Prevalence and multidrug resistance of Enterococcus species isolated from chickens at slaughterhouses in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand

Research (Published online: 10-11-2022)

4. Prevalence and multidrug resistance of Enterococcus species isolated from chickens at slaughterhouses in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand

Pattarakitti Noenchat, Chawakorn Nhoonoi, Thanawan Srithong, Sujeeporn Lertpiriyasakulkit, and Pairat Sornplang

Veterinary World, 15(11): 2535-2542

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Enterococcus is a commensal bacteria found in humans and animals, which can cause human nosocomial infections. One of the most contaminated enterococcal sources is poultry meat. Therefore, this study estimated the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profile of Enterococcus from chickens and their meat products at local slaughterhouses in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand.

Materials and Methods: From January 2021 to March 2022, 558 samples from 279 cloacal swabs and breast meat were collected from 31 local slaughterhouses in the area. Then, the samples were screened for Enterococcus using modified de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe agar. Next, selected Gram-positive, catalase-negative, and cocci-shaped colonies were investigated for enterococcal confirmation using Enterococcosel Agar (EA). We also cultivated the samples directly on EA. However, the disk diffusion method was used to investigate positive Enterococcus resistance profiles to 16 antimicrobial agents. Finally, selected phenotypic multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterococcus isolates were further assessed to identify AMR genes by polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Investigations showed that the prevalence of Enterococcus isolates from the chicken cloacal swabs and meat samples were 29.75% (83/279) and 28.32% (78/279), respectively. Most Enterococcus positive isolates were resistant to colistin, followed by cefoxitin, cephalexin, and streptomycin. These isolates also showed a prevalence of MDR species (65.22%; 105/161) and 66 patterns. Furthermore, selected MDR Enterococcus (MDRE) from cloacal swabs and breast meat were positive for the resistant extended-spectrum beta-lactamase TEM genes at 71.43% (20/28) and 78.26% (18/23), respectively, whereas other AMR genes detected in the selected MDR enterococci from the cloacal swabs and breast meat were beta-lactamase TEM (blaTEM [0%, 1.96%]), Class 1 integrase (intI1 [14.28%, 0%]), colistin (mrc–1 [3.57%, 0%]), and vancomycin (vanA [14.28%, 0%]).

Conclusion: This study indicated that phenotypic MDRE correlated with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase TEM gene presence, leading to an AMR reservoir that can be transferred to other bacteria.

Keywords: antimicrobial agents, antimicrobial resistance, Enterococcus species, multidrug resistance, poultry.

Aqueous extract of bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) ameliorates testicular toxicity induced by aluminum chloride in rats

Research (Published online: 09-11-2022)

3. Aqueous extract of bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) ameliorates testicular toxicity induced by aluminum chloride in rats

Ayodeji O. Falade, Kayode E. Adewole, Abdul-Rahman O. Adekola, Hilary A. Ikokoh, Kunle Okaiyeto, and Oluwafemi O. Oguntibeju

Veterinary World, 15(11): 2525-2534

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Human exposure to aluminum is inevitable, and one of the most adverse health effects of aluminum is a decrease in male fertility rates. Therefore, this study investigated the ameliorative effects of an aqueous extract from Laurus nobilis-bay leaf (BL) on aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced testicular toxicity in rats.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 6, each group): The control (group 1) received normal saline; Group 2 animals were intraperitoneally administered with 30 mg/kg body weight (BW) AlCl3; and Groups 3 and 4 were co-administered AlCl3 with 125 or 250 mg/kg BW of BL extract, respectively, for 21 days. Testes, epididymis, and blood samples were collected. Testicular plasma enzyme activity was measured using a spectrophotometric assay, while concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.

Results: There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in testicular enzyme activity in the group treated with AlCl3. However, there was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in testicular enzyme activity in groups co-administered AlCl3 and BL extract as compared with that in control. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in testicular nitrite concentration in the AlCl3-treated group, whereas the administration of BL extract significantly (p < 0.05) decreased nitrite concentration in Groups 3 and 4. Furthermore, the administration of BL extracts increased sperm count and improved the morphology of the testes in AlCl3-treated rats. Flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, tannin, glycosides, saponin, anthraquinones, and steroids were identified in BL extract, with alkaloids and glycosides being the most abundant.

Conclusion: Aqueous extract from BL ameliorated the toxic effect of AlCl3 and exhibited anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting nitrite production while improving sperm count and morphology in AlCl3-treated rats. The bioactivity of the extract may be attributed to the presence of a wide range of phytochemicals. Therefore, BL aqueous extract could be a promising source of novel compounds with male fertility-promoting and anti-inflammatory properties.

Keywords: anti-inflammatory property, reproductive toxicology, sperm parameters, spices, testicular enzymes.

