Technology for evaluating the ability of probiotic strains to accumulate copper ions in vitro and in vivo using Bacillus bacteria

Research (Published online: 06-07-2021)

4. Technology for evaluating the ability of probiotic strains to accumulate copper ions in vitro and in vivo using Bacillus bacteria

Aleksey Sizentsov, Elena Salnikova, Yaroslav Sizentsov, Sergey Peshkov, Elena Barysheva, Olga Naumenko and Natalia Romanenko

Veterinary World, 14(7): 1752-1759

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Microorganisms of the genus Bacillus comprising probiotics could have an antitoxic effect that is manifested in the active excretion of toxic substances from the body, as well as heavy metals. This study was conducted to assess the effects of copper ions on probiotic strains based on the members of the genus Bacillus in vitro and in vivo.

Materials and Methods: The following probiotic preparations were selected for this experiment: "Sporobacterin," "Bactisubtil," and "Vetom-2." Sporobacterin liquid, manufactured by Bakoren LLC, is based on Bacillus subtilis 534. Bactisubtil, manufactured by Marion Merrell Dow, Inc., is based on Bacillus cereus 5832. The first part of the experiment (in vitro) was conducted to assess the influence of copper ions on the growth and bioaccumulating ability of probiotic strains. The second part of the experiment (in vivo) was conducted to assess the influence of copper ions on the body of laboratory animals and to determine the ability of probiotic strains to remove copper ions from the body of laboratory animals. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, calculating the average value (M), standard deviation (σ), and standard deviation error (m). p<0.05 was used to denote statistical significance.

Results: In the previous studies, we found the presence of pronounced sorption characteristics of representatives of both the intestinal microbiome and probiotic strains based on them. In this study, we have studied the prospects of using physiological and adaptive mechanisms of resistance of transient probiotic strains in the system of correction of the elemental status of the animal body due to excessive intake of copper ions into the body. The advantage of their use is due to not only sorption but also the high levels of elimination of complexes accumulated on the surface. Analyzing the data, we can state the following. The excessive content of copper ions inhibits the activity of all microorganisms, and the presence of CuSO4 in the nutrient medium reduces the exponential growth phase by 6 h for B. licheniformis. The analysis of data on the bioaccumulating property of the probiotic strains under study shows that B. cereus (part of Bactisubtil) had the most pronounced sorbing effect with the level of accumulation of 23.96%.

Conclusion: We found that probiotic preparations do not affect biochemical indices of blood and biotissues (the muscle and bone tissue, and the cutaneous covering). As a result of determining the ability of Bacillus bacteria comprising the probiotics under this study to accumulate heavy metals by measuring their concentration in the tissues of laboratory animals, the preparations contribute to reducing the toxic effects of copper ions on the body. The cutaneous covering has the greatest accumulation property relative to copper ions. The most effective probiotic under this study in copper ion poisoning was Bactisubtil, and the least effective was Vetom-2.

Keywords: Bacillus, bioaccumulation, copper, in vitro, in vivo, intoxication, ions, probiotics, technology.

The presence of pathogens and heavy metals in urban peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus)

Research (Published online: 03-07-2021)

3. The presence of pathogens and heavy metals in urban peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus)

Ewelina Pyzik, Marta Dec, Dagmara Stępień–Pyśniak, Agnieszka Marek, Jose Louis Valverde Piedra, Agnieszka Chałabis-Mazurek, Klaudiusz Szczepaniak and Renata Urban-Chmiel

Veterinary World, 14(7): 1741-1751

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Wild birds raised in urban environments may be exposed to many negative factors, including biological and chemical toxic elements. The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence of bacteria and parasites in wild birds, based on the example of the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) as a potential indicator of bacterial drug resistance genes. Toxicological contamination was also analyzed to determine the impact of urbanized areas on this predatory species, in terms of its health, welfare, and survival in urban environments.

