Virulence and antibiotic resistance profile of avian Escherichia coli strains isolated from colibacillosis lesions in central of Algeria

Research (Published online: 25-11-2019)

21. Virulence and antibiotic resistance profile of avian Escherichia coli strains isolated from colibacillosis lesions in central of Algeria

Nacima Meguenni, Nathalie Chanteloup, Angelina Tourtereau, Chafika Ali Ahmed, Saliha Bounar-Kechih and Catherine Schouler

Veterinary World, 12(11): 1840-1848

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli cause extensive mortality in poultry flocks, leading to extensive economic losses. To date, in Algeria, little information has been available on virulence potential and antibiotics resistance of avian E. coli isolates. Therefore, the aim of this study was the characterization of virulence genes and antibiotic resistance profile of Algerian E. coli strains isolated from diseased broilers.

Materials and Methods: In this study, 43 avian E. coli strains isolated from chicken colibacillosis lesions at different years were analyzed to determine their contents in 10 virulence factors by polymerase chain reaction, antimicrobial susceptibility to 22 antibiotics belonging to six different chemical classes and genomic diversity by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).

Results: Mainly E. coli isolates (58.1%) carried two at six virulence genes and the most frequent virulence gene association detected were ompT (protectin), hlyF (hemolysin) with 55.8% (p<0.001), and iroN, sitA (iron acquisition/uptake systems), and iss (protectin) with 41.8% (p<0.001). Some strains were diagnosed as virulent according to their virulence gene profile. Indeed, 23.25% of the isolates harbored iroN, ompT, hlyF, iss, and sitA combination, 14% ompT, hlyF, and frzorf4 (sugar metabolism), and 11,6% iroN, hlyF, ompT, iss, iutA (iron acquisition/uptake systems), and frzorf4. The chicken embryo lethality assay performed on five isolates confirmed the potential virulence of these strains. All isolates submitted to PFGE analysis yielded different genetic profiles, which revealed their diversity. Overall, 97.2% of the isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic and 53.5% demonstrated multi-antimicrobial resistance to three different antimicrobial classes. The highest resistance levels were against nalidixic acid (83.4%), amoxicillin and ampicillin (83.3%), ticarcillin (80.5%), pipemidic acid (75%), and triméthoprim-sulfamethoxazole (66.6%). For beta-lactam class, the main phenotype observed belonged to broad-spectrum beta-lactamases. However, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase associated with three at six virulence factors was also detected in 13 isolates. Two of them were attested virulent as demonstrated in the embryo lethality test which constitutes a real public threat.

Conclusion: It would be imperative in avian production to discourage misuse while maintaining constant vigilance guidelines and regulations, to limit and rationalize antimicrobial use.

Keywords: antibiotic resistance, avian Escherichia coli, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase, virulence.

Quantitative evaluation of viral interference among Egyptian isolates of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (H5N1 and H5N8) with the lentogenic and velogenic Newcastle disease virus genotype VII in specific pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs model

Research (Published online: 23-11-2019)

20. Quantitative evaluation of viral interference among Egyptian isolates of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (H5N1 and H5N8) with the lentogenic and velogenic Newcastle disease virus genotype VII in specific pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs model

Mohamed A. Soliman, Ahmed A. Nour and Ahmed M. Erfan

Veterinary World, 12(11): 1833-1839

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Mixed infections of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) are considered the most distressing problem of the poultry industry. The problem arises due to the influence of a hidden virus on the replication of another suspected virus. Consequently, misdiagnosis of the real cause of disease may become a source of infection for other healthy stock by transmission and dissemination of the hidden virus. This study aimed to determine the impact of HPAIV and NDV on each other in a specific pathogen-free embryonated chicken egg (SPF-ECE) model.

Materials and Methods: HPAIVs (H5N1 and H5N8) and NDVs [avirulent NDV [avNDV] and velogenic NDV [vNDV]) were inoculated into the allantois cavity of SPF-ECE with graded titers (2, 3, and 4 log10 EID50) at 24 and 48 h of incubation, followed by the collection of allantoic fluid. A quantitative reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the viral RNA copies of both viruses.

Results: Obvious interference was reported on the growth of NDVs when co-inoculated with AIVs. NDV RNA titers reduction ranged from <3 to 5 log10 to complete suppression, but slight interference with the growth of AIVs occurred. H5N1 RNA titers showed <1-2 log10 reduction when co-inoculated with vNDV compared with the H5N1 control. The interference impact of H5N8 was more powerful than that of H5N1, while vNDV showed more resistance for interference than the avNDV strain. On the other hand, interference of AIVs was not observed except when vNDV was inoculated before H5N1. The interfering impact was increased after 48 h of inoculation, whereas no titer of avNDV was detectable.

Conclusion: AIV strains had a powerful effect on NDV growth, regardless of which infection occurred first.

Keywords: avian influenza virus, Newcastle disease virus, real-time polymerase chain reaction, viral interference.

