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Wilson TK, Zishiri OT, El Zowalaty ME. Molecular detection of multidrug and methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from wild pigeons ( Columba livia) in South Africa. One Health 2024; 18:100671. [PMID: 38737528 PMCID: PMC11082500 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is an important human and veterinary pathogen. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of antibiotic resistance among S. aureus isolated from samples obtained from free-flying wild pigeons and houseflies from different locations surrounding a local hospital in the Greater Durban area in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Environmental fecal samples were obtained from wild pigeons that inhabits the grounds of a local public hospital located on the South Beach area, Durban, South Africa. Housefly samples were collected from three different locations (Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve, Montclair/Clairwood, and Glenwood/Berea) in the greater Durban area, all within a close proximity to the hospital. Following enrichment, identification, and antimicrobial resistance profiling, S. aureus isolates were subjected to DNA extraction using the boiling method. It was found that 57 out of 252 samples (22.62%) were positive for S. aureus. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method of antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed and revealed that antibiotic resistance rates to penicillin and rifampicin were the most common, with both returning 48 (84.2%) out of the 57 S. aureus isolates being resistant to penicillin and rifampicin. Antibiotic resistance rates to clindamycin, linezolid, erythromycin, tetracycline, cefoxitin, and ciprofloxacin were 82.5%, 78.9%, 73.7%, 63.2%, 33.3%, and 15.8% respectively. Antibiotic resistance genes were detected using primer-specific PCR and it was found that the prevalence rates of tetM, aac(6')-aph(2″), mecA, tetK, ermc, and blaZ genes were 66.7%, 40.4%, 40.4%, 38.6%, 24.6%, and 3.51% respectively. Statistical analysis revealed significant (p < 0.05) relationships between the tetM, aac(6')-aph(2″), and ermC genes and all parameters tested. A significant correlation between the aac(6')-aph(2″) gene and the tetM (0.506) and ermC (-0.386) genes was identified. It was found that 23 (40.3%) S. aureus isolates were mecA positive, of which 10 (52.6%) out of 19 cefoxitin-resistant isolates were mecA positive and 13 (35.1%) out of 37 cefoxitin-sensitive isolates were mecA positive. The results of the present study demonstrated the detection of methicillin and multidrug resistant S. aureus isolated from samples obtained from wild pigeons and houseflies in the surroundings of a local public hospital in the Greater Durban area in South Africa. The findings of the study may account for the emergence of multidrug-resistant staphylococcal infections. The findings highlight the significant role of wild pigeons and houseflies in the spread of drug-resistant pathogenic S. aureus including MRSA. The conclusions of the present study highlight the improtant role of wildlife and the environment as interconnected contributors of One Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor K. Wilson
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Oliver T. Zishiri
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Mohamed E. El Zowalaty
- Veterinary Medicine and Food Security Research Group, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi Women's Campus, Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi 41012, United Arab Emirates
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Kutkowska J, Turska-Szewczuk A, Kucharczyk M, Kucharczyk H, Zalewska J, Urbanik-Sypniewska T. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and glycopeptide-resistant enterococci in fecal samples of birds from South-Eastern Poland. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:472. [PMID: 31888629 PMCID: PMC6937698 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-2221-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The incidence of human infection and colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) has increased in the recent years. Environmental sources, including bird droppings, might play an important role as resistance reservoirs. Results Fresh fecal samples were collected from rooks and wild-living birds during the autumn-winter period of 2016/2017, and tested for the presence of bacteria associated with human diseases. Besides bacteria representing the genera Enterococcus, Campylobacter, Escherichia, and Staphylococcus, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Proteus, Hafnia, and Pseudomonas were also identified. The susceptibility of S. aureus and Enterococcus spp. isolates to methicillin, and vancomycin and teicoplanin, respectively, was analyzed to assess the avian wildlife as a reservoir of MRSA and VRE strains. Twenty-two percent of all S. aureus isolates were methicillin-resistant. These strains were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), using the most widely used primer sets specific for the mecA gene. Twenty percent of all Enterococcus strains were phenotypically vancomycin-resistant. The presence of van resistance genes in these strains was investigated by PCR using vanA and vanB gene-specific primers. A good correlation between mecA gene detection and disc diffusion data was observed, while some discrepancy was noted between the PCR data and the vancomycin/teicoplanin phenotypic resistance pattern. The incidence of strains resistant to methicillin and glycopeptide antibiotics in wild-living birds was twice that in rooks. Conclusions The study suggests that rooks from urban areas and passerine birds from the natural habitat carry antibiotic-resistant Enterococcus spp. and S. aureus strains, probably reflecting the presence of such isolates in the environmental food sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Kutkowska
