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Gomez DE, Arroyo LG, Schoster A, Renaud DL, Kopper JJ, Dunkel B, Byrne D, Toribio RE. Diagnostic approaches, aetiological agents and their associations with short-term survival and laminitis in horses with acute diarrhoea admitted to referral institutions. Equine Vet J 2024; 56:959-969. [PMID: 37984355 DOI: 10.1111/evj.14024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An international description of the diagnostic approaches used in different institutions to diagnose acute equine diarrhoea and the pathogens detected is lacking. OBJECTIVES To describe the diagnostic approach, aetiological agents, outcome, and development of laminitis for diarrhoeic horses worldwide. STUDY DESIGN Multicentre retrospective case series. METHODS Information from horses with acute diarrhoea presenting to participating institutions between 2016 and 2020, including diagnostic approaches, pathogens detected and their associations with outcomes, were compared between institutions or geographic regions. RESULTS One thousand four hundred and thirty-eight horses from 26 participating institutions from 4 continents were included. Overall, aetiological testing was limited (44% for Salmonella spp., 42% for Neorickettsia risticii [only North America], 40% for Clostridiodes difficile, and 29% for ECoV); however, 13% (81/633) of horses tested positive for Salmonella, 13% (35/262) for N. risticii, 9% (37/422) for ECoV, and 5% (27/578) for C. difficile. C. difficile positive cases had greater odds of non-survival than horses negative for C. difficile (OR: 2.69, 95%CI: 1.23-5.91). In addition, horses that were positive for N. risticii had greater odds of developing laminitis than negative horses (OR: 2.76, 95%CI: 1.12-6.81; p = 0.029). MAIN LIMITATIONS Due to the study's retrospective nature, there are missing data. CONCLUSIONS This study highlighted limited diagnostic investigations in cases of acute equine diarrhoea. Detection rates of pathogens are similar to previous reports. Non-survival and development of laminitis are related to certain detected pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego E Gomez
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Luis G Arroyo
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Angelika Schoster
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Equine Department University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Equine Clinic, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - David L Renaud
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jamie J Kopper
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Bettina Dunkel
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - David Byrne
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ramiro E Toribio
- College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Hain-Saunders NMR, Knight DR, Bruce M, Byrne D, Riley TV. Genomic Analysis of Clostridioides difficile Recovered from Horses in Western Australia. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1743. [PMID: 37512915 PMCID: PMC10386058 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile poses an ongoing threat as a cause of gastrointestinal disease in humans and animals. Traditionally considered a human healthcare-related disease, increases in community-associated C. difficile infection (CDI) and growing evidence of inter-species transmission suggest a wider perspective is required for CDI control. In horses, C. difficile is a major cause of diarrhoea and life-threatening colitis. This study aimed to better understand the epidemiology of CDI in Australian horses and provide insights into the relationships between horse, human and environmental strains. A total of 752 faecal samples from 387 Western Australian horses were collected. C. difficile was isolated from 104 (30.9%) horses without gastrointestinal signs and 19 (37.8%) with gastrointestinal signs. Of these, 68 (55.3%) harboured one or more toxigenic strains, including C. difficile PCR ribotypes (RTs) 012 (n = 14), 014/020 (n = 10) and 087 (n = 7), all prominent in human infection. Whole-genome analysis of 45 strains identified a phylogenetic cluster of 10 closely related C. difficile RT 012 strains of equine, human and environmental origin (0-62 SNP differences; average 23), indicating recent shared ancestry. Evidence of possible clonal inter-species transmission or common-source exposure was identified for a subgroup of three horse and one human isolates, highlighting the need for a One Health approach to C. difficile surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasza M R Hain-Saunders
- Centre for Biosecurity, and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Daniel R Knight
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Mieghan Bruce
- Centre for Biosecurity, and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - David Byrne
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Thomas V Riley
- Centre for Biosecurity, and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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3
