1
|
Tessin J, Jung A, Silberborth A, Rohn K, Schulz J, Visscher C, Kemper N. Detection of Enterococcus cecorum to identify persistently contaminated locations using faecal and environmental samples in broiler houses of clinically healthy flocks. Avian Pathol 2024; 53:312-320. [PMID: 38525653 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2024.2334682] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Worldwide outbreaks make infections with pathogenic strains of Enterococcus cecorum (EC) one of the most important diseases in the broiler industry. Although research has increased knowledge about the pathogen, the transmission is not fully understood. Samples from different locations were collected from two broiler farms in Germany over a total of six production cycles. Samples were collected at days 1, 5, 10, 15, 21, 27, 34, 41 post-hatch and after cleaning and disinfection (C&D). A total of 1017 samples were collected from 25 different locations on the farms. Samples were analysed in the laboratory for EC by quantitative real-time PCR. Overall, 7.5% of the samples were positive. The probabilities for positive and negative samples did not differ between the farms. The number of findings differed significantly between the cycles. Compared to other samples, the chances of detecting EC in faecal samples were significantly higher. Most positive samples were found in the last week of the production periods, indicating an accumulation of EC in the barn environment. After C&D, positive PCR results were obtained in four out of 14 locations. A re-introduction from contaminated environment seemed possible. However, one pooled faecal sample was positive 1 day post-hatch. The locations that showed positive results after C&D and the positive faecal sample 1 day post-hatch indicated the persistence of EC in broiler houses of clinically healthy flocks that could lead to potential horizontal transmission routes. The present study detected potential EC sources and may help to improve hygienic measures to avoid transmissions.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSMethodology is suitable to detect EC during production and after C&D.Locations were detected that may serve as a reservoir for EC.Cycles with fewer positive samples were observed.Cleaning and disinfection had a major impact on the detection of EC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesper Tessin
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Arne Jung
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Amanda Silberborth
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Karl Rohn
- Institute for Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jochen Schulz
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Visscher
- Institute for Animal Nutrition, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nicole Kemper
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wódz K, Chodkowska KA, Iwiński H, Różański H, Wojciechowski J. In Vitro Evaluation of Phytobiotic Mixture Antibacterial Potential against Enterococcus spp. Strains Isolated from Broiler Chicken. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4797. [PMID: 38732016 PMCID: PMC11084370 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094797] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus spp. are normal intestinal tract microflorae found in poultry. However, the last decades have shown that several species, e.g., Enterococcus cecorum, have become emerging pathogens in broilers and may cause numerous losses in flocks. In this study, two combinations (H1 and H2) of menthol, 1,8-cineol, linalool, methyl salicylate, γ-terpinene, p-cymene, trans-anethole, terpinen-4-ol and thymol were used in an in vitro model, analyzing its effectiveness against the strains E. cecorum, E. faecalis, E. faecium, E. hirae and E. gallinarum isolated from broiler chickens from industrial farms. To identify the isolated strains classical microbiological methods and VITEK 2 GP cards were used. Moreover for E. cecorum a PCR test was used.. Antibiotic sensitivity (MIC) tests were performed for all the strains. For the composition H1, the effective dilution for E. cecorum and E. hirae strains was 1:512, and for E. faecalis, E. faecium and E. gallinarum, 1:1024. The second mixture (H2) showed very similar results with an effectiveness at 1:512 for E. cecorum and E. hirae and 1:1024 for E. faecalis, E. faecium and E. gallinarum. The presented results suggest that the proposed composition is effective against selected strains of Enterococcus in an in vitro model, and its effect is comparable to classical antibiotics used to treat this pathogen in poultry. This may suggest that this product may also be effective in vivo and provide effective support in the management of enterococcosis in broiler chickens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Wódz
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Vet-Lab Brudzew, Turkowska 58c, 62-720 Brudzew, Poland;
| | | | - Hubert Iwiński
- AdiFeed Sp. z o.o., Chrzanowska 15, 05-825 Grodzisk Mazowiecki, Poland; (H.I.); (H.R.)
| | - Henryk Różański
- AdiFeed Sp. z o.o., Chrzanowska 15, 05-825 Grodzisk Mazowiecki, Poland; (H.I.); (H.R.)
- Laboratory of Industrial and Experimental Biology, Institute for Health and Economics, Carpathian State College in Krosno, Rynek 1, 38-400 Krosno, Poland
| | - Jakub Wojciechowski
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Vet-Lab Brudzew, Turkowska 58c, 62-720 Brudzew, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
González-Martín M, Silva V, Poeta P, Corbera JA, Tejedor-Junco MT. Microbiological aspects of osteomyelitis in veterinary medicine: drawing parallels to the infection in human medicine. Vet Q 2022; 42:1-11. [PMID: 34936853 PMCID: PMC8725753 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2021.2022244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteomyelitis is a challenging infectious disease affecting humans and animals. It is difficult to diagnose because, in many cases, symptoms are non-specific and, for example in implant-related cases, can appear long time after surgery. In addition to this, it is also difficult to treat due to the need to find the appropriate antibiotic regime and delivery system to reach the site of infection and to avoid development of bacterial resistance. The central purpose of this review is to compare the microbiological aspects of osteomyelitis in human and veterinary medicine, with the aim of improving the microbiological diagnosis and treatment of this infection in animals. Furthermore, the study of osteomyelitis in animals may help to improve the development of animal models for testing new treatments in humans. Host factors and underlying conditions have been studied mainly in humans, although aspects as immunodeficiency have been described in some veterinary cases. Even when Staphylococcus aureus is still considered the most prevalent causing microorganism, this prevalence should be reviewed using molecular diagnostic techniques, and this could affect treatment options. New approaches to treatment include local delivery of antibiotics using different biomaterials, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, and new antimicrobial compounds. We would like to remark the need of large, high-quality clinical trials and of the development of guides for the diagnosis and treatment of osteomyelitis in different animal species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margarita González-Martín
- Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Vanessa Silva
- Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance Team (MicroART), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV-REQUIMTE), University NOVA of Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
- Veterinary and Animal Research Centre, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Patricia Poeta
- Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance Team (MicroART), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV-REQUIMTE), University NOVA of Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
- Veterinary and Animal Research Centre, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Juan Alberto Corbera
- Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
- Department of Animal Pathology, Animal Production and Food Science and Technology, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - María Teresa Tejedor-Junco
- Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dolka B, Czopowicz M, Dolka I, Szeleszczuk P. Chicken embryo lethality assay for determining the lethal dose, tissue distribution and pathogenicity of clinical Enterococcus cecorum isolates from poultry. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10675. [PMID: 35739309 PMCID: PMC9225985 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14900-9] [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: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus cecorum is a well-known component of the normal poultry intestinal microbiota and an important bacterial pathogen. Infections caused by E. cecorum have negative effects on the poultry production worldwide. In this study we used the SPF-chicken embryo lethality assay (ELA) to assess the pathogenic potential of E. cecorum. A total of 23 isolates were used: 19 clinical isolates from field outbreaks in different poultry groups (CB – broiler chickens, BB – broiler breeders, CL – layers, T– turkeys, W – waterfowl) and 4 commensal isolates. The cumulative mortality caused by all clinical isolates was higher (53.4%) than that of the commensals (38.9%). The highest mortality was induced by CB isolates (68.9%), followed by CL (60.4%), all chicken isolates (59.2%; CB, BB, CL), BB (45.8%), T (41.7%), non-chicken isolates (40.7%; T, W), and W isolates (39.8%). Most of the embryos that died, did die on the 1st day post-infection (dpi), except those infected with CB, CL (on 2 dpi). The median lethal dose (LD50) of E. cecorum ranged from 6.07 × 102 cfu/ml (CB isolates) and 1.42 × 104 cfu/ml (all clinical isolates) to 4.8 × 105 cfu/ml (commensal isolates). This study provides the first evidence of a wide tissue distribution and multiplication of E. cecorum in embryos. Dead embryos showed scattered petechiae, hemorrhages, aggregates of bacteria in blood vessels, multiple organ necrosis, and encephalomalacia. Our data indicate that surviving embryos were able to elicit innate immune response to infection. On the other hand, reisolation of viable bacteria from surviving embryos may suggest that E. cecorum could evade or resist immune mechanisms in order to persist in organs. Furthermore, body mass of surviving embryos was affected by the strain type, not the dose (bacterial concentration) used, and was lower for the infection with clinical strains. The results indicated the highest pathogenicity of clinical E. cecorum isolates from CB and CL flocks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beata Dolka
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c St., 02-776, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Michał Czopowicz
- Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c St., 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Izabella Dolka
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c St., 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Szeleszczuk
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c St., 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nielsen SS, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar C, Herskin M, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Ståhl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Baldinelli F, Broglia A, Kohnle L, Alvarez J. Assessment of listing and categorisation of animal diseases within the framework of the Animal Health Law (Regulation (EU) No 2016/429): antimicrobial-resistant Enterococcus cecorum in poultry. EFSA J 2022; 20:e07126. [PMID: 36926260 PMCID: PMC10011046 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus cecorum (E. cecorum) was identified among the most relevant antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria in the EU for poultry in a previous scientific opinion. Thus, it has been assessed according to the criteria of the Animal Health Law (AHL), in particular criteria of Article 7 on disease profile and impacts, Article 5 on its eligibility to be listed, Annex IV for its categorisation according to disease prevention and control rules as in Article 9, and Article 8 for listing animal species related to the bacterium. The assessment has been performed following a methodology previously published. The outcome is the median of the probability ranges provided by the experts, which indicates whether each criterion is fulfilled (lower bound ≥ 66%) or not (upper bound ≤ 33%), or whether there is uncertainty about fulfilment. Reasoning points are reported for criteria with uncertain outcome. According to the assessment here performed, it is uncertain whether AMR E. cecorum can be considered eligible to be listed for Union intervention according to Article 5 of the AHL (33-75% probability). According to the criteria in Annex IV, for the purpose of categorisation related to the level of prevention and control as in Article 9 of the AHL, the AHAW Panel concluded that the bacterium does not meet the criteria in Sections 1, 2 and 4 (Categories A, B and D; 0-5%, 5-10% and 10-33% probability of meeting the criteria, respectively) and the AHAW Panel is uncertain whether it meets the criteria in Sections 3 and 5 (Categories C and E, 33-66% and 33-75% probability of meeting the criteria, respectively). The animal species to be listed for AMR E. cecorum according to Article 8 criteria are mostly birds belonging to the families of Anatidae, Columbidae and Phasianidae.
Collapse
|
6
|
Schreier J, Karasova D, Crhanova M, Rychlik I, Rautenschlein S, Jung A. Influence of lincomycin-spectinomycin treatment on the outcome of Enterococcus cecorum infection and on the cecal microbiota in broilers. Gut Pathog 2022; 14:3. [PMID: 34983636 PMCID: PMC8729143 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-021-00467-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Enterococcus cecorum (EC) is one of the main reasons for skeletal disease in meat type chickens. Intervention strategies are still rare and focus mainly on early antibiotic treatment of the disease, although there are no data available concerning the effectivity of this procedure. The present study aimed to investigate the effectivity of early lincomycin-spectinomycin treatment during the first week of life after EC-infection. Furthermore, the impact of lincomycin-spectinomycin treatment and EC infection on the development of cecal microbiota was investigated. Methods A total of 383 day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four groups (non-infected and non-treated, non-infected and treated, EC-infected and non-treated, and EC-infected and treated). The EC-infected groups were inoculated orally with an EC suspension at the day of arrival and at study day 3. The treatment groups were treated with lincomycin-spectinomycin via the drinking water for six consecutive days, starting two hours after the first inoculation. Necropsy of 20 chickens per group was performed at study days 7, 14, 21, and 42. Bacteriological examination via culture and real-time PCR was performed to detect EC in different extraintestinal organs. Cecal samples of nine chickens per group and necropsy day were analyzed to characterize the composition of the cecal microbiota. Results No clinical signs or pathologic lesions were found at necropsy, and EC was not detected in extraintestinal organs of the EC-infected and treated birds. Lincomycin-spectinomycin promoted the growth of the bacterial genus Escherichia/Shigella and reduced the amount of potentially beneficial Lactobacillus spp. in the ceca regardless of EC-infection. Unexpectedly, the highest abundances of the genus Enterococcus were found directly after ending antibiotic treatment in both treatment groups, suggesting the growth of resistant enterococcal species. EC was not detected among the most abundant members of the genus Enterococcus. Oral EC-infection at the first day of life did not influence the development of cecal microbiota in the present study. Conclusions Lincomycin-spectinomycin treatment during the first week of life can prevent the EC-associated disease in broiler type chickens and has a direct impact on the development of the cecal microbiota. The low abundance of EC in the ceca of infected chickens underlines the pathogenic nature of the disease-causing EC strains. Further research on alternative prevention and intervention strategies is needed with regard to current efforts on reducing the use of antibiotics in livestock animals. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13099-021-00467-9.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Schreier
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Daniela Karasova
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 62100, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Magdalena Crhanova
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 62100, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Rychlik
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 62100, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Silke Rautenschlein
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Arne Jung
