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Jiménez-Meléndez A, Shakya R, Markussen T, Robertson LJ, Myrmel M, Makvandi-Nejad S. Gene expression profile of HCT-8 cells following single or co-infections with Cryptosporidium parvum and bovine coronavirus. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22106. [PMID: 38092824 PMCID: PMC10719361 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49488-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the causative agents of neonatal diarrhoea in calves, two of the most prevalent are bovine coronavirus (BCoV) and the intracellular parasite Cryptosporidium parvum. Although several studies indicate that co-infections are associated with greater symptom severity, the host-pathogen interplay remains unresolved. Here, our main objective was to investigate the modulation of the transcriptome of HCT-8 cells during single and co-infections with BCoV and C. parvum. For this, HCT-8 cells were inoculated with (1) BCoV alone, (2) C. parvum alone, (3) BCoV and C. parvum simultaneously. After 24 and 72 h, cells were harvested and analyzed using high-throughput RNA sequencing. Following differential expression analysis, over 6000 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in virus-infected and co-exposed cells at 72 hpi, whereas only 52 DEGs were found in C. parvum-infected cells at the same time point. Pathway (KEGG) and gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that DEGs in the virus-infected and co-exposed cells were mostly associated with immune pathways (such as NF-κB, TNF-α or, IL-17), apoptosis and regulation of transcription, with a more limited effect exerted by C. parvum. Although the modulation observed in the co-infection was apparently dominated by the virus, over 800 DEGs were uniquely expressed in co-exposed cells at 72 hpi. Our findings provide insights on possible biomarkers associated with co-infection, which could be further explored using in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Jiménez-Meléndez
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences (PARAFAG), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Ås, Norway.
| | - Ruchika Shakya
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences (PARAFAG), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Ås, Norway
| | - Turhan Markussen
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences (PARAFAG), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Ås, Norway
| | - Lucy J Robertson
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences (PARAFAG), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Ås, Norway
| | - Mette Myrmel
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences (PARAFAG), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Ås, Norway
| | - Shokouh Makvandi-Nejad
- Research Group Animal Health, Vaccinology, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ås, Norway
- Nykode Therapeutics ASA, Oslo Science Park, Oslo, Norway
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2
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Dengler F, Hammon HM, Liermann W, Görs S, Bachmann L, Helm C, Ulrich R, Delling C. Cryptosporidium parvumcompetes with the intestinal epithelial cells for glucose and impairs systemic glucose supply in neonatal calves. Vet Res 2023; 54:40. [PMID: 37138353 PMCID: PMC10156424 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-023-01172-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is one of the main causes of diarrhea in children and young livestock. The interaction of the parasite with the intestinal host cells has not been characterized thoroughly yet but may be affected by the nutritional demand of the parasite. Hence, we aimed to investigate the impact of C. parvum infection on glucose metabolism in neonatal calves. Therefore, N = 5 neonatal calves were infected with C. parvum on the first day of life, whereas a control group was not (N = 5). The calves were monitored clinically for one week, and glucose absorption, turnover and oxidation were assessed using stable isotope labelled glucose. The transepithelial transport of glucose was measured using the Ussing chamber technique. Glucose transporters were quantified on gene and protein expression level using RT-qPCR and Western blot in the jejunum epithelium and brush border membrane preparations. Plasma glucose concentration and oral glucose absorption were decreased despite an increased electrogenic phlorizin sensitive transepithelial transport of glucose in infected calves. No difference in the gene or protein abundance of glucose transporters, but an enrichment of glucose transporter 2 in the brush border was observed in the infected calves. Furthermore, the mRNA for enzymes of the glycolysis pathway was increased indicating enhanced glucose oxidation in the infected gut. In summary, C. parvum infection modulates intestinal epithelial glucose absorption and metabolism. We assume that the metabolic competition of the parasite for glucose causes the host cells to upregulate their uptake mechanisms and metabolic machinery to compensate for the energy losses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Dengler
- Institute of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna, Austria.
