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Łopucki R, Stępień-Pyśniak D, Christensen H, Kubiński K, Lenarczyk E, Martinez-de-Tejada G, Kitowski I, Masłyk M. Interspecies transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria between wild birds and mammals in urban environment. Vet Microbiol 2024; 294:110130. [PMID: 38820727 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2024.110130] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
The transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria among wild animal species may hold significant epidemiological implications. However, this issue is seldom explored due to the perceived complexity of these systems, which discourages experimental investigation. To address this knowledge gap, we chose a configuration of birds and mammals coexisting in an urban green area as a research model: the rook Corvus frugilegus and the striped field mouse Apodemus agrarius. The indirect transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria between these species is possible because rodents inhabiting rook colonies frequently come into contact with the birds' faeces and pellets. The study was conducted in two cities in eastern Poland (Central Europe) - Lublin and Chełm. Among 71 Escherichia (E.) coli isolates studied, 19.7% showed resistance to from one to six of the antibiotics tested, with much higher prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the birds (32%) than in the rodents (7%). Whole genome sequencing was performed on 10 selected E. coli isolates representing similar resistance phenotypes. The following antimicrobial resistance genes were detected: blaTEM-1b, tet(A), tet(B), aph(6)-Id, aph(3'')-Ib, aadA1, aadA2, catA1, floR, cmlA, sul2, sul3, dfrA14, and dfrA2. Birds from the same city and also from both neighbouring cities shared E. coli bacteria with the same sequence types, whereas isolates detected in birds were not found to have been transferred to the mammalian population, despite close contact. This demonstrates that even intensive exposure to sources of these pathogens does not necessarily lead to effective transmission of antibiotic-resistant E. coli strains between birds and mammals. Further efforts should be dedicated to investigating actual transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in various ecological systems, including those that are crucial for public health, such as urban environments. This will facilitate the development of more accurate models for epidemiological threats and the formulation of well-balanced decisions regarding the coexistence of humans and urban wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafał Łopucki
- John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Biomedicine and Environmental Research, Konstantynów 1J, Lublin 20-708, Poland
| | - Dagmara Stępień-Pyśniak
- University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Prevention and Avian Diseases, Głęboka 30, Lublin 20-612, Poland.
| | - Henrik Christensen
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Stigbøjlen 4, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Konrad Kubiński
- John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, Konstantynów 1J, Lublin 20-708, Poland
| | - Ewa Lenarczyk
- John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Biomedicine and Environmental Research, Konstantynów 1J, Lublin 20-708, Poland
| | - Guillermo Martinez-de-Tejada
- University of Navarra, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), Irunlarrea 1, Pamplona E-31008, Spain
| | - Ignacy Kitowski
- University College of Applied Sciences in Chełm, Pocztowa 54, Chełm 22-100, Poland
| | - Maciej Masłyk
- John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, Konstantynów 1J, Lublin 20-708, Poland
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Ahmed WI, Mohammed AN, Sleim ASA. Efficacy evaluation of hydrogen peroxide disinfectant based zinc oxide nanoparticles against diarrhea causing Escherichia coli in ruminant animals and broiler chickens. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9159. [PMID: 38644372 PMCID: PMC11033286 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59280-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Different strains of Escherichia coli that exhibit genetic characteristics linked to diarrhea pose a major threat to both human and animal health. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli), the genetic linkages and routes of transmission between E. coli isolates from different animal species. The efficiency of disinfectants such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), Virkon®S, TH4+, nano zinc oxide (ZnO NPs), and H2O2-based zinc oxide nanoparticles (H2O2/ZnO NPs) against isolated strains of E. coli was evaluated. Using 100 fecal samples from different diarrheal species (cow n = 30, sheep n = 40, and broiler chicken n = 30) for E. coli isolation and identification using the entero-bacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC-PCR) fingerprinting technique. The E. coli properties isolated from several diarrheal species were examined for their pathogenicity in vitro. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), zeta potential, and particle size distribution were used for the synthesis and characterization of ZnO NPs and H2O2/ZnO NPs. The broth macro-dilution method was used to assess the effectiveness of disinfectants and disinfectant-based nanoparticles against E. coli strains. Regarding the results, the hemolytic activity and Congo red binding assays of pathogenic E. coli isolates were 55.3 and 44.7%, respectively. Eleven virulent E. coli isolates were typed into five ERIC-types (A1, A2, B1, B2, and B3) using the ERIC-PCR method. These types clustered into two main clusters (A and B) with 75% similarity. In conclusion, there was 90% similarity between the sheep samples' ERIC types A1 and A2. On the other hand, 89% of the ERIC types B1, B2, and B3 of cows and poultry samples were comparable. The H2O2/ZnO NPs composite exhibits potential antibacterial action against E. coli isolates at 0.04 mg/ml after 120 min of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walaa I Ahmed
- Bacteriology Lab., Alexandria Provincial Lab., Animal Health Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt
| | - Asmaa N Mohammed
- Department of Hygiene, Zoonoses and Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62511, Egypt.