Molecular and histopathological confirmation of clinically diagnosed lumpy skin disease in cattle, Baghdad Province of Iraq

Research (Published online: 23-11-2019)

19. Molecular and histopathological confirmation of clinically diagnosed lumpy skin disease in cattle, Baghdad Province of Iraq

Hasanain A. J. Gharban, Sattar J. J. Al-Shaeli, Hams H. H. Al-Fattli and Muthanna N. K. Altaee

Veterinary World, 12(11): 1826-1832

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to confirm the clinically diagnosed cattle with lumpy skin disease (LSD) at Baghdad Province/Iraq from October 2018 to March 2019.

Materials and Methods: Molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and histopathology were applied for the detection of LSD among 71 infected cattle issued for slaughter.

Results: Pre-slaughter clinical examination showed significant increases (p<0.05) in values of temperature (39.7±0.74°C), pulse (96.42±3.51), and respiratory (33.54±0.63) rates. Enlargement of lymph nodes (prescapular, supramammary, and prefemoral), lacrimation, mucopurulent nasal discharge, salivation, edema in limbs and head among severe infected cases, and marked fall in milk production was seen. An association of LSD to risk factors (age, gender, and areas) showed that there is significant elevation in prevalence of disease in >2-5 years (54.93%) rather than other age groups (>5 and <2 years) in females (73.24%) than males (26.76%); and in sub-rural (42.25%) and rural (39.44%) compared to urban (18.31%) areas. Postmortem examination appeared nodular lesions in upper parts of the digestive system (9.86%), rumen (2.82%), upper respiratory tracts (7.04%), and lung (4.23%). The PCR examination of P32 and thymidine kinase antigenic genes showed 90.14% and 60.56% positive samples, respectively. Histopathological analysis of nodular skin biopsies showed edema, hyperemia, acanthosis, severe hydropic degeneration, and hyperkeratosis in epidermis; whereas, mononuclear cell infiltration, inclusion bodies, and vasculitis seen in the dermis.

Conclusion: PCR and histopathology assay could be a potential method to confirm the LSD infection concomitant with clinical examination.

Keywords: cattle, histopathology, Iraq, lumpy skin disease, polymerase chain reaction.

Crossbreeding and consanguinity management in pig farms in the departments of Ouémé and Plateau in Benin

Research (Published online: 21-11-2019)

18. Crossbreeding and consanguinity management in pig farms in the departments of Ouémé and Plateau in Benin

Ignace Ogoudanan Dotché, Simon Idohou, Mahamadou Dahouda, Pascal Kiki, Benoit Govoeyi, Nicolas Antoine-Moussiaux, Jean-Paul Dehoux, Guy Apollinaire Mensah, Souaïbou Farougou, Pierre Thilmant, Issaka Youssao Abdou Karim and Benoît Koutinhouin

Veterinary World, 12(11): 1816-1825

ABSTRACT

Background: The improvement in pig zootechnical performances is a common practice in Benin. This improvement of the performances is made by the choice of the best reproducers in farms and the crossbreeding between the different breeds.

Aim: This study aims to characterize practices related to consanguinity management in pigs reared in Ouémé and Plateau.

Materials and Methods: Crossbreeding and consanguinity data were collected from 60 farms in these two departments. Frequencies and averages were calculated and compared between departments, genetic types, and origin of progenitors.

Results: The majority of the investigated pig farmers in both departments were married men of primary or secondary education level. Most of them cross animals without a specific crossbreeding scheme. These crossings were performed to a greater extent (p<0.05) in Ouémé (94.28%) than in Plateau (52%). In general, farmers cross improved animals of high breeding values with the crossbred ones. These crossings were mainly performed to improve zootechnical performances. Renewing animals were commonly chosen from the farm or were provided from nearby farms. The majority of pig breeders in Ouémé (100%) and Plateau (86.67%) obtained reproductive animals from nearby farms. Males and females were sometimes bought from the same farm or from farms that pig breeders have sold reproductive animals in the previous years. In the case of selection within their own farm, male and female progenitors are separated at puberty by the majority of the breeders of Plateau (42.11%) and Ouémé (50%). Inbred mating was reported by breeders. More than half of breeders mate animals having a parental link in both departments. The mating was performed between animals of the same mother in 37.93% of farms in Ouémé and in 45.46% in Plateau. The main consanguinity consequences mentioned by the breeders were the high mortality at birth and weaning, piglets' weakness at the birth, the slow growth, and the decrease in litter size. Sows with at least one parent from external farm had a litter size at birth and weaning and a live-born piglets' number significantly higher than sows with both parents from the same farm.

Conclusion: Rigorous monitoring of crossing and the filial links are necessary for pig farms for ensuring the improvement of zootechnical performances.

Keywords: consanguinity, crossbreeding, pig, zootechnical performances.