Effect of supplementing L-cysteine and its group analogs on frozen semen quality of bulls: A meta-analysis

Research (Published online: 09-11-2022)

2. Effect of supplementing L-cysteine and its group analogs on frozen semen quality of bulls: A meta-analysis

Sari Yanti Hayanti, Mohammad Miftakhus Sholikin, Anuraga Jayanegara, Mokhamad Fakhrul Ulum, Marchie Astrid da Costa, Fitriawaty Fitriawaty, Surya Surya, Maureen Chrisye Hadiatry, Santiananda Arta Asmarasari, Eko Handiwirawan, Yenny Nur Anggraeny, Eni Siti Rohaeni, Salfina Nurdin Ahmad, Bustami Bustami, Aryogi Aryogi, Dicky Pamungkas, and Yenni Yusriani

Veterinary World, 15(11): 2517-2524

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The quality of frozen bull sperm after thawing is influenced by the primary diluent and antioxidant. This meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effect of supplementing L-cysteine and its group analogs on the quality of frozen bull sperm.

Materials and Methods: A total of 22 articles obtained from Google Scholar and Scopus were integrated into metadata. The effects of adding L-cysteine and its analogs (e.g., cysteine HCl and N-acetyl-L-cysteine), both of which are known as L-cysteine, were evaluated in this meta-analysis. The following parameters were examined: Abnormality, acrosome damage, acrosomal integrity, DNA damage, DNA integrity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, plasma membrane integrity, pregnancy rate, progressive motility, sperm viability, and total motility. Data were analyzed using the mixed model methodology, with L-cysteine dosage as a fixed effect and different studies as random effects.

Results: L-cysteine supplementation significantly increased the total motility (p < 0.05) and MDA content of semen, following a linear pattern. Progressive motility, acrosomal integrity, and plasma membrane integrity were significantly increased, showing a quadratic pattern (p < 0.05). Abnormality and acrosome damage were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), following a quadratic and linear pattern, respectively. Other parameters remained unaffected by L-cysteine supplementation. L-cysteine and cysteine HCl significantly inhibited (p = 0.001) acrosome damage in thawed frozen sperm compared with control sperm.

Conclusion: Supplementing L-cysteine and its analog groups are recommended for freezing bull semen as it generally improves sperm quality.

Keywords: bull cattle, cryopreservation, L-cysteine, meta-analysis, sperm.

Follicular fluid and serum biochemical and hormonal profiles of normal and cystic dromedary camel breeds

Research (Published online: 08-11-2022)

1. Follicular fluid and serum biochemical and hormonal profiles of normal and cystic dromedary camel breeds

Amal Bekkouche, Kamel Miroud, Nora Mimoune, Brahim Benamor, Rachid Kaidi, and Mohammed Hocine Benaissa

Veterinary World, 15(11): 2511-2516

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Ovarian cysts (OC) in female dromedary camels have been described as problematic because they can cause infertility. This study aimed to compare the hormone concentrations and biochemical contents present in serum and follicular fluid of normal and cystic she-dromedaries of the two most common Algerian camel breeds (Sahraoui and Targui) to gain a better understanding of biological differences that may yield insights into preventing or treating this ovarian abnormality.

Materials and Methods: At an abattoir in southeastern Algeria, 100 pairs of the same females' ovaries and blood samples were taken immediately after the slaughter of clinically healthy, non-pregnant females (8–15 years old) over two consecutive breeding seasons (November 2017–April 2018 and November 2018–April 2019). The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, protein, urea, creatinine, triglyceride, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase were determined using commercial diagnostic kits and standard analytical procedures. Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay was used to measure progesterone (P4) and insulin concentrations.

Results: The concentrations of glucose, insulin, cholesterol, and P4 in sera and follicular fluid (regardless of ovarian follicle diameter) were different (p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in the other parameters studied. Glucose, insulin, cholesterol, urea, and P4 levels in blood serum differed significantly from pre-ovulatory follicles. None of the biochemical and hormonal components measured differed significantly between the pre-ovulatory and cystic fluids of the she-dromedaries studied. The breed did not affect the biochemical and hormonal composition of she-dromedary cystic and follicular fluids.

Conclusion: Ovarian cysts appear to form in a metabolic milieu distinct from follicular fluid and blood serum, with no influence from camel breeds. It is suggested that further research on the blood-follicle barrier be conducted to gain a better understanding of the OC development process in she-dromedaries.

Keywords: camel breeding, follicular fluid, ovarian cyst, serum.

First assessment of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of health actors in Togo and Ivory Coast in regard to antibiotic resistance

Research (Published online: 07-11-2022)

5. First assessment of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of health actors in Togo and Ivory Coast in regard to antibiotic resistance

Andre Pouwedeou Bedekelabou, Délé Wilfried Oyetola, Zanan Lassina Coulibaly, Olouwamouyiwa Akinsola, and Rianatou Bada-Alambedji

International Journal of One Health, 8(2): 108-123

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Bacterial resistance to antibiotics has now become a threat to global public health. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of health actors in relation to antibiotic resistance (ABR) in two African countries.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive questionnaire study was conducted in Ivory Coast and Togo from August 2020 to July 2021. Actors were interviewed both in person 63% (n = 141) and remotely due to COVID-19 restrictions. Qualitative variables were described by frequencies and quantitative variables by the mean and associated standard deviation. The bivariate analysis was conducted through the Chi-square test and exact Fisher test with an acceptable risk of 5%.

