Epidemiological study of sausage in Algeria: Prevalence, quality assessment, and antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolates and the risk factors associated with consumer habits affecting foodborne poisoning

Research (Published online: 15-08-2019)

10. Epidemiological study of sausage in Algeria: Prevalence, quality assessment, and antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolates and the risk factors associated with consumer habits affecting foodborne poisoning

Amina Hachemi, Safia Zenia, Mohamed Fatih Denia, Meryem Guessoum, Mohamed Mehdi Hachemi and Khatima Ait-Oudhia

Veterinary World, 12(8): 1240-1250

ABSTRACT

Aim: The first aim was to assess the quality and determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus contamination of raw sausage sold in ten municipalities in the Northeast of Algeria. Second, a consumer sausage purchasing survey was designed to investigate potential risk factors that have a significant association with the occurrence of foodborne poisoning among sausage consumers' behavior and its relationship with independent variables.

Materials and Methods: A total of 230 butcheries from ten departments (Daira) of Algiers with more than 40 municipalities were included randomly in these studies to collect raw sausage samples and to distribute 700 structured questionnaires to meat consumers. Our two studies were conducted at the same time, between June 2016 and April 2018. Sausage samples were taken once per butchery to estimate the prevalence of S. aureus contamination and therefore deduct the quality assessment of raw sausage (Merguez) sold in Algiers, Algeria. All isolated strains were tested for their antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, questionnaires were distributed and used to collect information on various aspects of sausage consumption and foodborne disease. The data collected were analyzed with different statistical approaches, such as the Chi-square test and the odds ratio (OR) univariable logistic model. All the risk factors were analyzed by studying their association with the occurrence of consumers who claimed to have food poisoning after consuming sausage.

Results: The overall prevalence of S. aureus contamination from sausages was 25.22% (n=58/230). Over 83.33% of strains showed resistance to at least one of the antibiotics tested. The most important was for tetracycline (58%) followed by fosfomycin (33%), penicillin G (25%), and oxacillin (36%). Moreover, the multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index include 20 profiles with MAR >0.2. Out of the 440 meat consumers, 22.16% revealed having food poisoning after sausage consumption. The risk factors recorded were: Consumption outside of home (24.30%, OR=1.769, p=0.040), during the summer season (24.30%, OR=1.159) and during lunch (26.50%, OR=1.421).

Conclusion: Our study highlights a high prevalence of S. aureus contamination in Merguez, especially in some departments of Algiers, and the high multidrug resistance of S. aureus isolates against tetracycline and oxacillin; thus, S. aureus contamination in sausage is considered a potential risk to public health. Therefore, to reduce and prevent the spread of resistant strains, robust management and monitoring of antibiotic use should be established. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the sanitation conditions and education regarding personal hygiene and change certain consumption habits of Algerian consumers to ensure food safety. Finally, it can be concluded that the application of the HACCP system is essential either in butcheries producing sausage and/or slaughterhouses. From this perspective, studies might be performed to characterize Staphylococcus spp. and S. aureus to investigate their virulence factors.

Keywords: consumers, quality assessment, risk factors, sausages, Staphylococcus aureus.

Effects of Spirogyra jaoensis as a dietary supplement on growth, pectoralis muscle performance, and small intestine morphology of broiler chickens

Research (Published online: 11-08-2019)

9. Effects of Spirogyra jaoensis as a dietary supplement on growth, pectoralis muscle performance, and small intestine morphology of broiler chickens

H. T. Saragih, A. A. K. Muhamad, Alfianto Alfianto, F. Viniwidihastuti, L. F. Untari, I. Lesmana, H. Widyatmoko and Z. Rohmah

Veterinary World, 12(8): 1233-1239

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to examine the effect of dietary Spirogyra jaoensis in starter feed on growth performance, pectoralis muscle (PM) growth, and small intestine morphology of broiler chickens.

Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty one-day-old Cobb-500 broilers (body weight 46±2.6 g) were divided into four equal groups with 3 replicates in each group and given basal feed supplemented with dried S. jaoensis at doses of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, or 2%. The treatment was carried out until the chickens were 18 days old to examine growth of broiler chicks at starter period (8-21 days old).