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Anna Turska-Szewczuk
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marek Kucharczyk
- Department of Nature Protection, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
| | - Halina Kucharczyk
- Department of Zoology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Zalewska
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
| | - Teresa Urbanik-Sypniewska
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
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Najdenski H, Dimova T, Zaharieva MM, Nikolov B, Petrova-Dinkova G, Dalakchieva S, Popov K, Hristova-Nikolova I, Zehtindjiev P, Peev S, Trifonova-Hristova A, Carniel E, Panferova YA, Tokarevich NK. Migratory birds along the Mediterranean – Black Sea Flyway as carriers of zoonotic pathogens. Can J Microbiol 2018; 64:915-924. [DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2017-0763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
At the crossroad between Europe, Asia, and Africa, Bulgaria is part of the Mediterranean – Black Sea Flyway (MBSF) used by millions of migratory birds. In this study, bird species migrating through Bulgaria were investigated as carriers of zoonotic pathogens. In total, 706 birds belonging to 46 species were checked for the presence of various bacterial pathogens (Campylobacter, Yersinia, Salmonella, Listeria, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Francisella tularensis, Coxiella burnetii, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Brucella spp.). From 673 birds we investigated fecal samples, from the remaining 33, blood samples. We detected Campylobacter 16S rDNA gene in 1.3% of birds, but none were of pathogenic Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli species. Escherichia coli 16S rDNA gene was found in 8.8% of the birds. Out of 34 birds that transported Yersinia enterocolitica strains (5.05%), only 1 carried a pathogenic isolate. Three birds (0.4%) were carriers of nonpathogenic Salmonella strains. Four avian samples (0.6%) were positive for Listeria monocytogenes and 1 (0.15%) was positive for Brucella spp. None of the birds tested carried the tick-borne pathogens C. burnetii or B. burgdorferi sensu lato. Antibiotic-resistant strains were detected, suggesting that migratory birds could be reservoirs and spreaders of bacterial pathogens as well as antibiotic resistance genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hristo Najdenski
- Department of Infectious Microbiology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 26 Acad. Georgi Bonchev Str., 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Tanya Dimova
- Department of Immunobiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 73 Tzarigradsko shose, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Maya M. Zaharieva
- Department of Infectious Microbiology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 26 Acad. Georgi Bonchev Str., 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Boris Nikolov
- Department of Animal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2 Gagarin Street, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Gergana Petrova-Dinkova
- Department of Animal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2 Gagarin Street, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Svetla Dalakchieva
- Department of Animal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2 Gagarin Street, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Konstantin Popov
- Department of Animal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2 Gagarin Street, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Iva Hristova-Nikolova
- Department of Animal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2 Gagarin Street, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Pavel Zehtindjiev
- Department of Animal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2 Gagarin Street, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Strahil Peev
- Department of Animal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2 Gagarin Street, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Anetka Trifonova-Hristova
- Department of Biology and Pathology, National Research Station of Game Management, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Elisabeth Carniel
- Yersinia Research Unit and National Reference Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Yulia A. Panferova
- Laboratory of Zooanthroponotic Infections, St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute, 14 Mira str., 197101, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Nikolay K. Tokarevich
- Laboratory of Zooanthroponotic Infections, St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute, 14 Mira str., 197101, St. Petersburg, Russia
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Abstract
