Review of pork and pork products as a source for transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Review (Published online: 12-12-2022)

8. Review of pork and pork products as a source for transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Aswin Rafif Khairullah, Sri Agus Sudjarwo, Mustofa Helmi Effendi, Sancaka Cashyer Ramandinianto, Maria Aega Gelolodo, Agus Widodo, Katty Hendriana Priscilia Riwu, and Dyah Ayu Kurniawati

International Journal of One Health, 8(2): 167-177

ABSTRACT

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an opportunistic bacterium that can cause infection in animals and humans. Recently, MRSA from food-producing or farm animals has been identified as livestock-associated MRSA (LA-MRSA). The spread of LA-MRSA is particularly found in pork and pork products because LA-MRSA has been widely known to infect pigs. The most common type of LA-MRSA identified in pork and pork products is the clonal complex LA-MRSA 398 (LA-MRSA CC398). The MRSA strains on the surface of pork carcasses can be spread during the handling and processing of pork and pork products through human hands, cutting tools, and any surface that comes into direct contact with pork. Food infection is the main risk of MRSA in pork and pork products consumed by humans. Antibiotics to treat food infection cases due to MRSA infection include vancomycin and tigecycline. The spread of MRSA in pork and pork products is preventable by appropriately cooking and cooling the pork and pork products at temperatures above 60°C and below 5°C, respectively. It is also necessary to take other preventive measures, such as having a clean meat processing area and disinfecting the equipment used for processing pork and pork products. This review aimed to explain epidemiology, transmission, risk factors, diagnosis, public health consequences, treatment of food poisoning, and preventing the spread of MRSA in pork and pork products.

Keywords: antibiotics, livestock, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus, pork products.

Multidrug resistance-encoding gene in Citrobacter freundii isolated from healthy laying chicken in Blitar District, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 12-12-2022)

7. Multidrug resistance-encoding gene in Citrobacter freundii isolated from healthy laying chicken in Blitar District, Indonesia

Adiana Mutamsari Witaningrum, Freshinta Jellia Wibisono, Dian Ayu Permatasari, Mustofa Helmi Effendi, and Emmanuel Nnabuike Ugbo

International Journal of One Health, 8(2): 161-166

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The increasing prevalence of resistance (MDR) of Enterobacteriaceae in Indonesia has caused concern regarding human health. Citrobacter freundii reportedly targets the gastrointestinal tract of animals and is a common cause of foodborne diseases associated with diarrhea, peritonitis, meningitis, brain abscess, bacteremia, and urinary tract infection. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of MDR and the presence of Class 1 integron-encoding genes in C. freundii isolates obtained from cloacal swabs of healthy laying chickens in Blitar district, Indonesia.

Materials and Methods: One hundred and sixty-five cloacal swab samples were collected from 33 farms in Blitar over a period of 4 months. Standard microbiological techniques such as bacterial culture in MacConkey agar, Simmons citrate agar, and triple sugar iron agar and biochemical tests such as the indole test were performed to identify the isolates. The antibiotic sensitivity patterns of C. freundii isolates were determined by the disk diffusion method, and MDR-encoding genes (Class 1 integron) were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: Out of 165 cloacal swab samples, 7 (4.24%) were positive for C. freundii. Citrobacter freundii was highly resistant to erythromycin (71.43%) and moderately to streptomycin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (all 42.86%); however, it showed low resistance to ampicillin (28.57%). All isolates were found to exhibit MDR. Only 1 (14.29%) of the seven C. freundii isolates harbored a Class 1 integron gene. This study revealed that Class 1 integron-encoding genes have a low prevalence in C. freundii isolated from healthy laying chickens in Blitar, Indonesia.

Conclusion: Poultry animals can play a role in the transmission of resistance genes to humans due to the MDR of Enterobacteriaceae, including C. freundii in the intestines.

Keywords: Citrobacter freundii, Class 1 integron gene, human health, laying chickens, multidrug resistance.

Bacteriophage efficacy in controlling swine enteric colibacillosis pathogens: An in vitro study

Research (Published online: 12-12-2022)

9. Bacteriophage efficacy in controlling swine enteric colibacillosis pathogens: An in vitro study

Techaphon Songphasuk, Napakhwan Imklin, Pattaraporn Sriprasong, Yonlayong Woonwong, Rujikan Nasanit, and Somchai Sajapitak

Veterinary World, 15(12): 2822-2829

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Swine enteric colibacillosis caused by Escherichia coli is a major problem in the swine industry, causing diarrhea among swine and resulting in substantial financial losses. However, efforts to counter this disease are impeded by the increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) worldwide, so intensive research is being conducted to identify alternative treatments. This study isolated, characterized, and evaluated the efficacy of bacteriophages to control pathogens causative of swine enteric colibacillosis.