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Schreier J, Rychlik I, Karasova D, Crhanova M, Breves G, Rautenschlein S, Jung A. Influence of heat stress on intestinal integrity and the caecal microbiota during Enterococcus cecorum infection in broilers. Vet Res 2022; 53:110. [PMID: 36527124 PMCID: PMC9756510 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-022-01132-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus cecorum (EC) is one of the most relevant bacterial pathogens in modern broiler chicken production from an economic and animal welfare perspective. Although EC pathogenesis is generally well described, predisposing factors are still unknown. This study aimed to understand the effect of heat stress on the caecal microbiota, intestinal integrity, and EC pathogenesis. A total of 373 1-day-old commercial broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four groups: (1) noninoculated, thermoneutral conditions (TN); (2) noninoculated, heat stress conditions (HS); (3) EC-inoculated, thermoneutral conditions (TN + EC); and (4) EC-inoculated, heat stress conditions (HS + EC). Birds were monitored daily for clinical signs. Necropsy of 20 broilers per group was performed at 7, 14, 21, and 42 days post-hatch (dph). A trend towards enhanced and more pronounced clinical disease was observed in the EC-inoculated, heat-stressed group. EC detection rates in extraintestinal tissues via culture were higher in the HS + EC group (~19%) than in the TN + EC group (~11%). Significantly more birds were colonized by EC at 7 dph in the HS + EC group (100%) than in the TN + EC group (65%, p < 0.05). The caecal microbiota in the two EC-inoculated groups was significantly more diverse than that in the TN group (p < 0.05) at 14 dph, which may indicate an effect of EC infection. An influence of heat stress on mRNA expression of tight junction proteins in the caecum was detected at 7 dph, where all six investigated tight junction proteins were expressed at significantly lower levels in the heat stressed groups compared to the thermoneutral groups. These observations suggest that heat stress may predispose broilers to EC-associated disease and increase the severity thereof. Furthermore, heat stress may impair intestinal integrity and promote EC translocation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Schreier
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ivan Rychlik
- grid.426567.40000 0001 2285 286XVeterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Daniela Karasova
- grid.426567.40000 0001 2285 286XVeterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Magdalena Crhanova
- grid.426567.40000 0001 2285 286XVeterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Gerhard Breves
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Silke Rautenschlein
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Arne Jung
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Marzban Abbasabadi B, Golshahi H, Seifi S. Pathomorphologial investigation of spondylolisthesis leaded to spondylosis in commercial broiler chicken with posterior paralysis: A case study. VETERINARY RESEARCH FORUM : AN INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY JOURNAL 2021; 12:263-265. [PMID: 34345397 PMCID: PMC8328248 DOI: 10.30466/vrf.2020.114331.2729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Spondylolisthesis known as kinky back syndrome is a deformity of the free sixth thoracic vertebra including enlargement and rotation resulting in posterior paralysis in broiler chicken. Genotype, feeding regimes and environment are involved in occurrence of this congenital anomaly. Spondylolisthesis may result in or happen simultaneously with two other major axial skeleton pathologies including spondylosis and spondylitis as a result of occurrence of degenerative necrobiotic lesions and inflammation of the vertebrae, respectively. This report deals with a male broiler chicken with posterior paralysis in the second week of rearing. After euthanasia, the specimen was evaluated at macroscopic and microscopic levels. Macroscopic findings showed the unilateral enlargement of body and transverse process of sixth thoracic vertebra and downward rotation of the body. The histopathological studies revealed the focal chondronecrosis and degenerative changes in articular facets and cranial process of the vertebra. In conclusion, a diagnosis of spondylolisthesis followed by spondylosis was made based on macroscopic and histopathological findings that to the authors' best knowledge, is the first report in a broiler farm in Iran.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Behrokh Marzban Abbasabadi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
| | - Hannaneh Golshahi
- Nanobiotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Seifi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Xie S, Shuang-Li G, De Busscher V, Hsu CD. What Is Your Neurologic Diagnosis? J Am Vet Med Assoc 2021; 257:703-706. [PMID: 32955394 DOI: 10.2460/javma.257.7.703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
10
|
Grund A, Rautenschlein S, Jung A. Tenacity of Enterococcus cecorum at different environmental conditions. J Appl Microbiol 2020; 130:1494-1507. [PMID: 33064913 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Our aim was to analyse the survival of Enterococcus cecorum (EC) at various temperatures, relative air humidities and on different substrates commonly existing in broiler houses. METHODS AND RESULTS A pathogenic EC isolate (EC14) was used to inoculate sterile litter, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and dust samples. Incubation at 37, 25 or 15°C with either 32% relative humidity (RH) or 78% RH followed. At defined time points (0-4272 h post-inoculation), samples were examined in triplicate for the total viable count. Selected combinations were repeated for a non-pathogenic and two additional pathogenic EC strains. For EC14, the measured survival time ranged from 48 to 4272 h (178 days) depending on the substrate-humidity-temperature combination. The longevity was the highest on litter, followed by dust and then PVC. Lower temperatures facilitated its survival, lower relative air humidity favoured the survival only in combination with 25 or 15°C. All three pathogenic strains showed longer survival times (up to 432 h, 18 days) compared to the non-pathogenic EC strain (168 h, 7 days) under the same conditions. CONCLUSIONS Enterococcus cecorum demonstrates a high persistence in the environment especially at 15°C and 32% RH. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Hygiene management plans should consider the durability of EC and the risk of a carry-over to control consecutive EC outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Grund
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Silke Rautenschlein
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Arne Jung
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Comparison of Antimicrobial Resistance and Pan-Genome of Clinical and Non-Clinical Enterococcus cecorum from Poultry Using Whole-Genome Sequencing. Foods 2020; 9:foods9060686. [PMID: 32466367 PMCID: PMC7353540 DOI: 10.3390/foods9060686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus cecorum is an emerging avian pathogen, particularly in chickens, but can be found in both diseased (clinical) and healthy (non-clinical) poultry. To better define differences between E. cecorum from the two groups, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to identify and compare antimicrobial resistance genes as well as the pan-genome among the isolates. Eighteen strains selected from our previous study were subjected to WGS using Illumina MiSeq and comparatively analyzed. Assembled contigs were analyzed for resistance genes using ARG-ANNOT. Resistance to erythromycin was mediated by ermB, ermG, and mefA, in clinical isolates and ermB and mefA, in non-clinical isolates. Lincomycin resistance genes were identified as linB, lnuB, lnuC, and lnuD with lnuD found only in non-clinical E. cecorum; however, lnuB and linB were found in only one clinical isolate. For both groups of isolates, kanamycin resistance was mediated by aph3-III, while tetracycline resistance was conferred by tetM, tetO, and tetL. No mutations or known resistance genes were found for isolates resistant to either linezolid or chloramphenicol, suggesting possible new mechanisms of resistance to these drugs. A comparison of WGS results confirmed that non-clinical isolates contained more resistance genes than clinical isolates. The pan-genome of clinical and non-clinical isolates resulted in 3651 and 4950 gene families, respectively, whereas the core gene sets were comprised of 1559 and 1534 gene families in clinical and non-clinical isolates, respectively. Unique genes were found more frequently in non-clinical isolates than clinical. Phylogenetic analysis of the isolates and all the available complete and draft genomes showed no correlation between healthy and diseased poultry. Additional genomic comparison is required to elucidate genetic factors in E. cecorum that contribute to disease in poultry.
