Bacteriological Investigations Research Articles

Bacteriological and Serological Investigation of Leptospirosis in Dogs and Pigs in Palau.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the pathogenic spirochaetes of the genus Leptospira. It is a public health concern in the Pacific Islands and is considered endemic in Palau. However, information on the genotypes and serotypes of causative Leptospira spp. in the country is limited. In this study, we isolated leptospires and detected antileptospiral antibodies in dogs and pigs. The isolates were characterized using a serological method and whole-genome sequencing. Leptospira interrogans was isolated from five of the 20 symptomatic dogs and one of the 58 healthy pigs. Their serogroups were identified as Icterohaemorrhagiae and Pyrogenes; however, the serogroup of one isolate could not be determined. Anti-Leptospira antibodies were detected in 14.4% (26/181) of the dogs and 20% (10/50) of the pigs. The reactive serogroups in dogs and pigs were almost identical, except for the Panama serogroup. Core genome multilocus sequence typing revealed that five of the six core genome sequence types (cgSTs) were newly identified in this study. The cgSTs from the serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae isolates belonged to the same group as the Copenhageni and Icterohaemorrhagiae serovars isolated in other countries, whereas no similar cgSTs were identified in the Pyrogenes or unidentified serogroup strains. We demonstrated a high incidence of canine and porcine leptospirosis and identified new L. interrogans genotypes (cgSTs) circulating in Palau. Further investigations are needed to determine whether dogs and pigs serve as maintenance hosts for newly identified L. interrogans genotypes and whether they pose a risk of leptospirosis transmission to humans.

Prevalence of Dichelobacter nodosus in western Austrian sheep flocks: Comparison of bacterial cultures, clinical foot rot and lameness with PCR and analysis of sample pooling for PCR diagnosis.

Ovine foot rot is a highly contagious and multifactorial claw disease, caused by Dichelobacter nodosus (D. nodosus) and is the main cause of lameness in sheep. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of D. nodosus in western Austria both at animal and farm levels. Real-time PCR was evaluated in comparison with clinical and bacteriological investigations from interdigital foot swabs to detect D. nodosus-infected animals. In addition, the use of pooled four-foot swabs to detect foot rot was determined. In course of the study a total of 3156 sheep from 124 farms were examined for lameness and clinical signs of foot rot. The found flock prevalence of D. nodosus was 30,65 % with bacterial culture showing a sensitivity of 75,0 % and a specificity of 100,0 % (p < 0,001) respectively, compared with PCR. Furthermore, clinical foot rot scores (Ckorr = 0,87; p < 0,001) and lameness scores (Ckorr = 0,71; p < 0,001) highly correlated with the detection of D. nodosus by PCR. The result showed that the clinical examination can be used to identify animals infected with D. nodosus in flocks, but PCR must be used to confirm the diagnosis. D. nodosus could be detected equally well with risk-based pools-of-five samples as with undiluted samples (p < 0,001), suggesting that a pool-of-five samples might be a suitable and cost-effective method for detecting D. nodosus in sheep flocks. This study provides an overview of foot rot in Tyrolean sheep flocks and outlines the possibilities and limitations of the various diagnostic tools for D. nodosus. Further studies to investigate possible influencing factors, including alpine pasturing, management factors and biosecurity predisposing to foot rot are necessary for the design of effective future control programs in alpine regions.

Bacteriological Investigation of Aeromonas Hydrophila in Dairy Cattle: A Preliminary Study

Bacteriological Investigation of Aeromonas Hydrophila in Dairy Cattle: A Preliminary Study

Mapping Crohn's Disease Pathogenesis with Mycobacterium paratuberculosis: A Hijacking by a Stealth Pathogen.

Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP) has been implicated in the development of Crohn's disease (CD) for over a century. Similarities have been noted between the (histo)pathological presentation of MAP in ruminants, termed Johne's disease (JD), and appearances in humans with CD. Analyses of disease presentation and pathology suggest a multi-step process occurs that consists of MAP infection, dysbiosis of the gut microbiome, and dietary influences. Each step has a role in the disease development and requires a better understanding to implementing combination therapies, such as antibiotics, vaccination, faecal microbiota transplants (FMT) and dietary plans. To optimise responses, each must be tailored directly to the activity of MAP, otherwise therapies are open to interpretation without microbiological evidence that the organism is present and has been influenced. Microscopy and histopathology enables studies of the mycobacterium in situ and how the associated disease processes manifest in the patient e.g., granulomas, fissuring, etc. The challenge for researchers has been to prove the relationship between MAP and CD with available laboratory tests and methodologies, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), MAP-associated DNA sequences and bacteriological culture investigations. These have, so far, been inconclusive in revealing the relationship of MAP in patients with CD. Improved and accurate methods of detection will add to evidence for an infectious aetiology of CD. Specifically, if the bacterial pathogen can be isolated, identified and cultivated, then causal relationships to disease can be confirmed, especially if it is present in human gut tissue. This review discusses how MAP may cause the inflammation seen in CD by relating its known pathogenesis in cattle, and from examples of other mycobacterial infections in humans, and how this would impact upon the difficulties with diagnostic tests for the organism.

Hygiene Assessment of Buffalo Milking Parlours in Campania Region, Italy: A Preliminary Study by Using ATP Luminometry and Bacteriological Investigation.

Careful cleaning of a milking parlour and its equipment is fundamental to guarantee good raw milk quality and prevent the dissemination of bacteria and improve animal welfare. This study aimed to investigate, using an ATP-bioluminescence assay and bacteriological analysis, the bacterial contamination of milking parlours on milking parlour surfaces of buffalo farms in the Campania Region, evaluating the seasonal dynamics during the year 2022. Eight farms were selected by the Italian ClassyFarm system, which assesses the level of animal welfare and biosecurity according to risk analysis. Before sampling, all dairy farm owners filled out a questionnaire on milking management, animal hygiene, and health. The questionnaires evidenced similar cleaning procedures but an absence of a standardised cleaning protocol among the different farms. ATP bioluminescence results evidenced similar levels of contamination in all the selected buffalo farms, and the season comparison showed no significant differences. A variation in the percentages of bacterial isolates during the different seasons was observed, with a higher prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae (38%) in summer. A small number of samples exhibited an absence of bacterial growth. Identifying bacteria is crucial for understanding the microorganisms present in the milking parlour, yet employing ATP luminometry could offer broad and accurate applications in buffalo milking parlours. In conclusion, the use of ATP bioluminescence for evaluating the hygiene of a buffalo milking parlour could represent a further important advancement in dairy farming technology.

Molecular and bacteriological investigations for the co-existence CRISPR/Cas system and β-lactamases of types extended-spectrum and carbapenemases in Multidrug, extensive drug and Pandrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae

The recent approach towards combating the antimicrobial resistance has led to the use of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and associated sequence to overcome the challenges of antimicrobial resistance. Thus, this study aimed to detect the underlying resistance mechanisms such as ESBLs and carbapenemases and whether there is a correlation between multidrug, extensive drug and pan drug resistance and the occurrence of CRISPR loci. A total of one hundred study isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the AST card of the Vitek technique to detect resistance patterns involving ESBLs and carbapenemase (CRE). An investigation of the genes encoding CRISPR/Cas systems using PCR was achieved. Out of 81 (81.0%) resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, 71 (71%) and 21 (21.0%) produced ESBLs and carbapenemases, respectively. Also, 53 (53.0%), 19 (19.0%) and 9 (9.0%) were MDR, XDR, and PDR respectively. It was noted that Cas1, Cas3, CRISPR1, CRISPR2 and CRISPR3 were positive in 38 (38.0%) of the isolates, while CRISPR1 for incomplete CRISPR1-Cas systems alone was detected in 78 (78.0%). Further, the number of intact CRISPR1, intact CRISPR2 and intact CRISPR3 types were 7 (27.0%), 34 (34%) and 18 (18.0%) respectively. It is concluded that antibiotic resistance levels were inversely correlated with the existence of CRISPR/Cas systems. The absence of the CRISPR/Cas system increases the prevalence of MDR, XDR and PDR in ESBL and carbapenem-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. With the increase in the degree of antibiotic resistance (MDR, XDR to PDR), the occurrence ratio of the (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated sequence decreased.