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Kohnen AB, Wiedenheft AM, Traub-Dargatz JL, Short DM, Cook KL, Lantz K, Morningstar-Shaw B, Lawrence JP, House S, Marshall KL, Rao S. Antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella and Escherichia coli from equids sampled in the NAHMS 2015-16 equine study and association of management factors with resistance. Prev Vet Med 2023; 213:105857. [PMID: 36773374 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.105857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have investigated antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli isolated from hospitalized horses, but studies conducted on community-based populations of equids are limited. The factors associated with AMR in these bacteria in the general horse population are not well understood. The primary objective of our study was to estimate the prevalence of Salmonella and describe antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella and E. coli from equids across the United States. The second objective was to identify associations between health management and biosecurity practices and AMR. Fecal samples submitted from 1357 equids on 199 operations were tested for Salmonella, identifying 27 positive samples with 29 isolates belonging to 18 serotypes. Fecal sample and operation-level prevalence of Salmonella was 2.0% (27/1357) and 7.0% (14/199), respectively. Most (25/29) isolates were pan-susceptible while four isolates exhibited resistance, three of which were multidrug resistant. Of the 721 samples cultured for E. coli, 85% (613/721) were positive. Eighty-six percent of the E. coli isolates recovered were pan-susceptible (529/612). Ten isolates were intermediate to one antimicrobial drug and susceptible to all others. Seventy-three E. coli isolates (11.9%, SE=1.3) were resistant to one or more antimicrobials, corresponding to a 33.0% (64/194) operation-level prevalence. Resistance to sulfonamide drugs was most common with 63 isolates (10.3%) resistant to sulfisoxazole, 57 of which (9.3%) were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. MDR in E. coli was rare (1.8%, SE=0.5). Univariate and multivariable regression were used to evaluate associations between health management and biosecurity questionnaire items and AMR in E. coli. The outcome modeled was resistance to any of the 14 tested antimicrobials. Depending on the operation type, operations with greater than 20 resident equids were significantly associated with resistance. In addition, performance operations were significantly associated with resistance when compared to farm/ranch operations. Operations with feed containers that prevent fecal contamination and those that had treated any equids for illness or injury were associated with a lower AMR. The study results suggest that equids in the general population appear to pose low risk of shedding antimicrobial resistant strains of Salmonella and E. coli, and therefore low transmission potential to other equids, animals, humans, or the environment. However, it is prudent to practice good hand hygiene to prevent spread of Salmonella as well as AMR, and to protect both animal and human health. Despite study limitations, potential management factors that may influence prevalence and prevent spread of AMR shed by equids were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison B Kohnen
- National Animal Health Monitoring System, Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Alyson M Wiedenheft
- National Animal Health Monitoring System, Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO, USA; Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Josie L Traub-Dargatz
- National Animal Health Monitoring System, Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO, USA; Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Diana M Short
- National Animal Health Monitoring System, Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Kim L Cook
- United States Department of Agriculture, Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit, Agricultural Research Services, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Kristina Lantz
- United States Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Services, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Brenda Morningstar-Shaw
- United States Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Services, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Jodie Plumblee Lawrence
- United States Department of Agriculture, Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit, Agricultural Research Services, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Sandra House
- United States Department of Agriculture, Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit, Agricultural Research Services, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Katherine L Marshall
- National Animal Health Monitoring System, Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Sangeeta Rao
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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Clostridial Diseases of Horses: A Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10020318. [PMID: 35214776 PMCID: PMC8876495 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The clostridial diseases of horses can be divided into three major groups: enteric/enterotoxic, histotoxic, and neurotoxic. The main enteric/enterotoxic diseases include those produced by Clostridium perfringens type C and Clostridioides difficile, both of which are characterized by enterocolitis. The main histotoxic diseases are gas gangrene, Tyzzer disease, and infectious necrotic hepatitis. Gas gangrene is produced by one or more of the following microorganisms: C. perfringens type A, Clostridium septicum, Paeniclostridium sordellii, and Clostridium novyi type A, and it is characterized by necrotizing cellulitis and/or myositis. Tyzzer disease is produced by Clostridium piliforme and is mainly characterized by multifocal necrotizing hepatitis. Infectious necrotic hepatitis is produced by Clostridium novyi type B and is characterized by focal necrotizing hepatitis. The main neurotoxic clostridial diseases are tetanus and botulism, which are produced by Clostridium tetani and Clostridium botulinum, respectively. Tetanus is characterized by spastic paralysis and botulism by flaccid paralysis. Neither disease present with specific gross or microscopic lesions. The pathogenesis of clostridial diseases involves the production of toxins. Confirming a diagnosis of some of the clostridial diseases of horses is sometimes difficult, mainly because some agents can be present in tissues of normal animals. This paper reviews the main clostridial diseases of horses.