Collapse
|
12
|
Giovagnoni G, Tugnoli B, Piva A, Grilli E. Organic Acids and Nature Identical Compounds Can Increase the Activity of Conventional Antibiotics Against Clostridium Perfringens and Enterococcus Cecorum In Vitro. J APPL POULTRY RES 2019. [DOI: 10.3382/japr/pfz101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
|
13
|
Dec M, Stępień-Pyśniak D, Gnat S, Fratini F, Urban-Chmiel R, Cerri D, Winiarczyk S, Turchi B. Antibiotic Susceptibility and Virulence Genes in Enterococcus Isolates from Wild Mammals Living in Tuscany, Italy. Microb Drug Resist 2019; 26:505-519. [PMID: 31663834 DOI: 10.1089/mdr.2019.0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is of great importance to human and animal health, but wild environments are still poorly understood in terms of their function as reservoirs of dangerous microbes and resistance determinants. The aim of the study was to determine the antibiotic susceptibility and virulence factors of Enterococcus bacteria from wildlife in Tuscany, Italy. Of the 36 mammalian fecal samples, 52 isolates were derived and classified as Enterococcus faecium (46% of isolates), Enterococcus hirae (19%), Enterococcus faecalis (13%), Enterococcus gallinarum (8%), Enterococcus casseliflavus (6%), Enterococcus durans (4%), Enterococcus mundtii (2%), and Enterococcus canintestini (2%) using both matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry and methods based on analysis of genetic material. The isolates tested showed the most frequent resistance to tetracycline (36.5% isolates), ciprofloxacin (36.5%), and erythromycin (25%). Three isolates showed high level of resistance (minimal inhibitory concentration ≥1,024 μg/mL) to vancomycin and teicoplanin, and 15% of the isolates demonstrated multidrug resistance. No isolate resistant to ampicillin, linezolid, or streptomycin was found. Among resistance genes, aac(6)-Ii (50% isolates), msrA/B (48%), msrC (42%), and tetM (31%) were identified most frequently. All E. faecium and E. faecalis isolates were positive for the efaAfm and efaAfs genes, respectively. Other virulence-associated genes, that is, gelE, cylA, asa1, esp, ace, orf1481, ptsD, and sgrA, were found in the majority of E. faecalis and several E. faecium isolates. Multilocus sequence typing analysis performed for selected isolates revealed three new sequence types. The results obtained indicate that wild mammals might act as reservoirs of resistance and virulence determinants that could be transferred between different ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Dec
- Department of Veterinary Prevention and Avian Diseases and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dagmara Stępień-Pyśniak
- Department of Veterinary Prevention and Avian Diseases and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Sebastian Gnat
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Filippo Fratini
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Renata Urban-Chmiel
- Department of Veterinary Prevention and Avian Diseases and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Domenico Cerri
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stanisław Winiarczyk
- Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Barbara Turchi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
|
15
|
Talaga-Ćwiertnia K, Bulanda M. DRUG RESISTANCE IN THE GENUS ENTEROCOCCUS - CURRENT PROBLEM IN HUMANS AND ANIMALS. ADVANCEMENTS OF MICROBIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.21307/pm-2018.57.3.244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
|
16
|
Borst LB, Suyemoto MM, Chen LR, Barnes HJ. Vaccination of breeder hens with a polyvalent killed vaccine for pathogenic Enterococcus cecorum does not protect offspring from enterococcal spondylitis. Avian Pathol 2018; 48:17-24. [DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2018.1536819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Luke B. Borst
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - M. Mitsu Suyemoto
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Laura R. Chen
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - H. John Barnes
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Jung A, Chen LR, Suyemoto MM, Barnes HJ, Borst LB. A Review ofEnterococcus cecorumInfection in Poultry. Avian Dis 2018; 62:261-271. [DOI: 10.1637/11825-030618-review.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arne Jung
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, D-30559 Hannover, Germany,
| | - Laura R. Chen
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607
| | - M. Mitsu Suyemoto
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607
| | - H. John Barnes
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607
| | - Luke B. Borst
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Braga JFV, Martins NRS, Ecco R. Vertebral Osteomyelitis in Broilers: A Review. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF POULTRY SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/1806-9061-2017-0690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- JFV Braga
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-árido, Brazil
| | - NRS Martins
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - R Ecco
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Karunarathna R, Popowich S, Wawryk M, Chow-Lockerbie B, Ahmed KA, Yu C, Liu M, Goonewardene K, Gunawardana T, Kurukulasuriya S, Gupta A, Willson P, Ambrose N, Ngeleka M, Gomis S. Increased Incidence of Enterococcal Infection in Nonviable Broiler Chicken Embryos in Western Canadian Hatcheries as Detected by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry. Avian Dis 2017; 61:472-480. [DOI: 10.1637/11678-052317-reg.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruwani Karunarathna
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada SK S7N 5B4
| | - Shelly Popowich
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada SK S7N 5B4
| | - Morgan Wawryk
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada SK S7N 5B4
| | - Betty Chow-Lockerbie
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada SK S7N 5B4
| | - Khawaja Ashfaque Ahmed
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada SK S7N 5B4
| | - Chenfang Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China, 100083
| | - Mengying Liu
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada SK S7N 5B4
| | - Kalhari Goonewardene
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada SK S7N 5B4
| | - Thushari Gunawardana
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada SK S7N 5B4
| | - Shanika Kurukulasuriya
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada SK S7N 5B4
| | - Ashish Gupta
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada SK S7N 5B4
| | - Philip Willson
- Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada, Canada SK S7N 5E5
| | - Neil Ambrose
- PO Box 80, Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada V2W 1V9
| | - Musangu Ngeleka
- Prairie Diagnostic Services Inc., Saskatoon, Canada SK S7N 5B4
| | - Susantha Gomis
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada SK S7N 5B4
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Dolka B, Chrobak-Chmiel D, Czopowicz M, Szeleszczuk P. Characterization of pathogenic Enterococcus cecorum from different poultry groups: Broiler chickens, layers, turkeys, and waterfowl. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185199. [PMID: 28934313 PMCID: PMC5608366 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus cecorum (EC) is known as a commensal in the intestines of mammals and birds. However, it has been described as an emerging pathogen in poultry industry worldwide. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare EC isolated from clinical material collected from poultry groups with different production purposes. The genetic diversity among pathogenic EC in relation to each specific poultry type was examined. In total, 148 isolates from independent infection outbreaks (2011–2016) were used: 76 broiler chickens (CB), 37 broiler breeders (BB), 23 layers (CL), 7 waterfowl (W) and 5 turkey (T) flocks (1 isolate/1 flock). We provided age ranges at diagnosis of EC-infection for 5 poultry groups. Isolates obtained from CB were significantly more frequently retrieved from bone marrow, joints, spine, and contrary to BB, CL less frequently retrieved from respiratory system. The study showed differences between EC of various poultry types in relation to 10/32 (31.3%) biochemical parameters. EC isolates from CB were significantly more often positive for βGAL, βNAG, MLZ, and less often positive for PAL and βMAN than isolates from other poultry types. However, BB and W isolates showed higher ability to metabolise mannitol than CB, CL, and T. CB isolates showed lower ability to survive at 60°C. Only chicken EC-isolates harbored virulence genes: CB (8.1%) > BB (3.4%) > CL (2%). No specific pulsotype of EC was associated with a specific poultry. One or several various (up to 6) genetic types of EC may be involved in outbreaks in CB flocks within one year in one region. Outbreaks reported in following years in the same region were usually caused by a distinct set of EC-genetic types. PFGE results indicated at the genetic heterogeneity among pathogenic isolates involved in outbreaks in relation to each poultry type. To our best knowledge, this is the first study which provides a comparison between clinical EC from 5 poultry groups. The study provides a new insight into EC as pathogen of different bird species. The obtained data may be useful in further studies on EC-infections more focused on a specific type of poultry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beata Dolka