Infectious diseases can be a major threat to wildlife populations, especially in human-modified habitats, but infection rates in populations of wild animals are often poorly studied. Trichomonas, Salmonella, and Listeria are all pathogens known to infect birds, but their infection rates in wild bird populations are not well documented. This study documents infection rates of the three pathogens in wild bird populations inhabiting a suburban to rural gradient in Southeast Texas. Various species of wild birds were sampled at five sites in Southeastern Texas representing rural (<1 house per ha), exurban (approximately 1 house per ha), and suburban (approximately 10 houses per ha) habitat types. Birds were captured in mist nets and samples were taken from the oral cavity, crop, and vent to detect the presence of pathogens. Samples were screened for Trichomonas by examining wet mounts under a light microscope, whereas samples were screened for Salmonella and Listeria by examining colonies grown on agar plates. Pathogens detected during the initial screening were further confirmed by PCR and DNA sequencing. Infection rates for Trichomonas, Salmonella, and Listeria were 9%, 17%, and 5%, respectively. The distributions of infection rates across habitats (i.e., rural, exurban, rural) did not differ significantly from the expected null distributions for any of the three pathogens; however, the data suggested some interesting patterns that should be confirmed with a larger dataset. Infection rates for Trichomonas and Salmonella were highest at the suburban sites, whereas the infection rate for Listeria was highest at the rural site. Feeder birds were more likely to be infected by all three pathogens than non-feeder birds. Small sample sizes prevent definitive conclusions regarding variation in infection rates along the suburban to rural gradient, but the results suggest that pathogens followed the predicted patterns. For many of the bird species sampled, this study presents the first report of infection rates by these three pathogens in wild populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britni Brobey
- A Department of Biology, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX 77710
| | | | - Jim Armacost
- A Department of Biology, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX 77710
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Cano-Terriza D, Guerra R, Lecollinet S, Cerdà-Cuéllar M, Cabezón O, Almería S, García-Bocanegra I. Epidemiological survey of zoonotic pathogens in feral pigeons (Columba livia var. domestica) and sympatric zoo species in Southern Spain. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2015; 43:22-7. [PMID: 26616657 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2015.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of pathogenic zoonotic agents (flaviviruses, avian influenza viruses (AIVs), Salmonella spp. and Toxoplasma gondii) in feral pigeons and sympatric zoo animals from Córdoba (Southern Spain) between 2013 and 2014. Antibodies against flaviviruses were detected in 7.8% out of 142 (CI95%: 3.7-11.8) pigeons, and 8.2% of 49 (CI95%: 0.9-15.4) of zoo animals tested. Antibodies with specificity against West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) were confirmed both in pigeons and in zoo birds. Even though seropositivity to AIVs was not detected in any of the analyzed pigeons, 17.9% of 28 (CI95%: 3.7-32.0) zoo birds tested showed positive results. Salmonella spp. was not isolated in any of 152 fecal samples collected from pigeons, while 6.8% of 44 zoo animals were positive. Antibodies against T. gondii were found in 9.2% of 142 (CI95%: 4.8-13.6) feral pigeons and 26.9% of 108 (CI95%: 19.6-34.1) zoo animals. This is the first study on flaviviruses and T. gondii in feral pigeons and captive zoo species in Spain. Antibodies against WNV and USUV detected in non-migratory pigeons and captive zoo animals indicate local circulation of these emerging pathogens in the study area. T. gondii was widespread in species analyzed. This finding could be of importance for Public Health and Conservation of endangered species present in zoo parks. Pigeons and zoo animals may be included as sentinel species for monitoring zoonotic pathogens in urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Cano-Terriza
- Department de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba-Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Rafael Guerra
- Parque Zoológico Municipal de Córdoba (PZMC), Avenida Linneo s/n, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Sylvie Lecollinet
- ANSES, Laboratoire de Santé Animale de Maisons-Alfort, UMR 1161 Virologie, INRA, ANSES, ENVA, Maisons-Alfort F-94703, France
| | - Marta Cerdà-Cuéllar
- Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA)-Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Oscar Cabezón
- Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Department de Medicina i Cirugia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Sonia Almería
- Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA)-Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Department de Sanitat i d'Anatomia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Department de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba-Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain.
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Dahiru M, Enabulele OI. <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i> in Birds’ Feces: A Public Health Threat to Vegetables and Irrigation Farmers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.4236/aim.2015.510072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Rocha-e-Silva RCD, Maciel WC, Teixeira RSDC, Salles RPR. O pombo (Columba livia) como agente carreador de Salmonella spp. e as implicações em saúde pública. Arq Inst Biol 2014. [DOI: 10.1590/1808-1657000702012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Os pombos domésticos e silvestres estão distribuídos por todo o mundo e carreiam micro-organismos patogênicos ao homem e a outros animais, podendo ser um dos responsáveis pela disseminação de Salmonella spp. Este patógeno gera grande preocupação para a economia mundial, uma vez que cria transtornos para a indústria avícola quando ocorre contaminação dos plantéis e ônus para a saúde pública devido a surtos de infecção alimentar causados por esta bactéria. Dessa forma, objetivou-se realizar um levantamento acerca da participação do pombo doméstico na possível disseminação de Salmonella spp.