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Hain‐Saunders N, Knight DR, Bruce M, Riley TV. Clostridioides difficile
infection and One Health: An Equine Perspective. Environ Microbiol 2022; 24:985-997. [PMID: 35001483 PMCID: PMC9304292 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile presents a significant health risk to humans and animals. The complexity of the bacterial–host interaction affecting pathogenesis and disease development creates an ongoing challenge for epidemiological studies, control strategies and prevention planning. The recent emergence of human disease caused by strains of C. difficile found in animals adds to mounting evidence that C. difficile infection (CDI) may be a zoonosis. In equine populations, C. difficile is a known cause of diarrhoea and gastrointestinal inflammation, with considerable mortality and morbidity. This has a significant impact on both the well‐being of the animal and, in the case of performance and production animals, it may have an adverse economic impact on relevant industries. While C. difficile is regularly isolated from horses, many questions remain regarding the impact of asymptomatic carriage as well as optimization of diagnosis, testing and treatment. This review provides an overview of our understanding of equine CDI while also identifying knowledge gaps and the need for a holistic One Health approach to a complicated issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasza Hain‐Saunders
- Biosecurity and One Health Research Centre, Harry Butler Institute Murdoch University Murdoch Western Australia Australia
| | - Daniel R. Knight
- Biosecurity and One Health Research Centre, Harry Butler Institute Murdoch University Murdoch Western Australia Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre Nedlands 6009 WA Australia
| | - Mieghan Bruce
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Centre for Biosecurity and One Health Murdoch University Murdoch Western Australia Australia
| | - Thomas V. Riley
- Biosecurity and One Health Research Centre, Harry Butler Institute Murdoch University Murdoch Western Australia Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre Nedlands 6009 WA Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia Australia
- Department of Microbiology, PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre Nedlands Western Australia Australia
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6
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Tsai CS, Hung YP, Lee JC, Syue LS, Hsueh PR, Ko WC. Clostridioides difficile infection: an emerging zoonosis? Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2021; 19:1543-1552. [PMID: 34383624 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2021.1967746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection (CDI) is the most common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and one of the common infections in healthcare facilities. In recent decades, there has been an emerging threat of community-acquired CDI (CA-CDI). Environmental transmission of C. difficile in the community setting has become a major concern, and animals are an important reservoir for C. difficile causing human diseases. AREAS COVERED In this article, the molecular epidemiology of C. difficile in animals and recent evidences of zoonotic transfer to humans are reviewed based on an electronic search in the databases of PubMed and Google Scholar. EXPERT OPINION C. difficile can be found in stool from diarrheal dogs and cats; therefore, household pets could be a potential source. C. difficile will threaten human health because hypervirulent C. difficile ribotype 078 strains have been found in retail chickens, pig farms, and slaughterhouses. Risk factors for fecal C. difficile carriage in animals include young age, dietary changes, and antibiotic abuse in domestic animals. With the advent of whole genome sequencing techniques, there will be more solid evidence indicating zoonotic transfer of C. difficile from animals to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Shiang Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Dou-Liou Branch, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Yunlin, Taiwan.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Pin Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Chieh Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Shan Syue
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ren Hsueh
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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7
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Antimicrobial Resistance and Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) Genes in E. coli Isolated from Equine Fecal Samples in Turkey. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 101:103461. [PMID: 33993943 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The extensive use of antibacterial agents used for treatment in human and veterinary clinics to increase yield in livestock and aquaculture in developing countries causes the detection and spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains in different sources. The presence of Escherichia coli strains is very common in racehorses and it's a serious problem on horse farms. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production is an important source of MDR development in Gram-negative strains such as E.coli. This study aimed to detect the presence of ESBL genes in E. coli strains isolated from horse farms in eastern Turkey. A total of 200 equine fecal samples were collected from 16 horse farms (70 Thoroughbred and 130 Arabian horses) in the Adana and Şanlıurfa provinces of Turkey. The presence of ESBL genes, such as blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaSHV, blaOXA-48, and blaKPC in the E. coli strains was investigated using real-time PCR. According to the real-time PCR results, 107 (53.5%) out of 200 E. coli strains were positive for at least one gene. BlaCTX-M, blaSHV, and blaTEM were detected in 11, 6, and 4 strains respectively. blaCTX-M+blaSHV coexisted in 16 strains, blaCTX-M+blaTEM in 11 strains, blaSHV+blaOXA-48 in 8 strains, blaTEM+blaSHV in 8 strains, blaCTX+blaSHV+ blaOXA-48 coexistent in 3 strains, blaCTX-M+blaTEM+blaSHV+blaOXA-48 in 7 strains, blaCTX-M+ blaTEM+blaSHV+blaKPC in 2 strains, and finally, blaCTX-M+blaTEM+blaSHV+blaOXA-48+blaKPC in 3 strains. In a summary, ESBL-producing E. coli strains were frequently seen in the racehorses from eastern Turkey. The excessive misuse of antibiotics has led to the evolution of MDR strains such as ESBL-producing E. coli that cause serious health problems and are difficult to treat. Routine molecular epidemiology studies are warranted to closely monitor these resistant strains.