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
- * E-mail:
| | - Dorota Chrobak-Chmiel
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Czopowicz
- Laboratory of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Szeleszczuk
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Braga JFV, Leal CAG, Silva CC, Fernandes AA, Martins NRDS, Ecco R. Genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance profile of Enterococcus faecalis isolated from broilers with vertebral osteomyelitis in Southeast Brazil. Avian Pathol 2017; 47:14-22. [PMID: 28737063 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2017.1359403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is a worldwide emerging disease that affects broilers. Recently, the isolation of Enterococcus faecalis in cases of the disease has been described. This study aimed at determining the genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance profile of 12 E. faecalis strains isolated from broilers with VO. Strains were isolated from nine flocks from six farms in a high-density poultry production area in Southeast Brazil and were evaluated using multilocus sequence typing and phylogenetic analysis. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests and PCR were performed to detect antimicrobial resistance genes. E. faecalis isolates belonged to different sequence types (ST), six of which (ST49, ST100, ST116, ST202, ST249, and ST300) have been previously described. Strains ST708 and ST709 were newly identified in this study. Strain ST49 was most frequently isolated (50% of the flocks) from the analysed VO cases. No phylogenetic or phylogeographic relationship was found among the strains. The VO isolated E. faecalis strains showed highest resistance to aminoglycosides, mainly gentamicin (40%), but were highly susceptible to vancomycin (10%). Aminoglycoside resistance genes were detected in seven E. faecalis strains, and AAC6'-APH2″ genes were most frequently detected. The results showed that E. faecalis strains isolated from recently reported VO cases were highly diverse genetically. The diversity of genotypes in circulation in the analysed flocks, without apparent relationship among them, raises questions on aetiopathogenesis of the disease in broilers and evolutionary aspects of E. faecalis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Fortes Vilarinho Braga
- a Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária , Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - Carlos Augusto Gomes Leal
- b Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva , Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - Camila Costa Silva
- a Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária , Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - André Almeida Fernandes
- b Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva , Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - Nelson Rodrigo da Silva Martins
- b Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva , Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - Roselene Ecco
- a Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária , Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Jung A, Petersen H, Teske L, Rautenschlein S. Colonization patterns of Enterococcus cecorum in two different broiler production cycles detected with a newly developed quantitative real-time PCR. BMC Microbiol 2017; 17:106. [PMID: 28476097 PMCID: PMC5420126 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-017-1021-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although Enterococcus cecorum (EC) infection is one of the most important bacterial diseases in modern broiler chickens today, many aspects of epidemiology and pathogenesis are still unknown. There is a need for better detection methods for EC than classical cultivation. In the present study, we describe the validation and application of a newly developed quantitative TaqMan real-time PCR (qPCR) assay based on the 16S–rRNA-gene for the detection of EC. Results Fifty EC strains isolated from 12 different animal species were detected with the assay, while none of the other 26 examined bacterial species were tested positive during validation procedure. The detection limit of the PCR was 6.25 CFU/ml PBS. The qPCR assay was also considerably more sensitive using intestine and organ samples than the classical cultivation method. Field application of the PCR setup was tested comparing two different broiler production cycles on one farm: in cycle I broilers showed signs of enterococcal spondylitis (ES) from day 24 post hatch onwards while broilers in cycle II developed no ES. Two totally different colonization patterns were found in the two cycles with the qPCR using cloacal swabs. Animals in cycle I showed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher detection rates of EC at the day of placement and throughout the cycle than broilers of cycle II. Additionally, significantly higher detection rates were found in the cecum compared to duodenum, jejunum and ileum within one cycle. Conclusions The new qPCR for EC is highly specific, more sensitive than classical cultivation and was able to show differences in colonization in a broiler cycle with later EC disease outbreak compared to a healthy cycle. These findings may be explained by infection with different strains, pathogenic EC isolates are probably more effective in colonization than commensal isolates. A high correlation was found between qPCR results from cecum and cloacal swabs in this study, indicating that cloacal swabs can be used to examine intestinal colonization of broilers with EC. The new qPCR significantly improves the diagnostic of EC infections and may help to answer open questions concerning epidemiology and pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arne Jung
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, D-30559, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Henning Petersen
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, D-30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lydia Teske
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, D-30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Silke Rautenschlein
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, D-30559, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Yan F, Dibner J, Knight C, Vazquez-Anon M. Effect of carbohydrase and protease on growth performance and gut health of young broilers fed diets containing rye, wheat, and feather meal. Poult Sci 2017; 96:817-828. [DOI: 10.3382/ps/pew300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
|
24
|
Jung A, Metzner M, Ryll M. Comparison of pathogenic and non-pathogenic Enterococcus cecorum strains from different animal species. BMC Microbiol 2017; 17:33. [PMID: 28193172 PMCID: PMC5307665 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-017-0949-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Enterococcus cecorum (EC) infection currently is one of the most important bacterial diseases of modern broiler chickens but can also affect ducks or other avian species. However, little is known concerning pathogenesis of EC and most studies concentrate on examinations of EC strains from broilers only. The objective of this study was to compare pathogenic and commensal EC strains from different animal species concerning different phenotypic and genotypic traits. Results Pathogenic and commensal EC strains were not clearly separated from each other in a phylogenetic tree based on partial sequences of the 16S-rRNA-gene and also based on the fatty acid profile determined with gas chromatography. C12:0, C14:0, C15:0, C16:0, C17:0, C18:0, C18:1 w7c, C18:1 w9c and C20:4 w6,9,12,15c were detected as the major fatty acids. None of the 21 pathogenic EC strains was able to utilize mannitol, while 9 of 29 commensal strains were mannitol positive. In a dendrogram based on MALDI-TOF MS data, pathogenic strains were not clearly separated from commensal isolates. However, significant differences concerning the prevalence of several mass peaks were confirmed between the two groups. Two different antisera were produced but none of the serotypes was predominantly found in the pathogenic or commensal EC isolates. Enterococcal virulence factors gelE, esp, asa1, ccf, hyl and efaAfs were only detected in single isolates via PCR. No virulence factor was found significantly more often in the pathogenic isolates. The chicken embryo lethality of the examined EC isolates varied from 0 up to 100%. The mean embryo lethality in the pathogenic EC isolates was 39.7%, which was significantly higher than the lethality of the commensal strains, which was 18.9%. Additionally, five of the commensal isolates showed small colony variant growth, which was never reported for EC before. Conclusions Pathogenic and commensal EC isolates from different animal species varied in chicken embryo lethality, in their ability to metabolize mannitol and probably showed divergent mass peak patterns with MALDI-TOF MS. These differences may be explained by a separate evolution of pathogenic EC isolates. Furthermore, different serotypes of EC were demonstrated for the first time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arne Jung
