Comparative pharmacokinetics of florfenicol in healthy and Pasteurella multocida-infected Gaoyou ducks

Immunoprotective efficacy of Escherichia coli-derived outer membrane vesicles displaying PlpE protein of Pasteurella multocida

Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida), a pathogenic bacterium known to induce duck cholera, stands as a significant contributor to bacterial diseases afflicting the duck industry, causing substantial annual economic losses on a global scale. In this study, the genes encoding the lipoproteins PlpE of P. multocida strain PMWSG-4 was cloned, inserted into the pBAD-ClyA vector, and the recombinant outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) fused with PlpE antigen of P. multocida was expressed by Escherichia coli (E. coli). Ducks immunized with OMV-PlpE had significantly (P < 0.001) increased production of antigen-specific antibodies. Moreover, at 28 days post-immunization, the expression of genes associated with immune response, including interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-10, and interferon (IFN)-γ in the spleen tissue of immunized ducks were significantly (P < 0.001) up-regulated compared to unimmunized ducks in the control group. And the active serum had significant bactericidal effects against the PMWSG-4 strain (P < 0.001). The protective efficacy of the vaccines was evaluated by leg muscle challenge with 20 LD50 doses of P. multocida, with the recombinant OMV-PlpE conferring 100 % protection. Histopathological examination and tissue bacterial load detection revealed that OMV-PlpE mitigated tissue damage and bacterial colonization to a statistically significant extent (P < 0.001). These findings serve as a valuable reference for the development of vaccines against P. multocida.

In vivo pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study and cutoff of florfenicol against Riemerella anatipestifer in ducks

Riemerella anatipestifer causes serious infections, characterized by septicemia and serositis, in ducks and geese. R. anatipestifer is mainly controlled through antimicrobial chemotherapy. This study investigated the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) integration of florfenicol (FF) against R. anatipestifer by establishing a systemic infection model in ducks. For PK studies, FF was administrated intramuscularly (i.m.) at single doses of 2.5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg body weight. The concentrations of FF in blood, lung, and liver were determined. FF was rapidly eliminated in R. anatipestifer-infected ducks with T1/2kel values of 1.67, 2.2, and 1.62 h in the plasma, lung, and liver, respectively. For PD analysis, the infected ducks were administered FF via the i.m. route at doses of 5-80 mg/kg body weight, using 2 dosing regimens involving the administration of FF either once or twice over 24 h. The bacteria were counted 24 h after drug administration. Bactericidal effects in tissues (including those of the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, and brain) were achieved at doses of ≥20 mg/kg following 2 i.m. injections of FF within 24 h. The data obtained were fitted to a sigmoidal Emax model. The results demonstrated that AUC24h/minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (R2 = 0.930) and Cmax/MIC (R2 = 0.930) were the optimal PK/PD parameters for describing the antibacterial activity of FF. The magnitudes of AUC24h/MIC and Cmax/MIC required to produce a drop of 3 Log10CFU/mL in the bacterial count were 58.56 h and 15.10, respectively. The MIC distribution of 164 R. anatipestifer strains for FF ranged from 0.25 to 16 μg/mL. Both the values of COWT derived from the ECOFFinder program and the COPD based on a 10,000-subject Monte Carlo simulation of FF against R. anatipestifer were 1 μg/mL, confirming that infections caused by strains with MIC ≤ 1 μg/mL could be effectively treated. Our study results may prove useful in optimizing FF regimens to treat R. anatipestifer infections.

Assessment of anti-MRSA activity of auranofin and florfenicol combination: a PK/PD analysis

AIMS

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important zoonotic pathogen with multidrug-resistant phenotypes increasingly prevalent in both human and veterinary clinics. This study evaluated the potential of auranofin (AF) as an antibiotic adjuvant to enhance the anti-MRSA activity of florfenicol (FFC) and established a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model to compare the efficacy of FFC alone or in combination with AF against MRSA.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We observed an increased susceptibility and significant synergistic effects of MRSA to FFC in the presence of AF. The combination treatment of FFC and AF significantly inhibited MRSA biofilm formation and decreased the metabolic activity of mature biofilms. Importantly, AF fully restored the efficacy of FFC in both Galleria mellonella larvae and murine models. PK/PD studies demonstrated that the AUC24h/MIC targets required to achieve the bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects were significantly lower with the combination therapy compared to florfenicol monotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

These results reveal the potential of AF as a novel adjuvant to improve the efficacy of FFC in treating MRSA invasive infections and provide valuable PK/PD insights for designing effective combination therapies.

