Antimicrobial Efficacy of Phyto-L, Thiosulfonate from Allium spp. Containing Supplement, against Escherichia Coli Strains from Rabbits

Colibacillosis, caused by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), is one of the most common diseases in rabbit farms, resulting in economic losses due to mortality and decrease in production. Until recently, antimicrobials were used to both treat and prevent disease on livestock farms, leading to the possible risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the selection of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Therefore, interest in alternative control methods, such as the use of natural substances, has increased in the scientific community. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of Phyto-L (Pro Tech s.r.l.), a product containing organosulfur compounds (OSCs) such as propyl propane thiosulfonate (PTSO) from Allium spp., against 108 strains of E. coli isolated from rabbits with colibacillosis from 19 farms. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of Phyto-L were assessed. Bacterial suspensions with a charge of 10⁸ CFU/mL, corresponding to those found in the rabbit gut under pathologic conditions, were tested with different concentrations from 20 to 0.15 μL/mL of Phyto-L. For each strain, the MIC and concentrations above the MIC were plated on Tryptic Soy agar (TSA) without Phyto-L to assess the MBCs. MIC and MBC values ranged from 1.25 to 5 μL/mL and 1.25 to 20 μL/mL, respectively, depending on the strain tested. The data showed an interesting antibacterial activity of Phyto-L against EPEC strains. Therefore, this product could be effective in preventing colibacillosis in field application, especially considering that 10⁴-10⁵ CFU/g of feces is the amount of E. coli usually found in the gut contents of rabbits under physiological condition.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli from Laying Hens Housed in Different Rearing Systems

Campylobacter (C.) jejuni and C. coli are responsible for food poisoning in humans. Laying hens may host the bacteria usually without developing symptoms. The aims of this paper were to evaluate the incidence of C. jejuni and C. coli infection in laying hen flocks housed in different rearing systems, the plasma levels of two welfare indicators (corticosterone and interleukin 6, IL-6) and the antimicrobial resistance of the detected Campylobacter strains. Two different flocks (1 and 2) from cage (A), barn (B) and aviary (C) farms were investigated. The highest (p < 0.05) levels of IL-6 were detected in laying hens housed in aviaries. A similar trend emerged in corticosterone level, although differences were found between C1 and C2. C. jejuni and C. coli were identified in 43.5% and 38.9% of birds, respectively. In total, 14 out of 177 (7.9%) hens simultaneously hosted C. jejuni and C. coli.C. jejuni was prevalently detected in hens housed in barns (B1: 53.3%; B2: 46.7%) and aviaries (C1: 34.6%; C2: 86.7%). Conversely, laying hens housed in cages were significantly exposed to infection of C. coli (A1: 41.9%; A2: 80%) while, regarding barns and aviaries, a significant prevalence emerged only in flocks B2 (40%) and C1 (54.8%). Simultaneous infection was statistically significant in barn B1 (36.7%). Antibiotic resistance was mainly detected among C. coli strains, and it was most frequent for fluoroquinolones and tetracycline. Multidrug resistance was also found in C. jejuni (19.7%) and C. coli (17.5%) strains. Based on the results of this study, we recommend increasing biosecurity and hygienic measures to manage hen flocks.

<em>Pseudomonas fluorescens</em> group bacteria as responsible for chromatic alteration on rabbit carcasses. Possible hygienic implications

Bacteria belonging to the genus Pseudomonas are ubiquitous and characterized by a high adaptation capability to different environmental conditions and wide range of temperatures. They may colonize food, sometimes causing alteration. Quite recently, a blue pigmentation due to Pseudomonas fluorescens has been widely reported in mozzarella cheese. In this report, we describe a blue coloration occurred on rabbit meat stored in the refrigeration cell of a slaughterhouse. The alteration was observed after about 72 hours of storage at 4-6°C. Bacteriological analyses were performed, and a microorganism included in the Pseudomonas fluorescens group was identified. The experimental contamination was planned, using a bacterial suspension with 1×10⁸ UFC/ml load to spread on rabbit carcasses. The blue pigmentation appeared after 24 hours of storage in a cell with the same conditions of temperature. The bacterium was reisolated and identified as responsible for the alteration on meat. These findings highlight the importance of considering the members of the genus Pseudomonas and, more specifically, of the P. fluorescens group when the microbiological quality of food is to be ascertained. In fact, even if these bacteria are not considered a public health problem, their presence should be monitored by food industry operators in self-control plans because they may cause alteration in food. In fact, any altered product should be withdrawn from the market in agreement with Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

