RESUMEN

The chicken immune system and microbiota play vital roles in maintaining gut homeostasis and protecting against pathogens. In mammals, XCR1+ conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) are located in the gut-draining lymph nodes and play a major role in gut homeostasis. These cDCs sample antigens in the gut luminal contents and limit the inflammatory response to gut commensal microbes by generating appropriate regulatory and effector T-cell responses. We hypothesized that these cells play similar roles in sustaining gut homeostasis in chickens, and that chickens lacking XCR1 were likely to contain a dysbiotic caecal microbiota. Here we compare the caecal microbiota of chickens that were either heterozygous or homozygous XCR1 knockouts, that had or had not been vaccinated for infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). We used short-read (Illumina) and long-read (PacBio HiFi) metagenomic sequencing to reconstruct 670 high-quality, strain-level metagenome assembled genomes. We found no significant differences between alpha diversity or the abundance of specific microbial taxa between genotypes. However, IBV vaccination was found to correlate with significant differences in the richness and beta diversity of the microbiota, and to the abundance of 40 bacterial genera. In conclusion, we found that a lack of XCR1 was not correlated with significant changes in the chicken microbiota, but IBV vaccination was.

Asunto(s)

Ciego , Pollos , Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Virus de la Bronquitis Infecciosa , Animales , Pollos/microbiología , Virus de la Bronquitis Infecciosa/inmunología , Virus de la Bronquitis Infecciosa/genética , Ciego/microbiología , Vacunación , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/microbiología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/virología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/inmunología , Infecciones por Coronavirus/veterinaria , Infecciones por Coronavirus/prevención & control , Infecciones por Coronavirus/inmunología , Vacunas Virales/inmunología , Vacunas Virales/genética , Receptores Acoplados a Proteínas G/genética , Metagenoma , Células Dendríticas/inmunología , Bacterias/clasificación , Bacterias/genética , Metagenómica

RESUMEN

Tigecycline is a last-resort drug used to treat serious infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. tet(X4) is a recently discovered plasmid-mediated tigecycline resistance gene that confers high-level resistance to tigecycline and other tetracyclines. Since the first discovery of tet(X4) in 2019, it has spread rapidly worldwide, and as a consequence, tigecycline has become increasingly ineffective in the clinical treatment of multidrug-resistant infections. In this study, we identified and analyzed tet(X4)-positive Escherichia coli isolates from duck farms in Hunan Province, China. In total, 976 samples were collected from nine duck farms. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) were performed to establish the phenotypes and genotypes of tet(X4)-positive isolates. In addition, the genomic characteristics and transferability of tet(X4) were determined based on bioinformatics analysis and conjugation. We accordingly detected an E. coli strain harboring tet(X4) and seven other resistance genes in duck feces. Multi-locus sequence typing analysis revealed that this isolate belonged to a new clone, and subsequent genetic analysis indicated that tet(X4) was carried in a 4608-bp circular intermediate, flanked by ISVsa3-ORF2-abh elements. Moreover, it exhibited transferability to E. coli C600 with a frequency of 10-5. The detection of tet(X4)-harboring E, coli strains on duck farms enhances our understanding of tigecycline resistance dynamics. The transferable nature of the circular intermediate of tet(X4) contributing to the spread of tigecycline resistance genes poses a substantial threat to healthcare. Consequently, vigilant monitoring and proactive measures are necessary to prevent their spread.

Asunto(s)

Antibacterianos , Patos , Infecciones por Escherichia coli , Escherichia coli , Granjas , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Plásmidos , Tigeciclina , Secuenciación Completa del Genoma , Patos/microbiología , Tigeciclina/farmacología , Animales , Escherichia coli/genética , Escherichia coli/efectos de los fármacos , Escherichia coli/aislamiento & purificación , Antibacterianos/farmacología , China , Plásmidos/genética , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/veterinaria , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/microbiología , Heces/microbiología , Tipificación de Secuencias Multilocus , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana Múltiple/genética , Genotipo , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/microbiología , Proteínas de Escherichia coli/genética , Transferencia de Gen Horizontal , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana/genética

RESUMEN

Currently, phage biocontrol is increasingly used as a green and natural technology for treating Salmonella and other infections, but phages exhibit instability and activity loss during storage. Therefore, in this study, the effects of lyophilization on the activity and stability of phage cocktails for the control of multidrug-resistant Salmonella in broiler chickens were determined. Eight serotypes of Salmonella were isolated and identified from broiler chicken farms, and bacteriophages against multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Kentucky, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimrium and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis were isolated. The bacteriophage cocktail was prepared and lyophilized, and it was subjected to in vitro and in vivo examinations. A reconstituted lyophilized bacteriophage cocktail was used for the oral treatment of chicks before and after challenge with multidrug-resistant S. Kentucky. The colonization of cecum by S. Kentucky was detected by using real-time PCR, and the serum levels of IgM, IgA and IL-4 and pathological changes in the different groups were detected. Three Caudovirales phages families were identified including Autographiviridae, Straboviridae and Drexlerviridae against multidrug-resistant S. Kentucky, S. Typhimrium and S. Enteritidis. The groups treated with the bacteriophage cocktail showed no clinical signs, no postmortem lesions, and a mortality rate of 0%, which improved the growth performance parameters. Additionally, the estimated serum levels of IgM, IgA and IL-4 were significantly greater in the bacteriophage cocktail-treated groups. Lyophilization effectively preserves the long-term storage stability of phages. Therefore, lyophilized bacteriophage cocktail therapy is a valuable approach for controlling multidrug-resistant Salmonella infections in broiler chickens.