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Weese JS, Slovis N, Rousseau J. Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile in neonatal foals and mares at a referral hospital. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:1140-1146. [PMID: 33656757 PMCID: PMC7995440 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the epidemiology of Clostridium difficile is important for the development and assessment of infection prevention and control practices, as well as surveillance methods and interpretation of diagnostic testing results. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to longitudinally evaluate C. difficile shedding in neonatal foals and mares admitted to a referral hospital neonatal intensive care unit. ANIMALS Foals admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit, along with their dams. METHODS Rectal swabs were collected from mares and foals at admission, and then approximately every 3 days, when possible. Selective culture for C. difficile was performed and isolates were characterized by toxin gene PCR and ribotyping. RESULTS Clostridium difficile was isolated from 103/409 (25%) samples; 65/208 (31%) from foals and 38/201 (19%) from mares. Cumulatively, C. difficile was isolated from at least 1 sample from 50/113 (44%) foals and 30/97 (31%) mares. No association was found between hospitalization day and isolation of C. difficile (P = .13). Twenty-three different ribotypes were identified, with ribotype 078 predominating. Fifteen foals had 2 positive samples during hospitalization. In only 6/15 (40%) foals was the same strain identified both times (5 ribotype 078 and 1 ribotype 012). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Clostridium difficile is an important pathogen in adult horses and foals, and our findings highlight the complexity surrounding the epidemiology of this opportunistic pathogen. It can be found commonly, transiently, and cluster within a facility in the absence of identifiable disease occurrences or clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Scott Weese
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathan Slovis
- McGee Medical Center, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Joyce Rousseau
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Abstract
Clostridium (Clostridioides) difficile is a gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium that is an important cause of disease in people, a variably important cause of disease in some animal species, and an apparently harmless commensal in others. Regardless of whether it is a known pathogen in a particular species, it can also be found in healthy individuals, sometimes at high prevalences and typically with higher rates of carriage in young individuals. As it is investigated in more animal species, it is apparent that this bacterium is widely disseminated in a diverse range of domestic and wild animal species. Although it can be found in most species in which investigations have been performed, there are pronounced intra- and inter-species differences in prevalence and clinical relevance. A wide range of strains can be identified, some that appear to be animal associated and others that are found in humans and animals. A large percentage of strains that cause disease in people can at least sporadically be found in animals. It is a potentially important zoonotic pathogen, but there is limited direct evidence of animal-human transmission. Although C. difficile has been studied extensively over the past few decades, it remains an enigmatic organism in many ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Scott Weese
- Department of Pathobiology and Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Weese)
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10
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Schoster A, Kunz T, Lauper M, Graubner C, Schmitt S, Weese JS. Prevalence of Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens in Swiss horses with and without gastrointestinal disease and microbiota composition in relation to Clostridium difficile shedding. Vet Microbiol 2019; 239:108433. [PMID: 31767096 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2019.108433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Overgrowth of enteric clostridia in dysbiosis in horses with colic is presumed but scarcely investigated. The objective was to provide prevalence data of Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens in horses with and without gastrointestinal disease in Switzerland, and investigate microbiota differences between C. difficile shedders and non-shedders. Fecal samples were taken from healthy horses (n = 103), horses with colic (n = 98) and horses with diarrhea (n = 151). Colic horses were sampled on three days. Selective enrichment culture and molecular typing for C. difficile and C. perfringens was performed. Microbiota differences between horses with colic shedding (n = 7) and not shedding (n = 7) C. difficile were assessed using metagenomic sequencing. The cumulative prevalence (19% C. difficile; 16% C. perfringens) was higher compared to single day samples (1-10% C. difficile; 3-8% C. perfringens, all p < 0.003). Horses with colic shed significantly more C. difficile (p < 0.001) but not C. perfringens (p = 0.09) compared to healthy horses. Prevalence in horses with diarrhea was 8% for both Clostridium species. There were no significant microbiota differences between C. difficile shedders and non-shedders with regards to relative abundance on any phylogenetic level, and alpha diversity. Limited differences were seen on LEfSE analysis and in beta diversity indices. Multiple fecal samples should be taken when investigating shedding of enteric clostridia. As horses with colic shed more enteric clostridia compared to healthy horses special biosecurity protocols for horses with colic should be considered in hospitals. Differences in microbiota composition between C. difficile shedders and non-shedders were limited. Further studies on the role of dysbiosis in C. difficile are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Schoster
- University of Zurich, Vetsuisse Faculty, Equine Department, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - T Kunz
- University of Zurich, Vetsuisse Faculty, Equine Department, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - M Lauper
- University of Berne, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institut Suisse de Médicine Equine, Länggassstrasse 124, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - C Graubner
- University of Berne, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institut Suisse de Médicine Equine, Länggassstrasse 124, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - S Schmitt
- University of Zurich, Vetsuisse Faculty, Section of Veterinary Bacteriology, Winterthurerstrasse 270, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - J S Weese
- University of Guelph, Ontario Veterinary College, Department of Pathobiology, N1G2W1 Guelph, Canada.