Efficacy of Green Silver Nanoparticles (GAbNPs) against Multidrug Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus from Mastitis-infected Cows

Background: Antimicrobial resistance being the major emerging problem for management of mastitis in cow hence, the research work was undertaken in a geographical area around Shirwal town in Satara district of Western Maharashtra, India to investigate the occurrence of multidrug resistance in Staphylococcus aureus (MDRSA) isolated from mastitic cow milk samples. Further assessment was carried out for antimicrobial efficacy of formulation of Green Silver Nanoparticles (GAgNPs) synthesized from Azadirechta indica against MDRSA of mastitis origin. Methods: A total of 250 milk samples from cows suspected of mastitis were screened by the California Mastitis Test (CMT). The CMT-positive samples were subjected to bacteriological investigation for the presence of S. aureus as an etiological agent. The isolates identified as S. aureus were further authenticated by the molecular method targeting 16s-rRNA and nuc gene. All isolates of S. aureus were subjected to an antimicrobial susceptibility test. The randomly selected MDRSA isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing with GAgNPs formulation were prepared from silver nitrate by reducing with Azadirachta indica leaf extract. Result: Out of 250 cow milk samples suspected for having mastitis were screened with CMT, 170 tested positive. From these milk samples 145 isolates of S. aureus were isolated and bacteriologically identified. When processed for antibiotic sensitivity 60 were detected having multidrug resistance. Maximum resistance was shown against beta-lactam antibiotics. GAgNP synthesized and characterized with visual appearance, spectroscopy and TEM (Transmission electron microscopy) and tested for in vitro antimicrobial efficacy against MDRSA showed significant antimicrobial property.

The Mortality Rate in Neutopenic Children Population in Oncology an Algerian Study

Febrile neutropenia consecutive to the administration of chemotherapy constitutes the most serious and the most frequent complication of cytotoxic chemotherapies. It is often a sign of infection, being able to quickly turn in septicemia if no treatment is begun; it thus constitutes an emergency for diagnosis and therapeutics. The objective of this work is to study the epidemiological, clinical, biological, etiologic and evolutionary characteristics of the episodes of febrile neutropenia, to evaluate the importance of the infectious risk and the main involved germs, to identify the difficulties of the management and the follow-up of the children having developed a febrile neutropenia and finally. During our retrospective study concerning the episodes of febrile neutropenias diagnosed in the pediatric oncology unit of the pediatric department of the university hospital of Alger over a period of 04 years (from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2020). 205 patients having solid tumor were collected. Among them 45 cases presented febrile episodes, the average age was 5.75 years with a maximum frequency of them were male, and the main motive for consultation was the fever. The average deadline of occurrence of neutropenia was of 14.6 days. A documentation of the fever is obtained clinically at 20 % of the cases, while in 80 % of the cases, the fever remains unknown origin. The infectious sites found are: a) Skin (6.6%), digestive (4.4%), respiratory (8.8%). b) The average duration of the neutropenia was of 18.8 days. Upon completing this work, we emphasize the need of prompt and appropriate management of the hematological emergency that is febrile neutropenia by an adapted empirical antibiotic therapy after a good bacteriological investigation, without forgetting the importance of prophylaxis based mainly on hygienic mucocutaneous measures and the information/education of parents about the risk of infection and means of prevention.

Prevalence and bacteriological investigation of Bacillus cereus isolated from meat and milk products in El-Gharbia governorate, Egypt.

Prevalence and bacteriological investigation of Bacillus cereus isolated from meat and milk products in El-Gharbia governorate, Egypt.