Frequency, Body Distribution, and Population Size of Malassezia Species in Healthy Dogs and in Dogs with Localized Cutaneous Lesions

Malassezia species are commensal organisms of human and animal skin that occasionally act as opportunistic pathogens. The lipid-dependent species are associated with human skin disorders, whereas the non–lipid-dependent species ( Malassezia pachydermatis) is considered as an opportunistic secondary pathogen affecting the canine skin surface and ear canal. This study evaluated the relationship between Malassezia yeasts, their population size, and the occurrence of skin lesions from healthy and skin-diseased dogs. The efficiency of cytological examination and fungal culture for Malassezia detection was also evaluated. From March 2002 to July 2003, 33 healthy dogs and 54 dogs with pruritic localized skin diseases were examined; skin swabs (1218) were collected from 7 anatomical sites for culture and cytological examination. Malassezia prevalence according to anatomical site and the agreement between cytological results and fungal cultures were statistically analyzed. Differences in mean colony forming unit counts between positive healthy and diseased dogs were evaluated using the Bonferroni test for post hoc pair-wise comparisons. In healthy dogs, Malassezia yeasts were most frequently isolated in the perianal and perioral areas. The frequency of isolation and population size of Malassezia species were higher in dogs with localized dermatitis, especially in affected areas, indicating a role for Malassezia in the occurrence of skin lesions. Malassezia pachydermatis was the species most commonly cultured from the skin and external ear canal of healthy and diseased dogs; isolation of lipid-dependent yeasts from healthy dogs was less frequent. Using fungal culture as the gold standard, cytological examination showed good relative specificity (95%) but very low relative sensitivity (30%).

Competence of the housefly, Musca domestica, as a vector of Microsporum canis under experimental conditions

The role of Musca domestica Linnaeus as a vector of the dermatophyte Microsporum canis was investigated under experimental laboratory conditions. About 400 4-day-old M. domestica flies were divided into two groups. Group A consisted of about 200 infected flies and group B comprised about 200 uninfected flies that were used as controls. Each trial was run three times. Flies from group A were fed for 24 h with a solution of ultra-high temperature-treated (UHT) milk containing about 10(6) colony-forming units (CFU) per mL of M. canis (infected milk inoculum [IMI]). The control group (group B) was fed with only UHT milk spiked with a teaspoon of honey. Microsporum canis was detected from faeces, vomitus, external surfaces and internal organs of 20 adult flies, eggs, first-, second- and third-stage (L1, L2, L3) larvae and pupae of each group, as well from 20 adult newly emerged flies (NEFs; from infected generations only). Samples were collected at 2, 4, 6 and 24 h post-infection (p.i.) (i.e. the times at which IMI was available) and on 2, 5, 7 and 8 days p.i. from adult flies, faeces and vomitus. Eggs, L1, L2, L3 and pupae were processed as soon as they appeared. Equivalent samples were taken from group B. All the samples were individually cultured. Microsporum canis was not isolated from the control group, from eggs, larvae, pupae or NEFs, or from faeces and vomitus, although it was detected on the body surface (26.2%) and internal organs (26.9%) of adult flies. The highest positivity for M. canis was detected on flies within the first 6 h p.i. (i.e. 57.2% on the body surface and 71.6% in the internal organs). No M. canis was isolated at 24 h p.i., but it was isolated from the body surface only at 2 and 5 days p.i. The results presented provide evidence that M. domestica transmits M. canis mechanically with its outer body surface for up to 5 days p.i., but does not do so through its vomitus and faeces or transovarially. The role played by M. domestica in the epidemiology of human and animal dermatophytoses is discussed.

