Molecular Analysis of Antimicrobial Resistance among Enterobacteriaceae Isolated from Diarrhoeic Calves in Egypt

Simple Summary

Bacterial antimicrobial resistance is a serious global health challenge. This study investigated the occurrence of major antimicrobial resistance genes, including integrons, ß-lactamases, and florfenicol in Enterobacteriaceae that were isolated from diarrhoeic calves in Egypt. From 120 calves, 149 isolates of bacteria were recovered, identified, and screened phenotypically against 12 antimicrobials, and molecularly for the presence of the resistance determinants of integrons, ß-lactamases and florfenicol. The findings revealed that 24.8% of the isolates exhibited multidrug resistance. Escherichia coli was found to be the most prevalent multidrug resistant species. Class 1 integrons, bla_TEM, and floR genes were detected at incidence rates of 18.8%, 24.8%, and 1.3%, respectively, whereas class 2 integrons and bla_CTX-M were not detected in any isolates. The higher incidence of the antimicrobial resistance genes indicate the importance of regular monitoring of the antibiotic susceptibilities of isolated bacteria to minimise the risk of human exposure to pathogens that are resistant to antimicrobials.

Abstract

The present study was designed to investigate the presence of genes that conferred resistance to antimicrobials among Enterobacteriaceae that were isolated from diarrhoeic calves. A total of 120 faecal samples were collected from diarrhoeic calves that were raised in Kafr El-Sheikh governorate, Egypt. The samples were screened for Enterobacteriaceae. A total of 149 isolates of bacteria were recovered and identified; Escherichia coli was found to be the most overwhelming species, followed by Citrobacter diversus, Shigella spp., Serratia spp., Providencia spp., Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus spp., Klebsiella oxytoca, and Morganella morganii. All isolates were tested for susceptibility to 12 antimicrobials; resistant and intermediately resistant strains were screened by conventional polymerase chain reaction for the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes. Of the 149 isolates, 37 (24.8%) exhibited multidrug resistant phenotypes. The most prevalent multidrug resistant species were E. coli, C. diversus, Serratia spp., K. pneumoniae, Shigella spp., Providencia spp., and K. oxytoca. Class 1 integrons were detected in 28 (18.8%) isolates. All isolates were negative for class 2 integrons. The bla_TEM gene was identified in 37 (24.8%) isolates, whereas no isolates carried the bla_CTX-M gene_. The florfenicol gene (floR) was detected in two bacterial isolates (1.3%). The findings of this study reveal that calves may act as potential reservoirs of multidrug resistant bacteria that can be easily transmitted to humans.

Scrotal enlargement in rams and bucks in Qassim region, central of Saudi Arabia: clinical and ultrasonographic findings and seroprevalence of brucellosis

The aim of this study was to clarify the causes of scrotal enlargement in rams and bucks in Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. Enlarged scrotal contents of rams and bucks (n = 153) were examined by visual inspection, palpation, and ultrasonography. Blood samples were obtained and tested for Brucella sp. infection. Clinical and ultrasonographic findings showed that scrotal enlargement was mainly associated with orchitis, peri-orchitis, and epididymitis. Miscellaneous findings were scrotal hernia, scrotal hematoma, and hydrocele. The frequencies of orchitis, peri-orchitis, and epididymitis were 47.4, 21.1, and 14.1% in Awassi rams; 54.5, 21.7, and 8.7% in Najdi rams; 52.3, 20.5, and 9.1% in Ardi bucks; and 50, 16.7, and 16.7% in Damascus bucks, respectively. Orchitis was associated with no-abscess formation (23%), single-abscess formation (15.4%), and multiple-abscesses formation (61.6%). Peri-orchitis was characterized by hard consistency, atrophy of the testes, and extensive connective tissue formation. Epididymitis was observed mainly at the tail of the epididymis (82.4%) but rarely at the head (17.6%). Epididymitis was associated in many cases with abscessation (70.6%). Males with orchitis, peri-orchitis, and epididymitis were positive for Brucella melitensis and Brucella ovis in the frequency of 21.3% and 48.8%, respectively. In conclusion, scrotal enlargement in rams and bucks in Qassim region is caused mainly by inflammation of the testis and/or epididymis and associated tremendously with brucellosis seropositivity.