Resistance of a mixed bacterial culture isolated from bee dysbiosis to disinfectant in laboratory conditions

Disinfection is one of the components of preventive actions to prevent disease in animals by infectious agents. Through the elimination of agents of infectious diseases in the environment, it is able to interrupt the mechanisms of the epizootic process. For the development of beekeeping and obtaining quality and products, it is necessary to carry out activities in apiaries, which include disinfection. The introduction of new disinfectants in the field is possible after preliminary laboratory tests. The aim of our research objective to investigate the resistance of a mixed bacterial culture isolated from bees with the symptoms of dysbiosis to disinfectant under laboratory conditions. Bacteriological investigations carried out in Petri dishes using meat-peptone agar and Mueller-Hinton agar. The disinfectant diluted with distilled water at concentrations of 0.25 %, 0.5 %, 1,25 % and 2,5 %. On the Mueller Hinton agar, the bacterial elimination zones recorded at 1.25 % (11,6 ± 0,45 mm) and 2.5 % (12,4 ± 0,27 mm) concentration of disinfectant at 1 day of investigation, and 7,4 ± 0,27 mm (1,25 %), 11,2 ± 0,42 mm (2.5 %) at 72 hours of the experiment, respectively. In addition, the bacterial growth inhibition effect increased with experimental time and ranged from 24.0 ± 0.35 mm (0.5 %) to 28.2 ± 0.22 mm (2.5 %) on day 3 of the study. Bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects appeared to be less pronounced on meat-peptone agar. The highest diameters of inhibition of the processes of reproduction and development of microorganisms from mixed microbial association on this medium were recorded at 1.25 % and 2.5 % concentrations of the disinfectant at the 3rd day of the investigation with diameters of the zones of inhibition of growth 15.6 ± 0.45 mm and 26.4 ± 0.27 mm, respectively. The specificity of diffusion of the investigated active substance from the discs into the agar medium thickness was also noted. This effect has a varying effect on infectious agents in in vitro experiments. Thus bacteriological laboratory experiments should be performed on several culture media in purpose of obtaining accurate results. The analysis of the obtained results indicates the demonstration of antimicrobial effect of the investigated disinfectant against mixed bacterial culture in the form of bactericidal and bacteriostatic actions. Therefore, a promising direction of research for veterinary doctors and apiary business owners is the search for effective and efficient disinfectants. Laboratory investigation of the activity of a remedy are the first step before it is approbation.

Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis and Crohn's Disease-Diagnostic Microbiological Investigations Can Inform New Therapeutic Approaches.

Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the cause of Johne's disease (JD), which is a chronic infectious gastrointestinal disease of ruminants and is often fatal. In humans, MAP has been associated with Crohn's disease (CD) for over a century, without conclusive evidence of pathogenicity. Numerous researchers have contributed to the subject, but there is still a need for evidence of the causation of CD by MAP. An infectious aetiology in CD that is attributable to MAP can only be proven by bacteriological investigations. There is an urgency in resolving this question due to the rising global incidence rates of CD. Recent papers have indicated the "therapeutic ceiling" may be close in the development of new biologics. Clinical trial outcomes have demonstrated mild or inconsistent improvements in therapeutic interventions over the last decades when compared with placebo. The necessity to revisit therapeutic options for CD is becoming more urgent and a renewed focus on causation is essential for progress in identifying new treatment options. This manuscript discusses newer interventions, such as vaccination, FMT, dietary remediation and gut microbiome regulation, that will become more relevant as existing therapeutic options expire. Revisiting the MAP theory as a potential infectious cause of CD, rather than the prevailing concept of an "aberrant immune response" will require expanding the current therapeutic programme to include potential new alternatives, and combinations of existing treatments. To advance research on MAP in humans, it is essential for microbiologists and medical scientists to microscopically detect CWDM and to biologically amplify the growth by directed culture.