Asunto(s)

Pollos , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana Múltiple , Liofilización , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral , Salmonelosis Animal , Fagos de Salmonella , Salmonella , Animales , Pollos/microbiología , Liofilización/métodos , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/microbiología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/terapia , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/virología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/prevención & control , Salmonelosis Animal/microbiología , Salmonelosis Animal/terapia , Salmonella/virología , Fagos de Salmonella/fisiología , Ciego/microbiología , Ciego/virología , Terapia de Fagos/métodos , Bacteriófagos/genética , Bacteriófagos/fisiología , Bacteriófagos/aislamiento & purificación

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Phytogenic additives would be helpful to alleviate the adverse effect of Campylobacter jejuni on the performance and physiological responses of broiler chickens. OBJECTIVE: This experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of Echinacea purpurea (EP) and Thymbra spicata (TS) on the performance, nutrient digestibility, serum biochemistry, intestinal morphology, intestinal microbiota and immune responses of broilers challenged with C. jejuni from 0 to 42 days of age. METHODS: A total of 240 male broiler chickens were divided into 6 groups and fed various diets: a control diet; the control diet supplemented with EP at 0.25% (EP25) or 0.50% (EP50); the control diet supplemented with TS at 0.25% (TS25) and 0.50% (TS50); or the control diet containing erythromycin at 55 ppm. Chicks were orally challenged with C. jejuni on Days 21 and 23 of age. RESULTS: EP and TS25 diets enhanced European production efficiency factor, feed conversion ratio and digestibility of dry matter and organic matter. TS25 increased duodenal villous height (VH) and surface area on Day 42 of age. EP25 diet increased ileal VH compared to control and erythromycin diets. Diets containing certain EP25 and TS increased the Bifidobacterium population and decreased C. jejuni population on Day 39 of age. EP50 and TS50 diets increased antibody titration against Newcastle disease virus. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, EP and TS dietary supplementation improved performance, microflora, intestinal morphology and immune responses in C. jejuni-challenged broilers.

Asunto(s)

Alimentación Animal , Infecciones por Campylobacter , Campylobacter jejuni , Pollos , Dieta , Suplementos Dietéticos , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral , Animales , Pollos/fisiología , Pollos/inmunología , Campylobacter jejuni/efectos de los fármacos , Campylobacter jejuni/fisiología , Infecciones por Campylobacter/veterinaria , Infecciones por Campylobacter/prevención & control , Alimentación Animal/análisis , Masculino , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/microbiología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/prevención & control , Dieta/veterinaria , Suplementos Dietéticos/análisis , Echinacea/química , Plantas Medicinales/química , Distribución Aleatoria

RESUMEN

Large-scale poultry production in low- and middle-income countries may be a source of adulterated products (e.g., Salmonella contamination, antibiotic residues) that can be disseminated over wide areas. We employed a cross-sectional survey of 199 randomly selected poultry farms in Lagos State, Nigeria, to estimate the prevalence of non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS), and biosecurity and antibiotic use practices. Pooled fecal samples were collected from laying chickens and from poultry handlers. Selective culture, biochemical assays, and PCR (invA) were used to isolate and confirm NTS isolates. NTS was detected at 14% of farms (28/199) and from 10% of farm workers (6/60). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that antiseptic foot dips reduced the odds ratio (OR) for detecting NTS in chicken feces [OR: 0.55; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07-0.58]. Most farms (94.5%, 188/199) used antibiotics for treatment and prophylaxis, but no farms (0/199) exercised withdrawal before sale of products. Most farms (86.4%, 172/199) reported using antibiotic cocktails that included medically important colistin, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, and gentamicin. Egg production in Lagos State relies heavily on antibiotics and antibiotic residues are likely passed to consumers through poultry products, but there is evidence that low-cost biosecurity controls are effective for limiting the presence of NTS on farms.

Asunto(s)

Antibacterianos , Pollos , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral , Salmonella , Animales , Nigeria/epidemiología , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Salmonella/aislamiento & purificación , Salmonella/efectos de los fármacos , Pollos/microbiología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/microbiología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/prevención & control , Estudios Transversales , Salmonelosis Animal/prevención & control , Salmonelosis Animal/epidemiología , Heces/microbiología , Aves de Corral/microbiología , Crianza de Animales Domésticos/métodos , Humanos , Granjas , Prevalencia

RESUMEN

Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) contamination poses a significant challenge to breeder egg hatchability and chick health, necessitating the exploration of alternative disinfection methods. This study investigates the potential of phage vB_SPuM_SP02 (SP02) as a novel disinfectant for breeder eggs contaminated with S. Typhimurium SM022. Phage SP02 was isolated from poultry farm effluent and characterized for morphology, biological properties, and genome properties. Experimental groups of specific pathogen-free (SPF) eggs were treated with Salmonella and phage SP02, and efficacy was assessed through hatching rates, chick survival, weight, Salmonella load, immune organ indices, and intestinal flora. Phage treatment effectively eradicated Salmonella contamination on eggshells within 12 h, resulting in increased hatching and survival rates compared to controls. Furthermore, phage treatment mitigated weight loss and tissue Salmonella load in chicks without causing immune organ damage while reducing Salmonella spp. abundance in the intestinal tract. This study demonstrates the potential of phage SP02 as an eco-friendly and efficient disinfectant for S. Typhimurium-contaminated breeder eggs, offering promising prospects for practical application in poultry production.

