Fecal Droppings Research Articles

Prevalence of Campylobacter and antibiotic susceptibility in chickens at slaughterhouses and retail markets in the Mekong Delta

This study aims to determine the prevalence of Campylobacter and its antibiotic susceptibility at slaughterhouses and live poultry markets in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. A total of 177 samples, including 112 fecal samples, 28 cecal samples, and 37 rectal swab samples were collected. Thirty-nine samples tested positive for Campylobacter spp. by culture method, accounting for 22%. Isolation rates of Campylobacter in rectal swab samples were highest at 29.7% (11/37), followed by cecal samples at 25% (7/28) and fecal dropping samples at 18.8% (21/112). Species identification was performed by multiplex PCR and the result showed that the prevalence of Campylobacter coli (12.4%) was higher than Campylobacter jejuni (3.4%). Antibiotic susceptibility test showed that all isolated Campylobacter were susceptible to imipenem and meropenem (100%). Most Campylobacter were resistant to tetracycline (96.4%), ciprofloxacin (92.9%), nalidixic acid (89.3%), and ampicillin (67.9%). This study highlights the high contamination of Campylobacter and its antibiotic resistance in poultry in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam.

Detection and characterization of Campylobacter in air samples from poultry houses using shot-gun metagenomics – a pilot study

BackgroundFoodborne pathogens such as Campylobacter jejuni are responsible for a large proportion of the gastrointestinal infections worldwide associated with poultry meat. Campylobacter spp. can be found in the chicken fecal microbiome and can contaminate poultry meat during the slaughter process. Commonly used sampling methods to detect Campylobacter spp. at poultry farms use fecal droppings or boot swabs in combination with conventional culture techniques or PCR. In this pilot study, we have used air filtering and filters spiked with mock communities in combination with shotgun metagenomics to detect Campylobacter and test the applicability of this approach for the detection and characterization of foodborne pathogens. To the best of our knowledge is this the first study that combines air filtering with shotgun metagenomic sequencing for detection and characterization of Campylobacter.ResultsAnalysis of air filters spiked with different levels of Campylobacter, into a background of mock or poultry house communities, indicated that we could detect as little as 200 colony forming units (CFU) Campylobacter per sample using our protocols. The results indicate that even with limited sequencing effort we could detect Campylobacter in the samples analysed in this study. We observed significant amounts of Campylobacter in real-life samples from poultry houses using both real-time PCR as well as shotgun metagenomics, suggesting that the flocks in both houses were infected with Campylobacter spp. Interestingly, in both houses we find diverse microbial communities present in the indoor air which reflect the fecal microbiome of poultry. Some of the identified genera such as Staphylococcus, Escherichia and Pseudomonas are known to contain opportunistic pathogenic species.ConclusionsThese results show that air sampling of poultry houses in combination with shotgun metagenomics can detect and identify Campylobacter spp. present at low levels. This is important since early detection of Campylobacter enables measures to be put in place to ensure the safety of broiler products, animal health and public health. This approach has the potential to detect any pathogen present in poultry house air.

Quantitative Risk Assessment of Wind-Supported Transmission of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus to Dutch Poultry Farms via Fecal Particles from Infected Wild Birds in the Environment.

A quantitative microbial risk assessment model was developed to estimate the probability that the aerosolization of fecal droppings from wild birds in the vicinity of poultry farms would result in the infection of indoor-housed poultry with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIv) in the Netherlands. Model input parameters were sourced from the scientific literature and experimental data. The availability of data was diverse across input parameters, and especially parameters on the aerosolization of fecal droppings, survival of HPAIv and dispersal of aerosols were uncertain. Model results indicated that the daily probability of infection of a single poultry farm is very low, with a median value of 7.5 × 10-9. Accounting for the total number of poultry farms and the length of the bird-flu season, the median overall probability of at least one HPAIv-infected poultry farm during the bird-flu season is 2.2 × 10-3 (approximately once every 455 years). This is an overall estimate, averaged over different farm types, virus strains and wild bird species, and results indicate that uncertainty is relatively high. Based on these model results, we conclude that it is unlikely that this introduction route plays an important role in the occurrence of HPAIv outbreaks in indoor-housed poultry.

Prevalence, Molecular Detection, and Antimicrobial Resistance of Salmonella Isolates from Poultry Farms across Central Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence, molecular detection, and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella isolates within 162 poultry farms in selected urban and peri-urban areas of central Ethiopia. A total of 1515 samples, including cloacal swabs (n = 763), fresh fecal droppings (n = 188), litter (n = 188), feed (n = 188), and water (n = 188), were bacteriologically tested. The molecular detection of some culture-positive isolates was performed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by targeting spy and sdfl genes for Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis, respectively. Risk factors for the occurrence of the bacterial isolates were assessed. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of PCR-confirmed Salmonella isolates was conducted using 12 antibiotics. In this study, it was observed that 50.6% of the farms were positive for Salmonella. The overall sample-level prevalence of Salmonella was 14.4%. Among the analyzed risk factors, the type of production, breed, and sample type demonstrated a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) with the bacteriological prevalence of Salmonella. The PCR test disclosed that 45.5% (15/33) and 23.3% (10/43) of the isolates were positive for genes of Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis, respectively. The antimicrobial susceptibility test disclosed multi-drug resistance to ten of the tested antibiotics that belong to different classes. Substantial isolation of Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis in poultry and on poultry farms, along with the existence of multi-drug resistant isolates, poses an alarming risk of zoonotic and food safety issues. Hence, routine flock testing, farm surveillance, biosecurity intervention, stringent antimicrobial use regulations, and policy support for the sector are highly needed.

