Investigating antibiotic resistance in enterococci in Gabonese livestock

Research (Published online: 25-03-2022)

23. Investigating antibiotic resistance in enterococci in Gabonese livestock

Otsaghe Ekore Desire, Boundenga Larson, Onanga Richard, Mabika Mabika Rolande and Kumulungui Brice Serge

Veterinary World, 15(3): 714-721

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The emergence of antibiotic resistance is a major problem worldwide. Antibiotics are often used to prevent or treat infections in livestock. This study aimed to investigate antibiotic resistance in enterococci in Gabonese livestock.

Materials and Methods: We collected 174 animal samples (46 laying hens, 24 swine, 62 cattle, and 42 sheep) from farms in four provinces of Gabon. Bacterial strains belonging to the genus Enterococcus were obtained using selective media and polymerase chain reaction targeting the tuf gene. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by the disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar.

Results: Enterococci were present in 160 of the samples (97%), distributed as follows: laying hens (100%, 41/41), swine (100%, 22/22), small ruminants (88%, 37/42), and cattle (100%, 60/60). Resistance to cephalothin/cephalexin, streptomycin, and rifampicin (RIF) was high, and resistance to vancomycin (VAN), erythromycin, and tetracycline was moderate. A high diversity of resistance was found in Haut-Ogooué and Estuaire provinces. Laying hens and swine showed moderate levels of resistance to ciprofloxacin and penicillin, while sheep and cattle had high levels of resistance to RIF. All species showed a high level of resistance to VAN. We found various patterns of multiple resistances in the isolates, and the multiple resistance indexes ranged from 0.2 to 0.8.

Conclusion: This study shows that livestock in Gabon can be considered potential reservoirs of resistance.

Keywords: antimicrobial, cattle, enterococci, Gabon, laying hens, sheep, swine.

An assessment of knowledge and attitude toward antibiotic misuse by small-scale broiler farmers in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 25-03-2022)

22. An assessment of knowledge and attitude toward antibiotic misuse by small-scale broiler farmers in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

Rusman Efendi, Etih Sudarnika, I. Wayan Teguh Wibawan and Trioso Purnawarman

Veterinary World, 15(3): 707-713

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Antibiotics are often overused and misused by broiler farmers. Moreover, this practice may lead to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics may be used for various purposes such as therapy, prophylaxis, flushing, and growth promoters. The study aimed to examine the association of knowledge and attitudes with antibiotics used by broiler farmers.

Materials and Methods: The study design was cross-sectional. The data were obtained from interviewing 132 farmers' households in Bogor District, West Java, Indonesia. The outcome variable was antibiotic use, whereas the independent variables included knowledge and attitude toward antibiotic resistance. The statistical analysis used a t-test and correlation test.

Results: A total of 78% of broilers farmers use antibiotics, and most of the farmers used antibiotics for flushing and prophylaxis. Furthermore, antibiotic use was associated with broiler farmers' knowledge and attitudes toward antibiotic resistance. However, there is no significant correlation between the duration of antibiotics use and their knowledge and attitude.

Conclusion: The use of antibiotics in broilers is still high in Bogor, and most of the used antibiotics belong to the Medically Important Antimicrobial category. In general, the use of antibiotics in broilers is influenced by knowledge.

Keywords: antibiotic resistance, attitude, broilers, knowledge, use of antibiotics.

Systematic evaluation of TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction assays targeting the dsb and gltA loci of Ehrlichia canis in recombinant plasmids and naturally infected dogs

Research (Published online: 25-03-2022)

21. Systematic evaluation of TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction assays targeting the dsb and gltA loci of Ehrlichia canis in recombinant plasmids and naturally infected dogs

Peeravit Sumpavong, Wanat Sricharern, Natnaree Inthong, Gunn Kaewmongkol and Sarawan Kaewmongkol

Veterinary World, 15(3): 701-706

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Because of the diversity of local genotypes of Ehrlichia canis, genes targeted by TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays should be systematically evaluated. This study evaluated the amplification efficiency, linearity, precision, and sensitivity of two TaqMan RT-PCR assays targeting the dsb and gltA loci of E. canis in recombinant plasmids and naturally infected dogs.

Materials and Methods: Thirty blood samples were collected from dogs showing clinical signs of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis at the Kasetsart University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. The dsb and gltA genes were amplified by conventional PCRs (cPCRs) on the blood samples and were then sequenced. Meanwhile, RT-PCR was used to detect dsb and gltA genes in 10-fold dilutions of the recombinant plasmids.