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11
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Schoster A. Probiotic Use in Equine Gastrointestinal Disease. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2018; 34:13-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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12
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Carneiro V, Lessa D, Guttmann P, Magalhaes H, Aquino M, Cunha L, Arais L, Cerqueira A. Virulence, resistance, and genetic relatedness of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella sp. isolated from mule foals. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-9115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Respiratory diseases are common in young horses but little is known about such infections in mule foals. This study aimed to characterize Escherichia coli and Klebsiella sp. isolated from tracheal wash (TW) and fecal samples (FS) of mule foals, with or without cytological evidence of respiratory disease. Strains were analyzed against 13 antimicrobials, for presence of Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), and virulence genes. Phylogrouping and Randomic (RAPD)-PCR profiles were used to evaluate their genetic relatedness. E. coli strains from TW and FS showed greatest resistance to tetracycline, while Klebsiella strains were mainly resistant to ampicillin; multidrug resistance and ESBL production were also detected. The blaCTX gene prevailed among the E. coli isolates, while the blaSHV gene was more frequently found in K. pneumoniae. The fimH gene was detected in most of the isolates and multiple virulence factors were identified in three E. coli isolates. Most of the E. coli isolates belonged to the B1 phylogroup, but B2 strains displayed more virulence genes. The RAPD assay revealed genetic diversity among strains and was able to distinguish FS isolates from TW isolates. Knowledge of the bacteria associated with the respiratory tract of mule foals is important in the treatment of sick animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - P.M. Guttmann
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil; Centro Universitário Serra dos Órgãos, Brazil
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13
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Bessegatto JA, Paulino LR, Lisbôa JAN, Alfieri AA, Montemor CH, Medeiros LP, Kobayashi RKT, Weese JS, Costa MC. Changes in the fecal microbiota of beef cattle caused by change in management and the use of virginiamycin as a growth promoter. Res Vet Sci 2017; 114:355-362. [PMID: 28675873 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2017.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Several factors are known to affect the intestinal microbiota of cattle. However, how these changes occur over time is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the consequences of entrance into a feedlot and the effects of virginiamycin used as a growth promoter on the bovine fecal microbiota. Two batches of beef cattle (B1, n=50 and B2, n=36) entering a feedlot operation were randomly divided into two pens: one receiving virginiamycin and one group not receiving antibiotic (control group). Fecal samples were collected at arrival, mid feedlot and at exit to slaughter. The V4 region of 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced. Escherichia coli strains isolated in samples from arrival and exit of B2 were also isolated and used as indicators of antimicrobial susceptibility. Marked changes in membership and structure of fecal microbiota occurred following entrance into the feedlot. At mid feedlot, virginiamycin affected bacterial community membership, but not structure, suggesting that the antibiotic had a stronger effect on the rare, but not on the most abundant species. The use of virginiamycin had no demonstrable effect on antibiotic resistance in E. coli. The differences found between batches are suggestive that variations in study conditions are important and can strongly affect the intestinal microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laís Resende Paulino
- Department of Clinical Studies, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Amauri Alcindo Alfieri
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - J Scott Weese
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marcio Carvalho Costa
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
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14
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Mignaqui A, Marcellino R, Ronco T, Pappalardo J, Nonnemann B, Pedersen K, Robles C. Isolation and molecular characterization of Clostridium perfringens from healthy Merino lambs in Patagonia region, Argentina. Anaerobe 2017; 43:35-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2016.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/30/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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15
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Diseases of the Alimentary Tract. Vet Med (Auckl) 2017. [PMCID: PMC7167529 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-5246-0.00007-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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16
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Bandelj P, Blagus R, Briski F, Frlic O, Vergles Rataj A, Rupnik M, Ocepek M, Vengust M. Identification of risk factors influencing Clostridium difficile prevalence in middle-size dairy farms. Vet Res 2016; 47:41. [PMID: 26968527 PMCID: PMC4788955 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-016-0326-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Farm animals have been suggested to play an important role in the epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in the community. The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors associated with C. difficile dissemination in family dairy farms, which are the most common farming model in the European Union. Environmental samples and fecal samples from cows and calves were collected repeatedly over a 1 year period on 20 mid-size family dairy farms. Clostridium difficile was detected in cattle feces on all farms using qPCR. The average prevalence between farms was 10% (0–44.4%) and 35.7% (3.7–66.7%) in cows and calves, respectively. Bacterial culture yielded 103 C. difficile isolates from cattle and 61 from the environment. Most C. difficile isolates were PCR-ribotype 033. A univariate mixed effect model analysis of risk factors associated dietary changes with increasing C. difficile prevalence in cows (P = 0.0004); and dietary changes (P = 0.004), breeding Simmental cattle (P = 0.001), mastitis (P = 0.003) and antibiotic treatment (P = 0.003) in calves. Multivariate analysis of risk factors found that dietary changes in cows (P = 0.0001) and calves (P = 0.002) increase C. difficile prevalence; mastitis was identified as a risk factor in calves (P = 0.001). This study shows that C. difficile is common on dairy farms and that shedding is more influenced by farm management than environmental factors. Based on molecular typing of C. difficile isolates, it could also be concluded that family dairy farms are currently not contributing to increased CDI incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Bandelj