Microbiological study of the auditory canal in dairy calves with otitis media

Otitis media (OM) in calves, is caused by different bacteria. OM treatment requires identification of etiological agents and antibiotic sensitivity testing. The gold standard method of bacteriological study of OM is tympanocentesis, but using this technique in farm condition would be difficult. As a hypothesis, it is possible that bacteriologic examining the auditory canal can help to accelerate the bacteriological investigation of OM. This study was conducted with the aim of comparing the microbiota of the auditory canal in healthy calves and calves with OM. The present research which was a case-control study, mainly compared control group (18 swab samples from healthy and non-infected ear) with two case groups (20 swab samples from the non-affected ear and 32 swab samples from the affected ear in unilateral OM, 11 swab samples from both affected ears in bilateral OM). The results of bacteriological investigations showed three categories of bacteria including: pathogens (Staphylococcus chromogenes, Corynebacterium pilosum, Corynebacterium ovis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pasteurella multocida, Proteus vulgaris, Trueperella pyogenes, Klebsiella, Escherichia coli, Mycoplasma bovis), opportunists (Staphylococcus intermedius, Bacillus licheniformis) and commensals (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Corynebacterium bovis, Corynebacterium renale, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus). Based on the antibiotic sensitivity test of the isolates, enrofloxacin, florfenicol, and gentamicin were the chosen antibiotics for treatment. All affected animals were treated based on bacteriological results and antibiotic sensitivity tests. All treated animals were fully cured. Based on the results, it seems that in calves with OM, examining the microbiota of the auditory canal can be further studied as an alternative to tympanocentesis in farm conditions.

Bacteriological Examination of Deboned Turkey Meat in Gharbia Province

The present work was carried out to evaluate the microbiological quality of deboned turkey meat from the retail outlets in Gharbia province via determination of Aerobic bacterial count (ABC), coliforms count (CC) and isolation and identification of Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli So, this study was carried out on a total of 100 sample of deboned turkey meat including Breast muscle and Thigh muscle of turkey samples (50 of each) that, were collected from local markets of Tanta University Garbia province –Egypt. All samples were transported without delay in a frozen state to the laboratory of animal health research institute – Tanta. Samples were subjected to bacteriological investigations. it was recorded that total bacterial counts showed a higher level of aerobic plate counts showed a higher level of total aerobic plate count observed in Thigh muscle (5.9×109) than the Breast muscle (2.5×106), While, the coliforms count showed a higher mean level observed in Thigh muscle (9.9×106) than the Breast muscle (2.8×105),The Salmonella counts showed a higher incidences observed in Breast muscle (18 %) than the Thigh muscle (12 %), The Escherichia coli counts showed the higher incidences of Escherichia coli count observed in thigh muscle (16 %) than the breast muscle (12 %). While, the higher level of Staphylococcus aureus counts observed in Thigh muscle (16 %) than the Breast muscle (12 %). While present results on the PCR results cleared that, the PCR for detection of Escherichia coli the Photograph of agarose gel electrophoresis of multiplex PCR Gave positive results for stx1 at (614 bp), stx2 at (779 bp) and for eaeA (890 bp) genes for characterization of Enteropathogenic Escherichiacoli. The higher incidences of Enteroppathogenic Escherichia Coli genes observed in stx1 (4 %) followed by stx2 (5 %) and eae A gene (1 %), While, the PCR results of Salmonella Spp cleared that, the agarose gel electrophoresis of multiplex PCR cleared that, the genes for salmonellae includes stn (260 bp), hilA (497 bp) and fimH (1008 bp) virulence genes for characterization of Salmonella species. The genes responsible for pathogenicity of salmonellae includes stn observed in (3 %) of examined samples, followed by hilA (4 %) and fimH 85 %) of examined samples. While, our results on the Staphylococcus aureus cleared that, the Photograph of agarose gel electrophoresis of multiplex PCR of genes responsible for pathogenicity of Escherichia coli includes sea (120 bp), seb (478 bp), sec (257 bp) and sed (317 bp) enterotoxin genes for characterization of S. aureus. The lanes of positive Staphylococcus aureus strains gave positive results for sea gene, seb gene, sec and sed genes. This study concluded that turkey meat possess a higher number of microorganisms like Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli. Also, the presence of Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli in turkey meat products may be due to unsanitary conditions, cross-contamination and post-processing contamination during handling, packaging, storage, distribution and selling on the other hand application of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System (HACCP) which control the technological line of the production at all points from the farm to table to produce a safe product fit for human consumption.

Factors influencing bacterial colonization of double J ureteral stents: a prospective study.