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, D-30559, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Martin Metzner
- RIPAC LABOR GmbH, Am Muehlenberg 11, D-14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Martin Ryll
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, D-30559, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Braga JFV, Silva CC, Teixeira MDPF, Martins NRDS, Ecco R. Vertebral osteomyelitis associated with single and mixed bacterial infection in broilers. Avian Pathol 2016; 45:640-648. [PMID: 27315453 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2016.1193843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is a worldwide emerging disease that affects broilers. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and aetiology of VO in broilers in a highly productive broiler region. For this, 608 broilers with locomotory problems were analysed from 18 farms. Clinical signs were recorded, necropsy was performed and samples were collected from vertebral bodies with gross changes for molecular and histopathological analysis and for bacterial isolation. From broilers with locomotory changes, 5.1% (31/608) had VO and, of these, 93.5% were 40 days old or older and 89.7% were males. The birds with VO presented varying degrees of limited mobility and this was related to the level of compression to the spinal cord. Bacterial species of the genus Enterococcus (DNA detected in 53.6%) were the aetiological agents involved in most VO cases. Enterococcus faecalis was detected most frequently (35.7%), but Enterococcus hirae was also present in some lesions (7.1%). Escherichia coli was detected in 35.7% of vertebral lesions and co-infection with E. faecalis was confirmed in 7.1% cases. Staphylococcus aureus was involved in 14.3% of the cases, being 7.1% in co-infection with Enterococcus spp. or E. hirae. Our study has indicated that, in Brazil, VO in broilers may not be caused by a single infectious agent and has a lower frequency than recently reported in other countries. This study suggests that there are geographical differences between Brazil and other countries concerning the frequency and aetiology of VO.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Fortes Vilarinho Braga
- a Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária , Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - Camila Costa Silva
- a Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária , Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | | | - Nelson Rodrigo da Silva Martins
- c Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária , Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - Roselene Ecco
- a Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária , Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Borst LB, Suyemoto MM, Sarsour AH, Harris MC, Martin MP, Strickland JD, Oviedo EO, Barnes HJ. Pathogenesis of Enterococcal Spondylitis Caused by Enterococcus cecorum in Broiler Chickens. Vet Pathol 2016; 54:61-73. [DOI: 10.1177/0300985816658098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Enterococcal spondylitis (ES) is a disease of commercial broiler chickens, with a worldwide distribution. Symmetrical hind limb paralysis typical of ES results from infection of the free thoracic vertebra (FTV) by pathogenic strains of Enterococcus cecorum . To determine the pathogenesis of ES, birds with natural and experimental ES were studied over time. In natural disease, case birds (n = 150) from an affected farm and control birds (n = 100) from an unaffected farm were evaluated at weeks 1–6. In control birds, intestinal colonization by E. cecorum began at week 3. In case birds, E. cecorum was detected in intestine and spleen at week 1, followed by infection of the FTV beginning at week 3. E. cecorum isolates recovered from intestine, spleen, and FTV of case birds had matching genotypes, confirming that intestinal colonization with pathogenic strains precedes bacteremia and infection of the FTV. Clinical intestinal disease was not required for E. cecorum bacteremia. In 1- to 3-week-old case birds, pathogenic E. cecorum was observed within osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) lesions in the FTV. To determine whether OCD of the FTV was a risk factor for ES, 214 birds were orally infected with E. cecorum, and the FTV was evaluated histologically at weeks 1–7. Birds without cartilage clefts of OCD in the FTV did not develop ES; while birds with OCD scores ≥3 were susceptible to lesion development. These findings suggest that intestinal colonization, bacteremia, and OCD of the FTV in early life are crucial to the pathogenesis of ES.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L. B. Borst
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - M. M. Suyemoto
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - A. H. Sarsour
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - M. C. Harris
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - M. P. Martin
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - J. D. Strickland
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - E. O. Oviedo
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - H. J. Barnes
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Dolka B, Chrobak-Chmiel D, Makrai L, Szeleszczuk P. Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Enterococcus cecorum strains associated with infections in poultry. BMC Vet Res 2016; 12:129. [PMID: 27350248 PMCID: PMC4924287 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-016-0761-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background From the beginning of the 21st century Enterococcus cecorum has emerged as a significant health problem for poultry raised under intensive production systems. To obtain new insights into this bacterial species, we investigated 82 clinical isolates originating from different poultry flocks in Poland between 2011 and 2014. Results Phenotypically, isolates from clinical cases showed ability to growth at low temperatures (4 °C, 10 °C), and differences in growth at 45 °C (74.4 %). Survival at high temperatures (60 °C, 70 °C) was observed for 15, 30 min. More than half of strains survived at 60 °C even after prolonged incubation (1 h), but none survived after 1 h at 70 °C. Total growth inhibition was observed on agar supplemented with tergitol or potassium tellurite. Relatively high number of isolates gave positive reactions for β-galactosidase (βGAL 80 %), Voges Proskauer test (60 %), less for β-mannosidase (17 %), glycogen and mannitol (12 %). The metabolic fingerprinting for E. cecorum obtained in Biolog system revealed ability to metabolise 22 carbon sources. Only 27/82 strains contained ≥ 1 virulence genes of tested 7, however 2.4 % isolates carried 6. Increased antimicrobial resistance was observed to enrofloxacin (87 %), teicoplanin (85 %), doxycycline (83 %), erythromycin (46 %). Most strains (75/82) showed multidrug resistance. The single isolate was resistant to vancomycin (VRE) and high level gentamicin (HLGR). Linezolid resistance among clinical isolates was not found. PFGE revealed diversity of E. cecorum from cases. It could be assumed that transmission of pathogenic strains between flocks regardless of type of production or geographical region may be possible. Conclusions Clinical infections in poultry caused by E. cecorum may indicated on new properties of this bacterial species, previously known as a commensal. Despite many common phenotypic features, differences were found among clinical isolates. Several, widely distributed pathogenic E. cecorum strains seemed to be responsible for infection cases found in different poultry types. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-016-0761-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beata Dolka
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c St., Warsaw, 02-776, Poland.