Pharmacokinetic characteristics of florfenicol in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) after intramuscular administration

The pharmacokinetics of florfenicol (FFC) in green sea and hawksbill sea turtles were evaluated following intramuscular (i.m.) administration at two different dosages of 20 or 30 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). This study (longitudinal design) used 5 green sea and 5 hawksbill sea turtles for the two dosages. Blood samples were collected at assigned times up to 168 h. FFC plasma samples were analyzed using validated high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with diode array detection. The pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using a non-compartment approach. The FFC plasma concentrations increased with the dosage. The elimination half-life was similar between the treatment groups (range 19-25 h), as well as the plasma protein binding (range 18.59%-20.65%). According to the surrogate PK/PD parameter (T > MIC, 2 μg/mL), the 20 and 30 mg/kg dosing rates should be effective doses for susceptible bacterial infections in green sea and hawksbill sea turtles.

Effects of chitooligosaccharide on the in vitro antibacterial activity against avian Escherichia coli and the pharmacokinetics of florfenicol in healthy chickens

This study investigates the combined effects of chitooligosaccharide (COS) and florfenicol (FLO) on the inhibition of Escherichia coli in vitro, as well as the pharmacokinetic interactions between these compounds in healthy chickens. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of COS and FLO alone and the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) after combined treatment were determined using the broth microdilution method and checkerboard method, respectively. Additionally, we evaluated the pharmacokinetic interactions between the 2 types of COS and FLO in healthy chickens. Thirty chickens were randomly divided into 3 groups: Florfenicol group (30 mg/kg), COS J85 group (COS J85 20 mg/kg + florfenicol 30 mg/kg), COS H85 group (COS H85 20 mg/kg + florfenicol 30 mg/kg). Either FLO or COS was orally administered by gavage. The concentrations of FLO in chicken plasma were measured at different time points after the drug withdrawal using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by a compartmental method. The results showed that COS J85 and COS H85, when combined with FLO, had FICI values of 0.1875 to 0.75 and 0.3125 to 1, respectively, indicating good synergistic or additive effects against Escherichia coli. The pharmacokinetics of FLO alone and in combination with COS followed a 1-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that the elimination half-life (t1/2ke) of florfenicol was significantly increased in the COS H85 group compared to oral administration of florfenicol alone (P < 0.05). Other pharmacokinetic parameters did not show significant changes (P > 0.05), except between the 2 combined treatment groups, where statistical differences were observed for various parameters, excluding the area under the concentration-time curve from the time of dosing to infinity (AUC) and peak concentration (Cmax).

Whole genome characterization of a multidrug-resistant hypervirulent Pasteurella multocida with a new drug-resistant plasmid

Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) is a zoonotic bacterium that can cause diseases in a variety of animals. It was divided into 5 serogroups, and serogroup A is mainly prevalent in avian hosts. We isolated a virulent and multidrug-resistant P. multocida strain from Guangdong duck liver and named it PMWSG-4 (GenBank accession no. CP077723.1). To understand the pathogenicity of this strain, the pathogenicity test was carried out with mice and ducks. The results showed that PMSWG-4 was highly pathogenic to ducks and mice, and the LD50 is 4.5 and 73 CFU, respectively. In order to study its genetic characteristics, pathogenicity, and relationship with the host, we performed a whole genome sequencing. The genome size of the isolated PMWSG-4 was 2.38 Mbp, with a G+C content of 40.3%, and coding 2,313 Coding DNA Sequence (CDS). The genome carries 162 potential virulence-associated genes, 32 different drug resistance phenotypes, 102 genes possibly involved in pathogen-host interaction, 2 gene island groups, and 4 prophages. In addition, we also found a new drug-resistant plasmid from strain PMWSG-4, named pXL001 (GenBank accession no. CP077724.1). After verified, the plasmid is a new plasmid carrying the floR florfenicol resistance gene. The whole genome is of great significance for further studying the pathogenesis and genetic characteristics of duck-derived P. multocida.

PK/PD integration of florfenicol alone and in combination with doxycycline against Riemerella anatipestifer

