Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)-Genetic Determinants in Gram-Negative Fecal-Microbiota of Wild Birds and Chicken Originated at Trimmu Barrage

Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) give rise to resistance against penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics in multiple bacterial species. The present study was conducted to map genetic determinants and related attributes of ESBL-producing bacteria in three wild aquatic bird species and chickens at the "Trimmu Barrage" in district Jhang, Punjab province, Pakistan. To study the prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria, a total of 280 representative samples were collected from wild bird species; cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis), little egrets (Egretta garzetta) and common teals (Anas crecca) as well as from indigenous chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) originating from a local wet market. The isolates were confirmed as ESBL producers using a double disc synergy test (DDST) and bacterial species were identified using API-20E and 20NE strips. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect ESBL genetic determinants and for genus identification via 16S rRNA gene amplification. A phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed for ESBL-producing isolates against 12 clinically relevant antibiotics using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion susceptibility test. A phylogenetic tree was constructed for the sequence data obtained in this study and comparative sequence data obtained from GenBank. The overall prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria was 34.64% (97/280). The highest percentage (44.28%; 31/70) of ESBL-producing bacteria was recovered from chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), followed by little egrets (Egretta garzetta) (41.43%; 29/70), common teal (Anas crecca) (28.57%; 20/70) and cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) (24.28%; 17/70). Five different ESBL-producing bacteria were identified biochemically and confirmed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing, which included Escherichia coli (72; 74.23%), Enterobacter cloacae (11; 11.34%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (8; 8.25%), Salmonella enterica (4; 4.12%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2; 2.06%). Based on PCR, the frequency of obtained ESBL genes in 97 isolates was blaCTX-M (51.55%), blaTEM (20.62%), blaOXA (6.18%) and blaSHV (2.06%). In addition, gene combinations blaCTX-M + blaTEM, blaTEM + blaOXA and blaCTX-M + blaSHV were also detected in 16.49%, 2.06% and 1.03% of isolates, respectively. The ESBL gene variation was significant (p = 0.02) in different bacterial species while non-significant in relation to different bird species (p = 0.85). Phylogenetic analysis of amino acid sequence data confirmed the existence of CTX-M-15 and TEM betalactamases. The average susceptibility of the antibiotics panel used was lowest for both Klebsiella pneumoniae (62.5% ± 24.42) and Salmonella enterica (62.5% ± 31.08) as compared to Enterobacter cloacae (65.90% ± 21.62), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (70.83% ± 33.42) and Escherichia coli (73.83% ± 26.19). This study provides insight into the role of aquatic wild birds as reservoirs of ESBL-producing bacteria at Trimmu Barrage, Punjab, Pakistan. Hence, active bio-surveillance and environment preservation actions are necessitated to curb antimicrobial resistance.

Incidence and molecular characterization of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli of avifauna origin in Pakistan

Members of Enterobacteriaceae are known to produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) which hydrolyze the beta-lactam group of antibiotics. The existence of ESBL-producing Salmonella enterica (S. enterica) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) harbored by urban avifauna was investigated in this study. Dropping samples (n= 180) were collected from six different bird species in the district Jhang, Punjab province, Pakistan. Isolation and identification of ESBL isolates were made by using cefotaxime- (4 mg/L) supplemented MacConkey agar and double disc synergy test (DDST). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for the detection of four different ESBL genes including blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaSHV and blaOXA. A total of 42.69% isolates were confirmed as ESBL via DDST including 30.64% S. enterica and 49.54% E. coli. The incidence of ESBL S. enterica and ESBL E. coli was found highest in egret (Ardea alba) and pigeon (Columba livia) as 64.28% and 78.95%, respectively. The blaCTX-M gene was detected in 57.89% and 64.81% of isolates of S. enterica and E. coli, respectively. Among other genes in S. enterica and E. coli, blaTEM (21.05%, 20.4%); blaSHV (15.78%, 9.26%), and blaOXA (5.26%, 5.56%) were detected, respectively. All of the tested isolates were found resistant to at least one of the thirteen antimicrobial agents except meropenem. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the incidence and genetic diversity of ESBL bacteria associated with urban avifauna in Pakistan. The urban avifauna can serve as a potential subject of bio-surveillance to monitor the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.