To investigate the microorganisms responsible for double J stent (DJS) colonization, bacteriuria, and the drug susceptibility of the isolates. We also tried to determine factors associated with stent colonization, such as indwelling time, sex, age, and comorbidities. This study is a prospective analysis of patients following DJS ablation. A total of 155 patients from our institution were enrolled in this study between January 2023 and May 2023. Bladder urine was collected in a sterile container prior to stent removal for bacteriological exam. The removed stents were divided into three parts: top (Renal), middle (Ureteral), and bottom (Bladder); 3cm pieces from each part were taken and placed in a sterile test tube for bacteriological investigation. The mean age of patients with positive stent culture was 61.17±12.82 versus 55.94±10.32 when stent culture is negative, which is statistically significant P=0.016. Diabetes and bacteriuria are both correlated with DJS contamination with P<0.001 in the two cases. The mean duration of the use of DJS in patients with colonized stent culture is 6.45±2.98 months versus 4.06±2.20 months for the other patients; the difference is statistically significant P<0.001. The most commonly isolated pathogens on stents were Gram-negative bacilli (53.2%), dominated by Enterobacteriaceae in 19 cases (55.2%). Indwelling time is the only unanimous factor of stent colonization in literature, so we recommend using DJS only if necessary and to remove it as soon as possible.

Bacteriological investigation of pyelonephritis in AL-Najaf Governorate, Iraq: a cross-Sectional study

Pyelonephritis is an inflammation caused by bacteria that primarily effects the interstitial area and the renal pelvis or, less often, the renal tubules. It is one of the most common renal diseases. The main objective of the study is to know and to compare the bacterial species that cause pyelonephritis in its three types, acute, chronic and emphysematous for patients in Iraq, specifically in the Al-Najaf Governorate. 663 (82.88%) samples gave a positive result for bacterial growth, and they belonged to patients with acute pyelonephritis 128 samples, chronic pyelonephritis patients had 288 samples and 247 samples for pyelonephritis emphysematous patients. The chronic pyelonephritis type had the most diverse bacterial species (11) bacterial species, the acute pyelonephritis (9) bacterial species, and the emphysematous pyelonephritis (6) species only. Escherichia coli bacteria was the most widespread of all types pyelonephritis, with a percentage of 34.41% (53/ 154) .For the acute type, percentage of 49.83% (152/305) was for the chronic type and a percentage of 56.07% (157/280) for the emphysematous type. 15 types of antibiotics were tested, and the antibiotics Imipenem and Amikacin were the best for most isolated bacterial species. In terms of gender, age and residence of the patients, females were the most susceptibility 341 (51.43%), and the age group (41-55) years is the most influential 211 (31.83%) and the percentage of residents of urban areas 379 (57.16%) gave the highest percentage of residents of rural areas.

Isolation and characterisation of potential bacterialpathogens from Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) of Lake Hawassa, Ethiopia

The aim of the current study was to isolate and identify potential bacterial pathogens from Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Lake Hawassa, Ethiopia. The study was conducted during January to December 2021. A total of 360 Nile tilapia were sampledfrom Lake Hawassa and subjected to bacteriological investigations. The results showed 64.2% prevalence of bacterial infection in Nile tilapia from the lake. Potential bacterial pathogens such as Aeromonas hydrophila, Escherichia coli, Edwardsiella tarda, Vibrio sp,,Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Salmonella sp., Flavobacterum sp., Pseudomonas sp. and Shigella sp. were isolated. The prevalence of infection in female fish (52.4%) was higher compared to male fish (47.6%). Comparatively higher prevalence was recorded in thesmaller fish group than in the larger ones. The average bacterial loads recorded in various organs such as intestine, skin, gill, liver and kidney were, 4.86±0.56 x 105, 4.72±0.48 x 105, 4.14±0.53 x 105, 3.45±0.23 x 105 and 2.63±0.324 x 105 CFU ml-1 respectively. Significantly high bacterial loads were recorded from the intestine (5.81±0.01 x 105 CFU ml-1) of fishduring the summer season (p&lt;0.05). The results of the study indicated that there is a risk of occurrence of disease outbreak under stressful situations. Moreover, the recovery of these bacteria in the fish which are potentially pathogenic to humans, suggests that if the fish are improperly handled, undercooked or consumed raw, may cause diseases to susceptible individuals. Keywords:Bacterial pathogens, Lake Hawassa, Oriochromis niloticus, Prevalence

