Diarrheal Feces Research Articles

Presence of Potential Enteropathogenic Bacteria in Cats and Association With Diarrhea in Multicat Households

ABSTRACTBackgroundDiarrhea in cats is common in multicat households, and fecal panels are frequently used to diagnose potential enteropathogenic bacteria.ObjectivesTo evaluate the presence of potential fecal enteropathogenic bacteria and their association with diarrhea in multicat households. The null hypothesis was that potential enteropathogenic bacteria were not related to diarrhea in the cohort.AnimalsIn total, 234 cats from 41 privately owned catteries were included.MethodsIn this prospective study, feces were evaluated for consistency according to a visual scoring system (Purina Fecal Score). Scores from 4 to 7 were defined as diarrhea. Quantitative PCR for Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens encoding the α toxin gene (cpa), Clostridium perfringens encoding the enterotoxin gene (cpe), Clostridioides difficile, Campylobacter jejuni/coli, and Salmonella enterica was used. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the impact of selected bacteria on diarrheic feces (fecal score ≥ 4). p values were corrected for multiple comparisons (q values in results). A q value < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.Results23/234 cats (9.8%) had diarrhea. None of the selected bacteria were significantly associated with diarrhea (cpa: q = 0.10, cpe: q = 0.20, C. jejuni: q = 0.70). E. coli was detected in all tested fecal samples (100%). The associations of Cl. difficile (detected in 2.3% of cats), C. coli (0%), and S. enterica (0.9%) with diarrhea could not be evaluated due to the small sample sizes.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceFecal bacteria detected via PCR were not associated with clinical signs of diarrhea in multicat households. These data do not support the use of PCR for fecal bacteria for baseline routine diagnostic work‐up of diarrhea in cats.

The role of microbiological markers in the progression of Clostridioidesdifficile infection

The role of microbiological markers in the progression of Clostridioidesdifficile infection

CONCURRENT INFECTION OF MONIEZIA EXPANSA AND HAEMONCHUS CONTORTUS IN GOATS AND ITS THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT

Goats are highly susceptible to endoparasitic infections due to free grazing habits. The present study was reported for concurrent infection ofMoniezia expansa and Haemonchus contortus in two goats from a flock of 40 goats in Orathanadu, Thanjavur. History included anorexia, foetid diarrhoea and jowl edema in goats. On clinical examination, pyrexia, pale conjunctival mucous membrane, pasty diarrhoeic faeces, bottle jaw and abdominal thudding were noticed. Coproscopy revealed Moniezia expansa eggs and strongyle eggs and faecal culture revealed Haemonchus contortus larvae. Uneventful recovery was noticed in goats after treating with praziquantel and fenbendazole for 3 days with supportive therapy.

Pathotype and virulence of Escherichia coli from adult human diarrheal feces and water sources in Lagos, Nigeria

Objectives: The prevalence of Escherichia coli strains from fecal diarrheal specimens and water samples underscores the imperative of exploring the symbiotic interplay between microbial ecologies in elucidating the pathophysiology of diarrheal infections among the adult populace. This study determined the different pathotypes of E. coli strains in water and stool samples from a Nigerian state, Lagos, and the different virulence factors they exhibit. Materials and Methods: E. coli strains were isolated and characterized by presumptive coliform tests from stool samples of patients with diarrheal and from different water sources in Lagos. Multiplex conventional and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) studies that utilized a comprehensive set of 22 primers that enabled the selective amplification of 11 virulence genes, namely: stx1, stx2, eae, bfp, lt, st11, virF, ipaH, aafII, daaE, and uidA were used to detect different categories of diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes. Results: The real-time and conventional PCR analysis of the 204 E. coli strain from the diarrheal stool and water samples detected the six diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes (enterohemorrhagic, enteropathogenic, enterotoxigenic, enteroinvasive, enteroaggregative, and diffuse adherent) and their virulence toxins; stx2, stx1, eae, bfp, st11, lt, virF, aafII, daaE, and uidA with an exception of ipaH toxin, the gene for enteroinvasive E. coli, which was not detected. Enterohemorrhagic/enteropathogenic E. coli toxin eae, 18 (32.29%), was the most detected toxin next to uidA which was isolated from all the samples of E. coli strains from Lagos. Conclusion: The expression of these virulence genes shows that these organisms exhibit a high degree of pathogenicity, thereby presenting a substantial danger to public health.

