCs was evaluated by high-field 9.4 T MRI up to 10 days after injection. Tissue sections from the repair tissue in the defects were examined by fluorescence microscopy.

RESULTS

In vitro characterization of the labeled integrin α10-MSCs demonstrated maintained viability, proliferation rate and trilineage differentiation capacity compared to unlabeled MSCs. In vivo MRI analysis detected the labeled integrin α10-MSCs in the cartilage defects at all time points from 12 h after injection until day 10 with a peak concentration between day 1 and 4 after injection. The labeled MSCs were also detected lining the synovial membrane at the early time points. Fluorescence analysis confirmed the presence of the labeled integrin α10-MSCs in all layers of the cartilage repair tissue and showed co-localization between the labeled cells and the specific cartilage molecules aggrecan and collagen type II indicating in vivo differentiation of the MSCs to chondrocyte-like cells. No adverse effects of the α10-MSC treatment were detected during the study period.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated migration and homing of human integrin α10β1-selected MSCs to cartilage defects in the rabbit knee after intra-articular administration as well as chondrogenic differentiation of the MSCs in the regenerated cartilage tissue.

Molecular characterization of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv) identified from slaughtered pigs in northern Uganda

Background

A cross sectional study was conducted to detect and characterize species of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv) identified from slaughtered pigs in Lira district, northern Uganda. The study was conducted from March to September 2019 in three selected slaughter slabs. Pigs brought for slaughter were randomly sampled. At necropsy, lungs were extracted from the thoracic cavity and examined for pneumonic lesions. Seventy-three (73) pigs with gross lung lesions were sampled, from which one hundred and one (101) tissue samples were taken. A real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to characterize PRRSv species.

Results

A total of 20 samples tested positive for PRRSv. The respective prevalence of PRRSv type 1 and type 2 were 24.65% (n = 18) and 2.73% (n = 2) respectively. Of the pigs sampled (n = 73), only two pigs, 2.73% (n = 2) tested positive to both species. The likelihood of PRRSv detection decreased with pig age, but increased with gross pneumonic pathology.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated dual circulation of both species in northern Uganda. The association between PRRSv and lung pathology suggests that it may be an important cause of lung disease in pigs in Uganda and hence loss of production. This calls for further investigations on potential economic impacts of PRRSv on pig productivity. These findings contribute to discussions about the need of surveillance and possible vaccination strategies against PRRSv in Uganda.

Establishment of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays based on recombinant S1 and its truncated proteins for detection of PEDV IgA antibody

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) can infect pigs of all ages, especially piglets. PEDV has spread across Asia since the 1980s. The highly virulent variant PEDV broke out on a large scale and caused huge economic losses to the pig industry in late 2010 in China. Rapid detection methods with high specificity and sensitivity are urgently needed for the diagnosis and control of the disease. In this study, we divided the PEDV S1 gene into three segments and constructed the recombinant plasmids pFastBac1-S1T1 (aa 21–279), pFastBac1-S1T2 (aa 280–539) and pFastBac1-S1T3 (aa 540–788), which carry the different antigenic regions of the S1 gene. Truncated S1 proteins PEDV-S1T1/S1T2/S1T3 were obtained by a Bac-to-Bac expression system, with protein sizes of 36 kDa, 38 kDa and 38 kDa, respectively. Recombinant proteins presented high reactivity with the monoclonal antibody against PEDV and positive pig serum. Based on full-length S1 protein and these truncated proteins, we established indirect ELISA methods for the detection of PEDV IgA antibody. A total of 213 clinical serum samples were tested by the above indirect ELISA methods, and IFA was used as the gold standard. ROC curves revealed a significant correlation between S1-ELISA and S1T2-ELISA with a 0.9134 correlation coefficient and favourable sensitivity and specificity of S1-ELISA (93.24%, 95.68%) and S1T2-ELISA (89.33%, 94.16%). Our results also indicated that serum with higher neutralizing activity (SNT ≥ 40) had a higher IgA antibody level based on S1-ELISA, S1T1-ELISA and S1T2-ELISA. In conclusion, both S1-ELISA and S1T2-ELISA can be used as candidate systems for detecting anti-PEDV IgA antibody titers in serum, which can reflect the level of neutralizing activity in pigs after natural infection or vaccination. The above research results provide a basis for the prevention and control of PEDV and can be used in the detection of host anti-infective immunity and evaluation of vaccine immune effects.