- Veterinary faculty, University of Ljubljana, cesta v Mestni log 47, 1115, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Rok Blagus
- Institute for biostatistics and Medical informatics, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1104, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Olga Frlic
- , Vinharje 6, 4223, Poljane nad Skofjo Loko, Slovenia
| | | | - Maja Rupnik
- National Laboratory for Health, Environment and Food, Prvomajska ulica 1, 2000, Maribor, Slovenia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska ulica 8, 2000, Maribor, Slovenia.,Centre of Excellence for Integrated Approaches in Chemistry and Biology of Proteins, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matjaz Ocepek
- Veterinary faculty, University of Ljubljana, cesta v Mestni log 47, 1115, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Modest Vengust
- Veterinary faculty, University of Ljubljana, cesta v Mestni log 47, 1115, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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17
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Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance in Clostridium difficile With Special Reference to the Horse. CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s40588-016-0029-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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18
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Bondo KJ, Weese JS, Rouseau J, Jardine CM. Longitudinal study of Clostridium difficile shedding in raccoons on swine farms and conservation areas in Ontario, Canada. BMC Vet Res 2015; 11:254. [PMID: 26446591 PMCID: PMC4597454 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-015-0563-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clostridium difficile is an important enteropathogen affecting humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. The objectives of this study were to 1) compare the prevalence and characteristics of C. difficile isolated from the feces of raccoons trapped on swine farms and conservation sites, and 2) investigate the role of raccoons as potential reservoirs for host-adapted strains of C. difficile using a longitudinal study. Fecal swabs were collected from raccoons at 5 conservation sites and 5 swine farms, once every five weeks, from May to November, 2012. Results Clostridium difficile was isolated from 9 % (38/444) of samples, from 12 % (37/302) of raccoons, from all 10 sites. A total of 19 different ribotypes were identified, including 5 ribotypes that matched recognized international designations and which are also found in humans (001, 014, 056, 078, and 103). Location type (farm or conservation area) was not associated with C. difficile status (P = 0.448) but only 3 ribotypes (014, 056, and 078) were found in both location types. The prevalence of ribotype 078 was significantly higher on farms (4 %; 9/220) compared to conservation sites (1 %; 2/225) (P = 0.034). Only one of 108 raccoons caught in multiple sessions was positive on more than one occasion. Conclusions We found no evidence to support the hypothesis that raccoons harbour host-adapted strains of C. difficile; rather, it appears that raccoons transiently acquire C. difficile from the environment. Raccoons are unlikely to be maintaining C. difficile, but because we detected C. difficile strains that have the potential to cause illness in humans and livestock, and because raccoons can move relatively large distances, they may play a role in the dissemination of pathogenic ribotypes of C. difficile throughout the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin J Bondo
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - J Scott Weese
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Joyce Rouseau
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Claire M Jardine
- Department of Pathobiology and Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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19
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Maddox TW, Clegg PD, Williams NJ, Pinchbeck GL. Antimicrobial resistance in bacteria from horses: Epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance. Equine Vet J 2015; 47:756-65. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.12471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 06/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T. W. Maddox
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology; Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease; Neston UK
| | - P. D. Clegg
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology; Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease; Neston UK
| | - N. J. Williams
- National Consortium for Zoonosis Research; School of Veterinary Sciences; Neston UK
| | - G. L. Pinchbeck
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health; Institute of Infection and Global Health; School of Veterinary Sciences; Leahurst Campus; University of Liverpool Neston UK
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20