Materials and Methods: Five sewage samples were collected from different areas of a swine farm in Suphanburi province, Thailand and the bacteriophages were enriched and isolated, followed by purification by the agar overlay method using E. coli RENR as the host strain. The selected phages were characterized by evaluating their morphology, while their specificity was verified by the host range test. The efficiency of plating and multiplicity of infection (MOI) were also determined.

Results: Four selected phages, namely, vB_Eco-RPNE4i3, vB_Eco-RPNE6i4, vB_Eco-RPNE7i1, and vB_Eco-RPNE8i3, demonstrated different patterns of host range and phage efficiency. They significantly decreased E. coli concentration at the tested MOIs (0.01–100) from 1 h onward. However, bacterial regrowth was observed in all phage treatments.

Conclusion: This study shows the potential of using phages as an alternative treatment for swine enteric colibacillosis. The obtained results demonstrated that the selected phages had a therapeutic effect against pathogens causative of swine enteric colibacillosis. Therefore, phages could be applied as an alternative treatment to control specific bacterial strains and reduce AMR arising from the overuse of antibiotics.

Keywords: bacteriophages, colibacillosis, diarrhea, Escherichia coli, swine.

Molecular characterization of Newcastle disease virus vaccines in Nigeria

Research (Published online: 10-12-2022)

8. Molecular characterization of Newcastle disease virus vaccines in Nigeria

Mohammed Usman Sajo, Lawal Sa'idu, Maman Moutari Souley, and Olusegun Adesina Fagbohun

Veterinary World, 15(12): 2816-2821

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Newcastle disease (ND) caused by ND virus (NDV) is a serious impediment to effective poultry production in developing countries such as Nigeria. Despite employing vaccination and other control measures to curtail this disease, its severe forms still persist. This study aimed to confirm the virus strains in the NDV vaccine brands commonly used in Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: We employed reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), sequencing, and sequence analysis to characterize NDV strains in four NDV vaccines commonly used in Nigeria. Fragments of 300 bp from NDV fusion genes from the vaccines were amplified. Polymerase chain reaction products were sequenced and analyzed using multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analyses to characterize the vaccine viruses as pathotypes.

Results: All the vaccines gave positive results, confirming the presence of NDV. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analyses revealed that two of the vaccines had the lentogenic pathotype, while the other two had the mesogenic or velogenic pathotype.

Conclusion: This study provides information to facilitate strategies for regular control of the quality of vaccines in Nigeria.

Keywords: Newcastle disease virus, Nigeria, polymerase chain reaction, vaccines.

Impact of serum C-reactive protein level as a biomarker of cancer dissemination in canine lymphoid neoplasia

Research (Published online: 10-12-2022)

7. Impact of serum C-reactive protein level as a biomarker of cancer dissemination in canine lymphoid neoplasia

Nawin Manachai, Duangchanok Umnuayyonvaree, Panitnan Punyathi, Anudep Rungsipipat, and Kasem Rattanapinyopituk

Veterinary World, 15(12): 2810-2815

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a highly sensitive but non-specific acute phase protein that has been widely used to predict the biological behavior of patients with cancer. This study aimed to examine the significance of the serum CRP biomarker in predicting the prognosis of dogs with lymphoma.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples (5 mL) were collected from 34 lymphoma dogs and control healthy dogs. Canine lymphoma clinical staging was classified using the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. All lymphoma dogs were reclassified into two groups based on the disease stage. Stages IV and V were designated as advanced stages, and Stages I–III were designated as other stages. The serum CRP level was then determined using a commercial canine CRP fluorescent immunoassay kit and routine hematological and biochemical analyses. C-reactive protein levels, circulating inflammatory parameters, such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and albumin levels were compared between advanced stages (IV and V) and Stages I to III using Mann–Whitney U tests. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were also generated to determine the cutoff value, diagnostic sensitivity, and specificity of the CRP level.

Results: A prospective study identified 34 dogs recently diagnosed with canine lymphoma. C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in lymphoma dogs in advanced stages (IV and V) than in lymphoma dogs in Stages I–III. According to the ROC curve analysis, a CRP cutoff level of 54.1 mg/L indicates advanced-stage canine lymphoma, which can be used as a biomarker to predict cancer dissemination.

Conclusion: Serum CRP concentrations can assist clinical decision-making on the WHO stage in lymphoma dogs in clinical applications. The limitations of this study include a small number of lymphomas and no survival analysis.

Keywords: advanced stage lymphoma, biomarker, dogs, serum C-reactive protein.