Factors influencing ease of whelping and its relationship with maternal behaviour and puppy perinatal mortality in commercially bred dogs

For dog breeders, parturition is a critical stage in the reproductive cycle of the dam. Evidence in other mammals suggests that a difficult labour can influence maternal behaviour and offspring viability during the first hours postpartum. However, the effect of whelping difficulty on the onset of maternal behaviour has not yet been investigated in domestic dogs. Here we developed an ease of whelping (EoW) index in dams maintained within a Commercial dog Breeding Establishment (CBE) environment and investigated the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic factors (breed group according to size/weight, litter size, parity, whelping season and origin of the dam), EoW, early maternal behaviour and puppy perinatal mortality. The behaviour of 30 dams was observed throughout the whelping process, starting 24 h before delivery of the first puppy until birth of the last puppy. Parturition duration, birth interval, and behaviours indicative of distress, restlessness, and general activity were scored and included in a Principal Component Analysis to construct the EoW index. Subsequently, mother-pup interactions and puppy perinatal mortality were recorded during the first 24 and 72 h postpartum respectively. Results showed that EoW was significantly affected by whelping season, litter size and origin of the dam (whether she was born and raised within the CBE or brought in). Furthermore, mothers that experienced more difficult parturitions (higher EoW score) spent more time lying in contact with their puppies during the first 24 h postpartum. Time in contact with puppies was also significantly affected by breed group. Nursing duration was significantly affected by breed group and origin of the dam. Additionally, medium-size breed (10-20 kg) puppies were significantly less likely to experience perinatal mortality than large breeds (> 20 kg). These findings are particularly relevant for the welfare of breeding dams maintained in large-scale CBEs where the staff-to-dog ratio might be insufficient to adequately manage multiple simultaneous parturitions.

Hematological and biochemical parameters and resistance of the organism of mother rabbits receiving sulfur compounds

Nanotechnologies are developing continuously, and their use is becoming more diverse and concrete, with high potential to improve the products of animal husbandry and animals in general. Yet, there have been few studies of nanotechnologies in those spheres. However, to confirm the efficiency and, mainly, safety of nanotechnologies, to avoid any harm to the environment or especially humans and animals, substantiated studies are still needed. A promising, but barely studied, direction of research is dosage of nanocompounds of biogenic elements in diets of animals, both modern supplements and alternatives for correcting mineral nutrition. Therefore, the objectives of the study presented here were changes in hematologic, biochemical and immune-biological parameters of the organism of mother rabbits under the influence of sulfur citrate and sodium sulfate for 14 days until insemination and until day 20 of lactation. The research was conducted on mother rabbits of the Hyla breed which were giving birth for the second time in LLC Horlytsia in Dobriany village of Horodok district of Lviv Oblast. Mother rabbits of the control group were fed ad libitum with complete granulated mixed feed with free access to water. Animals of experimental group I were fed feeds of the diet of the control group and during the day were watered sulfate citrate in dosage of 8 µg of S/kg of body weight. Females of experimental group II were fed the diet feeds of the control group and given sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) in the amount of 40 mg of S/kg of body weight. The mother rabbits received the supplements for 14 days both until insemination and for up to the 20th day of lactation. In the preparation period, on day 10 after the beginning of the study and on day 20 of lactation in the experimental period (65th day of watering the supplements), blood samples were taken from the marginal ear vein of the mother rabbits for hematological and biochemical studies. The study revealed that watering sulfate citrate in the dosage of 8 µg of S/kg of the body weight in the diet of mother rabbits for 14 days until insemination and up to day 20 of lactation increased the amount of erythrocytes by 19.5%, leukocytes by 37.5%, granulocytes by 38.3%, concentration of hemoglobin by 21.0%, mean corpuscular hemoglobin by 15.6%, and red cell distribution width by 14.7%, and activated protein metabolism, which manifested in 8.5% higher content of protein and activity of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase respectively by 12.9%, 29.6%, 19.8% and 51.8% lower content of triacylglycerols in the blood on day 20 of lactation compared with the control group. Intake of sulfur citrate heightened the parameters of immunobiological reactivity of the organisms of mother rabbits on day 65 of the experiment with significantly higher level of phagocytic number, phagocytic activity, lysozymic and bactericidal activities of blood serum, protein-associated hexoses, sialic acids and ceruloplasmin and immune globulins, compared with the control. Giving mother rabbits sodium sulfate in the amount of 40 mg/kg of body weight for 65 days led to less notable changes in the blood, expressed in 20.0% increase in mean corpuscular hemoglobin, higher phagocytic value, phagocytic activity, lysozymic and bactericidal activities of blood serum, protein-associated hexoses and ceruloplasmin. The results of the studies indicate possibility of additional use of supplement sulfur citrate in the amount of 8 µg of S/kg in diet of mother rabbits to improve metabolism, reproductive ability and immunological resistance in the period of increased physiological load.

Prevalence of porcine parvovirus 1 through 7 (PPV1-PPV7) and co-factor association with PCV2 and PRRSV in Korea

Background

Classical porcine parvovirus (PPV1) and novel porcine parvoviruses designated porcine parvovirus 2 through 7 (PPV2-PPV7) are widespread in pig populations. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence rates of PPV1-PPV7 in Korea by detecting PPVs in serum, lung and fecal samples and to elucidate the association of PPVs with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and porcine reproductive and respiratory virus (PRRSV), major pathogens involved in porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC). A total of 286 serum, 481 lung, and 281 fecal samples collected from 2018 to 2020 were analyzed.