Asunto(s)

Pollos , Huevos , Salmonelosis Animal , Fagos de Salmonella , Salmonella typhimurium , Animales , Salmonella typhimurium/virología , Fagos de Salmonella/fisiología , Fagos de Salmonella/aislamiento & purificación , Salmonelosis Animal/microbiología , Huevos/microbiología , Huevos/virología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/microbiología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/prevención & control , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/virología , Desinfectantes/farmacología , Desinfección/métodos , Organismos Libres de Patógenos Específicos , Bacteriófagos/fisiología , Bacteriófagos/aislamiento & purificación , Cáscara de Huevo/microbiología

RESUMEN

Multiple drug resistance (MDR) has gained pronounced attention among Enterobacterales. The transfer of multiple antimicrobial resistance genes, frequently carried on conjugative incompatibility F (IncF) plasmids and facilitating interspecies resistance transmission, has been linked to Salmonella spp. and E. coli in broilers. In Egypt, the growing resistance is exacerbated by the limited clinical efficacy of many antimicrobials. In this study, IncF groups were screened and characterized in drug-resistant Salmonella spp. and E. coli isolated from broilers. The antimicrobial resistance profile, PCR-based replicon typing of bacterial isolates pre- and post-plasmid curing, and IncF replicon allele sequence typing were investigated. Five isolates of E. coli (5/31; 16.13%) and Salmonella spp. (5/36; 13.89%) were pan-susceptible to the examined antimicrobial agents, and 85.07% of tested isolates were MDR and extensively drug-resistant (XDR). Twelve MDR and XDR E. coli and Salmonella spp. isolates were examined for the existence of IncF replicons (FII, FIA, and FIB). They shared resistance to ampicillin, ampicillin/sulbactam, amoxicillin/clavulanate, doxycycline, cefotaxime, and colistin. All isolates carried from one to two IncF replicons. The FII-FIA-FIB+ and FII-FIA+FIB- were the predominant replicon patterns. FIB was the most frequently detected replicon after plasmid curing. Three XDR E. coli isolates that were resistant to 12-14 antimicrobials carried a newly FIB replicon allele with four nucleotide substitutions: C99→A, G112→T, C113→T, and G114→A. These findings suggest that broilers are a significant reservoir of IncF replicons with highly divergent IncF-FIB plasmid incompatibility groups circulating among XDR Enterobacterales. Supporting these data with additional comprehensive epidemiological studies involving replicons other than the IncF can provide insights for implementing efficient policies to prevent the spreading of new replicons to humans.

Asunto(s)

Alelos , Pollos , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana Múltiple , Infecciones por Escherichia coli , Escherichia coli , Plásmidos , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral , Replicón , Animales , Pollos/microbiología , Escherichia coli/genética , Escherichia coli/efectos de los fármacos , Replicón/genética , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana Múltiple/genética , Plásmidos/genética , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/microbiología , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/microbiología , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/veterinaria , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Salmonella/genética , Salmonella/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

Salmonella-related foodborne illness is a significant public health concern, with the primary source of human infection being animal-based food products, particularly chicken meat. Lebanon is currently experiencing a dual crisis: the COVID-19 pandemic and an unprecedented economic crisis, which has resulted in substantial challenges to the public health system and food safety. This study aims to assess the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profile of Salmonella in raw poultry meat sold in North Lebanon during this dual crisis. A cross-sectional study was carried out between May 2021 and April 2022 across six different districts in North Lebanon. A total of 288 whole, unprocessed chickens were examined. The isolation and identification of Salmonella isolates were done based on cultural and biochemical properties. All isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and phenotypic assays for Extended-Spectrum Beta-lactamase (ESBL) detection. The prevalence of Salmonella in raw poultry meat purchased in North Lebanon reached 18.05 % (52/288). The dry season and chilled chicken were significantly associated with an increased risk of Salmonella contamination (P < 0.05). Additionally, 34.61 % of the isolates were potential ESBL producers, and 57.69 % exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR). This study highlights the existence of MDR in chicken meat in North Lebanon, posing a potential health risk if undercooked chicken meat is consumed. This emphasizes the importance of the implementation of preventive strategies and hygienic procedures throughout the food chain to reduce the risk of Salmonella spp. contamination in chicken meats and its potential transmission to humans.