Live vaccines against bacterial fish diseases: A review

Review (Published online: 21-11-2019)

17. Live vaccines against bacterial fish diseases: A review

Aslizah Mohd-Aris, Mohd Hafiz Ngoo Muhamad-Sofie, Mohd Zamri-Saad, Hassan Mohd Daud and Md. Yasin Ina-Salwany

Veterinary World, 12(11): 1806-1815

ABSTRACT

Fish diseases are often caused either by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or a combination of these pathogens. Of these, bacterial fish diseases are considered to be a major problem in the aquaculture industry. Hence, the prevention of such diseases by proper vaccination is one of the integral strategies in fish health management, aimed at reducing the fish mortality rate in the aquaculture farms. Vaccination offers an effective yet low-cost solution to combat the risk of disease in fish farming. An appropriate vaccination regime to prevent bacterial diseases offers a solution against the harmful effects of antibiotic applications. This review discusses the role of live-attenuated vaccine in controlling bacterial diseases and the development of such vaccines and their vaccination strategy. The current achievements and potential applications of live-attenuated and combined vaccines are also highlighted. Vaccine development is concluded to be a demanding process, as it must satisfy the requirements of the aquaculture industry.

Keywords: aquaculture, attenuated vaccines, bacterial fish diseases, vaccination.

Isolation and characterization of avian coronavirus from healthy Eclectus parrots (Eclectus roratus) from Indonesia

Research (Published online: 19-11-2019)

16. Isolation and characterization of avian coronavirus from healthy Eclectus parrots (Eclectus roratus) from Indonesia

G. K. Suryaman, R. D. Soejoedono, A. Setiyono, O. N. Poetri and E. Handharyani

Veterinary World, 12(11): 1797-1805

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Avian coronavirus has a wide range of hosts, from chickens and turkeys to wild birds. This virus causes an economically and, possibly, environmentally, important loss in the poultry industry. Therefore, research into the avian coronavirus in various species of birds is required. The Eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus) is an endemic bird to Indonesia and Northern Australia and often kept as pets. At present, there has been limited information about avian coronavirus infection among birds. This study aimed to determine the presence of and to characterize avian coronavirus isolated from Eclectus parrots in Indonesia.

Materials and Methods: Cloacal swab samples were taken from 10 healthy Eclectus parrots (E. roratus). Each isolate was propagated into specific pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs. The presence of avian coronavirus was determined using three sets of primers targeting the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) of avian coronavirus (UTR41+/11–), the N gene of the infectious bronchitis virus (IBVN+/–), and the S1 gene of the IBV (XCE2+/XCE2–). The infectious bronchitis vaccine strain H120 was used as a positive control. Resulting positive bands were sequenced for the S1 gene.

Results: None of the isolates was positive for the 3'-UTR, four isolates were positive for the N gene of infectious bronchitis, and two isolates were positive for the S1 gene of the IBV. However, only one isolate (parrot/Indonesia/BX9/16) was sequenced for the partial S1 gene with primers XCE2+/XCE2–. The partial nucleotide sequence of this isolate showed 100% homology with the IBV GI-13 lineage, specifically with a field isolate of the 4/91 variant 1 Israel and the 4/91 vaccine on the hypervariable region 3 site of the S1 gene.

Conclusion: An IB-like avian coronavirus was isolated from healthy Eclectus parrots. Our results indicate that IBV has a wide range of hosts, which prompt the need to understand the interspecies connection of this virus better.

Keywords: Avian coronavirus, Eclectus parrot, Infectious bronchitis.

Endotheliotropic herpesvirus infection in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) of Assam, India

Research (Published online: 18-11-2019)

15. Endotheliotropic herpesvirus infection in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) of Assam, India

G. Mahato, K. K. Sarma, D. C. Pathak, N. N. Barman, P. Gogoi, M. Dutta and P. Basumatary

Veterinary World, 12(11): 1790-1796

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) is an emerging disease of elephant. Therefore, a study was conducted to know the actual status of the disease in Assam State of India.

Materials and Methods: A total of 289 Asian elephants of Assam were screened during 2 years of study from April 2017 to March 2019. The clinical symptoms of diseased as well as gross and histopathological changes of dead elephants were recorded for the diagnosis of the disease. Virus involved in the occurrence of the disease was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: In the present study, a total of three elephant calves out of 22 were found positive to EEHV1A. On the other hand, three adult asymptomatic elephants were also found positive for EEHV1 on screening 267 captive Asian elephants of Assam. The amplified PCR product showed band size of 520, 600, and 930 bp. The PCR amplified product with size 600 bp had shown the gene sequence for EEHV1U77/HEL. Gross lesions include congested blood vessels of the liver and intestinal mucosa, foci of petechiae in the spleen, and heart and focal ulceration in the dorsal surface of the tongue. Microscopically, the kidneys showed intertubular edema and focal areas of degeneration associated with coagulative necrosis of the tubular epithelium. The liver showed hydropic degeneration and fatty changes of the hepatocytes. There was a massive proliferation of fibroblasts in the interlobular spaces which penetrated the necrosed areas of the hepatic lobules.

Conclusion: A total of three wild rescued elephant calves and three asymptomatic adults were found positive for EEHV1A during the 2 years of study. The PCR amplified product with size 600 bp had shown the gene sequence for EEHV1U77/HEL.

Keywords: amplicons, amplification, elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus, phylogenetic, polymerase chain reaction.