Results: Supplementation with S. jaoensis at doses of 0.5% and 1% resulted in increased weight and improved feed conversion ratio compared to the control group. At the end of treatment, chickens fed with 0.5% and 1% S. jaoensis weighed 428.3±47.8 g and 426.9±31.8 g, respectively, and were significantly heavier than the control group (373.1±44.1 g). Furthermore, parameters related to PM growth and small intestine morphology of chickens supplemented with 0.5% S. jaoensis in basal feed were improved compared to the control group.

Conclusion: The results of this research indicate that S. jaoensis at a dose of 0.5% improves growth performance, PM growth, and small intestine morphology in broiler chickens.

Keywords: broiler chicken, feed supplement, pectoralis muscle growth, small intestine, Spirogyra jaoensis.

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Enhanced antibacterial activity of capped zinc oxide nanoparticles: A step towards the control of clinical bovine mastitis

Research (Published online: 11-08-2019)

8. Enhanced antibacterial activity of capped zinc oxide nanoparticles: A step towards the control of clinical bovine mastitis

H. F. Hozyen, E. S. Ibrahim, E. A. Khairy and S. I. El-Dek

Veterinary World, 12(8): 1225-1232

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Bovine mastitis is the costliest prevalent disease in the dairy sector due to the limitations of conventional treatments. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have been regarded as safe and economical antibacterial candidates against several microorganisms, but the tendency of these particles to aggregate is a major barrier to their application. This study aimed to enhance the antibacterial efficiency of ZnO-NPs against some bacterial agents, causing bovine mastitis.

Materials and Methods: A total of 24 milk samples out of 300 cases from Nubaria farm, Beheira Governorate, Egypt, were collected from cows with clinical mastitis. ZnO-NPs were fabricated by a sonochemical method using starch as a capping agent and by an auto-combustion reaction using glycine as a fuel. The two preparations of synthesized ZnO-NPs at different concentrations were assessed for their antimicrobial activities in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from milk of affected cows.

Results: Sonochemically synthesized capped ZnO-NPs were dispersed and non-agglomerated in comparison with aggregated uncapped ZnO-NPs prepared by an auto-combustion reaction. Capped dispersed ZnO-NPs showed higher antibacterial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae than particles synthesized by the auto-combustion reaction at same concentrations. However, the zone of inhibition for dispersed and agglomerated ZnO-NPs was concentration-dependent. In addition, Gram-positive S. aureus exhibited higher resistance to ZnO-NPs synthesized by both methods than Gram-negative E. coli and K. pneumoniae.

Conclusion: Dispersed, non-agglomerated ZnO-NPs fabricated using starch as a capping agent under sonochemical irradiation could potentially be regarded as highly effective and inexpensive antimicrobial agents against S. aureus, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae for the management of bovine mastitis.

Keywords: antibacterial activity, clinical mastitis, dairy cows, zinc oxide nanoparticles.

Chemical compositions, contaminants, and residues of organic and conventional goat milk in Bogor District, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 09-08-2019)

7. Chemical compositions, contaminants, and residues of organic and conventional goat milk in Bogor District, Indonesia

Veronica Wanniatie, Mirnawati B. Sudarwanto, Trioso Purnawarman and Anuraga Jayanegara

Veterinary World, 12(8): 1218-1224

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to compare chemical composition and contaminants (pesticide residues, antibiotic residues, and heavy metal residues) between organic and conventional goat milk in Bogor District, West Java Province, Indonesia.

Materials and Methods: Milk sampling was carried out from March to August 2018 at six goat farms. The chemical quality of milk was checked using the Lactoscan Ultrasonic Milk Analyzer device. Fatty acids were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC). Pesticide residues in goat's milk were analyzed using a GC-electron capture detector (GC-ECD). Antibiotic residues were analyzed using bioassay screening test method. The lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) residues were analyzed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS).