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 7, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Harald M Hammon
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Nutritional Physiology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Wendy Liermann
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Nutritional Physiology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Solvig Görs
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Nutritional Physiology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Lisa Bachmann
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Nutritional Physiology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, Dummerstorf, Germany
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science, University of Applied Science Neubrandenburg, Brodaer Strasse 2, Neubrandenburg, Germany
| | - Christiane Helm
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 33-37, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Reiner Ulrich
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 33-37, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Cora Delling
- Institute of Parasitology, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 35, Leipzig, Germany
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OPTIMIZING AMLA (PHYLLANTHUS EMBLICA) FRUIT POWDER SUPPLEMENTATION in liquid feed fed to Holstein dairy calves: Insights from growth performance and health events. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2023.115608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
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4
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Bandlow KS, King A, Kennicutt KC, Brody S, Chigerwe M. Transfer of passive immunity and survival in Jersey heifer calves fed heat-treated pooled colostrum. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1094272. [PMID: 36908520 PMCID: PMC9998901 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1094272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Acquisition of adequate transfer of passive immunity (ATPI) by calves depends on the absorption of sufficient mass of colostral immunoglobulin G (IgG). Several studies report conflicting evidence regarding the ability of feeding pooled colostrum to achieve ATPI. Pooling colostrum is practical and efficient for some dairies, and recommendations are required to prevent failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) in calves following pooling. This study aimed to determine the effect of pooling colostrum on serum IgG concentrations, FTPI, and preweaning mortality in calves. A prospective study was performed on two conventional Jersey dairy farms where heat treatment of colostrum occurred in the same colostrum processing kitchen. Four to 10 cows contributed to colostrum pools. A sample of the colostrum pool fed to the calves and serum from calves at 24-72 h was collected for IgG concentration determination by single radial immunodiffusion assay. Multivariable and logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate factors that predicated serum IgG concentrations and the probability of FTPI, respectively. A Cox proportional hazard model analysis was performed to determine risk factors for mortality over the preweaning period. A total of 164 calves fed 28 colostrum pools were enrolled. Birth weight, number of colostrum feedings and pool IgG concentrations were significant predictors of calf serum IgG concentrations at 24-72 h, whereas the number of colostrum feedings and age at bleeding to determine passive transfer status were not significant predictors of calf serum IgG concentrations at 24-72 h. The prevalence of FTPI was 4.9%. Birth weight, pool IgG concentrations, number of colostrum feedings, and age at bleeding to check for passive transfer status were not significant predictors of the probability of FTPI at 24-72 h. The incidence of mortality was 4.3%. Passive transfer status was not a predictor of mortality. Our study demonstrates the effect of pooling colostrum on serum IgG concentrations even in herds where colostrum with higher median colostrum IgG concentrations is fed to calves. The results emphasize the recommendations to assess pooled colostrum IgG concentrations before feeding calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine S Bandlow
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Ailbhe King
- Center for Integrative Mammalian Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.,Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Kelsie C Kennicutt
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Shoshana Brody
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Munashe Chigerwe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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Li N, Zhao W, Song S, Ye H, Chu W, Guo Y, Feng Y, Xiao L. Diarrhoea outbreak caused by coinfections of Cryptosporidium parvum subtype IIdA20G1 and rotavirus in pre-weaned dairy calves. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e1606-e1617. [PMID: 35226796 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Diarrhoea is one of the most important syndromes in neonatal calves. In industrialized nations with intensive animal farming, Cryptosporidium spp. and rotavirus are primary causes of calf diarrhoea, but the role of these and other enteric pathogens is not clear in China. In November and December 2018, a diarrhoea outbreak was identified in over 150 pre-weaned calves on a dairy farm in Heilongjiang Province, northeast China and approximately 60 calves died. To determine the cause of the outbreak, we analyzed 131 faecal samples collected from pre-weaned calves (0-2 months) during (n = 114) and after the outbreak (n = 17). Initially, 10 diarrheic samples during the outbreak and 10 non-diarrheic samples after the outbreak were screened for rotavirus, coronavirus, Escherichia coli K99 and Cryptosporidium parvum by using an enzymatic immunoassay (EIA). In addition, 81 other samples were tested specifically for rotavirus by