Phylogenetic analysis and antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from wild and domestic animals at an agricultural land interface area of Salaphra wildlife sanctuary, Thailand

Research (Published online: 08-12-2022)

6. Phylogenetic analysis and antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from wild and domestic animals at an agricultural land interface area of Salaphra wildlife sanctuary, Thailand

Taksaon Duangurai, Amporn Rungruengkitkul, Thida Kong-Ngoen, Witawat Tunyong, Nathamon Kosoltanapiwat, Poom Adisakwattana, Muthita Vanaporn, Nitaya Indrawattana, and Pornpan Pumirat

Veterinary World, 15(12): 2800-2809

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Domestic and wild animals are important reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study aimed to isolate Escherichia coli from feces of domestic and wild animals at an agricultural land interface area of Salaphra Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand, and study the phylogenic characteristics and antibiotic resistance in these isolates.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional, descriptive study, we randomly collected ground feces from free-ranging wild animals (deer and elephants) and domestic animals (cattle and goats). All fecal samples were inoculated onto MacConkey agar plates, and lactose-fermenting colonies were identified as E. coli. Antibiotic susceptibility of the E. coli isolates was determined using the disc diffusion method. Polymerase chain reaction assays were used to detect antibiotic resistance and virulence genes.

Results: We obtained 362 E. coli isolates from the collected fecal samples. The E. coli isolates were categorized into four phylogenetic groups according to the virulence genes (chuA, vjaA, and TspE4C2). Phylogenetic Group D was predominant in the deer (41.67%) and elephants (63.29%), whereas phylogenetic Group B1 was predominant in the cattle (62.31%), and phylogenetic Groups A (36.36%) and B2 (33.33%) were predominant in the goats. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that most antibiotic-resistant E. coli were isolated from domestic goats (96.96%). Among the 362 E. coli isolates, 38 (10.5%) were resistant to at least one antibiotic, 21 (5.8%) were resistant to two antibiotics, and 6 (1.66%) were resistant to three or more antibiotics. Ampicillin (AMP) was the most common antibiotic (48.48%) to which the E. coli were resistant, followed by tetracycline (TET) (45.45%) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (3.03%). One isolate from an elephant was resistant to five antibiotics: AMP, amoxicillin, sulfisoxazole, TET, and ciprofloxacin. Determination of antibiotic resistance genes confirmed that E. coli isolates carried antibiotic resistance genes associated with phenotypic resistance to antibiotics. Most antibiotic-resistant E. coli belonged to phylogenic Groups A and B1, and most non-resistant E. coli belonged to phylogenic Groups B2 and D.

Conclusion: Monitoring E. coli isolates from wild and domestic animals showed that all four phylogenic groups of E. coli have developed antibiotic resistance and are potential sources of multidrug resistance. High levels of antibiotic resistance have been linked to domestic animals. Our results support strengthening surveillance to monitor the emergence and effects of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms in animals.

Keywords: antibiotic resistance, domestic animal, Escherichia coli, phylogenic groups, phylogeny, wild animal.

Hematology and toll-like receptors 2 and 4 and lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-α factor gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of Thai indigenous chickens

Research (Published online: 07-12-2022)

5. Hematology and toll-like receptors 2 and 4 and lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-α factor gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of Thai indigenous chickens

Chananphat Tantikositruj, Asep Gunawan, Muhammad Jasim Uddin, Wirawan Nuchchanart, Chaiwat Boonkaewwan, Watchara Laenoi, and Autchara Kayan

Veterinary World, 15(12): 2795-2799

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play crucial roles in the early phase of infection in the innate immune response against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-α factor (LITAF) is an essential transcription factor that regulates the immune system, apoptosis, and inflammatory cytokines. This study aimed to determine the hematological profile reflecting the immune response related to TLR2 and TLR4 and LITAF gene expression in Thai indigenous chickens.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples (2 mL) were randomly obtained from three chicken breeds (black-boned chicken, Fah Luang chicken, and Pradu Hang Dam chicken) at 16 weeks of age (n = 5 per breed). The hematological profile and mRNA expression within the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were determined by hematological analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Results: The hematological profile differed significantly in terms of red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin, and white blood cells (WBCs) (p < 0.05). Black-boned chicken and Fah Luang chicken had lower RBC levels than Pradu Hang Dam chicken. Fah Luang chicken had lower hemoglobin than Pradu Hang Dam chicken. However, Fah Luang chicken had higher WBC levels than Pradu Hang Dam chicken. Hematocrit, heterophils, basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes did not differ significantly among the groups (p > 0.05). According to qRT-PCR, the expression of the TLR2 gene did not differ significantly among the groups (p > 0.05), while TLR4 and LITAF gene expression did (p < 0.05). Toll-like receptor 4 and LITAF genes were most highly expressed in Fah Luang chicken.

Conclusion: The PBMCs of Thai indigenous chickens showed evidence of TLR4 and LITAF gene expression, with higher expression levels observed in Fah Luang chicken. From this preliminary study, it is concluded that TLR4 and LITAF genes might play roles in the main immune system response in Thai indigenous chickens.

Keywords: blood hematology, gene expression, immune, Thai indigenous chicken.