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Schoster A, Staempfli HR, Abrahams M, Jalali M, Weese JS, Guardabassi L. Effect of a probiotic on prevention of diarrhea and Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens shedding in foals. J Vet Intern Med 2015; 29:925-31. [PMID: 25903509 PMCID: PMC4895414 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 02/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Up to 60% of foals develop diarrhea within 6 months after birth. Preventive measures are limited but potentially probiotics could be used. Objective To evaluate the effect of a newly designed probiotic on the incidence of foal diarrhea in a randomized field trial. Animals Seventy‐two healthy neonatal foals. Methods Randomized, placebo‐controlled field trial. Foals were administered a placebo or probiotic for 3 weeks and monitored for an additional week. A total of 3 fecal samples were taken from each foal at biweekly intervals. Statistical modeling was applied for comparison of incidence and duration of diarrhea and fecal shedding of Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium difficile between treatment and age groups. Results The overall incidence of diarrhea was 41 of 72 (59%) and did not differ (P = 0.37) between treatment groups. Foals treated with probiotics were more likely to develop diarrhea requiring veterinary intervention (P = 0.007). Age had a significant effect on incidence of diarrhea (P < 0.001); foals 8–15 days old having the highest probability of developing diarrhea. Duration of diarrhea and soft feces were not significantly different between groups. The prevalence of C. perfringens shedding was 55% with no difference between treatment groups (P = 0.23). The prevalence of C. difficile shedding was 11%. Conclusion and Clinical Importance There was no benefit of administering a 3‐week course of probiotics, but potential adverse effects were noted. Whether the probiotics lacked a clinical effect, or the choice of strains or dose was inadequate, is unknown. Clostridial shedding was not influenced by probiotics despite in vitro activity of probiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Schoster
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark.,Vetsuisse Faculty, Equine Department, Clinic for Equine Internal Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - H R Staempfli
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Abrahams
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Jalali
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - J S Weese
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - L Guardabassi
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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21
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Moriarty EM, Downing M, Bellamy J, Gilpin BJ. Concentrations of faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, enterococci and Campylobacter spp. in equine faeces. N Z Vet J 2015; 63:104-9. [PMID: 25415756 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2014.952789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To determine the concentration of Campylobacter spp. as well as faecal indicator bacteria; faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli and enterococci in the faeces of healthy adult horses in a sample of properties in the Canterbury region of New Zealand. METHODS The faeces of healthy adult horses (n=59), including ponies, pleasure horses and Thoroughbreds, were collected from eight properties around Christchurch, New Zealand. The faeces were analysed for concentrations of Campylobacter spp and faecal indicator bacteria; faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli and enterococci. The presence of other animals on the properties sampled as well as the age, feed and health of the horses at the time of sampling was recorded. RESULTS Enterococci and faecal coliforms were isolated from all samples, and E. coli was isolated from 58/59 samples. Mean concentrations of faecal coliforms and E. coli did not differ between properties, but there was a significant difference in mean concentration of enterococci between properties. Campylobacter spp. were detected in two faecal samples with one isolate being determined by PCR analysis to be a thermotolerant Campylobacter species, the other C. jejuni. CONCLUSIONS This is the first known report quantifying the concentration of Campylobacter spp. present in healthy adult horses in New Zealand. The presence of equine faecal material in water could elevate concentrations of faecal bacteria and therefore needs to be considered as a source of water contamination. The access of horses to waterways and coastal environments may also need to be restricted to prevent transmission of faecal indicator bacteria and potentially zoonotic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Moriarty
- a Institute of Environmental Science and Research , PO Box 29-181, Christchurch , New Zealand
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22
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Carriage and acquisition rates of Clostridium difficile in hospitalized horses, including molecular characterization, multilocus sequence typing and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial isolates. Vet Microbiol 2014; 172:309-17. [PMID: 24894133 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2014.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Revised: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile has been identified as a significant agent of diarrhoea and enterocolitis in both foals and adult horses. Hospitalization, antibiotic therapy or changes in diet may contribute to the development of C. difficile infection. Horses admitted to a care unit are therefore at greater risk of being colonized. The aim of this study was to investigate the carriage of C. difficile in hospitalized horses and the possible influence of some risk factors in colonization. During a seven-month period, faecal samples and data relating the clinical history of horses admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital were collected. C. difficile isolates were characterized through toxin profiles, cytotoxicity activity, PCR-ribotyping, antimicrobial resistance and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Ten isolates were obtained with a total of seven different PCR-ribotypes, including PCR-ribotype 014. Five of them were identified as toxinogenic. A high resistance to gentamicin, clindamycin and ceftiofur was found. MLST revealed four different sequencing types (ST), which included ST11, ST26, ST2 and ST15, and phylogenetic analysis showed that most of the isolates clustered in the same lineage. Clinical history suggests that horses frequently harbour toxigenic and non-toxigenic C. difficile and that in most cases they are colonized regardless of the reason for hospitalization; the development of diarrhoea is more unusual.