An arthroscopic evaluation of the anatomical "critical zone"

BACKGROUND

The "critical zone", a region of speculated vascularity, is situated approximately 10 mm proximal to the insertion of the supraspinatus tendon. Despite its obvious role as an anatomical landmark demarcator, its patho-anatomic nature has been identified as the source of rotator cuff pathology. Although many studies have attempted to evaluate the vascularity of this region, the architecture regarding the exact length, width and shape of the critical zone, remains unreported. This study aimed to determine the shape and morphometry of the "critical zone" arthroscopically.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The sample series, which was comprised of 38 cases (n = 38) specific to pathological types, employed an anatomical investigation of the critical zone during routine real-time arthroscopy. Demographic representation: i) sex: 19 males, 19 females; ii) age range: 18-76 years; iii) race: white (n = 29), Indian (n = 7) and coloured (n = 2).

RESULTS

The incidence of shape and the mean lengths and widths of the critical zone were determined in accordance with the relevant demographic factors and patient history. Although the cresenteric shape was predominant, hemispheric and sail-shaped critical zones were also identified. The lengths and widths of the critical zone appeared markedly increased in male individuals. While the increase in age may account for the increased incidence of rotator cuff degeneration due to poor end-vascular supply, the additional factors of height and weight presented as major determinants of the increase in size of the critical zone.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition, the comparisons of length and width with each other and shape yielded levels of significant difference, therefore indicating a directly proportional relationship between the length and width of the critical zone. This detailed understanding of the critical zone may prove beneficial for the success of post-operative rotator cuff healing.

Caseous lymphadenitis in small ruminants in Egypt. Clinical, epidemiological and prophylactic aspects

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) among small ruminants in Egypt, identify risk factors associated with its occurrence and to analyze the efficacy of the vaccine for control of CLA.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 1206 sheep and 351 goats were examined clinically for CLA. The prevalence and the risk factors of CLA in small ruminant flocks were estimated and identified. Efficacy of the commercial vaccine Case-Bac (Colorado Serum Company, USA) was determined in a field study trial conducted on 15 CLA-free lambs. Follow-up of vaccination immune response was carried out using indirect ELISA.

RESULTS

Prevalence of superficial CLA was 6.7%. Clinically, CLA appeared as abscesses in superficial lymph nodes mostly of the head and neck. On the basis of a multivariate analysis which accounted for clustering at herd level, sheep were at risk of getting superficial CLA 3.5 times more than goats (p < 0.0001). Animals of fixed flocks were at risk of getting the superficial CLA 2 times more than animals in fixed-mobile flocks (p < 0.038). Serological follow-up indicated protective antibody titers for 6 months. In vaccinated animals clinical cases were not observed while they occurred among non-vaccinated sheep.

DISCUSSION

Prevalence of CLA varied among studied flocks even between those of the same breeding system due to complex and overlapping factors associated with each flock like introduction or culling rate of animals, care of shepherds or owners to deal with opened abscesses in addition to the average age of the animals within each flock. Breeding systems have observable effects on occurrence of CLA: infected sheep can transmit the infection to a large number of animals in a short period under the conditions of close contact and reduced air flow in covered sheds.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Infected small ruminants in fixed flocks represent a risk factor for CLA for healthy ones. The vaccine used in the study provides an effective protection against new infections. So mass vaccination of small ruminants against CLA in Egypt has to be considered to minimize the disease prevalence.