Asunto(s)

COVID-19 , Pollos , Salmonella , Animales , Líbano/epidemiología , Salmonella/efectos de los fármacos , Salmonella/aislamiento & purificación , Estudios Transversales , Prevalencia , COVID-19/epidemiología , COVID-19/prevención & control , Carne/microbiología , Recesión Económica , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana , Antibacterianos/farmacología , SARS-CoV-2 , Microbiología de Alimentos , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/epidemiología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/microbiología , Salmonelosis Animal/epidemiología , Salmonelosis Animal/microbiología

RESUMEN

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a prevalent mycotoxin found in feed that causes significant kidney injury in animals. Further investigation was needed to devise strategies for treating OTA-induced kidney damage through the gut-kidney axis. Evidence indicates the crucial role of intestinal microbiota in kidney damage development. Inulin, a dietary fiber, protects kidneys by modulating intestinal microbiota and promoting short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. However, its precise mechanism in OTA-induced kidney damage remained unclear. In this study, chickens were orally administered OTA and inulin for 2 weeks to investigate inulin's effects on OTA-induced kidney damage and underlying mechanisms. The alteration of intestinal microbiota, SCFAs contents, and SCFA receptors was further analyzed. Results demonstrated that inulin supplementation influenced intestinal microbiota, increased SCFAs production, and mitigated OTA-induced kidney damage in chickens. The importance of microbiota in mediating inulin's renal protection was further confirmed by antibiotic and fecal microbiota transplantation experiments. Additionally, inulin exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, alleviating NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis. In summary, inulin protected chickens from OTA-induced kidney damage, which might provide a potential strategy to mitigate the harmful effects of mycotoxins through prebiotics and safeguard renal health.

Asunto(s)

Pollos , Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Inulina , Riñón , Ocratoxinas , Ocratoxinas/toxicidad , Animales , Inulina/administración & dosificación , Microbioma Gastrointestinal/efectos de los fármacos , Riñón/efectos de los fármacos , Riñón/metabolismo , Bacterias/clasificación , Bacterias/aislamiento & purificación , Bacterias/genética , Bacterias/efectos de los fármacos , Bacterias/metabolismo , Suplementos Dietéticos/análisis , Ácidos Grasos Volátiles/metabolismo , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/microbiología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/prevención & control , Alimentación Animal/análisis , Masculino , Enfermedades Renales/metabolismo , Enfermedades Renales/prevención & control , Enfermedades Renales/etiología

RESUMEN

Pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli infecting poultry, commonly called avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) present significant risks, to the health of both poultry and the general public. This systematic review aimed to examine the prevalence of APEC serotypes, sequence types (ST), phylogenetic groups, virulence factors and antibiotic resistance patterns based on 189 research papers sourced from PubMed, Web of Science, and ProQuest. Then, data were extracted from the selected studies and analyzed to assess the global distribution and characteristics of APEC strains. The metaprop codes in the Meta and Metafor packages of R as implemented in RStudio were then used to conduct meta-analysis. Among APEC strains identified from these different research reports serogroup O78 had the highest overall prevalence (16 %), followed by serogroups O2 (10 %), and O117 (8 %). The most common ST profiles were ST117 (20 %), ST140 (15 %), ST95 (12 %), and ST131 (9 %). ST117 and ST140 are known reservoirs for pathogenic E. coli in humans. Moreover, phylogenetic assessment highlighted the prevalence of phylogroups A, A1, F, D, and B2 among APEC strains indicating diversity in phylogenetic origin within poultry populations. The presence of antimicrobial resistance was notable among APEC strains against antibiotics such as tetracyclines, penicillins, and cephalosporins. This resistance may be linked to use of antimicrobials in poultry production in certain regions presenting challenges for both animal health management and human infection control. Analysis of sequences linked to adherence or virulence indicated that genes encoding adhesins (csg, fimC), iron/metal uptake (sitB, sitC, iroD) and cytotoxicity (estB, hlyF), and serum resistance (traT, iss) were highly prevalent. These factors have been reported to contribute to APEC host colonization and virulence in poultry. In summary, this overview of the characteristics of APEC highlights the pressing importance of monitoring and implementing management approaches to reduce antimicrobial resistance considering that a phylogenetic diversity of E. coli strains causes infections in both poultry and humans and represents a risk to both animal and public health. Further, determining the major conserved aspects and predominant mechanisms of virulence of APEC is critical for improving diagnostics and developing preventative measures to reduce the burden of infection caused by pathogenic E. coli in poultry and lower risks associated with foodborne transmission of E. coli to humans through poultry and poultry products.

Asunto(s)

Infecciones por Escherichia coli , Escherichia coli , Filogenia , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral , Aves de Corral , Serogrupo , Factores de Virulencia , Animales , Factores de Virulencia/genética , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/epidemiología , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/microbiología , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/veterinaria , Escherichia coli/genética , Escherichia coli/efectos de los fármacos , Escherichia coli/patogenicidad , Escherichia coli/aislamiento & purificación , Escherichia coli/clasificación , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/microbiología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Aves de Corral/microbiología , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana/genética , Humanos , Virulencia/genética , Pollos