A Comparative Assessment of the Physicochemical and Microbiological Qualities of Some Drinking Water Sources in Diobu, Portharcourt, Nigeria

Diseases caused as a results of drinking contaminated water pose a severe risk to the public's health. In the current study, various drinking water sources in Diobu, Port Harcourt, were evaluated and their microbiological and physicochemical characteristics were compared. Drinking water samples were collected from a borehole and a sachet (packaged) source. Physicochemical and bacteriological investigations were conducted using standard analytical techniques. The results of physiochemical parameters revealed that sachet water samples had higher pH values than borehole water. The borehole water samples had a mean pH of 4.37±1.21 which was much lower than the W.H.O.- recommended range (6.5-8.5). The study’s Total Suspended Solids readings were within the permissible limits of 30.0 mg/l. The borehole samples had the highest concentration of 6.5±4.31mg/l, while the sachet water samples had the lowest concentration of 2.5±1.5 mg/l. Total Dissolved Solids ranged between 15.8±13.5mg/l in sachet water and 55.6±33.4 mg/l in samples from boreholes. The Electrical Conductivity values were recorded as 33.5±28.4 µScm-1 in sachet water and 136.6±73.9 µScm-1 in borehole water. The mean total alkalinity value in sachet water was 0.57±0.29 mg/l whereas in borehole water, it was 3.29±1.39 mg/l. For sachet water and borehole water, the levels of water hardness ranged from 1.95±0.84 mg/l to 10.67±3.21 mg/l, respectively. The range of biological oxygen demand was &lt; 1±0.00 (for sachet water) to 2.13±13 (for borehole water). Dissolved oxygen levels ranged from 1.72±0.70 mg/l in sachet water to 1.95±0.62 mg/l in borehole water. Chemical oxygen demand levels ranged from 2.38±1.18mg/l (Sachet water) to 11.31±9.49 (Borehole water) while Turbidity ranged from &lt;1±0.00 NTU (Sachet water) to 1.1±0.64 NTU (Borehole water). Except for Chemical Oxygen Demand, there was no difference in the values that were observed that was significant at P≥ 0.05 in this study. The mean total bacterial counts ranged from 2.0 x 104 CFU/ml in sachet water to 9.0 x104 CFU/ml in borehole water, demonstrating high levels of contamination in the borehole water from human contamination. Comparatively to the other water sources, sachet water had the lowest overall bacterial and coliform levels. However, because the bacteriological values for total coliform counts was above the WHO threshold of zero per 100 ml, they did not comply with international standards. Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Escherichia coli were the pathogenic bacteria of public health significance that were isolated from the diverse water samples. Five distinct isolates of fungi, including Penicillium spp., Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Trichoderma spp., and Mucor spp., were found. In comparison to borehole water, which had the most bacterial pollutants, sachet water tests had the fewest. It is advised that the water sources be treated before being used for any domestic purposes as the water sources in this research area are not suitable for human consumption.

Occurrence of Salmonella Species in Local and Commercial Chickens Slaughtered at Samaru and Sabongari Live Bird Markets, Kaduna State

Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection caused by members of the genus Salmonella. It is one of the most common and important zoonotic diseases. The route of infection from animals to humans is usually through contaminated food, water and environment. Bacteriological investigation on 303 cloacal swab samples collected from local (139) and commercial (164) chickens slaughtered at Samaru and Sabon-gari live bird markets, Kaduna State was carried out to determine the occurrence of Salmonella species. Cultural isolation and identification using conventional biochemical tests, microgen test kit™ and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of invA gene of the Salmonella isolates was carried out. Isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests, phenotypic detection of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases (ESBLs) producing Salmonella isolates using the modified Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) ESBL confirmatory test. The occurrence of Salmonella species based on cultural and biochemical tests was found to be 13 (4.29%), microgen kit identified 7 (53.8%) of the 13 Salmonella species while PCR based on invA gene confirmed 9 (69.2%) as the overall occurrence rate of Salmonella species. Meanwhile, the study also revealed rate of occurrence of Salmonella species in local chickens 8 (61.5%) which was higher compared to commercial chickens 1 (7.69%) with a statistical significant association (χ2 = 8.775, P = 0.003) between the occurrence of Salmonella species in local and commercial chickens. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out using panel of 12 antibiotics from 8 different antibiotic classes. Highest rate of sensitivity of the isolates to antibiotics was observed for Ofloxacin with 90%, while all the isolates (100%) were resistant to Nalidixic Acid, Cefazolin, Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid, Oxacillin and Penicillin. This study revealed multidrug-resistance (MDR) profile of Salmonella with a total of (25%) of Salmonella isolates being resistant to 5 antibiotics belonging to 4 different classes of antimicrobials with the highest multiple antibiotic-resistant (MAR) indices ranging from 0.58 to 0.91. All the nine (9) isolates of Salmonella tested were found to be negative for ESBLs production. Therefore, it is concluded that Salmonella species are present in local and commercial chickens slaughtered at Samaru and Sabon-gari live bird markets, Kaduna State and could pose serious public health risks to handlers and to consumers of poultry meat and its products.

Treatment of wound anaerobic infection in great horned animals: clinical example in a cow

External mechanical problems contribute to a wider problem in the surgical field in dairy cattle. The frequency of early injuries is highest in the limbs, and the lowest in the posterior and tail area. Most often, cows have puncture wounds that are susceptible to infection. Infectious complications of injuries and improper care in the aggregate lead to a decrease in productivity, premature culling of animals, and even to their death. Therefore, the analysis of medical methods and their effectiveness in great horned cattle for the aggravation of a accidental wound with anaerobic infection is also relevant. We looked at the clinical episode of a cow of the 1st or 2nd lactation, which had a puncture wound in the sub-breast area, right next to the subscapular area. The cow tried to overcome the fence and was injured by the end of the rebar. The treatment protocol will first help to stop bleeding, wash the cavity of wound with an antiseptic, add antibacterial powder to it and close it with sutures, internally administer ceftioclene. After the development of infectious-flammable structure in the wound and bacteriological investigation, treatment included washing with H2O2, drainage with Levosin and Nitacid ointment, metronidozole, bicilin 3, and granulation with the granulation of wounds: hydrophobic ointments. This is the basis for the use of systemic antibacterial therapy, rational surgical tactics and drainage, local treatment of active pharmacological agents with antibacterial, analgesic and hyperosmodic agents. Key words: cow injuries, wounds, purulent inflammation, ointments on hydrophilic bases.

Comparison of entropion outcome with and without intervention in Romane and Ile de France sheep breeds.

Congenital entropion is the most frequent ocular disorder in newborn lambs of certain sheep breeds, which, if not treated, can result in complete blindness and death due to starvation. The aims of this study were to compare the spontaneous healing of entropion in two breeds and assess the outcome of cases with and without therapeutic intervention. A total of 158 entropion cases (119 Ile de France and 39 Romane) were investigated, and swab samples were collected from the cornea and conjunctiva of 73 of the affected lambs for bacteriological investigation. In addition, an ocular intervention was carried out in 123 affected animals. The Romane breed developed entropion at an average age of 7 days compared to the Ile de France, which developed it at an average age of 1 day. Likewise, significant differences were found between bilateral and unilateral involvement in both breeds. Meanwhile, 22.1% of cases recovered spontaneously, and the highest rate of spontaneous recovery without intervention was observed in the Romane breed (66%). Bacteria isolated from ocular samples included Staphylococcus spp. (42.5%), Bacillus spp. (21.9%), Trueperella pyogenes (13.7%), Corynebacterium spp. (12.3%) and Escherichia coli (9.6%). The results of the study showed that the onset time of entropion, bilateral involvement, the severity of the process and the need for re-treatment were higher in the Ile de France breed than in the Romane breed. Likewise, the Romane breed showed a higher degree of spontaneous recovery of entropion.