| | - Al-Shimaa A Sleim
- Bacteriology Lab., Alexandria Provincial Lab., Animal Health Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt
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Fan W, Zhu Y, Hou H, Yao J, Zhu L, Liu H, Yan H. Treatment and prevention of pigeon diarrhea through the application of Lactobacillus SNK-6. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103476. [PMID: 38401224 PMCID: PMC10906524 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103476] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In the pigeon industry, treating and preventing diarrhea is vital because it is a serious health problem for pigeons. This study investigated the incidence of diarrhea in 3 pigeon farms in Shanghai, and analyzed the microflora through 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. Four strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolated from pigeon diarrhea feces were administered via gavage to healthy pigeons, with each pigeon receiving 2 × 108 CFU. Pigeons that developed diarrhea after E. coli challenge were treated with 3 g of Lactobacillus salivarius SNK-6 (L. salivarius SNK-6) health sand (1.6 × 107 CFU/g). Then, a mass feeding experiment expanded to 688 pairs of pigeons with 3 replicates, each receiving 3 g of health sand containing L. salivarius SNK-6 (1.6 × 107 CFU/g) every 2 wk, and fecal status monitored and recorded. The study found that the relative abundance of the Lactobacillus genus and L. salivarius in feces from pigeons with diarrhea was significantly lower than in normal pigeon feces (P < 0.05). In contrast, E. coli showed a higher abundance and diversity in feces from pigeons with diarrhea than in normal feces (P < 0.05). Three out of the 4 isolated E. coli strains caused pigeon diarrhea, resulting in a significant reduction in microbial diversity in fecal samples (P < 0.05). Both the small group attack experiment and the mass-fed additive experiment in pigeon farms demonstrated that feeding L. salivarius SNK-6 effectively cured and prevented diarrhea. Pigeons fed with L. salivarius SNK-6 exhibited no diarrhea, while the control group had a 10% diarrhea rate. In summary, a deficiency of Lactobacillus or a high abundance of E. coli in the intestine could easily cause pigeon diarrhea. Feeding L. salivarius SNK-6 could treat pigeon diarrhea, and continuous supplementation could maintain stable preventive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu Fan
- Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yonghao Zhu
- Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haobin Hou
- Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Junfeng Yao
- Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lihui Zhu
- Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Huili Liu
- Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Huaxiang Yan
- Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.