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Chickens with Necrotic Enteritis (NE), caused by Clostridium perfringens, exhibit acute and chronic symptoms that are difficult to diagnose, leading to significant economic losses. Vaccination is the best method for controlling and preventing NE. However, only two vaccines based on the CPA and NetB toxins have been commercialized, offering partial protection, highlighting the urgent need for more effective vaccines. OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to identify promising antigens for NE vaccine formulation and discuss factors affecting their effectiveness. METHODS: A systematic review using five scientific databases identified 30 eligible studies through the Rayyan tool, which were included for quality review. RESULTS: We identified 25 promising antigens, including CPA, NetB, FBA, ZMP, CnaA, FimA, and FimB, categorized by their role in disease pathogenesis. This review discusses the biochemical, physiological, and genetic traits of recombinant antigens used in vaccine prototypes, their expression systems, and immunization potential in chickens challenged with virulent C. perfringens strains. Market supply challenges, immunogenic potential, vaccine platforms, adjuvants, and factors related to vaccination schedules-such as administration routes, dosing intervals, and age at immunization-are also addressed. Additionally, the study notes that vaccine formulations tested under mild challenges may not offer adequate field-level protection due to issues replicating aggressive conditions, strain virulence loss, and varied methodologies. CONCLUSIONS: An ideal NE vaccine should incorporate multiple antigens, molecular adjuvants, and delivery systems via in ovo and oral routes. The review underscores the challenges in developing and validating NE vaccines and the urgent need for a standardized protocol to replicate aggressive challenges accurately.

Asunto(s)

Vacunas Bacterianas , Pollos , Infecciones por Clostridium , Clostridium perfringens , Enteritis , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral , Animales , Clostridium perfringens/inmunología , Clostridium perfringens/genética , Enteritis/prevención & control , Enteritis/veterinaria , Enteritis/microbiología , Enteritis/inmunología , Vacunas Bacterianas/inmunología , Vacunas Bacterianas/administración & dosificación , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/prevención & control , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/microbiología , Infecciones por Clostridium/prevención & control , Infecciones por Clostridium/veterinaria , Infecciones por Clostridium/inmunología , Antígenos Bacterianos/inmunología , Desarrollo de Vacunas/métodos , Vacunación/veterinaria , Vacunación/métodos , Necrosis/veterinaria

RESUMEN

Chlamydia psittaci-a zoonotic pathogen in birds-may be transmitted to humans, causing severe respiratory disease. Individuals working in or living near poultry farms are highly susceptible to C. psittaci infection. In this study, we assessed the prevalence and genotypes of C. psittaci in poultries and humans in three cities of China by collecting fecal samples from different poultry species and throat swab samples and serum samples from workers in poultry farms and zoos. These samples were screened by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting C. psittaci ompA. The positive samples were subjected to PCR amplification and sequencing of ompA. The strains detected in the samples were genotyped on the basis of the phylogenetic analysis of ompA sequences. In total, 3.13% (40/1278) poultry fecal samples were positive in the qPCR assay, whereas 3.82% (6/157) of throat swab samples and 42.59% (46/108) of serum samples from the workers were positive in the qPCR and indirect fluorescent antibody assays, respectively. The strains detected in the 32 poultry samples and 6 human samples were genotyped as type A, indicating that the workers were infected with C. psittaci that originated in poultry birds in farms. Additionally, eight peacocks showed strains with the genotype CPX0308, which was identified in China for the first time. Elucidating the distribution of C. psittaci in animals and poultry-related workers may provide valuable insights for reducing the risk of C. psittaci infection within a population.

Asunto(s)

Chlamydophila psittaci , Genotipo , Filogenia , Psitacosis , Animales , Chlamydophila psittaci/genética , Chlamydophila psittaci/aislamiento & purificación , China/epidemiología , Humanos , Psitacosis/epidemiología , Psitacosis/veterinaria , Psitacosis/microbiología , Prevalencia , Aves de Corral/microbiología , Ciudades/epidemiología , Heces/microbiología , Proteínas de la Membrana Bacteriana Externa/genética , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/microbiología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/epidemiología

RESUMEN

AIMS: Characterize global genomic features of 86 genomes of Salmonella Gallinarum (SG) and Pullorum (SP), which are important pathogens causing systemic infections in poultry. METHODS AND RESULTS: All genomes harbored efflux pump encoding gene mdsA and gold tolerance genes golS and golT. Aminoglycoside (aac(6')-Ib, aadA5, aph(6)-Id, aph(3'')-Ib, ant(2'')-Ia), beta-lactam (blaTEM-1, blaTEM-135), efflux pump (mdsB), fosfomycin (fosA3), sulfonamide (sul1, sul2), tetracycline [tet(A)], trimethoprim (dfrA17), acid (asr), and disinfectant (qacEdelta1) resistance genes, gyrA, gyrB, and parC quinolone resistance point mutations, and mercury tolerance genes (mer) were found in different frequencies. Additionally, 310 virulence genes, pathogenicity islands (including SPI-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, and 14), plasmids [IncFII(S), ColpVC, IncX1, IncN, IncX2, and IncC], and prophages (Fels-2, ST104, 500465-1, pro483, Gifsy-2, 103 203_sal5, Fels-1, RE-2010, vB_SenS-Ent2, and L-413C) were detected. MLST showed biovar-specific sequence types, and core genome MLST showed country-specific and global-related clusters. CONCLUSION: SG and SP global strains carry many virulence factors and important antimicrobial resistance genes. The diverse plasmids and prophages suggest genetic variability. MLST and cgMLST differentiated biovars and showed profiles occurring locally or worldwide.