Isolation of Microsporum canis from the hair coat of pet dogs and cats belonging to owners diagnosed with M. canis tinea corporis

Microsporum canis has been frequently isolated from human cases of tinea capitis and tinea corporis. The infection may be acquired from infected animals with cutaneous lesions but also from asymptomatic carriers or from the environment. As asymptomatic M. canis carriers are considered to be a critical factor in the epidemiology of dermatophytosis in humans, this study investigated the relationship between the presence of dermatophytes on the hair coats of dogs and cats without cutaneous lesions and the occurrence of the disease in their respective owners. A total of 136 dogs and 248 cats were sampled from January 1999 to January 2005. Seventy-eight animals (22 dogs and 56 cats) belonged to individuals affected by tinea corporis caused by M. canis and 306 (114 dogs and 192 cats) to individuals without dermatophytosis. Age, sex, breed, habitat and season were recorded for each animal and examined as potential risk factors. Dermatophytes were isolated from 20.5% of the dogs and 28.2% of the cats. Microsporum canis was isolated from 36.4% of dogs cohabiting with owners diagnosed with tinea corporis but it was never isolated from dogs whose owners had no lesions. By contrast, M. canis was isolated from 53.6% of cats cohabiting with owners diagnosed with tinea corporis and from 14.6% of cats whose owners had no signs of the disease. These results clearly indicate that both cats and dogs should be considered as a major source of pathogenic dermatophytes for humans even when they do not present clinical signs of dermatophytosis.

Occurrence of Yeasts in Cloacae of Migratory Birds

Several species of yeast have been reported as pathogens in humans based on increases in immunodeficiency syndromes and as a result of immunosuppressant chemotherapy in cancer treatment. Domestic and wild birds are known to act as carriers of human pathogenic fungi. To gain additional information on the yeasts present in the cloacae of some species of migratory birds, 421 wild birds (24.39% out of 1726 birds caught in Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria) were sampled with the permission of the local judicial authority. The state of conservation of the birds (i.e. post-mortem alterations, colour of the mucosae etc.), along with their age and sex were determined. Samples were collected directly from the cloacae and cultured, and colonies were identified in each positive sample. Yeasts were isolated from 15.7% of the animals sampled, with the highest percentage found in coots (Fulica atra -58.8%) and the lowest in quails (Coturnix coturnix -1.7%). A total of 131 isolates belonging to 15 species of yeast were identified. Rhodotorula rubra was the yeast with the highest number of isolates (28.2%), followed by Cryptococcus albidus (18.4%), Candida albicans (9.2%), Trichosporon cutaneum (8.4%), Candida guilliermondii (6.1%), Candida tropicalis (6.1%) and other species. The present study represents the first survey on the occurrence of yeasts in the cloacae of migratory birds. The prevalence and species of yeasts isolated is discussed on the basis of the ecology, diet, and habitat of the birds.

Spreading of autoimmunity from central to peripheral myelin: two cases of clinical association between multiple sclerosis and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

Demyelinating inflammatory diseases of central and peripheral myelin share similar aetiopathogenesis but rarely occur simultaneously in the same individual. Here we report two clinical cases of temporal association between multiple sclerosis (MS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Our finding supports the hypothesis that clinically manifested central and peripheral demyelinating diseases could result from a common pathogenic event characterised by T-cell autoimmunity spreading from central to peripheral myelin.

Role of birds of prey as carriers and spreaders ofCryptococcus neoformansand other zoonotic yeasts

In the last 20 years, cases of human cryptococcosis, have increased in immunocompromised patients. In several instances, the cases have been associated with the exposure of the patients to bird droppings. In order to investigate birds of prey as potential carriers and spreaders of Cryptococcus neoformans and other yeasts of importance in human infections, 182 swab samples were collected from the cloacae of several species of birds of prey (Group I) and 32 faecal samples from aviaries in which the birds were housed (Group II). Samples were also taken from digestive tract of 60 dead birds (Group III). A total of 454 samples were cultured from which 215 colonies of yeastlike fungi were recovered and identified. Cryptococcusneoformans var. grubii was isolated from three cloacae samples (4.8%) collected from Falco tinnunculus and from one sample (3.1%) obtained from Buteo buteo, as well as from samples collected at the aviaries in which these birds were kept. Overall, 18 samples (9.9%) from Group I, 13 (40.6%) from Group II, 12 crops (20%), three proventriculi (5%) and 12 cloacae (20%) from Group III yielded positive cultures for yeasts. The results indicate that birds of prey and in particular, F. tinnunculus and B. buteo, may act as carriers and spreaders of C. neoformans and other zoonotic yeasts.