Results: The content of fat, protein, and lactose showed that there was no difference in the composition of goat's milk between organic and conventional farms. Caprylic acid (C8:0) and capric acid (C10:0) of organic goat milk are higher than conventional goat milk. Stearic acid (C18:0) and linoleic acid (C18:2) of conventional goat milk are higher than organic goat milk. The total fatty acid of organic goat milk is higher than conventional goat milk. Organochlorine pesticide residues were not detected in organic goat milk and conventional goat milk. Tetracycline antibiotic residues were found in one sample (5.56%) of organic goat milk, and macrolides residues were found in two samples (11.11%) of conventional goat milk. Pb residue in organic goat milk is 50 ppb while conventional goat milk is 80 ppb. Residue As in organic goat milk is 70 ppb while conventional goat milk is 110 ppb.

Conclusion: There was no chemical composition (fat, protein, and lactose) difference between organic and conventional goat milk. Saturated fatty acid (SFA) in organic goat milk is higher than conventional goat milk. Pesticide residues are not found in both organic and conventional goat milk. Tetracycline antibiotics were found in organic goat milk and macrolide antibiotic groups found in conventional goat milk. Pb and As residues were found in both organic goat milk and conventional goat milk.

Keywords: antibiotic, chemical composition, goat milk, heavy metal, pesticide.

Seroprevalence and distribution of serogroup-specific pathogenic Leptospira antibodies in cattle and buffaloes in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India

Research (Published online: 08-08-2019)

6. Seroprevalence and distribution of serogroup-specific pathogenic Leptospira antibodies in cattle and buffaloes in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India

Anusha Alamuri, Sushma R. A. Thirumalesh, S. Sowjanya Kumari, K. Vinod Kumar, Parimal Roy and V. Balamurugan

Veterinary World, 12(8): 1212-1217

ABSTRACT

Aim: In this study, the prevalence and the distribution status of Leptospira serogroup-specific antibodies among cattle and buffaloes in enzootic districts of Andhra Pradesh, a South Indian state was carried out.

Materials and Methods: A total of 426 serum samples were randomly sampled from various villages from Prakasam, Kurnool, Guntur, Chittoor, Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, and Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh between 2016 and 2017. Serum samples from cattle (n=106) and buffaloes (n=320) having a history of pyrexia, and reproductive problems such as agalactia, infertility, abortions, and stillbirth. The serum samples were screened for Leptospira-specific antibodies by microscopic agglutination test using a reference panel of 18 live cultures of pathogenic Leptospira serovars.

Results: The overall seropositivity of 68.08% (290/426) was observed with 70.8% (75/106) in cattle and 67.18% (215/320) in buffaloes. The frequency distribution of predominant serogroup-specific Leptospira antibodies in the sampled areas was determined against the employed serovars as follows: Icterohaemorrhagiae - 21.38%, Hebdomadis - 18.97%, Australis - 18.62%, Pomona - 17.24%, Sejroe - 15.86%, Tarassovi - 15.86%, Autumnalis - 15.52%, Panama - 14.83%, Shermani - 12.07%, Javanica - 11.38%, Hurstbridge - 11.03%, and Pyrogenes - 10.69%.

Conclusion: It was evident that bovines had a role in maintaining several predominant Leptospira serovars with the change in the trend over a period. The results from this study would also help in strategizing and mitigating the disease burden in cattle and buffaloes of the enzootic area.

Keywords: buffaloes, cattle, distribution of serovars, leptospirosis, microscopic agglutination test, seroprevalence.

Current therapeutic applications and pharmacokinetic modulations of ivermectin

Review (Published online: 08-08-2019)

5. Current therapeutic applications and pharmacokinetic modulations of ivermectin

Khan Sharun, T. S. Shyamkumar, V. A. Aneesha, Kuldeep Dhama, Abhijit Motiram Pawde and Amar Pal