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Albuquerque ÁH, Cardoso WM, Teixeira RSC, Lopes ES, Sales RJPF, Horn RV, Rocha-e-Silva RC, Bezerra WGA, Gomes-Filho VJR. Dissemination of Salmonella enteritidis by experimentally-infected pigeons. Rev Bras Cienc Avic 2013. [DOI: 10.1590/s1516-635x2013000300007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Teske L, Ryll M, Rubbenstroth D, Hänel I, Hartmann M, Kreienbrock L, Rautenschlein S. Epidemiological investigations on the possible risk of distribution of zoonotic bacteria through apparently healthy homing pigeons. Avian Pathol 2013; 42:397-407. [DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2013.822468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Ruiz-de-castañeda R, Vela AI, Lobato E, Briones V, Moreno J. Prevalence of Salmonella and Yersinia in Free-Living Pied Flycatchers ( Ficedula hypoleuca ) in Central Spain. J Zoo Wildl Med 2011; 42:313-6. [DOI: 10.1638/2010-0056.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Abulreesh HH. Free Living Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) as an Environmental Reservoir of Enteric Bacterial Pathogens Resistant to Antimicrobial Drugs in Saudi Arabia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.3923/crb.2011.28.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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de Sousa E, Júnior AB, Pinto AA, Machado RZ, Carrasco ADOT, Marciano JA, Werther K. Prevalence of Salmonella spp. Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, and Newcastle Disease Virus in Feral Pigeons (Columba livia) in the City of Jaboticabal, Brazil. J Zoo Wildl Med 2010; 41:603-7. [DOI: 10.1638/2008-0166.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Tarsitano E, Greco G, Decaro N, Nicassio F, Lucente MS, Buonavoglia C, Tempesta M. Environmental monitoring and analysis of faecal contamination in an urban setting in the city of Bari (Apulia region, Italy): health and hygiene implications. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2010; 7:3972-86. [PMID: 21139871 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph7113972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2010] [Revised: 10/30/2010] [Accepted: 11/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have been conducted in Italy to quantify the potential risk associated with dynamics and distribution of pathogens in urban settings. The aim of this study was to acquire data on the environmental faecal contamination in urban ecosystems, by assessing the presence of pathogens in public areas in the city of Bari (Apulia region, Italy). To determine the degree of environmental contamination, samples of dog faeces and bird guano were collected from different areas in the city of Bari (park green areas, playgrounds, public housing areas, parkways, and a school). A total of 152 canine faecal samples, in 54 pools, and two samples of pigeon guano from 66 monitored sites were examined. No samples were found in 12 areas spread over nine sites. Chlamydophila psittaci was detected in seven canine and two pigeon guano samples. Salmonella species were not found. On the other hand, four of 54 canine faecal samples were positive for reovirus. Thirteen canine faecal samples were positive for parasite eggs: 8/54 samples contained Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina eggs and 5/54 samples contained Ancylostoma caninum eggs. Our study showed that public areas are often contaminated by potentially zoonotic pathogens.
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Rodríguez S, Araujo R. Occurrence of thermotolerant Campylobacter species in surface waters of a Mediterranean area and in its prevailing pollution sources. J Appl Microbiol 2010; 109:1027-34. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2010.04725.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Vázquez B, Esperón F, Neves E, López J, Ballesteros C, Muñoz MJ. Screening for several potential pathogens in feral pigeons (Columba livia) in Madrid. Acta Vet Scand 2010; 52:45. [PMID: 20569487 PMCID: PMC2898782 DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-52-45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2009] [Accepted: 06/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pathogens with the zoonotic potential to infect humans, such as Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli and Chlamydophila psittaci, can be found in feral pigeons (Columba livia). Given the high density of these birds in the public parks and gardens of most cities, they may pose a direct threat to public health. Methods A total of 118 pigeons were captured in three samplings carried out in 2006-2007 in public parks and gardens in Madrid, Spain. Standard haematological and morphological analyses were carried out on the pigeons. PCR was used to screen for the presence of Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli and Chlamydophila psittaci. Positive samples were confirmed by DNA sequencing. Results The analyses demonstrated a high prevalence of Chlamydophila psittaci (52.6%) and Campylobacter jejuni (69.1%) among the birds captured. In contrast, Campylobacter coli was rarely detected (1.1%). Conclusions Pigeons in Madrid can carry Chlamydophila psittaci and Campylobacter jejuni. They may be asymptomatic or subclinical carriers of both pathogens.