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Kerek Á, Szabó Á, Dobra PF, Bárdos K, Ózsvári L, Fehérvári P, Bata Z, Molnár-Nagy V, Jerzsele Á. Determining the In Vivo Efficacy of Plant-Based and Probiotic-Based Antibiotic Alternatives against Mixed Infection with Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli in Domestic Chickens. Vet Sci 2023; 10:706. [PMID: 38133257 PMCID: PMC10747687 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10120706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Restrictions on the use of antimicrobial compounds have led to a surge of interest in alternative solutions, such as natural, plant-based compounds. In our study, we investigated the efficacy of three feed supplements containing different additives, namely, probiotics (Lactobacillus spp., "Test substance A"), turmeric (Curcuma longa L., "Test substance B"), and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum, "Test substance C"). In the experiment, we tested 180 birds of the Bábolna Tetra-SL laying hybrid breed that were infected with Salmonella enteritidis strains. The birds were randomly divided into six groups: three groups treated with the different additives, a negative control group, a positive control group, and an antibiotic-treated group using enrofloxacin. We examined the maturation and the time course of shedding of Salmonella; at the end of rearing, pathological and histopathological examinations were performed. When Salmonella was isolated from the cloacal swab samples, the enrofloxacin-treated group had a high number of animals shedding Salmonella by day 9, which was like the group treated with test material C. The greatest reduction in Salmonella shedding was observed in the groups treated with test materials A and B. In terms of pathological parameters, villus length and crypt depth were significantly better in the group treated with test material C compared to the positive and negative controls, and when comparing the body weight of the tested animals, the group treated with test material B had a significantly larger absorption surface area compared to the positive control group. Overall, the supplement with test material C proved to be the most effective. In the future, it is worthwhile to investigate the combination of the tested active substances for their possible synergistic effects and to perform a dose-response study to select the optimal dosage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ádám Kerek
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István Street 2, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (Á.S.); (Á.J.)
- National Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Public Health and Food Chain Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (K.B.); (L.Ó.)
| | - Ábel Szabó
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István Street 2, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (Á.S.); (Á.J.)
| | - Péter Ferenc Dobra
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Krisztina Bárdos
- National Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Public Health and Food Chain Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (K.B.); (L.Ó.)
- Department of Veterinary Forensics and Economics, Institute of Economics and Biostatistics, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Ózsvári
- National Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Public Health and Food Chain Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (K.B.); (L.Ó.)
- Department of Veterinary Forensics and Economics, Institute of Economics and Biostatistics, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Fehérvári
- Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Economics and Biostatistics, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Zsófia Bata
- Dr. Bata Zrt., 2364 Ócsa, Hungary; (Z.B.); (V.M.-N.)
| | | | - Ákos Jerzsele
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István Street 2, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (Á.S.); (Á.J.)
- National Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Public Health and Food Chain Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (K.B.); (L.Ó.)
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El-Shenawy FA, El-Sherbeny EME, Kassem S. Efficacy of zinc oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles on virulence genes of avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) in broilers. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:108. [PMID: 37542317 PMCID: PMC10401765 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03643-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colibacillosis is one of the broilers' most dominant bacterial diseases, either as a primary or a secondary infection. As E. coli antimicrobial drug resistance is rising; there is a need to develop new approaches to its control. In light of this, a comparative study of the in-vitro antibacterial activity of Arabic gum stabilized zinc and copper nanoparticles (AG-ZnNPs and AG-CuNPs) against PCR-identified field avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) strains and virulence genes (ibeA, hlyA, iss, pap C and ompA) was applied to study the therapeutic effect of zinc and copper nanoparticles to be used as an antibiotic alternative (Nanobiotic). Furthermore, the in-vivo effects of CuNPs were evaluated. Additionally, the CuNPs liver and muscle residues with or without infection were examined. The eighty broilers were divided into four groups; G1: negative control, G2: infected control with E. coli O17, G3: non-infected treated (AG-CuNPs 50 mg/kg body weight), and G4: infected treated (AG-CuNPs 50 mg/kg body weight). AG-CuNPs treatment was given to broilers for five days in drinking water. RESULTS E. coli was isolated from diseased broilers at an average incidence rate of 20% from intestinal and liver samples. All identified serotypes (O17, O78, O91, O121, and O159) were resistant to AG-ZnNPs and sensitive to AG-CuNPs. AG-CuNPs minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC) for O17 were 7.5 and 60 mg/ml, respectively. Conventional uniplex PCR results showed that strain O17 contained virulence genes (ibeA, hlyA, iss, and papC), where AG-CuNPs significantly reduced the expression of all target genes when examined by Real-time quantitative PCR. Additionally, the bactericidal activity of AG-CuNPs on O17 was 100% at 20 minutes and 40 mg/ml and confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, no mortality was recorded in treated groups compared to G2. Subsequently, no E. coli was re-isolated from the liver in the G4 after treatment. The total protein, albumin, globulin, and lysozyme activity were significantly increased in G4 compared to G2, while the activities of liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)) were markedly decreased in G4 compared to G2. Additionally, uric acid, creatinine, and C-reactive protein levels were decreased in G4 compared to G2. However, the liver enzymes, kidney functions, C-reactive protein levels, and Cu residues were non-significantly changed in G4 compared to G1. CONCLUSION Green synthesized AG-CuNPs are recommended as an effective antimicrobial alternative against APEC strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawzia A El-Shenawy
- Bacteriology unit, Tanta lab. (AHRI), Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt
| | - Eman M El El-Sherbeny
- Pharmacology unit, Tanta lab. (AHRI), Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt
| | - Samr Kassem
- Nanomaterials research and Synthesis unit, Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt.
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Bhattarai RK, Basnet HB, Dhakal IP, Alocilja EC. Virulence genes of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from commercial chicken in Nepal. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 95:101961. [PMID: 36870115 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.101961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Colibacillosis is the most common bacteriological disease in poultry. The purpose of this study was to determine the recovery rate of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) strains, the distribution, prevalence of Escherichia coli Reference (ECOR) collection and virulence associated gene (VAG) in four types of chickens infected by colibacillosis. Commercial broilers and layers had the highest percentage of positive APEC isolates (91%). We confirmed the ECOR phylogroup including B1 and E for the first time in Nepal. The prevalences of these phylogroups among chicken types were significantly different (p < 0.001). Among 57 VAGs, the number of genes found per isolate ranged from 8 to 26, with the top 5 VAGs being fimH (100%), issa (92.2%), traTa (90.6%), sit chro. (86%), and ironEC (84.8%). We found significant differences in gene prevalence among the chicken types. The predominance of B1 and E, and the VAG patterns suggest considering ECOR phylogroup and VAGs while formulating strategies for the prevention and control of APEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebanta Kumar Bhattarai
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Fisheries, Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal.
| | - Hom Bahadur Basnet
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Fisheries, Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal.
| | - Ishwari Prasad Dhakal
- Department of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Fisheries, Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal.
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Tang Z, Tang N, Wang X, Ren H, Zhang C, Zou L, Han L, Guo L, Liu W. Characterization of a lytic Escherichia coli phage CE1 and its potential use in therapy against avian pathogenic Escherichia coli infections. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1091442. [PMID: 36876110 PMCID: PMC9978775 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1091442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The high incidence of Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) in poultry has resulted in significant economic losses. It has become necessary to find alternatives to antibiotics due to the alarming rise in antibiotic resistance. Phage therapy has shown promising results in numerous studies. In the current study, a lytic phage vB_EcoM_CE1 (short for CE1) against Escherichia coli (E. coli) was isolated from broiler feces, showing a relatively wide host range and lysing 56.9% (33/58) of high pathogenic strains of APEC. According to morphological observations and phylogenetic analysis, phage CE1 belongs to the Tequatrovirus genus, Straboviridae family, containing an icosahedral capsid (80 ~ 100 nm in diameter) and a retractable tail (120 nm in length). This phage was stable below 60°C for 1 h over the pH range of 4 to 10. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that phage CE1 contained a linear double-stranded DNA genome spanning 167,955 bp with a GC content of 35.4%. A total of 271 ORFs and 8 tRNAs were identified. There was no evidence of virulence genes, drug-resistance genes, or lysogeny genes in the genome. The in vitro test showed high bactericidal activity of phage CE1 against E. coli at a wide range of MOIs, and good air and water disinfectant properties. Phage CE1 showed perfect protection against broilers challenged with APEC strain in vivo. This study provides some basic information for further research into treating colibacillosis, or killing E. coli in breeding environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Tang