Comprehensive effects of fecal microbiota transplantation on cynomolgus macaques across various fecal conditions.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and probiotics therapies represent key clinical options, yet their complex effects on the host are not fully understood. We evaluated the comprehensive effects of FMT using diarrheal or normal feces, as well as probiotic therapies, on multiple anatomical sites in healthy cynomolgus macaques through colonoscopy and surgery. Our research revealed that FMT led to a partial microbiome transplantation without exhibiting the donor's fecal clinical characteristics. Notably, FMT increased insulin and C-peptide levels in each animal according time series, regardless of fecal conditions. Immunologically, a reduction in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were exclusively observed in femoral veins of FMT group. In blood chemistry analyses, reductions in aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine were observed in the femoral veins, while elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase and calcium were exclusively detected in the portal veins. These changes were not observed in the probiotic group. Also, short chain fatty acids were significantly higher increase in portal veins rather than femoral veins. Transcriptome analysis of liver tissues showed that metabolic pathways were primarily affected by both FMT and probiotics therapies. In summary, FMT therapy significantly influenced metabolic, immunologic and transcriptomic responses in normal macaque models, regardless of fecal conditions. Also, these macaque models, which utilize surgery and colonoscopy, serve as a human-like preclinical platform for evaluating long-term effects and anatomically specific responses to gut-targeted interventions, without the need for animal sacrifice.

Unveiling the therapeutic potentialities and chemical characterization of methanolic Merremia vitifolia (Burm.f) Hallier f. stem extract: A Multi-faceted investigation via in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches

Unveiling the therapeutic potentialities and chemical characterization of methanolic Merremia vitifolia (Burm.f) Hallier f. stem extract: A Multi-faceted investigation via in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches

Identification of a new bovine picornavirus (Boosepivirus) in the Republic of Korea

ImportanceDespite advancements in herd management, feeding, and pharmaceutical interventions, neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) remains a major global health concern. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites are the major contributors to NCD. Although several pathogens have been identified in the Republic of Korea (ROK), the etiological agents of numerous NCD cases have not been identified.ObjectiveTo identify, for the first time, the prevalence and impact of Boosepivirus (BooV) on calf diarrhea in the ROK.MethodsHere, the unknown cause of calf diarrhea was determined using metagenomics We then explored the prevalence of certain pathogens, including BooV, that cause NCD. Seventy diarrheal fecal samples from Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) calves were analyzed using reverse transcriptase and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for pathogen detection and BooV isolate sequencing.ResultsThe complete genome of BooV was detected from unknown causes of calf diarrhea. And also, BooV was the most frequently detected pathogen (35.7%) among 8 pathogens in 70 diarrheic feces from Hanwoo calves. Co-infection analyses indicated that most BooV-positive samples were solely infected with BooV, indicating its significance in NCD in the ROK. All isolates were classified as BooV B in phylogenetic analysis.Conclusions and RelevanceThis is the first study to determine the prevalence and molecular characteristics of BooV in calf diarrhea in the ROK, highlighting the potential importance of BooV as a causative agent of calf diarrhea and highlighting the need for further research on its epidemiology and pathogenicity.

Phytochemical and pharmacological profiling of extracts of Pterygota alata (Roxb.) R. Br. leaves deciphered therapeutic potentialities against pain, hyperglycemia and diarrhea via in vivo approaches

Phytochemical and pharmacological profiling of extracts of Pterygota alata (Roxb.) R. Br. leaves deciphered therapeutic potentialities against pain, hyperglycemia and diarrhea via in vivo approaches

Protective effect of chicken yolk antibody Y against Campylobacter jejuni induced diarrhea in cats.

Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) is a common pathogen that often causes diarrhea, loss of appetite, and even enteritis in domestic cats, affecting their growth and development, especially in kittens under 6 months of age. Oral passive immunization with chicken yolk antibody Y has been proved effective for the treatment of gastrointestinal pathogen infections due to its high specificity. In this study, C. jejuni was isolated from diarrheal cat feces, and the specific egg yolk antibody Y against C. jejuni was demonstrated to effectively inhibit its proliferation in vitro experiments. To evaluate the effect of anti-C. jejuni IgY, the mouse C. jejuni infection model was established and it was found that IgY could alleviate C. jejuni-induced clinical symptoms. Consistent with these results, the reduction of pro-inflammatory factors and intestinal colonization by C. jejuni in the IgY-treated groups, especially in the high dose group. We then evaluated the protective effect of IgY on young Ragdoll cats infected with C. jejuni. This specific antibody reduced the rate of feline diarrhea, protected the growth of young cats, inhibited systemic inflammatory hyperactivation, and increased fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations. Notably, IgY may have a protective role by changing intestinal amino acid metabolism and affecting C. jejuni chemotaxis. Collectively, specific IgY is a promising therapeutic strategy for C. jejuni-induced cat diarrhea.

Fecal PCR survey and genome analysis of Lawsonia intracellularis in China.

Proliferative enteropathy caused by Lawsonia intracellularis is an important economic associated disease to pig industry, but the knowledge about the prevalence of L. intracellularis in pig farms in China is limited. In addition, there is no complete genome sequence available for L. intracellularis isolates from China. In this study, we developed a TaqMan qPCR for the screening of L. intracellularis by targeting the bacterial 16S rDNA gene. Laboratory evaluations revealed a good sensitivity and specificity on detecting L. intracellularis nucleic acid. Using this method, we investigated 891 fecal samples from apparently healthy pigs in 47 farms. The results demonstrated a screening positive rate of 37.3% (95% CI, 34.1-40.5%) for the samples, and a farm screening positive rate of 93.6% (95% CI, 65.3-94.4%). The screening positive rate at herd level ranged from 6.67% (95% CI, 0.2-31.9%) to 40% (95% CI, 38-79.6%), while at animal level, the highest screening positive rate was found in 12-week-old pigs [85.7% (95% CI, 67.3-96.0%)]. Investigation of 705 diarrheal or bloody feces from symptomatic pigs revealed that the highest positive rate was found in replacement gilts which was 37.18% (95% CI, 45.1-89.5%). Secondly, we conducted the complete genome sequence of a L. intracellularis PPE-GX01-2022 from China through PacBio sequencing. The genome of PPE-GX01-2022 consisted of a chromosome of 1,439,110 bp in length and three plasmids of 193,063, 39,799, and 27,067 bp, respectively. This genome encoded 1,428 predicted proteins, 44 tRNAs, and 6 rRNAs. Sequence comparisons demonstrated that the genome sequence of PPE-GX01-2022 was highly homologous to those of two isolates from US, and these three isolates shared 1,378 core genes. The screening results suggest a high prevalence rate of L. intracellularis in Chinese pig farms. In addition, the genome sequence of the Chinese isolate was highly homologous to those of the field isolates from the US.

Molecular Identification of Escherichia coli Pathotypes and their Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles in Stool Samples Isolated from Patients in the West of Iran.

Gastroenteritis refers to an infection in the stomach and small intestine that may be caused by bacteria, viruses, and other pathogenic agents. Most strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the gastrointestinal system have shared a symbiotic relationship with humans, but some serotypes are pathogenic. This study aimed to identify E. coli pathotypes isolated from stool samples and determine the antibiotic resistance profiles of these pathotypes in the west of Iran. The study was conducted on 106 samples of diarrheal feces which were sent to Imam Reza laboratory. First E. coli was detected and then the DNA was extracted. Next, the antibiotic sensitivity test was performed by the disk diffusion method. The E. coli pathotypes were qualitatively detected using the Amplisense Escherichioses-FRT PCR kit after DNA extraction from E. coli isolated in the stool sample. In this study, out of 106 E. coli-positive samples, pathogenic E. coli were detected in 62 samples including 5 samples (8.1%) which only contained the EPEC pathotype, 10 samples (16.1%) contained only the EAEC pathotype, and 12 samples (19.4%) had only the EHEC pathotype. ETEC and EIEC were not isolated from any of the samples. The sensitivity to Meropenem (97%) and Gentamicin (96.2%) showed the highest frequency among the samples. The highest level of resistance was related to Amoxicillin (93.4%) and Ampicillin (78%). The epidemiological results show that the predominant pathotype among all isolates is EHEC and most antibiotic resistances were related to Amoxicillin and Ampicillin. Finally, a comprehensive molecular diagnosis of E. coli pathotypes, investigation of their incidence, and antibiogram profiles will help to determine better diagnostic and therapeutic measures for managing diarrheal diseases.