Asunto(s)

Genoma Bacteriano , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral , Salmonella enterica , Serogrupo , Salmonella enterica/genética , Salmonella enterica/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/microbiología , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Islas Genómicas/genética , Salmonelosis Animal/microbiología , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana Múltiple/genética , Factores de Virulencia/genética , Plásmidos/genética , Pollos/microbiología , Genómica , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana/genética

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Colibacillosis in broiler chickens is associated with economic loss and localized or systemic infection. Usually, the last resort is antibacterial therapy. Insight into the disease pathogenesis, host responses and plausible immunomodulatory effects of the antibacterials is important in choosing antibacterial agent and optimization of the treatment. Selected responses of broiler chickens experimentally infected with Escherichia coli (E. coli) and also those treated with florfenicol are evaluated in this study. Chickens (n = 70, 5 weeks old) were randomly assigned to four groups. The control groups included normal control (NC) and intratracheal infection control (ITC) (received sterile bacterial medium). The experimental groups consisted of intratracheal infection (IT) that received bacterial suspension and intratracheal infection with florfenicol administration (ITF) group. RESULTS: Florfenicol reversed the decreased albumin/globulin ratio to the level of control groups (p > 0.05). Serum interleukin 10 (IL-10) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) concentrations decreased in IT birds as compared to NC group. Florfenicol decreased the serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) concentration as compared to IT group. Milder signs of inflammation, septicemia, and left shift were observed in the leukogram of the ITF group. Florfenicol decreased the severity of histopathological lesions in lungs and liver. Depletion of lymphoid tissue was detected in spleen, thymus and bursa of IT group but was absent in ITF birds. The number of colony forming units of E. coli in liver samples of ITF group was only slightly lower than IT birds. CONCLUSIONS: Experimental E. coli infection of chickens by intratracheal route is associated with remarkable inflammatory responses as shown by changes in biochemical and hematological parameters. Histopathological lesions in lymphoid organs (especially in the spleen) were also prominent. Florfenicol has positive immunomodulatory effects and improves many of the lesions before the full manifestation of its antibacterial effects. These effects of florfenicol should be considered in pharmacotherapy decision-making process.

Asunto(s)

Antibacterianos , Pollos , Infecciones por Escherichia coli , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral , Tianfenicol , Animales , Tianfenicol/análogos & derivados , Tianfenicol/uso terapéutico , Tianfenicol/farmacología , Tianfenicol/administración & dosificación , Antibacterianos/uso terapéutico , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Antibacterianos/administración & dosificación , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/microbiología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/inmunología , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/veterinaria , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/tratamiento farmacológico , Escherichia coli/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

Introduction: The prevention and mitigation of intestinal immune challenge is crucial for poultry production. This study investigated the effects of dietary Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) supplementation on the prevention of intestinal injury in broiler chickens challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: A total of 256 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups using a 2×2 factorial design with 2 MCE supplemental levels (0 and 400 mg/kg) and 2 LPS challenge levels (0 and 1 mg/kg body weight). The experiment lasted for 21 d. Results and discussion: The results showed that MCE supplementation increased the average daily feed intake during days 0-14. MCE supplementation and LPS challenge have an interaction on the average daily gain during days 15-21. MCE supplementation significantly alleviated the decreased average daily gain of broiler chickens induced by LPS. MCE supplementation increased the total antioxidant capacity and the activity of catalase and reduced the level of malondialdehyde in jejunal mucosa. MCE addition elevated the villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth of the ileum. MCE supplementation decreased the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in the jejunum. MCE addition mitigated LPS-induced mRNA up-expression of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1ß and IL-17 in the jejunum. MCE supplementation increased the abundance of probiotic bacteria (such as Lactobacillus and Blautia) and reduced the abundance of pathogenic bacteria (such as Actinobacteriota, Peptostretococcaceae, and Rhodococcus), leading to alterations in gut microbiota composition. MCE addition altered several metabolic pathways such as Amino acid metabolism, Nucleotide metabolism, Energy metabolism, Carbohydrate metabolism, and Lipid metabolism in broilers. In these pathways, MCE supplementation increased the levels of L-aspartic acid, L-Glutamate, L-serine, etc., and reduced the levels of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, thromboxane B2, 13-(S)-HODPE, etc. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 400 mg/kg MCE effectively improved the growth performance and intestinal function in LPS-challenged broiler chickens, probably due to the modulation of gut microbiota and plasma metabolites.

Asunto(s)

Pollos , Suplementos Dietéticos , Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Lipopolisacáridos , Extractos Vegetales , Animales , Microbioma Gastrointestinal/efectos de los fármacos , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/administración & dosificación , Masculino , Papaveraceae/química , Alimentación Animal , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/microbiología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/inmunología , Citocinas/metabolismo , Citocinas/sangre , Intestinos/efectos de los fármacos , Intestinos/microbiología , Intestinos/inmunología

RESUMEN

Phillygenin (PHI) is an active ingredient derived from the leaf of Forsythia suspensa that has been found to alleviate inflammation and peroxidation response. Avian infectious bronchitis (IB) is a major threat to poultry industry viral respiratory tract disease that infected with infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). This study investigated the protection of PHI to CEK cell and broiler's tracheal injury triggered by avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). The results showed that IBV infection did not cause serious clinical symptoms and slowing-body weight in PHI-treated broilers. The expression of virus loads, pro-inflammation factors (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1ß) in CEK cell, and tracheas were decreased compared to the IBV group, exhibiting its potent anti-inflammation. Mechanistically, the study demonstrated that the inhibition of TLR7/MyD88/NF-κB pathway was mainly involved in the protection effect of PHI to inflammation injury. Interestingly, a higher abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus in respiratory tract was observed in PHI-treated broilers than in the IBV group. Significant differences were observed between the IBV group and PHI-treated group in the Ferroptosis, Tryptophan metabolism, and Glutathione metabolism pathways. PHI exhibited potent protection effect on IBV infection and alleviated inflammation injury, mainly through inhibiting TLR7/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. The study encourages further development of PHI, paving the way to its clinical use as a new candidate drug to relieve IBV-induced respiratory symptoms.