Riemerella anatipestifer (RA) is an important pathogen found in poultry. RA infection can kill ducks and lead to significant economic losses. Seven RA strains with different susceptibility phenotypes were chosen to study the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) integration of florfenicol (FF) alone and in combination with doxycycline (DOX). The checkerboard assay indicated that synergy [fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) ≤ 0.5] was detected in the CVCC3952 strain of RA and that additivity (FICI >0.5 to ≤ 1) was observed in other strains. Static time–kill curves showed that the bactericidal effect of FF against RA was produced at a FF concentration ≥4 MIC, and the antibacterial activity of FF against RA was enhanced from the aspects of efficacy and efficacy in combination with DOX. Dynamic time–kill curves indicated that FF elicited bactericidal activity against the CVCC3857 strain with a reduction ≥4.88 log₁₀CFU/ml when the dose was ≥8 mg/L. However, a bactericidal effect was not achieved at the maximum administered dose of FF monotherapy (20 mg/L) for isolates with a MIC ≥4 μg/ml. The effect of FF against RA was enhanced upon combination with DOX. The combination of FF with DOX reduced the bacterial burden ≥4.53 log₁₀CFU/ml for all strains with a MIC ≥4 μg/ml. Data were fitted to a sigmoidal E_max model. The PK/PD parameters of AUC_24h/MIC (the area under the concentration–time curve over 24 h divided by the MIC) and %T >MIC (the cumulative percentage of time over a 24-h period at which the concentration exceeded the MIC) of FF for eliciting a reduction of 3 log₁₀CFU/ml was 40.10 h and 58.71, respectively. For strains with a MIC ≤ 16 μg/ml, the magnitude of the AUC_24h/MIC and C_max/MIC required for a 3 log₁₀CFU/ml of bacterial killing was 34.84 h and 4.74 in the presence of DOX at 0.5 MIC, respectively. These data suggest that combination of FF with DOX enhanced the activity against RA strains with various susceptibilities to FF and DOX.

Proteome and transcriptome explore the mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza polysaccharides to relieve florfenicol-induced kidney injury in broilers

This experiment explored the mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza polysaccharides (SMPs) on florfenicol (FFC)-induced kidney injury in broilers. Ninety healthy 1-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into 3 groups with 6 replicates in each group and 5 chickens in each replicate. The three groups included control group, model group (0.15 g/L FFC), and SMPs group (0.15 g/L FFC + 5.00 g/L SMPs). After 5 days of experimental period, blood was collected, and kidney tissues were extracted. Renal injury was evaluated by serum biochemical indicators and pathological sections. Renal oxidative stress indexes were detected; transcriptomics and proteomics were used to comprehensively analyze the effects of SMPs on broiler kidney injury. The results showed that the model group inhibited average day gain (P < 0.01) and significantly adjusted blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid (UA), and creatinine (Cr) (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). The histological observation of the kidneys in the model group showed abnormal morphology, and the oxidative stress parameters showed that FFC induced oxidative stress in the kidneys. Comprehensive transcriptome proteomic analysis data showed phosphoribose pyrophosphate synthase 2 (PRPS2), cytochrome 2AC1 (CYP2AC1), cytochrome 2D6 (CYP2D6), glutathione transferase (GST), and sulfotransferase 1B (SULT1B) expression levels changed. It is worth noting that our data showed that supplementation of 5.00 g/L SMPs in drinking water reversed the changes in BUN, Cr, and daily weight gain (P < 0.05) and relieved the abnormal kidney morphology caused by FFC. After SMPs processing, it improved the detoxification process of drug-metabolizing enzymes and improved the oxidative stress state induced by FFC. Therefore, SMPs reduced the nephrotoxicity caused by FFC by promoting drug-metabolizing enzymes and alleviating oxidative stress in the kidneys.

The influence of the site of drug administration on florfenicol pharmacokinetics in turkeys

Florfenicol is a broad-spectrum antibacterial drug used in the treatment of farm animals, including poultry. This drug is poorly soluble in water, therefore, administration in drinking water may lead to high variability of concentrations in treated individuals. The use of injection preparations, however, requires individual administration and may have a negative effect on the quality of the carcass. In addition, the renal portal system in birds may reduce the bioavailability of the drug administered in the caudofemoral region of the body. The aim of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of florfenicol in turkeys after a single intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous administration at a dose of 15 mg/kg body weight. Additionally, to evaluate the effect of renal portal system on drug kinetics, the intramuscular administration was divided into pectoral and caudofemoral administration. The study showed that the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) was similar regardless of the route of administration. The mean values for clearance and volume of distribution were 0.33 L/kg/h and 0.92 L/kg, respectively. The mean residence time (MRT) was 2.87 h for an intravenous bolus, while for the extravascular administrations it was approx. 5.5 h. The elimination half-life was approx. 4 h regardless of the route of administration. The maximum plasma concentration did not differ statistically between intramuscular (approx. 6.8 mg/L) and subcutaneous (8.2 mg/L) administrations, while the time to appear for this concentration was the longest for caudofemoral administration (1.5 h). The bioavailability was 88.64% for subcutaneous administration, 77.95% for pectoral administration and 85.30% for caudofemoral administration. Overall, all 3 routes of extravascular administration allowed for efficient drug absorption. There was no evidence of an influence of the renal portal system on the kinetic parameters of the drug administered to the lower extremities of the body.