Results: Both dsb and gltA were amplified with a high degree of linearity (R2≥0.975 and 0.993, respectively) in all dilutions, although the mean percentage of relative standard deviation of gltA was lower, but the difference was non-significant. The detection limits of RT-PCR and cPCR were 10–7 and 10–6, respectively, for both loci. RT-PCR targeting dsb (22/30; 73.3%) and gltA (15/30; 50%) yielded a number of positive results that did not differ significantly (p=0.06). The RT-PCR positive results of the dsb gene (22/30) differed significantly from that of cPCR (11/30) (p=0.004). In contrast, the RT-PCR positive results of the gltA gene (15/30) did not differ significantly from that of cPCR (12/30) (p=0.43). The mean Ct value (30.2) based on dsb RT-PCR of 22 positive cases was higher than that of gltA RT-PCR (Ct=27.4) on 15 positive cases. The Ct values from dsb RT-PCR were >30 in all seven discordant samples that were not detected by the gltA RT-PCR.

Conclusion: RT-PCR targeting the dsb gene was more sensitive for detecting E. canis in naturally infected dogs. This study suggested that TaqMan RT-PCR of the dsb gene should be selected for E. canis research in this region.

Keywords: detection, diverse local genotypes, Ehrlichia canis, TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Effect of probiotic and Moringa oleifera extract on performance, carcass yield, and mortality of Peking duck

Research (Published online: 24-03-2022)

20. Effect of probiotic and Moringa oleifera extract on performance, carcass yield, and mortality of Peking duck

Widya Paramita Lokapirnasari, Bodhi Agustono, Mohammad Anam Al Arif, Lilik Maslachah, Evania Haris Chandra and Andreas Berny Yulianto

Veterinary World, 15(3): 694-700

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Antibiotics have been used as growth promoters in poultry. However, continuous and long-term antibiotics can cause resistance, suppress the immune system, and accumulate toxic residue. To overcome these problems, feed additives that are safe for livestock and health for humans are needed, including probiotics. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the effect of probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus lactis, and Bifidobacterium spp.) and Moringa oleifera extract on performance (body weight gain, body weight, feed intake, feed efficiency, and feed conversion ratio [FCR]), carcass yield (carcass weight and percentage of carcass) and mortality of Peking duck.

Materials and Methods: This study used 48 Peking ducks, divided into four treatments and six replications. Each replication consisted of two ducks. The treatments were as follows: T0=control, T1=4 mL containing 1.2×108 CFU/mL of probiotic in drinking water, T2=4 mL containing M. oleifera extract in drinking water, and T3=2 mL containing 1.2×108 CFU/mL of probiotic in drinking water+2 mL containing M. oleifera extract in drinking water. The probiotics consist of L. acidophilus, L. casei, L. lactis, and Bifidobacterium spp. The data were statistically analyzed through analysis of variance. For the follow-up test, a multiple range test was conducted.

Results: There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between body weight, feed intake, and mortality treatments. By contrast, control and treatment showed a significant difference (p<0.05) on feed efficiency, FCR, body weight gain, carcass weight, and percentage of carcass weight. Results of body weight gain statistics showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between T0 and T1, but T0 and T1 showed a significant difference with T2 and T3. The results of the feed efficiency statistic showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between T0, T1, and T2, but there was a significant difference between T0, T1, and T3. Feed efficiency at T2 showed no significant difference with T3, T1, and T0. The results of the FCR statistic showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between T0, T1, and T2, but there was a significant difference between T0, T1, and T3. FCR at T2 showed no significant difference with T3, T1, and T0. The carcass weight statistic showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between T0, T1, and T3, but there was a significant difference between T0 and T2. T2 showed no significant difference with T1 and T3. The carcass percentage statistic showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between T0 and T1, but T0 and T1 showed a significant difference (p<0.05) with T2 and T3.

Conclusion: Based on the study results, it can be concluded that the use of a combination of probiotics (L. acidophilus, L. casei, L. lactis, and Bifidobacterium spp.) and M. oleifera extract can increase the production performance of Peking ducks and is safe for ducks' health.

Keywords: health, probiotic, Moringa oleifera, Peking duck.