Molecular screening and risk factors of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in diarrheic neonatal calves in Egypt

The aim of the present study was to carry out molecular epidemiological investigation on enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K99 and Salmonella spp. in diarrheic neonatal calves. Fecal samples were obtained from 220 diarrheic calves at 9 farms related to four governorates in central and northern Egypt. E. coli and Salmonella spp. isolates were examined for E. coli K99 and Salmonella spp. using PCR. ETEC K99 was recovered from 20 (10.36 %) out of 193 isolates, whereas Salmonella spp. was recovered from nine calves (4.09%). Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the risk factors associated with both infections. ETEC K99 was significantly affected by age (P<0.01; OR: 1.812; CI 95%: 0.566-1.769), colostrum feeding practice (P<0.01; OR: 5.525; CI 95%: 2.025-15.076), rotavirus infection (P<0.001; OR: 2.220; CI 95%: 0.273-1.251), vaccination of pregnant dams with combined vaccine against rotavirus, coronavirus and E. coli (K99) (P<0.001; OR: 4.753; CI 95%: 2.124-10.641), and vitamin E and selenium administration to the pregnant dam (P<0.01; OR: 3.933; CI 95%: 0.703-1.248). Infection with Salmonella spp. was found to be significantly affected by the animal age (P<0.05; OR: 0.376; CI 95%: 0.511-1.369), Hygiene (P<0.05; OR: 0.628; CI 95%: 1.729-5.612), and region (P<0. 01; OR: 0.970; CI 95%: 0.841-1.624). The results of the present study indicate the importance of PCR as rapid, effective and reliable tool for screening of ETEC and Salmonella spp. when confronted with cases of undifferentiated calf diarrhea. Moreover, identification of the risk factors associated with the spreading of bacteria causing diarrhea may be helpful for construction of suitable methods for prevention and control.

Acute coliform mastitis in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis): clinical findings and treatment outcomes

This report was delineated to study the clinical, bacteriological and therapeutic aspects concerned with acute coliform mastitis in buffaloes. Bacteriological examination of 80 quarter milk samples obtained aseptically from 56 buffaloes with acute mastitis revealed that coliform bacteria was the most common pathogen (45 cases) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (seven cases) then Streptococcus uberis (three cases), and Streptococcus agalactiae (one case). Clinically, hotness, swelling and painful reaction with serous excretion containing clots was recorded in buffaloes with coliform mastitis. The efficacy of ceftiofur was evaluated in the treatment of buffaloes with acute coliform mastitis. Parenteral ceftiofur neither improved clinical signs nor returned milk to pre-infection production level, whereas intramammary ceftiofur and combination of intramammary with parenteral ceftiofur improved the clinical signs in 10/15 and 12/15 buffaloes, respectively. On quarter level, 3/17, 12/17 and 15/21 quarters recovered in groups received parenteral, intramammary and combination therapy, respectively. This study demonstrates that systemic ceftofur is not effective in the treatment of clinical coliform mastitis in buffaloes.

Cryptosporidiosis in buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis): prevalence and potential risk factors

The objective of the present study was to describe the prevalence and risk factors associated with cryptosporidiosis in buffalo calves in Middle Egypt. During one year, 458 fecal samples were collected from buffalo calves less than 3 month age in 55 small scale herds and examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts. Data describing age, gender, season, and herd management practices were gathered to assess potential risk factors. Fecal examination showed that 14.19% of the examined calves were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. Calves at 1-15 days were at the highest risk (P < 0.001), and a significant relationship between season and infection (P < 0.05) was recorded. A significant association between infection and hygiene (P < 0.001), type of floor (P < 0.01) and source of water (P < 0.01) was also recorded. Statistical analysis concerning the clinical signs and fecal characteristics revealed a significant association with fecal consistency (P < 0.001), presence of blood (P < 0.01) and mucous (P < 0.01). Moreover, a significant association was found between infection and the desire for suckling (P < 0.05) and tenesmus (P < 0.05). The results of the present study demonstrated the strong relation between infections by Cryptosporidium spp. and diarrhea in buffalo calves.