Molecular detection and therapeutic study of Trypanosoma brucei evansi from naturally infected horses in Punjab, Pakistan

Trypanosomiasis is one of the severe pathogenic infections, caused by several Trypanosoma species, affecting both animals and humans, causing substantial economic losses and severe illness. The objective of this study was to determine the molecular diagnosis and the risk factors associated with trypanosomiasis in District Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan. For this purpose, blood samples were randomly collected from 200 horses. A predesigned questionnaire was used to collect data on risk factors before the sample collection. The microscopy examination through Giemsa staining, formol gel test and PCR techniques were used to find the prevalence. The prevalence was recorded as 22.5% with microscopy examination, 21% through formol gel test and 15.5% with PCR based results. Analysis of risk factors associated with Trypanosoma brucei evansi occurrence was carried out using Chi-square test. It showed the prevalence of Trypanosoma brucei evansi was significantly (p⟨0.05) associated with sex, age, rearing purpose and body condition whereas non-significantly (p⟩0.05) with insects control practices. This study supports the idea that PCR is a sensitive, robust and more reliable technique to diagnose trypanosomiasis. It was concluded that Trypanosoma brucei evansi is widely prevalent in Jhang (Pakistan), highlighting a dire need to develop control strategies and education programmes to control this disease in developing countries.

Diversity and Abundance of Delineated Earthworm (Annelida: Clitellata) in Pakistan: A Review

Earthworm, a ubiquitous (but neglected) macro-invertebrate, is found in terrestrial vicinity of Pakistan. Moreover, the occurrence of earthworms is often diverse with fluctuating quantity depending upon abiotic factors and land usage patterns. The aim of this study was to summarize all the reported information related to earthworm diversity in different areas of Pakistan. Almost all the data published from year 2001 to 2021 were collected. Following data organization, total 42 earthworm's species including five families (Acanthodrilidae, Lumbricidae, Moniligastridae, Octochaetidae and Megascolecidae) were reported from various researchers. Among five families, family Acanthodrilidae was found to have only one specie (Ramiella bishambari), Lumbricidae consist of 10 species (Apporactodea rosea, Allolobophora trapezoids, Allolobophora chloroticaa, Aporrectodea longa, A. caliginosa, Bimastus parvus, Eisenia fetida, Helodrilus foetidus, Lumbricus terrestris and L. rubillus), Moniligastridae has two species (Drawida nepalensis and D. pellucida) while Octochaetidae possess only one specie (Eutyphoeus incommodus). The most abundant and diverse family Megascolecidae consist of 28 earthworm species in all habitats of different regions of Pakistan. Among geographical areas, Faisalabad was found as the richest territory with most reported earthworm species (i.e. 28). The current study suggests further in depth research to explore the unidentified and/ missing species of earthworms in Pakistan.

Effects of mannan-oligosaccharide supplementation on gut health, immunity, and production performance of broilers

The study was designed to investigate the effect of mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) supplementation on intestinal histomorphology, immunity against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and productive parameters of broilers. A total of 1800, day old broiler chicks of Cobb-500 strain were selected and randomly assorted into 6 treatment groups: T1 (basal diet without antibiotics as negative control); T2 (basal diet plus antibiotics as positive control group); T3 (basal diet plus 200g/ton MOS); T4 (basal diet plus 400g/ton MOS); T5 (basal diet plus 600g/ton MOS) and T6 (basal diet plus 800g/ton MOS). Each treatment was having 6 replicates and the feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded on weekly basis. Results showed that, MOS supplemented birds have significantly higher feed intake, weight gain and FCR (P < 0.05). Similarly, supplementation of MOS showed positive effect on villus height and crypt depth both in jejunum and ilium. Goblet cell density was unaffected by MOS addition (P < 0.05). Furthermore, birds fed with diets containing MOS, exhibited better productive performance in comparison to positive and negative control groups. In conclusion, MOS can replace antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) as non-microbial performance-enhancing feed advocates.

Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Control of Canine Infectious Cyclic Thrombocytopenia and Granulocytic Anaplasmosis: Emerging Diseases of Veterinary and Public Health Significance

This review highlights the diagnostic methods used, the control strategies adopted, and the global epidemiological status of canine cyclic thrombocytopenia and granulocytic anaplasmosis at the animal–human interface. Canine anaplasmosis is an important worldwide disease, mainly caused by Anaplasma platys and A. phagocytophilum with zoonotic implications. A. platys chiefly infects platelets in canids, while A. phagocytophilum is the most common zoonotic pathogen infecting neutrophils of various vertebrate hosts. Diagnosis is based on the identification of clinical signs, the recognition of intracellular inclusions observed by microscopic observation of stained blood smear, and/or methods detecting antibodies or nucleic acids, although DNA sequencing is usually required to confirm the pathogenic strain. Serological cross-reactivity is the main problem in serodiagnosis. Prevalence varies from area to area depending on tick exposure. Tetracyclines are significant drugs for human and animal anaplasmosis. No universal vaccine is yet available that protects against diverse geographic strains. The control of canine anaplasmosis therefore relies on the detection of vectors/reservoirs, control of tick vectors, and prevention of iatrogenic/mechanical transmission. The control strategies for human anaplasmosis include reducing high-risk tick contact activities (such as gardening and hiking), careful blood transfusion, by passing immunosuppression, recognizing, and control of reservoirs/vectors.

Appraisal of iron accumulation in soil, forages, and blood plasma of sheep and goats: a case study in different districts of Punjab, Pakistan

Minerals are essential for ruminants affecting significantly the production of grazing livestock. Iron level in forages, soil, and blood plasma of the small ruminants (goat and sheep) was investigated in three districts of Punjab. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine the concentration of iron in collected samples. The results revealed that the mean Fe concentrations in soil of districts Sargodha, Mianwali, and Bhakhar were significantly varied and ranged from 21.85 to 23.78, 28.45 to 31.2, and 18.079 to 24.33 mg/kg, respectively. The Fe level in soil of Mianwali significantly varied and was higher than Sargodha and Bhakkar. The mean Fe concentration in forages which were used for feeding purpose were significantly varied and found between 10.95-14.49, 23.63-25.65, and 6.616-9.45 mg/kg for Sargodha, Mianwali, and Bhakhar, respectively. The mean Fe concentrations in blood plasma of goat which consumed the contaminated forages were 8.5026-11.763 mg/L in district Sargodha, 19.77-20.19 mg/L in Mianwali, and 5.508-5.858mg/L in Bhakkar. In blood plasma of sheep, the residual levels of Fe in districts Sargodha, Mianwali, and Bhakhar were ranged from 9.987 to 12.455, 15.8 to 19.785, and 3.425 to 6.383 mg/L, respectively. This study provides the data of metals effected by different sites and also their mobility from low to higher trophic level which enables us to study the iron toxicity in different trophic levels, and we recommend different safe limits and treatment in case of low and high metal profile.