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Abstract
A total of 100 free-living urban pigeons (Columba livia) were captured in the city of Santiago, Chile, in order to evaluate, for the first time, their health status. Negligible antibody titres (1 to 3 log2) were detected in 22% of the birds against a strain of the paramyxovirus (PMV) serotype 1. No pigeons had antibodies against PMV serotype 7 and avian influenza. Salmonella sp. belonging to serogroups B and D were isolated from the intestinal tract of three pigeons (3%). The protozoa Haemoproteus columbae, Plasmodium sp., and Leucocytozoon sp. were not detected in any pigeons. Trichomonas gallinae was detected in 11%, without observation of either clinical signs or gross pathological changes at necropsy. Sixty-seven percent of the birds showed the presence of the chewing lice Columbicola columbae and Campanulotes bidentatus compar, and 1% harboured the mite Laminosioptes cysticola. Seven species of nematodes were identified. The frequency at which each species was detected was; Tetrameres sp. (14%), Capillaria annulata (1%), Capillaria columbae (11%), Capillaria obsignata (1%), Ascaridia columbae (5%), Dispharynx spiralis (2%), and Gongylonema ingluvicola (2%). The class Cestoda, found in one pigeon, was represented by the species Aporina delafondi. No trematodes were detected in the sampled birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Toro
- a Faculty of Veterinary Sciences , University of Chile , casilla 2, correo 15 , Santiago , Chile
| | - C Saucedo
- a Faculty of Veterinary Sciences , University of Chile , casilla 2, correo 15 , Santiago , Chile
| | - C Borie
- a Faculty of Veterinary Sciences , University of Chile , casilla 2, correo 15 , Santiago , Chile
| | - R E Gough
- b Central Veterinary Laboratory , New Haw , Addlestone , Surrey , KT15 3NB , UK
| | - H Alcaino
- a Faculty of Veterinary Sciences , University of Chile , casilla 2, correo 15 , Santiago , Chile
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Benskin CMH, Wilson K, Jones K, Hartley IR. Bacterial pathogens in wild birds: a review of the frequency and effects of infection. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2009; 84:349-73. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-185x.2008.00076.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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White ANJ, Kinlin LM, Johnson C, Spain CV, Ng V, Fisman DN. Environmental determinants of campylobacteriosis risk in Philadelphia from 1994 to 2007. Ecohealth 2009; 6:200-208. [PMID: 19953295 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-009-0246-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2008] [Revised: 02/19/2009] [Accepted: 05/25/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Campylobacter species infections are a common cause of acute gastroenteritis, and may uncommonly be complicated by renal, neurological, and rheumatologic sequelae. Although excess summertime campylobacteriosis has been observed, environmental mechanisms driving disease seasonality are poorly understood. We sought to evaluate the relationship between environmental factors and campylobacteriosis risk in a major North American metropolitan area. We evaluated 1532 cases of campylobacteriosis reported in Philadelphia between 1994 and 2007. We constructed Poisson regression models with oscillatory smoothers, and also used case-crossover design, to evaluate the associations between environmental exposures and disease risk on weekly and daily time scales. Both methods control for confounding by seasonally oscillating environmental factors. Incidence was greatest in June and July, with annual periodicity. Weekly incidence was associated with increasing relative humidity, (incidence rate ratio (IRR) per % 1.017, 95% CI 1.008-1.025), temperature (IRR per degrees C 1.041, 95% CI 1.011-1.072), and decreasing Delaware River temperature during the same week (IRR per degrees C 0.922, 95% CI 0.883-0.962), and at 4-week lags (IRR per degrees C 0.953, 95% CI 0.919-0.990). No acute associations were identified in case-crossover analyses. Our findings affirm the summertime seasonality of campylobacteriosis in Philadelphia, and the link between warm, humid weather and disease risk. However, the link between low river temperatures and enhanced campylobacteriosis risk in humans described here is novel, consistent with known links between watershed temperature and Campylobacter survival, and implicates local watersheds as epidemiologically important reservoirs for foodborne pathogens.