The epidemiology of canine and feline dermatophytoses in southern Italy

A total of 424 animals (268 dogs and 156 cats) with skin lesions (alopecia and peripheral scaling) were examined from January 1999 to December 2002. Of the 424 samples examined, 99 (23.3%) yielded a positive culture and, in particular, 20.5% of the dog samples and 28.2% of the cat samples. Microsporum canis was the most common dermatophyte isolated from dogs and cats (77.7%), followed by geophilic dermatophyte species (M. gypseum, Trichophyton terrestre). Young dogs and cats, especially those younger than 1 year, showed a statistically significant higher prevalence of M. canis infection than older animals. No statistically significant association was found between infection and sex in cats, while male dogs were more affected by dermatophytes. Among breeds, Yorkshire terriers showed the highest positivity (50%) caused mainly by M. canis (46.6%), while no differences were noticed for cats. A significantly higher prevalence of positive samples was registered in summer and in autumn for cats. The presence of dermatophytes was not associated with itching. The diagnostic value of Wood's lamp fluorescence and microscopic examination proved to be scarce compared with fungal cultures as only 45.5% of the 77 samples that tested positive for M. canis at the cultural examination was positive under Wood's lamp florescence and 53.2% at microscopic examination.

Fits of weeping as an unusual manifestation of reflex epilepsy induced by speaking: case report

We report the case of a 62-year-old man with no past CNS history who for some weeks had had fits of weeping that lasted from 30" to 3', precede by any aura; sensorium was clear; there were no symptoms of any kind after the paroxysm; in the course of them his facial expression was that of weeping with sobbing and tears, but no corresponding affective-emotional content, as reported by the patient, who was able to converse during these episodes. The fits were easily triggered by speaking. EEG during an episode showed a slight flattening of the trace, high voltage sharp waves at 4-6 c/s appeared, especially over the left hemisphere. CT brainscan and cerebral angiogram revealed a large space-occupying lesion of cystic-necrotic appearance with considerable mass effect and characteristics of glioblastoma. Treatment with barbiturates ended the paroxysmal weeping. We consider that these episodes were simple partial epileptic seizure according to the WHO classification of 1981.

Effects of therapeutic doses of salbutamol alone and combined with beclomethasone dipropionate on airway responsiveness and cyclic AMP plasma levels in asthmatic patients

Twelve asthmatic patients received by inhalation for 2 weeks, in a double-blind, cross-over design, beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP; 600 micrograms/day) plus salbutamol (S; 900 micrograms/day), or S (900 micrograms/day) alone. Before and after each treatment course the subjects received intravenous cumulative doses of S up to 200 micrograms. In basal conditions and immediately before the next dose forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and plasma cyclic AMP (cAMP) were measured. BDP+S treatment increased FEV1 basal values (p < 0.05) whereas inhaled S resulted in unsignificant improvement of ventilatory parameters. The slopes of the dose-response curves of FEV1 and plasma cAMP to intravenous S were unaffected by the two treatment courses. Our results suggest that DBP+S, differently from S alone, improves ventilatory function in asthmatic patients and that neither S nor S+BDP seem to affect adrenergic function.

Influence of gastric pH changes on pharmacokinetic of a sustained-release formulation of theophylline

The effect of magnesium-aluminum-hydroxide antacid (Maalox) on the oral absorption of theophylline anhydrous time-release capsules Somophyllin CRT was studied in eight healthy volunteers. The subjects were given 500 mg of theophylline alone or with 30 ml of antacid in a complete crossover design. Drug serum concentrations were determined by an immunoenzymatic method within 24 hours at frequent intervals. Antacid induced a significant reduction of theophylline serum levels and of the fraction absorbed at 1 and 1.5 hours of the monitoring period (less than 0.05), but no significant differences were found at later sampling time. Maalox did not influence the area under the curve from 0 to 24 hours and the peak concentrations; the time to peak was slightly but significantly longer with antacid (p less than 0.05). Our results indicate that physicochemical factors such as gastrointestinal fluid pH do not influence substantially absorption of the slow-release formulation Somophyllin.