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23
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Álvarez-Pérez S, Blanco JL, Martínez-Nevado E, Peláez T, Harmanus C, Kuijper E, García ME. Shedding of Clostridium difficile PCR ribotype 078 by zoo animals, and report of an unstable metronidazole-resistant isolate from a zebra foal (Equus quagga burchellii). Vet Microbiol 2014; 169:218-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Revised: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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24
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Himsworth CG, Patrick DM, Mak S, Jardine CM, Tang P, Weese JS. Carriage of Clostridium difficile by wild urban Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) and black rats (Rattus rattus). Appl Environ Microbiol 2014; 80:1299-305. [PMID: 24317079 PMCID: PMC3911036 DOI: 10.1128/aem.03609-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile is an important cause of enteric infections in humans. Recently, concerns have been raised regarding whether animals could be a source of C. difficile spores. Although colonization has been identified in a number of domestic species, the ability of commensal pests to serve as a reservoir for C. difficile has not been well investigated. The objective of this study was to determine whether urban rats (Rattus spp.) from Vancouver, Canada, carry C. difficile. Clostridium difficile was isolated from the colon contents of trapped rats and was characterized using ribotyping, toxinotyping, and toxin gene identification. Generalized linear mixed models and spatial analysis were used to characterize the ecology of C. difficile in rats. Clostridium difficile was isolated from 95 of 724 (13.1%) rats, although prevalence differed from 0% to 46.7% among city blocks. The odds of being C. difficile positive decreased with increasing weight (odds ratio [OR], 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53 to 0.87), suggesting that carriage is more common in younger animals. The strains isolated included 9 ribotypes that matched recognized international designations, 5 identified by our laboratory in previous studies, and 21 "novel" ribotypes. Some strains were clustered geographically; however, the majority were dispersed throughout the study area, supporting environmental sources of exposure and widespread environmental contamination with a variety of C. difficile strains. Given that urban rats are the source of a number of other pathogens responsible for human morbidity and mortality, the potential for rats to be a source of C. difficile for humans deserves further consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea G. Himsworth
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Animal Health Centre, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David M. Patrick
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sunny Mak
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Claire M. Jardine
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patrick Tang
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - J. Scott Weese
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Niwa H, Kato H, Hobo S, Kinoshita Y, Ueno T, Katayama Y, Hariu K, Oku K, Senoh M, Kuroda T, Nakai K. Postoperative Clostridium difficile infection with PCR ribotype 078 strain identified at necropsy in five Thoroughbred racehorses. Vet Rec 2013; 173:607. [PMID: 24336792 DOI: 10.1136/vr.101960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile is an important cause of acute enterocolitis in horses. We describe five cases of C difficile infection occurring postoperatively in Thoroughbred racehorses. Following diarrhoea or colic accompanied by a marked increase in packed cell volume (to ≥60 per cent) and leucopenia (≤4000 cells/μl) within two to four days after surgery in all five horses, four of them died or were euthanased because of colitis or severe diarrhoea. In these four horses, necrotising entero-typhlo-colitis was revealed by postmortem examination, and C difficile was recovered from the contents of the small and/or large intestine. The remaining horse was euthanased because of marked decline in general condition and the presence of a lung abscess, from which C difficile was isolated. The horse had had severe postoperative diarrhoea before the onset of respiratory disorder; laboratory tests for C difficile were not performed on the faeces. All C difficile isolates were toxin-A-positive, toxin-B-positive and actin-specific ADP-ribosyltransferase (CDT)-positive. The isolates were indistinguishable by pulsed field gel electrophoresis analysis, PCR ribotyping, and slpA sequence typing, and the slpA sequences and PCR ribotype patterns were identical to those of known PCR type 078. This case sequence might have been healthcare-associated infection, although there was about a four-month interval between each disease onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Niwa
- Microbiology Division, Epizootic Research Center, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shiba 1400-4, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0412, Japan
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26
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Javanbakht J, Daraei H, Jani M, Noorisepehr M. The Evaluation of Small Intestinal Volvulus Caused by Pathogenic microorganisms in a Thoroughbred Mare. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENTERIC PATHOGENS 2013. [DOI: 10.17795/ijep13609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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27
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Diab S, Songer G, Uzal F. Clostridium difficile infection in horses: A review. Vet Microbiol 2013; 167:42-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Revised: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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28
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Is the prevalence of Clostridium difficile in animals underestimated? Vet J 2013; 197:694-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.03.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Revised: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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29
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Schoster A, Arroyo LG, Staempfli HR, Weese JS. Comparison of microbial populations in the small intestine, large intestine and feces of healthy horses using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism. BMC Res Notes 2013; 6:91. [PMID: 23497580 PMCID: PMC3622624 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-6-91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2012] [Accepted: 02/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The composition of the microbiota of the equine intestinal tract is complex. Determining whether the microbial composition of fecal samples is representative of proximal compartments of the digestive tract could greatly simplify future studies. The objectives of this study were to compare the microbial populations of the duodenum, ileum, cecum, colon and rectum (feces) within and between healthy horses, and to determine whether rectal (fecal) samples are representative of proximal segments of the gastrointestinal tract. Intestinal samples were collected from ten euthanized horses. 16S rRNA gene PCR-based TRFLP was used to investigate microbiota richness in various segments of the gastrointestinal tract, and dice similarity indices were calculated to compare the samples. Results Within horses large variations of microbial populations along the gastrointestinal tract were seen. The microbiota in rectal samples was only partially representative of other intestinal compartments. The highest similarity was obtained when feces were compared to the cecum. Large compartmental variations were also seen when microbial populations were compared between six horses with similar dietary and housing management. Conclusion Rectal samples were not entirely representative of intestinal compartments in the small or large intestine. This should be taken into account when designing studies using fecal sampling to assess other intestinal compartments. Similarity between horses with similar dietary and husbandry management was also limited, suggesting that parts of the intestinal microbiota were unique to each animal in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Schoster
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada.
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30
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Bowen
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science; University of Nottingham; UK
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