In vivo Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) Modeling and Establishment of the PK/PD Cutoff of Florfenicol Against Pasteurella multocida in Ducks

Pasteurella multocida can invade and translocate through endothelial cells and result in vascular-system infection, which can cause severe economic losses in the poultry industry. Antibacterial therapy (especially florfenicol) plays an important part in controlling P. multocida infection. To preserve the effect of florfenicol, in vivo pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling of florfenicol against three P. multocida strains in duck was established. Then, the efficacy of the currently marketed dose, a rational dosage regimen for populations, and the PK/PD cutoff were predicted through Monte Carlo simulations (MCSs). The area under the concentration–time curve from 0 to 24 h/minimum inhibitory concentration (AUC_{0–24 h}/MIC) was the optimal PK/PD parameter. The PK/PD surrogate values of florfenicol against P. multocida were similar using different organs as the PD target, but varied in different strains. For the florfenicol-sensitive strain 0825Y₁, when the AUC_{0–24 h}/MIC reached 117.54 and 108.19, florfenicol showed a bactericidal effect in the liver and lung, respectively. For the florfenicol-sensitive strain 0901J₁, the corresponding value was 78.39 and 54.30, respectively. For the florfenicol-resistant strain JY160110, florfenicol could attain a maximum effect of 1 – log₁₀ reduction in bacteria in the liver and lung when the AUC_{0–24 h}/MIC reached 2.03 and 2.06, respectively. The PK/PD-based prediction for the population dose indicated a poor effect for the low end of the currently marketed dose (40 mg/kg body weight per day), but a robust effect for the high end of the currently marketed dose (60 mg/kg body weight per day) with a target attainment rate of 92.79% and 81.44% against P. multocida in mainland China and worldwide, respectively. The recommended dose optimized by MCSs was 52 mg/kg body weight in mainland China. The PK/PD cutoff of florfenicol against P. multocida at the low end and high end of the current daily dose (40 and 60 mg/kg body weight) and predicted daily dose in mainland China (52 mg/kg body weight) was 0.25, 4, and 0.5 μg/ml, respectively. These results suggested that more than one strain should be involved for PK/PD modeling and contributed to rational use of florfenicol in populations. We also provided fundamental data for determination of florfenicol breakpoints in poultry.

Pharmacokinetics of florfenicol and thiamphenicol after single oral and intravenous, as well as multiple oral administrations to geese

1. This study evaluated the pharmacokinetic profiles of florfenicol (FF) and thiamphenicol (TP), which are synthetic bacteriostatic antimicrobial drugs, in geese after a single intravenous or oral administration, as well as seven oral doses administered at 12 h intervals. For all treatments, the dose was 30 mg/kg. 2. After single IV administration, clearance and volume of distribution were low (0.23 ± 0.03 l/h/kg and 0.57 ± 0.08 l/kg for FF, and 0.23 ± 0.04 l/h/kg and 0.59 ± 0.08 l/kg for TP, respectively). The elimination half-life was similar between products and short (2.91 ± 0.41 and 2.84 ± 0.64 h for FF and TP, respectively). 3. The single oral administration resulted in efficient absorption (bioavailability of 83.15 ± 11.48 for FF and 75.21 ± 19.56% for TP) with high maximal concentrations of 30.47 ± 2.47 and 20.02 ± 3.87 μg/ml for FF and TP, respectively. The area under the curve was 108.36 ± 14.96 and 101.81 ± 26.48 mg×h/l for FF and TP, respectively. 4. For both drugs, the two latter parameters were found to be higher compared to earlier studies on terrestrial birds. This suggested that FF and TP may be efficient in treating infections in geese caused by certain bacteria sensitive to chloramphenicol. 5. Neither drug accumulated in tissues following the oral seven doses and no adverse effects were noted in any treated animals. Thus, the selected FF and TP dosage may be considered as a safe treatment for geese.

Pharmacokinetics of thiamphenicol in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) after single intravenous and oral administrations

Thiamphenicol (TP) pharmacokinetics were studied in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) following a single intravenous (IV) and oral (PO) administration at 30 mg/kg BW. Concentrations of TP were determined with HPLC and were analyzed by a noncompartmental method. After IV injection, elimination half-life (t_1/2λz ), total body clearance (Cl_tot ) volume of distribution at steady state (V_dss ), and mean residence time (MRT) of TP were 3.83 hr, 0.19 L/hr/kg, 0.84 L/kg, and 4.37 hr, respectively. After oral administration of TP, the peak plasma concentration (C_max ) was 19.81 μg/ml and was obtained at 2.00 hr (t_max ) postadministration. Elimination half-life (t_1/2λz ) and mean absorption time (MAT) were 4.01 hr and 1.56 hr, respectively. The systemic bioavailability following oral administration of TP was 78.10%. TP therapy with an oral dosage of 30 mg/kg BW is suggested for a beneficial clinical effect in quails.