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Levin RE. Campylobacter jejuni: A Review of its Characteristics, Pathogenicity, Ecology, Distribution, Subspecies Characterization and Molecular Methods of Detection. FOOD BIOTECHNOL 2007. [DOI: 10.1080/08905430701536565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Hellström S, Kiviniemi K, Autio T, Korkeala H. Listeria monocytogenes is common in wild birds in Helsinki region and genotypes are frequently similar with those found along the food chain. J Appl Microbiol 2007; 104:883-8. [PMID: 17953682 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2007.03604.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate the prevalence and genetic diversity of Listeria monocytogenes in wild birds and to compare the genotypes with isolates previously collected from foods and food processing environments. METHODS AND RESULTS Samples of wild birds' faeces (n = 212) were collected from a municipal landfill site and from urban areas in the Helsinki region and analysed by two-step enrichment and plating onto L. monocytogenes-selective agar. The overall prevalence of L. monocytogenes in bird faeces was 36% (95% CI 30-43%), and prevalence on the landfill site was significantly higher. All isolates were analysed with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and compared with the L. monocytogenes profiles in an existing collection. Similar pulsotypes were found in birds and in isolates collected along the food chain. CONCLUSIONS Birds commonly carry L. monocytogenes, and strains are frequently similar with those detected in foods and food processing environments. Thus, birds may disseminate L. monocytogenes in nature and may also contaminate foods when entering the food processing environments and outdoor market places. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Populations of L. monocytogenes in wild birds and along the food processing chain overlap. Our findings add to the epidemiological data on this significant foodborne pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Hellström
- Department of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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Lillehaug A, Monceyron Jonassen C, Bergsjø B, Hofshagen M, Tharaldsen J, Nesse LL, Handeland K. Screening of feral pigeon (Colomba livia), mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and graylag goose (Anser anser) populations for Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., avian influenza virus and avian paramyxovirus. Acta Vet Scand 2006; 46:193-202. [PMID: 16398331 PMCID: PMC1618971 DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-46-193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 119 fresh faecal samples were collected from graylag geese migrating northwards in April. Also, cloacal swabs were taken from 100 carcasses of graylag geese shot during the hunting season in August. In addition, samples were taken from 200 feral pigeons and five mallards. The cultivation of bacteria detected Campylobacter jejuni jejuni in six of the pigeons, and in one of the mallards. Salmonella diarizona 14:k:z53 was detected in one graylag goose, while all pigeons and mallards were negative for salmonellae. No avian paramyxovirus was found in any of the samples tested. One mallard, from an Oslo river, was influenza A virus positive, confirmed by RT-PCR and by inoculation of embryonated eggs. The isolate termed A/Duck/Norway/1/03 was found to be of H3N8 type based on sequence analyses of the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase segments, and serological tests. This is the first time an avian influenza virus has been isolated in Norway. The study demonstrates that the wild bird species examined may constitute a reservoir for important bird pathogens and zoonotic agents in Norway.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lillehaug
- Section for Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute, Oslo Norway.
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Abstract
Some public areas in Japan such as parks and gardens can be highly contaminated with pigeon feces. We examined levels of four bacterial contaminations in fecal samples from feral pigeons in 7 prefectures. We isolated Salmonella Typhimurium and S. Cerro from 17 (3.9%) of 436 samples, as well as Mycobacterium spp. including M. avium-intracellulare complex from 29 (19.0%) of 153 samples. The polymerase chain reaction detected Chlamydia psittaci and C. pecorum in 106 (22.9%) of 463 samples, but E. coli O-157 was not isolated from any of the samples. Our results indicate that pigeon feces are a source of several zoonotic agents for birds, animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chikako Tanaka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Japan
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Abstract
Despite their importance, little is known about the origins of many emerging human pathogens. However, given the age and current predominance of invertebrates, it is likely that bacteria-invertebrate interactions are not only a present source of human pathogens but have also shaped their evolution. Pathogens of invertebrate and unicellular organisms represent an extensive reservoir of bacterial strains equipped with virulence factors that evolved to overcome the innate immune responses of their hosts. This reservoir might represent a source of new human pathogenic strains and might also foster the spread of novel virulence factors into existing human commensal or pathogenic bacteria. This article examines the available evidence for this concept by examining pairs of closely related bacteria, one of which is benign, but insect associated, and one of which is a human pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R Waterfield
- Centre for Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