Anti-diarrheal effect of piperine possibly through the interaction with inflammation inducing enzymes: In vivo and in silico studies

Anti-diarrheal effect of piperine possibly through the interaction with inflammation inducing enzymes: In vivo and in silico studies

Metatranscriptomic assessment of diarrhoeic faeces reveals diverse RNA viruses in rotavirus group A infected piglets and calves from India.

RNA viruses are a major group contributing to emerging infectious diseases and neonatal diarrhoea, causing morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. Hence, the present study investigated the metatranscriptomic-derived faecal RNA virome in rotavirus group A (RVA)-infected diarrheic piglets and calves from India. The viral genomes retrieved belonged to Astroviridae in both species, while Reoviridae and Picornaviridae were found only in piglets. The nearly complete genomes of porcine RVA (2), astrovirus (AstV) (6), enterovirus G (EVG) (2), porcine sapelovirus (PSV) (2), Aichivirus C (1), and porcine teschovirus (PTV) (1) were identified and characterised. In the piglet, AstVs of PAstV2 (MAstV-26) and PAstV4 (MAstV-31) lineages were predominant, followed by porcine RVA, EVG, PSV, Aichivirus C, teschovirus (PTV-17) in decreasing order of sequence reads. In contrast, AstV accounted for the majority of reads in bovines and belonged to MAstV-28 and a proposed MAstV-35. Both RVA G4P[6] strains exhibited prototype Gottfried strains like a genotypic constellation of G4-P[6]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T1-E1-H1. Ten out of eleven genes were of porcine origin, while the VP7 gene clustered with G4-lineage-1, consisting of human strains, suggesting a natural porcine-human reassortant. In the recombination analysis, multiple recombination events were detected in the PAstV4 and PAstV2 genomes, pointing out that these viruses were potential recombinants. Finally, the study finds diverse RNA virome in Indian piglets and calves for the first time, which may have contributed to diarrhoea. In the future, the investigation of RNA virome in animals will help in revealing pathogen diversity in multifactorial diseases, disease outbreaks, monitoring circulating viruses, viral discovery, and evaluation of their zoonotic potential.

The First Identification of Cryptosporidium parvum Virus-1 (CSpV1) in Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) Calves in Korea.

Cryptosporidium is an obligate coccidian parasite that causes enteric diseases in bovine species. A double-stranded RNA virus associated with C. parvum oocysts, Cryptosporidium parvum virus-1 (CSpV1), has been characterized. However, the relationship between the abovementioned coccidian parasite and the virus has not been studied in the context of the known clinical outcomes. This study aimed to characterize the prevalence and molecular traits of CSpV1 in diarrheal feces of Hanwoo (Korean indigenous cattle) calves. Of the 140 fecal samples previously tested for C. parvum, which were obtained from Hanwoo calves aged 60 days, 70 tested positive and 70 tested negative. These samples were included in this study. By using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis targeting the RdRp gene of CSpV1, we detected CSpV1 in 28 samples (20.0%), with infection rates of 31.4% (22/70) in C. parvum-positive and 8.6% (6/70) in C. parvum-negative samples. CSpV1 samples detected in the same farm were clustered together. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the prevalence and molecular characteristics of CSpV1 in Hanwoo calves in the Republic of Korea, providing important insights into the relationship between C. parvum and CSpV1 in bovine hosts.

Prevalence and virulence potential of Aeromonas spp. isolated from human diarrheal samples in North East Italy.