EIA, and all 131 samples were analyzed for Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi by PCR. The initial EIA analysis identified C. parvum (8/10) and rotavirus (5/10) as the dominant pathogens in calves during the outbreak, while both pathogens were detected at lower frequency after the outbreak (2/10 and 1/10, respectively). Further PCR analyses indicated that the occurrence of C. parvum infections in calves was significantly higher during the outbreak (75.4%, 86/114) than after the outbreak (11.8%, 2/17; odds ratio [OR] = 23.0), and was significantly associated with the occurrence of watery diarrhoea (OR = 15.7) and high oocyst shedding intensity. All C. parvum isolates were identified as subtype IIdA20G1. Among other pathogens analyzed, the overall prevalence of rotavirus, G. duodenalis and E. bieneusi was 19.8% (20/101), 38.9% (51/131) and 42.0% (55/131) in calves, respectively, without significant differences during and after the outbreak. Among the three pathogens, only the rotavirus infection was associated with diarrhoea in calves. More importantly, coinfections of C. parvum and rotavirus were significantly associated with the occurrence of watery diarrhoea in calves and were seen only during the outbreak. Thus, C. parvum subtype IIdA20G1 and rotavirus appeared to be responsible for this diarrhoea outbreak. Control measures should be implemented to effectively prevent the concurrent transmission of these enteric pathogens in pre-weaned dairy calves in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wentao Zhao
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shujiao Song
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Haojie Ye
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenlun Chu
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaqiong Guo
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Ross J, Schatz C, Beaugrand K, Zuidhof S, Ralston B, Allan N, Olson M. Evaluation of Activated Charcoal as an Alternative to Antimicrobials for the Treatment of Neonatal Calf Diarrhea. VETERINARY MEDICINE (AUCKLAND, N.Z.) 2021; 12:359-369. [PMID: 34993127 PMCID: PMC8714008 DOI: 10.2147/vmrr.s337698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) is a major cause of death and economic loss in the cattle industry. Although NCD is caused by a variety of nutritional factors and non-bacterial pathogens, treatment typically includes systemic antimicrobial therapy, even for non-severe cases that are more likely to have non-bacterial causes. Novel, non-antimicrobial therapies are needed to reduce antimicrobial use and optimize production efficiency. METHODS This production-level study compared the efficacy of activated charcoal to that of an antimicrobial regimen for treating mild-to-moderate cases of NCD, and identified the most common etiological agents. Calves diagnosed with non-severe diarrhea were randomly allocated into 3 treatment groups (n = 86 per group): group A received a standard antimicrobial regimen, B received both antimicrobials and activated charcoal, and C received activated charcoal only. Animals were monitored over the course of 7 days for mortality and recovery from diarrhea. Fecal samples were collected upon enrollment (day 0) and on day 7 to assess the presence of major NCD-causing pathogens. RESULTS Mortality was higher for groups B and C relative to A, although this difference was only statistically significant for group B vs A. No significant difference in the number of recovered animals was observed among the treatment groups, although group C was significantly slower to recover than A or B. The vast majority of day 0 samples were positive for non-bacterial organisms (mainly rotavirus and Cryptosporidium parvum), which decreased significantly by day 7 regardless of treatment group. CONCLUSION Antimicrobials only moderately improved outcomes for non-severe diarrhea cases relative to activated charcoal. Thus, systemic antimicrobial treatment is likely unnecessary for the majority of NCD cases and should be limited to severe cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Ross
- Chinook Contract Research Inc., Airdrie, AB, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Nick Allan
- Chinook Contract Research Inc., Airdrie, AB, Canada
| | - Merle Olson
- Alberta Veterinary Laboratories Ltd., Calgary, AB, Canada
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Interactions between Cryptosporidium parvum and bovine corona virus during sequential and simultaneous infection of HCT-8 cells. Microbes Infect 2021; 24:104909. [PMID: 34813933 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2021.104909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal diarrhoea in calves is one of the major health problems in the cattle industry. Although co-infections are often associated with greater severity of disease, there is limited information on any impact on the pathogens themselves. Herein, we studied Cryptosporidium parvum and bovine coronavirus (BCoV) in human HCT-8 cells, inoculated either sequentially or simultaneously, to investigate any influence from the co-infections. Quantitative results from (RT)-qPCR showed that prior inoculation with either of the two pathogens had no influence on the other. However, the results from simultaneous co-inoculation showed that entry of viral particles was higher when C. parvum sporozoites were present, although elevated virus copy numbers were no longer evident after 24 h. The attachment of BCoV to the sporozoites was probably due to specific binding, as investigations with bovine norovirus or equine herpes virus-1 showed no attachment between sporozoites and these viruses. Flow cytometry results at 72 h post inoculation revealed that C. parvum and BCoV infected 1-11% and 10-20% of the HCT-8 cells, respectively, with only 0.04% of individual cells showing double infections. The results from confocal microscopy corroborated those results, showing an increase in foci of infection from 24-72 h post inoculation for both pathogens, but with few double infected cells.