The application of ascorbic acid as a therapeutic feed additive to boost immunity and antioxidant activity of poultry in heat stress environment

Review (Published online: 24-03-2022)

19. The application of ascorbic acid as a therapeutic feed additive to boost immunity and antioxidant activity of poultry in heat stress environment

Truong Van Hieu, Budi Guntoro, Nguyen Hoang Qui, Nguyen Thi Kim Quyen and Farid Akbar Al Hafiz

Veterinary World, 15(3): 685-693

ABSTRACT

Ascorbic acid, widely known as vtamin C, is an essential nutrient for animals such as poultry. Ascorbic acid in poultry feed improves animal health and thus increases the growth performance of birds. Ascorbic acid can be used in the form of synthetic products or can be naturally obtained from fruits and plants. It is soluble in water and can be easily administered in drinking water and the diet. Poultry can synthesize ascorbic acid in the body. However, the performance of the animals can be improved by adding ascorbic acid to their diet. In addition, ascorbic acid is called an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. This increases their resistance to disease during the transition season. Ascorbic acid supplementation positively affects the stress response, especially during the dry season in tropical countries. Furthermore, supplementing ascorbic acid in the poultry's diet improves resistance to diseases, regulates stress, and helps in the body's oxidation process. Ultimately, this enhances the laying rate, egg hatch performance, and higher poultry productivity. For layers at the end of the laying period, it helps increase the quality of the eggshell and reduces the proportion of broken eggs. Ascorbic acid has a strong relationship with other vitamins such as vitamin E and other substances such as zinc, safflower oil, folic acid, and a fibrous diet. This review aims to synthesize all the information of ascorbic acid in the poultry's diet, thereby providing the general role of ascorbic acid for the poultry industry.

Keywords: antioxidant, ascorbic acid, immune system, poultry production.

Early hip laxity screening and later canine hip dysplasia development

Research (Published online: 24-03-2022)

18. Early hip laxity screening and later canine hip dysplasia development

Ana Santana, Sofia Alves-Pimenta, Pedro Franco-Gonçalo, Lio Gonçalves, João Martins, Bruno Colaço and Mário Ginja

Veterinary World, 15(3): 679-684

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Passive hip laxity (PHL) is considered the primary risk factor for canine hip dysplasia (HD) and is estimated, in stress hip radiographs, using the distraction index (DI). The study aimed to associate the early PHL using the hip Distractor of University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (DisUTAD) and the late HD grades.

Materials and Methods: A total of 41 dogs (82 hips) were submitted to a follow-up study. First, between 4 and 12 months of age, dogs were radiographed using the DisUTAD hip distractor and were determined the DI for each hip joint. Then, after 12 months of age, dogs were reevaluated for HD using the conventional hip ventrodorsal projection and hips were evaluated for HD using the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) scoring system.

Results: Hips of dogs' in the second examination with FCI grades of A (n=28), B (n=11), C (n=22), and D and E (n=21) had an early DI of 0.32±0.1, 0.38±0.08, 0.50±0.12, and 0.64±0.11, respectively. Statistical analysis using the general linear model univariate, with the DI as dependent variable and the FCI grades, side and sex as fixed factors, and the post hoc Bonferroni correction test showed significant differences among FCI grades (p<0.05).

Conclusion: These results show the association between early DI and the late FCI HD grades and the DisUTAD is recommended for the early canine HD diagnosis.

Keywords: canine hip dysplasia, distraction index, hip distractor DisUTAD, hip laxity.

Hematological indices and their correlation with glucose control parameters in a prediabetic rat model

Research (Published online: 24-03-2022)

17. Hematological indices and their correlation with glucose control parameters in a prediabetic rat model

Desak Gede Budi Krisnamurti, Erni H. Purwaningsih, Tri Juli Edi Tarigan, Vivian Soetikno and Melva Louisa

Veterinary World, 15(3): 672-678

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Chronic hyperglycemia in prediabetic individuals would progress to diabetes and lead to several systemic disruptions, including hematological parameters. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between prediabetes and hematological indices in a prediabetic rat model.

Materials and Methods: Eighteen male rats were randomly divided into two groups of nine. Prediabetes was induced in nine rats by a 3-week high-fat and high-glucose diet, followed by low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) injection (30 mg/ kg body weight). The oral glucose tolerance test was performed, and the fasting blood glucose (FBG) and insulin levels were measured 72 h after STZ administration. The control group of nine rats was given standard diets. At the end of the 3rd week, the animals fasted overnight before blood collection. Blood samples were drawn and used for the analysis of the FBG and fasting insulin levels and glycated albumin to define prediabetes criteria before hematology analysis.

Results: We found a significant increase in the FBG and insulin levels in the prediabetic versus the control group. There were decreases in red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels and red cell distribution in prediabetic rats versus the control. At the same time, a significant increase in the platelet count was observed in the prediabetic group. There was a positive correlation between FBG and lymphocytes and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in prediabetic rats. On the other hand, we found a negative correlation between white blood cell count and glycated albumin.

Conclusion: Correlations were found in several hematological parameters in the prediabetic rat models. The changes in hematological indices in prediabetic rats may be further used as a valuable indicator of glycemic control.

Keywords: diabetes mellitus, high-fat and high-glucose diet, hyperglycemia, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, streptozotocin.