Results

The results showed that PPVs are widespread in Korea; the highest detection rates were found in lung samples and ranged from 7.9% (PPV1) to 32.6% (PPV2). Regarding age groups, fattening pigs had the highest detection rates of PPVs, ranging from 6.4% (PPV1) to 36.5% (PPV6); this finding suggests the chronic nature of PPV infections and the continual circulation of these viruses. When compared with PCV2- and PRRSV-negative lung samples, PCV2-positive samples with or without PRRSV positivity had significantly higher detection levels of PPV1 and PPV6. In contrast, the prevalence of PPV2 and PPV7 was significantly higher in PRRSV-infected lung samples regardless of PCV2 detection. PPV5 was detected significantly more frequently in samples  with both PCV2 and PRRSV positivity.

Conclusions

This study could offer a better understanding of the role of PPVs in PCV2 and/or PRRSV infection though further studies are needed to experimentally assess the impact of PPVs in coinfections.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-022-03236-1.

Effect of a single intra-articular administration of stanozolol in a naturally occurring canine osteoarthritis model: a randomised trial

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease with a high negative impact on patient's quality of life and a high financial burden. It is a source of chronic pain and affects all mammals, including humans and dogs. As the dog is a common model for translation research of human OA, and exploring spontaneous dog OA can improve the health and well-being of both humans and dogs. To describe the effect of the intra-articular administration of stanozolol in a naturally occurring canine OA model, forty canine (N = 40) hip joints were randomly assigned to receive stanozolol or saline (control). On treatment day and at 8, 15, 30, 90, and 180 days post-treatment, several evaluations were conducted: weight distribution, joint range of motion, thigh girth, digital thermography, and radiographic signs. Also, synovial fluid C-reactive protein and interleukin-1 levels were evaluated. Results from four Clinical Metrology Instruments was also gathered. Results were compared with Repeated Measures ANOVA, with a Huynh-Feldt correction, paired-samples t-test, or Wilcoxon signed-rank test, with p < 0.05. OA was graded as mild (90%), moderate (5%), and severe (5%), including both sexes. They had a mean age of 6.5 ± 2.4 years and a bodyweight of 26.7 ± 5.2 kg. No differences were found between groups at treatment day in all considered evaluations. Weight distribution showed significant improvements with stanozolol from 15 days (p < 0.05) up to 180 days (p < 0.01). Lower values during thermographic evaluation in both views taken and improved joint extension at 90 (p = 0.02) and 180 days (p < 0.01) were observed. Pain and function scores improved up to 180 days. In the control group, radiographic signs progressed, in contrast with stanozolol. The use of stanozolol was safe and produced significant improvements in weight-bearing, pain score, and clinical evaluations in a naturally occurring canine OA model.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli: intestinal pathogenesis mechanisms and colonization resistance by gut microbiota

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a major cause of diarrhea in children and travelers in developing countries. ETEC is characterized by the ability to produce major virulence factors including colonization factors (CFs) and enterotoxins, that bind to specific receptors on epithelial cells and induce diarrhea. The gut microbiota is a stable and sophisticated ecosystem that performs a range of beneficial functions for the host, including protection against pathogen colonization. Understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of ETEC and the interaction between the gut microbiota and ETEC represents not only a research need but also an opportunity and challenge to develop precautions for ETEC infection. Herein, this review focuses on recent discoveries about ETEC etiology, pathogenesis and clinical manifestation, and discusses the colonization resistances mediated by gut microbiota, as well as preventative strategies against ETEC with an aim to provide novel insights that can reduce the adverse effect on human health.

Influence of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles using red alga Corallina elongata on broiler chicks’ performance

Poultry meat is a great source of protein and provides lots of nutrients such as iodine, iron, zinc, vitamins, and essential fatty acids that humans require. The positive applications of metal nanoparticles (NPs) in the diets of various poultry species were studied, in relation to their metabolic, antibacterial effects on digestion and regulation of bowel function. This study was carried out to test the effects of fabrication green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of Corallina elongata extract and/or coating NPs with acetic acid on performance, immune response parameters and micro-flora population in Ross broiler. Chicks’ drinking water was mixed with bio-AgNPs (1 mM) and coating NPs with acetic acid for 35 days. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and high resolution transmission electron microscope were used to determine the partial physiochemical characterizations of bio-AgNPs and coating ones. EDS analysis was used to determine the presence of AgNP in meat. Results confirmed that coating NPs with acetic acid reduced percentage of the micro-flora population, which were detected by VITEK® 2 system (BioMérieux, France) and identified as Pseudomonas orizihabitain 4211210040000210 and Sphinogomonas paucimobilis 5201210040000210. EDS analysis of meat chicks confirmed disappearance of Ag metals. Coating biogenic AgNPs with acetic acid on modulated intestinal microbial populations of the Ross broiler may be safe, and could be used as alternative antibiotics or antibacterial agents besides their physiological performance in small intestines of broiler chicken.