Aeromonas spp. are emerging human pathogens causing intestinal and extra-intestinal infections. Since their relevance in Western Europe as gastrointestinal pathogens is not well established, we investigated Aeromonas spp. prevalence in diarrheal fecal samples in an Italian University Hospital and characterized the virulence mechanisms of the isolates. Aeromonas spp. isolated from diarrheic stools using standard culture methods were identified by molecular techniques. Antimicrobial resistance was assessed by the micro broth dilution. Toxins, flagella, and type III secretion system genes were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction. Biofilm was quantified by crystal-violet staining. Interaction with human intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2) was assessed by quantifying adhesion, interleukin (IL)-8 secretion, and epithelial barrier integrity. Aeromonas spp. represented 20.6% of bacterial pathogens isolated from diarrheic feces, the second most common enteropathogen. A. cavieae constituted 75% of the identified species, showing a relatively low clustering value. About 52% of Aeromonas isolates showed resistance to amikacin, whereas only 7.5% showed multiple drug resistance. Four or more virulence genes were identified in 66.7% of A. cavieae isolates and 100% of A. dakensis. Aeromonas isolates (82.5%) showed moderate or important biofilm-producing ability. Adhesion to Caco-2 cells correlated to fla+ gene, whereas ascV+ and aexU+ strains significantly induced IL-8 release from Caco-2. Aeromonas aer+ strains caused ZO1 and occluding redistribution and a significative reduction in trans-epithelial resistance. Aeromonas spp. emerge as relevant human intestinal pathogens with a disparate arsenal of pathogenicity factors causing diarrhea through different mechanisms. IMPORTANCE In this work, we demonstrate the epidemiologic relevance of the Aeromonas genus as the cause of infective diarrhea in North East Italy, both in children and adult subjects, with the significative presence of highly pathogenic strains. Aeromonas strains possess a heterogeneous armamentarium of pathogenicity factors that allows the microbe to affect a wide range of human intestinal epithelial cell processes that justify the ability to induce diarrhea through different mechanisms and cause diseases of variable severity, as observed for other gastrointestinal pathogens. However, it remains to be determined whether specific genotype(s) are associated with clinical pictures of different severity to implement the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for this relevant enteric pathogen.

Identification of Buxtonella sulcata with phylogenetic analysis in cattle in Egypt

Protozoan diseases are of great significance in ruminants. In Egypt, the published data for Buxtonella sulcata (B. sulcata) in cattle is limited. This is the first study on B. sulcata in Assiut governorate via PCR and phylogenetic analysis. This study investigated the B. sulcata positive rate in cattle and its association with diarrhea. Out of 100 cattle fecal samples (50 males and 50 females) with different ages were collected from Assiut governorate, Egypt. Microscopically, the positive rate of B. sulcata was 69% (69/100). The cysts were oval or round with a size range of (82.23×78.63 to 53.65×48.62 μm) with a mean of (58.46×54.35 μm). While, its trophozoite appeared oval with characteristic grooves with a size range from (80.9×40.2 to 41.8×30.64 μm) with a mean of (58.78×41.26 μm). Females are slightly higher infected 72% (36/50) than male 66% (33/50). While, the highest positive rate recorded in age less than 1 year 78.6% (22/28), followed by age more than 3 years 68.4% (13/19), then the lowest in age 1-3 years 64.2% (34/53). The positive rate of B. sulcata was 92.2% (47/51) and 44.9% (22/49) of diarrheic and non-diarrheic feces, respectively, with very high significant differences. Diarrhea was established in all fecal samples with more than 1000 cysts per gram of faeces. Three fecal samples were positive for B. sulcata SSrDNA gene specific primer (1047 bp) by PCR. After DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, all nucleotide sequences showed high similarity to B. sulcata. We advised regular examination for B. sulcata in the predominant areas with excessive studies to aid in planning effective control strategies against it.

Detection and genomic characterization of a multidrug-resistant Salmonella Newport co-harbouring blaCMY-2, qnrB19 and mcr-9 from the diarrheic faeces of a foal

Detection and genomic characterization of a multidrug-resistant Salmonella Newport co-harbouring blaCMY-2, qnrB19 and mcr-9 from the diarrheic faeces of a foal

Rapid detection of Cryptosporidium spp. in diarrheic cattle feces by isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification assays

Rapid detection of Cryptosporidium spp. in diarrheic cattle feces by isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification assays

Antidiarrheal activities of methanolic crude extract and solvent fractions of the root of Verbascum sinaiticum Benth. (Scrophularaceae) in mice

Antidiarrheal activities of methanolic crude extract and solvent fractions of the root of Verbascum sinaiticum Benth. (Scrophularaceae) in mice

An end-point multiplex PCR/reverse transcription-PCR for detection of five agents of bovine neonatal diarrhea

An end-point multiplex PCR/reverse transcription-PCR for detection of five agents of bovine neonatal diarrhea