Assessment of Trace Metal Contents of Indigenous and Improved Pastures and Their Implications for Livestock in Terms of Seasonal Variations

The research was aimed to determine seasonal effects on trace metals levels in soil, forages and blood plasma of animals. The mean cadmium, chromium and copper values in soil samples in different sampling seasons were ranged from 6.97 to 4.10, 0.060 to 0.72 and 3.54to 4.08 mg/kg, respectively, while, in forage samples were between 0.671-0.697, 1.57-2.22 and 6.75-7.06 mg/kg, respectively. Higher Cd, Cr and Cu concentrations were observed in blood plasma of young buffaloes during summer season, in dry buffaloes during spring season and in young buffaloes during autumn season, while lower Cd, Cr and Cu contents were noticed in blood plasma of lactating buffaloes in summer season. The highest bio-concentration factor value from soil to forage was determined for Cr while from forage to blood plasma of buffaloes was detected for Cd. The Cd, Cr and Cu correlation of soil with blood plasma were positive for all samples.

Hepcidin: A key regulator of iron

Hapcidin is the central regulator of iron homeostasis in the body. Primarily it is extracted from urine. Hepcidin is a 25 amino acid long chain peptide. Inflammation or iron overload greatly stimulate production of hepcidin by hepatocytes. Recent evidences have revealed that mutations in the human haemochromatosis (HFE) gene lead to deficiency of hepcidin which is responsible for iron overload and contributing to haemochromatosis. Moreover, hepcidin plays a key role in different types of anaemia, mainly anaemia of inflammation in which concentration of hepcidin increases up to 100 folds. Its contribution to renal disease, heart diseases, cancer and obesity-related disorders are also observed. On the other hand, its role is quite inevitable in understanding metastasis in certain cancers. By understanding the mechanism of hepcidin and its pathological roles in blood and iron diseases could lead to new therapies.

Parasitological, serological and molecular survey of Trypanosoma evansi infection in dromedary camels from Cholistan Desert, Pakistan

Background

Surra, a vector borne disease caused by Trypanosoma (T.) evansi, affects the health, productivity and working capacity of camels. Since clinical signs are not pathognomonic, diagnosis must be confirmed by laboratory methods. This is a first study on the prevalence of surra in Cholistan Desert, Pakistan using a broad variety of diagnostic tests thereby emphasizing it as a risk for the dromedaries of Pakistan.

Methods

In a cross sectional study, 1005 dromedary camels from three districts in the Cholistan Desert were sampled to assess the prevalence of trypanosomosis due to T. evansi by means of parasitological (Giemsa stained thin smear), serological (formol gel test, CATT/T. evansi, ELISA/VSG RoTat 1.2, immune trypanolysis) and molecular tests (TBR1/2 PCR and RoTat 1.2 PCR). Kappa was calculated to assess the degree of agreement between different tests whereas chi-square test along with odds ratios and their 95 % confidence intervals were used to study influence of breed, gender, age and locality on disease prevalence.

Results

Overall prevalence was 0.7 % with Giemsa stained thin smears (GST), 40.1 % with formol gel test (FGT), 47.7 % with CATT/T. evansi, 44.2 % with ELISA/VSG RoTat 1.2, 39.9 % with immune trypanolysis (TL), 31.9 % with TBR1/2 PCR and 30.5 % with RoTat1.2 PCR. Based on these results, the Cholistan Desert appears to be a high risk area for surra. According to TL and TBR1/2 PCR, camels at Bahawalpur are approximately two times more likely to be infected than those in Bahawalnagar (OR = 1.8; 95 % CI: 1.38-2.42) and Rahim Yar Khan (OR = 1.9; 95 % CI: 1.30-2.75). Test agreement of TL was moderate with CATT/T. evansi (k = 0.43; 95 % CI: 0.378-0.489) and ELISA/VSG RoTat 1.2 (k = 0.54; 95 % CI: 0.489-0.594) and poor with the other tests. Test agreement between TBR1/2 PCR and RoTat1.2 PCR was almost perfect (k = 0.96; 95 % CI: 0.950-0.984). We didn't find evidence for the presence of T. evansi type B in the studied population.

Conclusion

Our study supports using antibody detection tests, rather than parasitological and molecular examination, to assess surra prevalence in camels. It also calls for implementation of measures to control surra in the Cholistan Desert.