Materials and Methods: The samples consisted of down feathers and fresh feces obtained from seven falcon chicks (during obligatory veterinary examination) reared in two nests located in the Lublin region (Lublin and Pulawy). Bacteria and parasites were isolated directly from feces by classical microbiological methods, polymerase chain reaction, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MS). The down feathers and feces of birds were used for toxicological testing by plasma inductively coupled plasma MS to assess the concentrations of selected heavy metals (cadmium [Cd], lead [Pb], arsenic [As], zinc [Zn], and copper [Cu]).

Results: The study revealed the presence of a diverse microbiome in the falcon chicks, among which Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., and Staphylococcus spp. bacteria and parasites of the genus Caryospora were dominant. The presence of drug resistance genes was also confirmed among the pathogens. The toxicological analysis found high concentrations of toxic heavy metals, including Cd, Pb, As, and Zn, in the downy feathers and feces of peregrine chicks.

Conclusion: Predatory free-living birds living in urban environments not only can be infected with various pathogens but may also show contamination with heavy metals, which could influence their natural resistance, condition, and welfare.

Keywords: bacteria, falcons, health status, toxic elements, welfare.

Epidemiology of Newcastle disease in Africa with emphasis on Côte d'Ivoire: A review

Review (Published online: 03-07-2021)

2. Epidemiology of Newcastle disease in Africa with emphasis on Côte d'Ivoire: A review

Charlie Franck Arthur N'Guessan Amoia, Pius Ajanwachukwu Nnadi, Chuka Ezema and Emmanuel Couacy-Hymann

Veterinary World, 14(7): 1727-1740

ABSTRACT

For decades, Newcastle disease (ND) has long been recognized as a frontline viral disease that constrains poultry production throughout Africa. The need to update on the epidemiology of the disease is rife, due to the increasing importance of poultry farming. In addition, poultry farming serves as the top animal food source globally. However, in Africa, the greater population of poultry is reared under traditional and conventional husbandry methods. This hugely impedes the ability of management practices to be correctly embraced in limiting or excluding viral pathogens in the poultry production chain. We conducted this review to consolidate recently published studies in the field and provide an overview of the disease. We reviewed original studies conducted on ND, the current taxonomic classification of the virus, clinical signs of the disease, and laboratory diagnostic methods available for virus detection and typing. This review additionally examined the control methods currently used, including available or circulating vaccines, vaccinations, recent vaccine findings, and the main variants of the virus present in West Africa. More specifically, we present a review of the current status and available information on the disease in Côte d'Ivoire. The lack of up-to-date and relevant information on the current prevalence, socio-economic impact, and ethnoveterinary medicine used against ND is probably the main limitation for appropriate and effective decision-making for better control of this disease in Côte d'Ivoire.

Keywords: control, ethnoveterinary medicine, Newcastle disease, prevalence, socio-economic impacts.

Initial multi-target approach shows importance of improved caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus control program in Russia for hobbyist goat farms

Research (Published online: 01-07-2021)

1. Initial multi-target approach shows importance of improved caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus control program in Russia for hobbyist goat farms

Eduard A. Shuralev, Nail I. Khammadov, Konstantin A. Osyanin, Inna A. Elizarova, Gaysha R. Salmanova, Nikolai D. Shamaev, Sergei V. Petrov, Clare Whelan, Nikolai Yu. Saushkin, Jeanne V. Samsonova, Ilsur G. Galimzyanov, Marina A. Efimova, Kamil S. Khaertynov, Tagir Kh. Faizov, Malik N. Mukminov and Arkadiy V. Ivanov

Veterinary World, 14(7): 1718-1726

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Several reports described the detection of specific caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) antibodies in Russian goat populations, which indicates the circulation of CAEV in Russian goat farms. The aim of this study was to use a multi-target approach to testing with both serological tests and an in-house real-time (RT) molecular test to investigate the prevalence of CAEV in goats from three hobbyist farms in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia.