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Dovc A, Zorman-Rojs O, Vergles Rataj A, Bole-Hribovsek V, Krapez U, Dobeic M. Health status of free-living pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in the city of Ljubljana. Acta Vet Hung 2004; 52:219-26. [PMID: 15168753 DOI: 10.1556/avet.52.2004.2.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In the year 2000 an epidemiological research was undertaken on the health status of free-living pigeons in the city of Ljubljana, Slovenia. A total of 139 pigeons were captured and examined for the most common bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases. Serum samples, oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs as well as samples of droppings and feathers were taken from the captured birds. Antibodies to paramyxovirus type 1 were found in 84.2% of the sera examined, and 23.7% of birds were serologically positive to Chlamydophila psittaci. Antibodies to avian influenza virus were not detected. Salmonella spp. were isolated from 5.7% of the cloacal swabs. Trichomonas gallinae was clinically suspected and then microscopically confirmed using oropharyngeal swabs in 7.9% of examined birds. Eimeria spp. was identified in 71.9%, Capillaria sp. in 26.6% and Ascaridia columbae in 4.3% of droppings samples examined. Of the ectoparasites, Columbicola columbae and Campanulotes bidentatus compar were found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alenka Dovc
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbiceva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Vučemilo M, Vlahović K, Dovč A, MuŽinić J, Pavlak M, Jerčić J, Župančić Ž. Prevalence ofCampylobacter jejuni, Salmonella typhimurium, and avianParamyxovirus type 1 (PMV-1) in pigeons from different regions in Croatia. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2003. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02189638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- A Wedderkopp
- Department of Poultry, Fish and Fur Animals, Danish Veterinary Institute, Hangøvej 2, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp in wild birds commonly found on California dairies. DESIGN Prospective study. ANIMALS 7 selected species of birds were captured on 9 dairies in Kings and Tulare counties, California. PROCEDURE Birds were captured (using traps and nets) and euthanatized, and the entire gastrointestinal tract was removed. Contents of the gastrointestinal tract were subjected to culture for Salmonella spp. RESULTS 892 birds were captured, and Salmonella spp were isolated from 22 birds. The prevalence by dairy ranged from 0.7 to 16.7%, whereas the prevalence by bird species ranged from 1.2 to 3.2%. Cowbirds and English sparrows had the highest prevalence of Salmonella organisms. Five serotypes of Salmonella organisms were isolated, including Meleagridis, Montevideo, Muenster, Typhimurium, and an untyped serotype. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE On the basis of our findings, birds that commonly inhabit California dairies harbor Salmonella organisms. However, because of the low prevalence of Salmonella organisms in birds and the Salmonella serotypes isolated, birds are not important reservoirs of Salmonella organisms on California dairies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Kirk
- Veterinary Medicine Extension, School of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Medical Teaching and Research Center, University of California, Davis 93274, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- K Jones
- Department of Biological Sciences, IENS, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
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Feare CJ, Sanders MF, Blasco R, Bishop JD. Canada goose (Branta canadensis) droppings as a potential source of pathogenic bacteria. J R Soc Promot Health 1999; 119:146-55. [PMID: 10518352 DOI: 10.1177/146642409911900303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Canada goose droppings, collected in parks to which the public had access, were screened for a range of bacteria that could be pathogenic in man. Droppings of Canada geese, and other waterfowl, did contain such bacteria, including some that are well-known causes of illness in man. These bacteria, plus a species of Salmonella that was experimentally inoculated into droppings, were shown to survive and multiply in the droppings for up to one month after their deposition by geese. Canada geese ranged further from water than other waterfowl species and thus distributed their droppings over a larger area of park grassland. This more widespread distribution of their droppings leads Canada geese to pose a greater potential health risk than other waterfowl studied here, but variations in human responses to challenge with bacteria, and variations in human and waterfowl behaviour in public parks, renders quantification of this risk impossible.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Feare
- Department of Pure and Applied Biology, University of Leeds, UK
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Abstract
Droppings from 112 urban rooks (Corvus frugilegus) were cultured for the presence of Listeria sp. Overall, 46% of rooks sampled harboured one or more Listeria species. Of all birds examined, 33%, 24% and 8%, respectively, were infected with Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria innocua and Listeria seeligeri. Differentiation of L. monocytogenes and L. seeligeri carried out by several phenotypic typing methods proved the diversity of strains and the major role of rooks which widely contribute to spreading this bacteria in our environment. The results also suggest that the ability to recover specific Listeria strains from the same sample is at least partially dependent on the methodology. These findings reinforce the need for strain-specific typing of multiple L. monocytogenes isolates from the same sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bouttefroy
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
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