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8
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Song L, Zhu X, Zhou Y, Feng Y, Dai G, Chen J, Chen Y, Li F, Zhao W. Establishment of a rotavirus-infected zebrafish model and its application in drug screening. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 145:112398. [PMID: 34781142 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Rotavirus (RV) is one of the main pathogens that induce infantile diarrhea and by now no effective drugs are available for RV-induced infantile diarrhea. Thus the development of novel models is of vital importance for the pathological research of RV-induced infantile diarrhea, as well as the progress of the associated treatment strategy. Here we introduced for the first time that RV-Wa strain and RV-SA-11 strain could infect 5 dpf(day post fertilization) and 28 dpf larvae, to induce infantile diarrhea model that was highly consistent with the clinical infection of infants. RV infection significantly changed the signs, survival rate and inflammation of larvae. Some important indicators, including the levels of RV antigen VP4 and VP6, the in vivo RV tracking, and the RV particles were also analyzed, which collectively demonstrated that the model was successfully established. More importantly, we also determined the potentials of the proposed RV-infected zebrafish model for anti-viral drug assessment. In conclusion, we established a RV-infected zebrafish model with formulated relevant indicators both larvae and adult fish, which might be served as a high throughput platform for antiviral drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Song
- School of pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuemei Zhu
- School of pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, Guangdong, China
| | - Yujing Zhou
- School of pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuxuan Feng
- School of pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, Guangdong, China
| | - Guiqin Dai
- School of pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiabo Chen
- School of pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, Guangdong, China
| | - Yang Chen
- School of pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, Guangdong, China
| | - Feng Li
- School of pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenchang Zhao
- School of pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, Guangdong, China.
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Carter HSM, Renaud DL, Steele MA, Fischer-Tlustos AJ, Costa JHC. A Narrative Review on the Unexplored Potential of Colostrum as a Preventative Treatment and Therapy for Diarrhea in Neonatal Dairy Calves. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2221. [PMID: 34438679 PMCID: PMC8388388 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Diarrhea is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in pre-weaned dairy calves and, as such, represents a significant animal health and welfare concern. Furthermore, digestive disease early in life is associated with several long-term consequences such as reduced growth rate and decreased milk yield during the first lactation, thus generating severe economic losses. The majority of diarrheic cases in young calves are treated with antimicrobials; however, it is necessary to develop alternative treatments, as excessive antimicrobial usage can lead to antimicrobial resistance and can negatively impact the gut microflora of a calf. Bovine colostrum is abundant in immune and bioactive factors that improve immune function and development. This rich and natural combination of immunoglobulins, natural antimicrobial factors, growth factors, anti-inflammatories and nutrients may be an attractive alternative to antimicrobials in the treatment of diarrhea in young dairy calves. There is evidence that supports the use of colostrum as an early treatment for diarrhea in young calves. Future research should investigate its therapeutic and economic effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Havelah S. M. Carter
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
| | - David L. Renaud
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
| | - Michael A. Steele
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (M.A.S.); (A.J.F.-T.)
| | - Amanda J. Fischer-Tlustos
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (M.A.S.); (A.J.F.-T.)
| | - Joao H. C. Costa
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA;
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Seasonal and Age-Associated Pathogen Distribution in Newborn Calves with Diarrhea Admitted to ICU. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8070128. [PMID: 34357920 PMCID: PMC8310227 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8070128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Calf mortality constitutes a substantial loss for agriculture economy-based countries and is also a significant herd problem in developed countries. However, the occurrence and frequency of responsible gastro-intestinal (GI) pathogens in severe newborn diarrhea is still not well known. We aimed to determine the seasonal and age-associated pathogen distribution of severe diarrhea in newborn calves admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Erciyes University animal hospital over a year. Fecal samples were collected during the ICU admissions, and specimens were subjected to a diarrheal pathogen screening panel that included bovine coronavirus (BCoV), Cryptosporidium spp., ETEC K99+, and bovine rotavirus, using RT-PCR and conventional PCR methods. Further isolation experiments were performed with permissive cell cultures and bacterial enrichment methods to identify the clinical importance of infectious pathogen shedding in the ICU. Among the hospitalized calves aged less than 45 days old, the majority of calves originated from small farms (85.9%). The pathogen that most frequently occurred was Cryptosporidium spp. (61.5%) followed by rotavirus (56.4%). The frequency of animal admission to ICU and GI pathogen identification was higher during the winter season (44.9%) when compared to other seasons. Most calves included in the study were 1-6 days old (44.9%). Lastly, co-infection with rotavirus and Cryptosporidium spp. occurred more frequently than other dual or multi-infection events. This study was the first to define severe diarrhea-causing GI pathogens from ICU admitted newborn calves in Turkey.
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