Materials and Methods: We applied a multi-target approach to testing with both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an in-house RT polymerase chain reaction test to investigate the prevalence of CAEV in goats. Animals from the three hobbyist farms were used in this study. The animals from two farms (n=13 for F1 and n=8 for F2) had clinical signs of arthritis and mastitis. In the third farm (n=15 for F3), all goats were home-bred and had no contact with imported animals.

Results: CAEV antibodies (ELISA targets TM env and gag genes) were detected in serum samples from two farms (F1 and F2), indicating seroprevalence of 87.50-92.31%. Specific CAEV antibodies were also detected in milk samples. CAEV proviral DNA was detected in 53.85-62.50%. The results from all tests performed in the third farm (F3) were negative, indicating that all tests were 100% specific.

Conclusion: The results showed that CAEV is circulating and present in small hobbyist goat farms in Russia. Serological and molecular tests could be important for programs to control and eradicate CAEV in Russia for hobbyist goat farms.

Keywords: antibodies, antigens, caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus, goat, proviral DNA.

Prevalence, resistance to antimicrobials, and antibiotypes of Arcobacter species recovered from retail meat in Wasit marketplaces in Iraq

Research (Published online: 30-06-2021)

18. Prevalence, resistance to antimicrobials, and antibiotypes of Arcobacter species recovered from retail meat in Wasit marketplaces in Iraq

Manal H. G. Kanaan

International Journal of One Health, 7(1): 142-150

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Arcobacter is a food-borne pathogen associated with human and animal infections. In Iraq, these infections and their adverse effects on public health have not been well investigated. For this reason, as well as to submit data on the resistance to antimicrobials and antibiotypes of the Arcobacter spp. and their occurrence in retail meat in the Wasit marketplaces, this study was undertaken.

Materials and Methods: A total of 83 samples of fresh raw (n=35) and chilled meat (n=48) were purchased randomly from marketplaces in various regions of the Wasit Governorate. Bacterial detection was conducted using cultural methods, biochemical analysis, and the Oxoid Biomedical Identification System Campy. Confirmation of these bacteria at the species level was performed using the multiplex polymerase chain reaction method. Susceptibility of the Arcobacter spp. to antimicrobials was investigated in 11 isolates comprising Arcobacter butzleri (n=9) and Arcobacter cryaerophilus (n=2) using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method.

Results: A total of 32 (38.6%) of the 83 fresh raw and chilled meat samples tested positive for Arcobacter spp.; of those, 27 (84.4%) and 5 (15.6%) were recognized as A. butzleri and A. cryaerophilus, respectively. Maximum resistance was perceived, respectively, to tetracycline, erythromycin, and ampicillin (90.9%, 81.8%, and 81.8%, respectively). In contrast, a low resistance rate against fluoroquinolones up to 9.09% was found. Antibiograms of the A. butzleri and A. cryaerophilus isolates yielded ten antibiotypes. The vast majority of the isolates (90.91%) were resistant to no fewer than three classes of antimicrobials, and 27.3% of these showed resistance to six antibiotics. A total of 91% of the analyzed isolates had a multiple antibiotic resistance index score between 0.27 and 0.73.

Conclusion: Our outcomes demonstrated that retail meat can be a prospective vehicle for pathogenic Arcobacter, making these products a possible risk to human health. Our outcomes postulate that the contamination of retail meats by pathogenic Arcobacter is a global public health concern, particularly with the growing resistance to life-saving drugs, and emphasizes consumer understanding about the quality and safety of these products. To achieve healthy food products, good management practices, and successful control approaches must be implemented across the entire food chain, not only to protect consumers from these contaminants but also to minimize the risk of drug resistance.

Keywords: antibiotypes, Arcobacter, cattle meat, chicken meat, multidrug resistance.

Changes in tear protein profile in dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca following topical treatment using cyclosporine A

Research (Published online: 30-06-2021)

38. Changes in tear protein profile in dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca following topical treatment using cyclosporine A

Metita Sussadee, Rucksak Rucksaken, Phattara-Orn Havanapan, Onrapak Reamtong and Aree Thayananuphat

Veterinary World, 14(6): 1711-1717

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a chronic inflammatory ocular disease that occurs in many dog breeds worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the tear protein pattern of healthy dogs, KCS dogs, and KCS dogs after treatment with cyclosporine A (CsA).

Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight dogs of any breed were enrolled in the study. The subjects were divided into three groups: Healthy, KCS, and CsA-treated dogs. Tear samples were collected using Schirmer strips. Tear proteins extracted from the strips were analyzed using two-dimensional electrophoresis. For the first dimension, total protein from tears was separated by isoelectric focusing. The second dimension was performed using 12.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The gel images were analyzed and the protein spots of differential expression were manually cut for protein annotation using mass spectrometry.

Results: In total, 12 protein spots were excised and subjected to protein identification. Associated with KCS, six protein spots were a downregulated protein, namely, lysozyme. The other six protein spots were upregulated in KCS dogs, consisting of heat shock protein beta-1, protein S100-A12, and keratin type II cytoskeletal 1 and 5. After treatment with CsA for 45 days, the lysozyme protein was still decreasing and the inflammation protein (S100-A12) was not identified.

Conclusion: Inflammatory tear proteins and proteins involved in cellular stress were present in KCS dogs and appeared to be reduced in medicated eyes. Treatment with topical CsA in the short term may not improve the activity of antibacterial proteins. Changes in the expression patterns of these four proteins might be useful for disease severity and progression assessment, as well as for exploring a novel method for dry eye management in dogs.

Keywords: cyclosporine, dog, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, proteomic, tear protein.

Moderations in performance, immunity, tissue architecture, and vaccine viability induced by water magnetization in broiler farms

Research (Published online: 30-06-2021)

37. Moderations in performance, immunity, tissue architecture, and vaccine viability induced by water magnetization in broiler farms

Essam S. Soliman, Rania T. Hamad and Rania A. Hassan

Veterinary World, 14(6): 1695-1710

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Water magnetization contributes to increased molecular ionization and fluidity, which improves biological activities. This study tests the influence of magnetic water on the viability of the Newcastle vaccine and the survival of Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium, as well as the influence of magnetic water in face of water impurities' challenges on performance, immunity, and tissue architecture in broiler chickens.

Materials and Methods: An in vitro 96-micro-well plate minimal inhibitory concentration was utilized to test the influence of water, saline, and magnetic water on Newcastle vaccine viability and E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium survival. The 245 experimental 1-day-old female Ross® 308 broilers used in this study were divided into seven groups of 35 birds each. Broilers were provided with magnetic drinking water (13,200 gausses) for 6 h daily from the 5th day and were challenged on days 14, 21, 28, and 35 using sodium chloride (700 mg/L), calcium sulfate (80 mg/L), lead acetate (500 mg/L), yeast extract 5% (5 mg/L), diazinon (2.5 mL/L), and E. coli O157:H7 (1.6 × 109 CFU/mL). A total of 2040 samples (96 diluent-Newcastle virus vaccine mixes, 96 microbial-magnetic water mixes, 231 sera, 231 intestinal swabs, and 1386 organ samples) were collected.

Results: An in vitro trial revealed highly significant (p<0.01) declines of 94.13%, 84.53%, and 10.31% in the Newcastle vaccine titer in water, saline, and magnetic water, respectively, and 54.91% and 39.89% in E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium survival, respectively, after 4 h. In all challenged groups, broilers exhibited highly significant (p<0.01) increases in performance, carcass/organs weight, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, and Lactobacillus counts; significant improvement in tissue architecture and biochemical parameters; and highly significant (p<0.01) reductions in cortisol, superoxide dismutase, and total bacterial and Enterobacteriaceae counts.

Conclusion: Magnetic water could maintain vaccine viability and vaccination efficiency, reduce microbial survival, and minimize the negative influence of all induced challenges.

Keywords: broilers, immunity, magnetic water, microbial survival, Newcastle vaccine viability, water impurities.