Asunto(s)

Pollos , Infecciones por Coronavirus , Virus de la Bronquitis Infecciosa , Factor 88 de Diferenciación Mieloide , FN-kappa B , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral , Receptor Toll-Like 7 , Animales , FN-kappa B/metabolismo , Factor 88 de Diferenciación Mieloide/metabolismo , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/microbiología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/metabolismo , Receptor Toll-Like 7/metabolismo , Infecciones por Coronavirus/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones por Coronavirus/veterinaria , Microbiota/efectos de los fármacos , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Preventing pathogens from entering the broiler premises is the main biosecurity measure at farm level. In conventional broiler production, chickens are kept indoors during the entire production period. Pathogens can enter the broiler-producing unit from sources such as water, equipment, personnel, insects, and rodents. The possible routes must be controlled, and corrective measures applied when necessary. The objective of this study was to (1) develop a hygiene protocol and test the scheme on 30 farms, and (2) compare the results to their Campylobacter-colonised status. A Hygiene Performance Rating protocol at farm level (HPR-F) was developed to systematically review the production to identify risk areas to biosecurity. The HPR-F consists of 13 categories with related questions. For each question, a score was given from 1 to 3, where 1 meant "acceptable", 2 was "potential for improvements", and 3 was "not acceptable". Scores for each question were multiplied with weight factors for hygienic impact and economic consequences describing whether the necessary improvement depends on a significant investment or is a cheap quick-fix and calculated into a percentage where 100% is perfect hygiene. The 30 farms in the study were selected from one county in Norway. The Campylobacter-results for each of the 30 farms in 2019-2021 were given according to rules in the Norwegian Action Plan against Campylobacter faecal sampling on-farm 3-6 days prior to slaughter. RESULTS: The overall results from the HPR-F showed that the general hygiene level was high in all farms. The mean total hygiene score was 82% and varied from 70 to 92%. The category Handling dead chicken had the highest hygiene score (93%), and Ventilation had the lowest score (55%). The HPR-F results were compared to the Campylobacter-status for the 30 farms: Campylobacter-negative flocks had slightly higher total scores than Campylobacter-positive flocks (P = 0.19). Among others, the category Outdoor area (vegetation close to the premises' walls) was identified as the most stable factor in relation to be colonised with Campylobacter. CONCLUSIONS: The HPR-F tested in this research trial provides a tool for veterinarians, advisors, and poultry farmers to improve biosecurity at farm level and enhance the preventive animal health initiatives.

Asunto(s)

Crianza de Animales Domésticos , Infecciones por Campylobacter , Campylobacter , Pollos , Granjas , Higiene , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral , Animales , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/prevención & control , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/microbiología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/epidemiología , Campylobacter/aislamiento & purificación , Infecciones por Campylobacter/veterinaria , Infecciones por Campylobacter/prevención & control , Infecciones por Campylobacter/epidemiología , Infecciones por Campylobacter/microbiología , Crianza de Animales Domésticos/métodos , Higiene/normas , Prevalencia , Noruega/epidemiología

RESUMEN

Oligodeoxynucleotides containing CpG motifs (CpG-ODN) can promote antimicrobial immunity in chickens by enriching immune compartments and activating immune cells. Innate memory, or trained immunity, has been demonstrated in humans and mice, featuring the absence of specificity to the initial stimulus and subsequently cross-protection against pathogens. We hypothesize that CpG-ODN can induce trained immunity in chickens. We delivered single or multiple administrations of CpG-ODN to birds and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were quantified using Seahorse XFp. Next, chickens were administered with CpG-ODN twice at 1 and 4 day of age and challenged with Escherichia coli at 27 days of age. The CpG-ODN administered groups had significantly higher mitochondrial OXPHOS until 21 days of age while cellular glycolysis gradually declined by 14 days of age. The group administered with CpG-ODN twice at 1 and 4 days of age had significantly higher survival, lower clinical score and bacterial load following challenge with E. coli at 27 d of age. This study demonstrated the induction of trained immunity in broiler chickens following administration of CpG-ODN twice during the first 4 days of age to protect birds against E. coli septicemia at 27 days of age.