Results: The results showed that 88% and 50% of the actors from Togo and Ivory Coast, respectively, had a good knowledge of ABR even if most of the stakeholders had limited knowledge of antibiotics that are banned or of critical importance in human and animal medicine. More than 75% of the actors had good perceptions in regard to ABR and these were significantly related to their profession. As for the factors leading to an increase in ABR, the interviewees perceived self-medication in humans as the main contributing factor. Approximately 70% of the actors admitted to following inadequate practices in terms of the use and/or distribution of antibiotics, and 58% and 46% of them used preventive antibiotic therapy in Togo and Ivory Coast, respectively. Similarly, in the two countries, 39% and 69% of the actors, respectively, claimed that they do not systematically use the antibiogram, and 69% and 61% of drug distributors, also respectively, admitted to occasionally selling antibiotics without a prescription. Finally, more than 80% thought that the authorities in their country did not communicate sufficiently about ABR. Among the actions that could help to combat ABR, actors considered the strengthening of controls on the distribution of antibiotics and the education of nonprofessionals on the importance of antibiotic preservation as priorities.

Conclusion: Although this first study had some limitations, that is, the low number of surveyed actors and non-standardized questionnaire used, it revealed that health actors in Togo and Ivory Coast have a good knowledge and perception in regard to antibiotics and ABR, but also follow inadequate practices.

Keywords: antibiogram, antibiotics, Ivory Coast, public health.

Prevalence and molecular detection of multidrug-resistant Salmonella spp. isolated from eggshells in the local markets of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Research (Published online: 07-11-2022)

4. Prevalence and molecular detection of multidrug-resistant Salmonella spp. isolated from eggshells in the local markets of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Talal Hossain, Md. Abu Sayem Khan, Md. Firoz Ahmed, and Sabita Rezwana Rahman

International Journal of One Health, 8(2): 101-107

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Salmonella spp. are frequently associated with various parts of the egg, including the shell, and cause foodborne outbreaks worldwide. Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella spp. pose serious threats to human and animal health; therefore, preventive measures against these pathogens are important. This study aimed to isolate and characterize Salmonella spp. from eggshell samples from different local markets in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Materials and Methods: Salmonella spp. were recovered from eggshells by enrichment culture and biochemical tests and characterized through molecular amplification of Salmonella-specific genes. Antibiotic sensitivity testing and molecular detection of isolates were performed by disk diffusion method and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. The invA, fliC, and sdfI genes were used in PCR to identify the genus Salmonella, and the species Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis, respectively.

Results: The prevalence of Salmonella spp. was recorded as 40%, in which S. Typhimurium was the predominant serotype. PCR analysis revealed that 100%, 59%, and 13.6% of these isolates possessed the invA, fliC, and sdfI genes, respectively. The isolates exhibited multidrug resistance phenotypes, with resistance (95.5%) toward tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, and clindamycin and sensitivity (86.3%) toward chloramphenicol.

Conclusion: The findings of this study reflect the potential of eggs as a reservoir of multidrug-resistant Salmonella spp.; therefore, we recommend the careful handling of eggs to avoid contamination from farm to market.

Keywords: antibiotic resistance, eggs, health hazards, poultry industry, Salmonella.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections: Etiological analysis, biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance, and a novel therapeutic era of phage

Review (Published online: 05-11-2022)

3. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections: Etiological analysis, biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance, and a novel therapeutic era of phage

Asif Shahriar, Mohd. Faijanur - Rob Siddiquee, Hossain Ahmed, Aar Rafi Mahmud, Tasnia Ahmed, Md. Rayhan Mahmud, and Mrityunjoy Acharjee

International Journal of One Health, 8(2): 86-100

ABSTRACT

Urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by uropathogens has put global public health at its utmost risk, especially in developing countries where people are unaware of personal hygiene and proper medication. In general, the infection frequently occurs in the urethra, bladder, and kidney, as reported by the physician. Moreover, many UTI patients whose acquired disorder from the hospital or health-care center has been addressed previously have been referred to as catheter-associated UTI (CAUTI). Meanwhile, the bacterial biofilm triggering UTI is another critical issue, mostly by catheter insertion. In most cases, the biofilm inhibits the action of antibiotics against the UTI-causing bacteria. Therefore, new therapeutic tools should be implemented to eliminate the widespread multidrug resistance (MDR) UTI-causing bacteria. Based on the facts, the present review emphasized the current status of CAUTI, its causative agent, clinical manifestation, and treatment complications. This review also delineated a model of phage therapy as a new therapeutic means against bacterial biofilm-originated UTI. The model illustrated the entire mechanism of destroying the extracellular plyometric substances of UTI-causing bacteria with several enzymatic actions produced by phage particles. This review will provide a complete outline of CAUTI for the general reader and create a positive vibe for the researchers to sort out alternative remedies against the CAUTI-causing MDR microbial agents.

Keywords: biofilm, catheter-associated urinary tract infection, multidrug resistance, phage therapy, uropathogens.