| | - Dorota Chrobak-Chmiel
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Ciszewskiego 8 St., Warsaw, 02-786, Poland
| | - László Makrai
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Hungária krt. 23-25, Budapest, H-1143, Hungary
| | - Piotr Szeleszczuk
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c St., Warsaw, 02-776, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Maier K, Fischer D, Hartmann A, Kershaw O, Prenger-Berninghoff E, Pendl H, Schmidt MJ, Lierz M. Vertebral Osteomyelitis and Septic Arthritis Associated With Staphylococcus hyicus in a Juvenile Peregrine Falcon ( Falco peregrinus ). J Avian Med Surg 2015; 29:216-23. [PMID: 26378668 DOI: 10.1647/2014-036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A 6-week-old, parent-reared peregrine falcon ( Falco peregrinus ) was presented with spastic hypertonus of its hind limbs of unknown origin and duration. Radiologic examination revealed smooth periosteal reactions ventrally at thoracic vertebrae 5 to 7. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography identified the swelling as inflammation; antibiotic, antimycotic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic treatments were initiated, and vitamins and minerals were supplemented. Because the bird's condition did not improve after 10 days, it was euthanatized and submitted for postmortem examination. On histopathologic examination, chronic, active osteomyelitis was diagnosed in thoracic vertebrae 5 to 7, and chronic, active arthritis was present in both the right shoulder and left elbow joints. Staphylococcus hyicus was isolated from these 3 locations, as well as from lungs and liver, indicating a chronic septic staphylococcosis. Although infections with Staphylococcus species are occasional causes of vertebral osteomyelitis in juvenile poultry with active growth plates, it is only sporadically reported in raptors and companion birds. This case report is the first description of the clinical features and diagnostic and pathologic findings in a juvenile peregrine falcon with hematogenous osteomyelitis and arthritis associated with septicemia caused by S hyicus.
Collapse
|
29
|
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Commensal Enterococcus cecorum Strains Isolated from Chickens in Belgium. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2015; 3:3/5/e01108-15. [PMID: 26404586 PMCID: PMC4582592 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.01108-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Here, we report the draft genome sequences of two commensal Enterococcus cecorum strains (1710s23 and 1711s24), cultivated from the ceca of healthy laying hens originating from different farms in Belgium.
Collapse
|
30
|
Draft Genome Sequences of Five Clinical Enterococcus cecorum Strains Isolated from Different Poultry Species in Poland. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2015; 3:3/5/e01082-15. [PMID: 26383654 PMCID: PMC4574383 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.01082-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Here, we report five draft genome sequences of Enterococcus cecorum strains that were isolated from different bird species of affected poultry flocks (commercial broilers [CB], broiler breeders [BB], commercial layers [CL], ducks [D], and geese [G]) in Poland.
Collapse
|
31
|
Borst LB, Suyemoto MM, Scholl EH, Fuller FJ, Barnes HJ. Comparative genomic analysis identifies divergent genomic features of pathogenic Enterococcus cecorum including a type IC CRISPR-Cas system, a capsule locus, an epa-like locus, and putative host tissue binding proteins. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121294. [PMID: 25860249 PMCID: PMC4393107 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus cecorum (EC) is the dominant enteric commensal of adult chickens and contributes to the gut consortia of many avian and mammalian species. While EC infection is an uncommon zoonosis, like other enterococcal species it can cause life-threating nosocomial infection in people. In contrast to other enterococci which are considered opportunistic pathogens, emerging pathogenic strains of EC cause outbreaks of musculoskeletal disease in broiler chickens. Typical morbidity and mortality is comparable to other important infectious diseases of poultry. In molecular epidemiologic studies, pathogenic EC strains were found to be genetically clonal. These findings suggested acquisition of specific virulence determinants by pathogenic EC. To identify divergent genomic features and acquired virulence determinants in pathogenic EC; comparative genomic analysis was performed on genomes of 3 pathogenic and 3 commensal strains of EC. Pathogenic isolates had smaller genomes with a higher GC content, and they demonstrated large regions of synteny compared to commensal isolates. A molecular phylogenetic analysis demonstrated sequence divergence in pathogenic EC genomes. At a threshold of 98% identity, 414 predicted proteins were identified that were highly conserved in pathogenic EC but not in commensal EC. Among these, divergent CRISPR-cas defense loci were observed. In commensal EC, the type IIA arrangement typical for enterococci was present; however, pathogenic EC had a type IC locus, which is novel in enterococci but commonly observed in streptococci. Potential mediators of virulence identified in this analysis included a polysaccharide capsular locus similar to that recently described for E. faecium, an epa-like locus, and cell wall associated proteins which may bind host extracellular matrix. This analysis identified specific genomic regions, coding sequences, and predicted proteins which may be related to the divergent evolution and increased virulence of emerging pathogenic strains of EC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke B. Borst
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - M. Mitsu Suyemoto
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth H. Scholl
- Bioinformatics Consulting and Service Core, Bioinformatics Research Center, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Fredrick J. Fuller
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - H. John Barnes
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Doneley RJ, Schaffer-White A, Melville LM, Palmieri C. Fungal Transverse Myelitis in a Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans). J Exot Pet Med 2015. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2015.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
|
33
|
Jackson CR, Kariyawasam S, Borst LB, Frye JG, Barrett JB, Hiott LM, Woodley TA. Antimicrobial resistance, virulence determinants and genetic profiles of clinical and nonclinical Enterococcus cecorum from poultry. Lett Appl Microbiol 2015; 60:111-119. [PMID: 25470229 DOI: 10.1111/lam.12374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Enterococcus cecorum has been implicated as a possible cause of disease in poultry. However, the characteristics that contribute to pathogenesis of Ent. cecorum in poultry have not been defined. In this study, Ent. cecorum from carcass rinsates (n = 75) and diseased broilers and broiler breeders (n = 30) were compared based upon antimicrobial resistance phenotype, the presence of virulence determinants and genetic relatedness using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Of the 16 antimicrobials tested, Ent. cecorum from carcass rinsates and clinical cases were resistant to ten and six of the antimicrobials, respectively. The majority of Ent. cecorum from carcass rinsates was resistant to lincomycin (54/75; 72%) and tetracycline (46/75; 61.3%) while the highest level of resistance among clinical Ent. cecorum was to tetracycline (22/30; 73.3%) and erythromycin (11/30; 36.7%). Multidrug resistance (resistance to ≥2 antimicrobials) was identified in Ent. cecorum from carcass rinsates (53/75; 70.7%) and diseased poultry (18/30; 60%). Of the virulence determinants tested, efaAfm was present in almost all of the isolates (104/105; 99%). Using PFGE, the majority of clinical isolates clustered together; however, a few clinical isolates grouped with Ent. cecorum from carcass rinsates. These data suggest that distinguishing the two groups of isolates is difficult based upon the characterization criteria used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C R Jackson
- Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit, Russell Research Center, USDA-ARS, Athens, GA, USA
| | - S Kariyawasam
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - L B Borst
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - J G Frye
- Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit, Russell Research Center, USDA-ARS, Athens, GA, USA
| | - J B Barrett
- Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit, Russell Research Center, USDA-ARS, Athens, GA, USA
| | - L M Hiott
- Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit, Russell Research Center, USDA-ARS, Athens, GA, USA
| | - T A Woodley
- Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit, Russell Research Center, USDA-ARS, Athens, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Jung A, Rautenschlein S. Comprehensive report of an Enterococcus cecorum infection in a broiler flock in Northern Germany. BMC Vet Res 2014; 10:311. [PMID: 25539747 PMCID: PMC4297365 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-014-0311-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enterococcus cecorum is considered as an emerging pathogen in poultry and can cause substantial losses in broiler flocks. Femoral head necrosis and spondylitis were described as the main pathological changes in infected chickens. Nevertheless, little is known about the pathogenesis of Enterococcus cecorum infection in broilers. This report shows for the first time the whole course of disease over an entire growing period including repeated necropsies and subsequent microbiological investigations. CASE PRESENTATION In a flock of 18200 broilers, a decrease in flock uniformity was detected from 14 days post hatch onwards with affected chickens showing lameness and an increase in flock mortality up to 7.22% at day 33 post hatch. In the first 3 weeks post hatch, pericarditis and hepatitis were found as the main pathological changes in 27.6% and 9.8% of the examined broilers respectively. Femoral head necrosis and vertebral osteomyelitis were detected in the last week of the growing period with 10.3% and 2.3% respectively. Heart, liver, spleen, yolk sac and vertebral column of 59 broilers with pathological changes were subjected to bacteriological analysis. Enterococcus cecorum was isolated from 23 birds (39%), the first broiler was already positive at day 3 post hatch in the yolk sac. Additionally, 9.75% of the broilers were rejected at the slaughterhouse primarily because of pathological changes. The investigated broiler cycle had by far the best footpad score compared to 7 cycles before and 4 cycles after the Enterococcus cecorum infection at the same farm. CONCLUSIONS Bacteraemia and generalized infection appear to be important steps in the pathogenesis of Enterococcus cecorum infection in broilers. Furthermore, this disease causes economic losses for the farmer not only due to an increase in flock mortality, but probably also through substantially higher condemnation rates at the slaughterhouse. It was speculated that the broilers were infected via the respiratory tract as this flock had lower footpad scores likely the result of drier litter. The latter may have led to higher dust concentrations and thus airborne Enterococcus cecorum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arne Jung
- />Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
|
36
|
Borst LB, Suyemoto MM, Keelara S, Dunningan SE, Guy JS, Barnes HJ. A Chicken Embryo Lethality Assay for PathogenicEnterococcus cecorum. Avian Dis 2014; 58:244-8. [DOI: 10.1637/10687-101113-reg.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|
37
|
Jung A, Metzner M, Köhler-Repp D, Rautenschlein S. Experimental reproduction of an Enterococcus cecorum infection in Pekin ducks. Avian Pathol 2013; 42:552-6. [PMID: 24164051 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2013.850151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Enterococcus cecorum (EC) was thus far only known as a pathogen for broilers and broiler breeders. Recently there was evidence of EC field outbreaks in Pekin duck flocks in Germany. In this study we experimentally reproduced an EC infection in Pekin ducks. At 12 days post hatch, groups of Pekin ducks were infected orally, via the thoracic air sac or intravenously with 1.5 × 10(9) colony-forming units (CFU) of EC per bird or via the air sac with 8.5 × 10(5) or 8.5 × 10(7) CFU per bird. Ducks of the intravenously infected group showed 100% mortality after 2 days post infection. The air sac inoculated high-dose group exhibited a mortality rate of 67%. Birds that were infected with 8.5 × 10(5) and 8.5 × 10(7) CFU showed 6.7% mortality after 7 days post infection. Dead birds displayed pneumonia, airsacculitis, pericarditis and splenitis and EC was re-isolated from these organs. Surviving birds of all groups apart from the orally infected ducks demonstrated clinical signs such as huddling, reduced mobility and diarrhoea. Furthermore, they showed gross pathological lesions including airsacculitis and splenitis and lower bodyweights than the control group at necropsy on days 7, 14 and 21 post infection. The present study clearly confirms that EC is pathogenic for Pekin ducks after experimental infection via the intravenous route or the respiratory tract. EC therefore has to be considered as an emerging avian pathogen not only in broilers but also in Pekin ducks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arne Jung
- a Clinic for Poultry , University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover , Hannover , Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Pathomorphological Investigations on the Incidence of Axial Skeleton Pathology Associated with Posterior Paralysis in Commercial Broiler Chickens. J Poult Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.2141/jpsa.0120144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
|
39
|
Robbins KM, Suyemoto MM, Lyman RL, Martin MP, Barnes HJ, Borst LB. An Outbreak and Source Investigation of Enterococcal Spondylitis in Broilers Caused by Enterococcus cecorum. Avian Dis 2012; 56:768-73. [DOI: 10.1637/10253-052412-case.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|
40
|
Borst LB, Suyemoto MM, Robbins KM, Lyman RL, Martin MP, Barnes HJ. Molecular epidemiology ofEnterococcus cecorumisolates recovered from enterococcal spondylitis outbreaks in the southeastern United States. Avian Pathol 2012; 41:479-85. [DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2012.718070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|