- College of Veterinary medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Ning Tang
- College of Veterinary medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xinwei Wang
- College of Veterinary medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Huiying Ren
- College of Veterinary medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Can Zhang
- College of Veterinary medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Ling Zou
- College of Veterinary medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Lei Han
- College of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Longzong Guo
- Shandong Yisheng Livestock & Poultry Breeding Co., Ltd., Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Wenhua Liu
- College of Veterinary medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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Gambi L, Rossini R, Menandro ML, Franzo G, Valentini F, Tosi G, D’Incau M, Fiorentini L. Virulence Factors and Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Escherichia Coli Isolated from Laying Hens in Italy. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12141812. [PMID: 35883359 PMCID: PMC9311855 DOI: 10.3390/ani12141812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Colibacillosis is a disease of great importance in the poultry industry, but many of its features and characteristics still need to be identified. This survey on avian Escherichia coli investigated the correlation between the presence of specific virulence genes, antimicrobial resistance features and serogroups. The results highlighted that half of the tested strains were avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). Moreover, a high prevalence of two specific serogroups was detected, namely, O2 and O88. Finally, antimicrobial resistance was lower than in other studies. Further investigations of APEC strains’ antimicrobial resistance features would support farmers, veterinarians and local authorities in planning actions for a better control of colibacillosis in poultry production. Abstract Colibacillosis is the most common bacterial disease in the poultry industry. The isolation of Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains with multiple resistance to various classes of antimicrobials has been increasing in recent years. In this study, antimicrobial resistance features, serotyping and the presence of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) virulence genes were investigated on a total of 71 E. coli strains isolated during outbreaks of colibacillosis in laying hens. The correlation between these features was evaluated. The most frequently isolated serogroups were O2 and O88. Resistance was often detected with nalidixic acid (49%) and ampicillin (38%), while all strains were sensitive to ceftiofur and florfenicol. Overall, 25% of the isolates showed resistance to at least three or more antimicrobial classes (multidrug-resistant strains), and 56% of the isolates were defined as APEC strains (due to the presence of at least five virulence genes). Correlation between the different parameters (virulence genes, serogroup and antimicrobial resistance) did not reveal relevant associations. The comparison of the obtained results with those of similar studies highlighted the importance of continuous monitoring in order to have a better understanding of colibacillosis. An evaluation of the national epidemiological situation would allow, especially with regard to antimicrobial resistance, to focus on the right measures in order to prioritize the available resources for effective disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Gambi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), 47122 Forlì, Italy; (R.R.); (F.V.); (G.T.); (L.F.)
- Reparto Produzione Primaria, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), 25124 Brescia, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0543-721533
| | - Rachele Rossini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), 47122 Forlì, Italy; (R.R.); (F.V.); (G.T.); (L.F.)
| | - Maria Luisa Menandro
- Dipartimento di Medicina Animale, Produzioni e Salute, Università Degli Studi di Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.L.M.); (G.F.)
| | - Giovanni Franzo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Animale, Produzioni e Salute, Università Degli Studi di Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.L.M.); (G.F.)
| | - Francesco Valentini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), 47122 Forlì, Italy; (R.R.); (F.V.); (G.T.); (L.F.)
| | - Giovanni Tosi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), 47122 Forlì, Italy; (R.R.); (F.V.); (G.T.); (L.F.)
| | - Mario D’Incau
- Laboratorio Batteriologia Specializzata, Reparto Tecnologie Biologiche Applicate, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), 25124 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Laura Fiorentini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), 47122 Forlì, Italy; (R.R.); (F.V.); (G.T.); (L.F.)
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