Asunto(s)

Pollos , Infecciones por Escherichia coli , Escherichia coli , Oligodesoxirribonucleótidos , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral , Sepsis , Animales , Oligodesoxirribonucleótidos/administración & dosificación , Oligodesoxirribonucleótidos/farmacología , Pollos/inmunología , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/inmunología , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/prevención & control , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/veterinaria , Sepsis/inmunología , Sepsis/prevención & control , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/prevención & control , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/inmunología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/microbiología , Inmunidad Innata/efectos de los fármacos , Leucocitos Mononucleares/inmunología , Leucocitos Mononucleares/metabolismo , Fosforilación Oxidativa , Inmunidad Entrenada

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVES: Antimicrobials can select for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. After treatment the active compound is excreted through urine and faeces. As some antimicrobials are chemically stable, recirculation of subinhibitory concentrations of antimicrobials may occur due to coprophagic behaviour of animals such as chickens. METHODS: The persistence of three antimicrobials over time and their potential effects on antimicrobial resistance were determined in four groups of broilers. Groups were left untreated (control) or were treated with amoxicillin (unstable), doxycycline or enrofloxacin (stable). Antimicrobials were extracted from the faecal samples and were measured by LC-MS/MS. We determined the resistome genotypically using shotgun metagenomics and phenotypically by using Escherichia coli as indicator microorganism. RESULTS: Up to 37 days after treatment, doxycycline and enrofloxacin had concentrations in faeces equal to or higher than the minimal selective concentration (MSC), in contrast to the amoxicillin treatment. The amoxicillin treatment showed a significant difference (P ≤ 0.01 and P ≤ 0.0001) in the genotypic resistance only directly after treatment. On the other hand, the doxycycline treatment showed approximately 52% increase in phenotypic resistance and a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05 and P ≤ 0.0001) in genotypic resistance throughout the trial. Furthermore, enrofloxacin treatment resulted in a complete non-WT E. coli population but the quantity of resistance genes was similar to the control group, likely because resistance is mediated by point mutations. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings, we suggest that persistence of antimicrobials should be taken into consideration in the assessment of priority classification of antimicrobials in livestock.

Asunto(s)

Antibacterianos , Pollos , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana , Enrofloxacina , Escherichia coli , Heces , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Animales , Pollos/microbiología , Heces/microbiología , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Enrofloxacina/farmacología , Escherichia coli/efectos de los fármacos , Escherichia coli/genética , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana/genética , Amoxicilina/farmacología , Selección Genética , Doxiciclina/farmacología , Genotipo , Metagenómica , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/microbiología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/tratamiento farmacológico

RESUMEN

Dietary anti-interleukin (IL)-10 antibodies may protect broiler performance during coccidiosis by inhibiting Eimeria host-evasion pathways; however, anti-IL-10's effects on microbial communities during coccidiosis and secondary Clostridium perfringens (necrotic enteritis) challenge is unknown. The study objectives were to assess the jejunal microbiota of broilers fed anti-IL-10 during E. maxima ± C. perfringens challenge. Two replicate studies using Ross 308 chicks placed in wire-floor cages (32 cages/ replicate study; 20 chicks/ cage) were conducted, with chicks assigned to diets ± 0.03% anti-IL-10 for 25 d. In both replicate studies, challenge-designated chicks were inoculated with 1 × 108Salmonella Typhimurium colony forming units (CFU) at placement. On d14, S. Typhimurium-inoculated chicks were gavaged with 15,000 sporulated Eimeria maxima M6 oocysts and half the E. maxima-challenged chicks received 1×108C. perfringens CFUs on d 18 and 19. Six chicks/ treatment were euthanized for distal jejunum content collection at baseline (d 14), 7 d post-inoculation (pi) with E. maxima/ 3 dpi with C. perfringens (peak) or 11 dpi with E. maxima/ 7 dpi with C. perfringens (post-peak) for 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Sequences were quality screened (Mothur V.1.43.0) and clustered into de novo operation taxonomical units (OTU; 99% similarity) using the SILVA reference database (v138). Alpha diversity and log-transformed relative abundance data were analyzed in SAS 9.4 with replicate study, diet, challenge, and timepoint main effects plus associated interactions (P ≤ 0.05). Few baseline changes were observed, but E. maxima ± C. perfringens challenge reduced Romboutsia and Staphylococcus relative abundance 4- to 800-fold in both replicate studies (P ≤ 0.008). At peak challenge with secondary C. perfringens, feeding anti-IL-10 instead of the control diet reduced Clostridium sensu stricto 1 relative abundance 13- and 1,848-fold in both replicate studies (P < 0.0001); however, OTUs identified as C. perfringens were not affected by dietary anti-IL-10. These results indicate that anti-IL-10 does not affect the jejunal microbiota of unchallenged broilers, while coccidiosis or necrotic enteritis challenge generally contributed to greater microbiota alterations than diet.

Asunto(s)

Alimentación Animal , Pollos , Infecciones por Clostridium , Clostridium perfringens , Coccidiosis , Coinfección , Dieta , Eimeria , Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Interleucina-10 , Yeyuno , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral , Salmonella typhimurium , Animales , Alimentación Animal/análisis , Infecciones por Clostridium/veterinaria , Infecciones por Clostridium/prevención & control , Clostridium perfringens/fisiología , Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Coccidiosis/parasitología , Coinfección/veterinaria , Dieta/veterinaria , Eimeria/fisiología , Enteritis/veterinaria , Enteritis/parasitología , Enteritis/prevención & control , Microbioma Gastrointestinal/efectos de los fármacos , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/parasitología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/prevención & control , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/microbiología , Salmonella typhimurium/fisiología