Veterinary World, 12(8): 1204-1211

ABSTRACT

Ivermectin is considered to be a wonder drug due to its broad-spectrum antiparasitic activity against both ectoparasites and endoparasites (under class of endectocide) and has multiple applications in both veterinary and human medicine. In particular, ivermectin is commonly used in the treatment of different kinds of infections and infestations. By altering the vehicles used in the formulations, the pharmacokinetic properties of different ivermectin preparations can be altered. Since its development, various vehicles have been evaluated to assess the efficacy, safety, and therapeutic systemic concentrations of ivermectin in different species. A subcutaneous route of administration is preferred over a topical or an oral route for ivermectin due to superior bioavailability. Different formulations of ivermectin have been developed over the years, such as stabilized aqueous formulations, osmotic pumps, controlled release capsules, silicone carriers, zein microspheres, biodegradable microparticulate drug delivery systems, lipid nanocapsules, solid lipid nanoparticles, sustained-release ivermectin varnish, sustained-release ivermectin-loaded solid dispersion suspension, and biodegradable subcutaneous implants. However, several reports of ivermectin resistance have been identified in different parts of the world over the past few years. Continuous use of suboptimal formulations or sub-therapeutic plasma concentrations may predispose an individual to resistance toward ivermectin. The current research trend is focused toward the need for developing ivermectin formulations that are stable, effective, and safe and that reduce the number of doses required for complete clinical cure in different parasitic diseases. Therefore, single-dose long-acting preparations of ivermectin that provide effective therapeutic drug concentrations need to be developed and commercialized, which may revolutionize drug therapy and prophylaxis against various parasitic diseases in the near future. The present review highlights the current advances in pharmacokinetic modulation of ivermectin formulations and their potent therapeutic applications, issues related to emergence of ivermectin resistance, and future trends of ivermectin usage.

Keywords: ivermectin, ivermectin resistance, pharmacokinetic modulation, therapeutic applications.

Antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli isolates from cattle in Eastern Algeria

Research (Published online: 07-08-2019)

4. Antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli isolates from cattle in Eastern Algeria

Djanette Barour, Amine Berghiche and Nadji Boulebda

Veterinary World, 12(8): 1195-1203

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Lack of information about the antibiotic resistance in commensal Escherichia coli from Algerian livestock prompted us to do this study to determine the different levels of antimicrobial susceptibility, antibiotic multidrug resistance (MDR) rates, and phenotypical patterns of E. coli strains isolated from healthy cattle to control the spread of animal-resistant strains to humans and the environment.

Materials and Methods: A total of 198 cattle were sampled (swabbed in the rectum), reared in the farms of Souk Ahras, Tebessa, and Oum el Bouaghi governorates of Eastern Algeria. Isolation of E. coli strains was performed on MacConkey agar and then the different strains were identified to the species level using an API 20E identification kit. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using a panel of 13 antibiotic disks by disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar. The double-disk synergy test with cefotaxime and amoxicillin-clavulanate disks was used for the screening of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase phenotypes. For colistin susceptibility, the minimum inhibitory concentration was examined using broth microdilutions technique.

Results: The results showed that among the 198 E. coli isolates, elevated resistance rates were observed for ampicillin (59.09%) and tetracycline (43.43%), and moderate resistance rates for cephalothin (16.16%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (15.15%), and amoxicillin/clavulanate (11.62%); however, low resistance rates were found for nalidixic acid (8.08%), ciprofloxacin (7.07%), kanamycin (6.56%), cefotaxime (4.54%), chloramphenicol (4.04%), nitrofurantoin (2.52%), cefoxitin (2.02%), gentamycin (1.01%), and no resistance to colistin. However, nine extended-spectrum β-lactamases producing E. coli strains were identified. Forty-four different patterns were determined, indicating a wide variety of resistance, ranging from one antimicrobial to a combination of 10. Analysis of coresistances revealed that 63 isolates (31.82%) were susceptible to all antibiotics used in the study, 42 isolates (21.21%) were resistant to one antibiotic, 43 isolates (21.72%) were resistant to two antibiotics, 24 isolates (12.12%) resistant to three antibiotics, 26 isolates (13.13%) were resistant for more than three agents, and 45 isolates (22.73%) were MDR (which means resistant to three or more families of antibiotics).

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that commensal E. coli remains a potential source of antibiotic resistance in view of the high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. The vast range of MDR phenotypes, especially extended-spectrum β-lactamases producing strains, emphasizes the urgent requirement to adopt measures to control the use of antimicrobials, in particular, by private veterinarians, as well as the strengthening of veterinary surveillance networks for antimicrobial resistance to control the spread of MDR bacteria from animals to humans and the environment.