Clinical, haematological and therapeutic studies on tropical theileriosis in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Egypt

Thirty buffaloes naturally infected with Theileria annulata and 10 parasitologically free controls were used to determine the potential clinical, haematological and therapeutic impact of tropical theileriosis in Egypt. The clinical signs in the infected buffaloes were pyrexia (40.5-41.5 degrees C), enlargement of superficial lymph nodes, slight nasal and ocular discharges, salivation, anaemia and respiratory distress. Eye lesions also were recorded. There was a significant decrease in erythrocyte counts and haemoglobin content and a significant decrease in total leucocyte counts in infected buffaloes compared to controls. Early treatment with buparvaquone was 100% effective in eliminating the protozoan parasites from the blood and lymph nodes and led to an improvement in the clinical state whereas treatment in the later stages of the disease whilst eliminating the parasites failed to improve the clinical condition of the animal.

Clinical and therapeutic studies on mange in horses

At Kafr El-Sheikh province, Egypt, out of 117 examined drafting horses, mites were detected in 20 (17.09%) horses. The recovered mites were 14 Chorioptes, four Psoroptes and two Sarcoptes whereas mites were not detected in four cases clinically showed typical mange lesions. Interestingly, neither the age nor the sex of the examined horses had a clear influence on the prevalence of the infection. Clinical signs observed in mange infested horses were in the form of irregular skin lesions, severe itching and sometimes biting of affected skin areas and decrease feed consumption. The skin lesions mainly start as erythematous area followed by developing of papules and crust formation. Skin scratches as a result of traumatized lesions usually occurred. Hair was lost on the affected parts developing irregular alopecic areas. Distribution of the lesions was varied according to the type of mite. Chorioptic mite was detected in para-anal fold, distal portion of legs and tail lesions, Psoroptic mite was detected in withers, mane, shoulder and flank lesions whereas Sarcoptic mite was isolated mainly from lesions on the head and neck. Complete clinical and parasitological cure for mite infestation were obtained within 2 weeks in both moxidectin and ivermectin treated groups with 100% recovery rate. Our results indicated that moxidectin oral gel is effective and good alternative for the treatment of chorioptic mange in horse to avoid drug resistance that may develop as a result of the intensive use of ivermectin alone for long periods.

Development and evaluation of quantitative-competitive PCR for quantitation of coxsackievirus B3 RNA in experimentally infected murine tissues

A method is described for quantitation of enterovirus RNA in experimentally infected murine tissues. Viral RNA was extracted from tissue samples and amplified by reverse transcriptase PCR in the presence of an internal standard RNA. The ratio of PCR product derived from viral RNA and internal standard RNA was then determined using specific probes in a post-PCR electrochemiluminescent hybridization assay. This provided an estimate of the viral RNA copy number in the original sample, and detection of PCR product derived from internal standard RNA validated sample processing and amplification procedures. RNA copy number correlated with viral infectivity of cell culture-derived virus, and one tissue culture infective dose was found to contain approximately 10(3) genome equivalents. The ratio of RNA copy number to infectivity in myocardial tissue taken from mice during the acute phase of coxsackievirus B3 myocarditis was more variable ranging from 10(4)-10(7), and was dependent on the stage of infection, reflecting differential rates of clearance for viral RNA and viral infectivity. The assay is rapid, and could facilitate investigations which currently rely upon enterovirus quantitation by titration in cell culture. This would be useful for experimental studies of viral pathogenesis, prophylaxis and antiviral therapy.

Synthesis and pharmacological effect of substituted phenyl-4-(2-chloroethyl)tetrahydro-1,4-oxazine hydrochlorides

Substituted phenyl-4-(2-chloroethyl)tetrahydro-1,4-oxazine hydrochlorides were prepared by treating the corresponding amino alcohols with thionyl chloride. Since these compounds are considered to be monofunctional 2-haloalkylamine type agents, they were tested for possible alpha-adrenergic blocking activity using the rat anococcygeus muscle. The pharmacological action of this series of compounds is discussed.