EPG and Pasture Larval Count of Gastrointestinal Nematodes are Strongly Influenced by Weather Parameters: Empirical Evidence from Parbhani Marathwada

Aims: the present study was aimed to develop a bioclimato of gastrointestinal nematodes of cattle in Marathwada region of Maharashtra. Study Design: A standard protocol as per published reports was followed for recording of prevalence of GI nematodes from cattle. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at livestock instructional farm of College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Parbhani during the period February 2022 to January, 2023. Methodology: In all total 253 faecal samples were collected from calves and adult cattle belonging to RK instructional farm, COVAS, Parbhani. Sample collection and processing was done by following standard parasitological procedures and only fresh fecal droppings were used for the laboratory investigation. Results: The study conducted on availability of larvae on pasture revealed the overall prevalence of 61 percent (87 pasture were positive out of 143 examined). The PLC analysis showed the highest distribution of larvae on pasture during winter season i.e. 57.81 %, followed by monsoon season i.e. 57.81 % and 00.0% during summer season. The Pasture larval count observed during different seasons was 23.83, 33.07 and 0.00 per 100 gm, respectively. The abstract information drawn from the bioclimatos plotted for 2000-2021 and its validation with real time data of 2022 ( Feb 2022-Jan 2023) was a) Suitable months for survival of Heamonchus and Oesophagostomum infective larvae on the pasture of the grazing land in year 2022-2023 were Jan - March and June – September and for Trichostrongylus Jan – March and October 2022- January 2023 and b)The climatic data and Bioclimato were plotted from year 2000-2021 and 2022+January 2023 showed the correlation between EPG and PLC. Conclusion: The bioclimatos can be developed and utilized according the regional agro-climatic variations and be useful for devising controlmeasures against gastrointestinal nematodes of livestock.

Genetic Diversity of Avian Influenza Viruses Detected in Waterbirds in Northeast Italy Using Two Different Sampling Strategies.

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs), which circulate endemically in wild aquatic birds, pose a significant threat to poultry and raise concerns for their zoonotic potential. From August 2021 to April 2022, a multi-site cross-sectional study involving active AIV epidemiological monitoring was conducted in wetlands of the Emilia-Romagna region, northern Italy, adjacent to densely populated poultry areas. A total of 129 cloacal swab samples (CSs) and 407 avian faecal droppings samples (FDs) were collected, with 7 CSs (5.4%) and 4 FDs (1%) testing positive for the AIV matrix gene through rRT-PCR. A COI-barcoding protocol was applied to recognize the species of origin of AIV-positive FDs. Multiple low-pathogenic AIV subtypes were identified, and five of these were isolated, including an H5N3, an H1N1, and three H9N2 in wild ducks. Following whole-genome sequencing, phylogenetic analyses of the hereby obtained strains showed close genetic relationships with AIVs detected in countries along the Black Sea/Mediterranean migratory flyway. Notably, none of the analyzed gene segments were genetically related to HPAI H5N1 viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b isolated from Italian poultry during the concurrent 2021-2022 epidemic. Overall, the detected AIV genetic diversity emphasizes the necessity for ongoing monitoring in wild hosts using diverse sampling strategies and whole-genome sequencing.

Prevalence, Diversity, and Virulence of Campylobacter Carried by Migratory Birds at Four Major Habitats in China.

Campylobacter species, especially C. jejuni and C. coli, are the main zoonotic bacteria causing human gastroenteritis. A variety of Campylobacter species has been reported in wild birds, posing a potential avian-human transmission pathway. Currently, there has been little surveillance data on Campylobacter carriage in migratory birds in China. In the current work, fresh fecal droppings from individual migratory birds were collected at four bird wintering/stopover sites in China from May 2020 to March 2021. Nucleic acid was extracted and tested for Campylobacter with PCR-based methods. Overall, 73.8% (329/446) of the samples were positive for Campylobacter, demonstrating location and bird host specificity. Further speciation revealed the presence of C. jejuni, C. coli, C. lari, C. volucris, and an uncharacterized species, which all harbored a variety of virulence factors. Phylogenetic analysis performed on concatenated 16S rRNA-atpA-groEL genes elucidated their genetic relationship, demonstrating both inter- and intra-species diversity. The wide distribution and high diversity of Campylobacter spp. detected in migratory birds in China indicated potential transmission across territories. The existence of virulence factors in all of these species highlighted their public health importance and the necessity of monitoring and controlling Campylobacter and other pathogens carried by migratory birds.

Isolation and whole genome sequencing of North American lineage class I avian orthoavulavirus 1 isolated from wild Eurasian teal in South Korea

ABSTRACT We report the first North American origin class I avian orthoavulavirus 1 (AOAV-1) isolated from a faecal dropping of wild Eurasian teal (Anas crecca) in South Korea. Whole genome sequencing and comparative phylogenetic analysis revealed that the AOAV-1/Eurasian teal/South Korea/KU1405-3/2017 virus belongs to the sub-genotype 1.2 of class I AOAV-1. Phylogenetic analysis suggested multiple introductions of the North American sub-genotype 1.2 viruses into Asia and its establishment in the wild bird population in East Asia since May 2011. These results provide information on the epidemiology of AOAV-1, particularly the role of migratory wild birds in exchanging viruses between the Eurasian and North American continents. Enhanced genomic surveillance is required to improve our understanding on the evolution and transmission dynamics of AOAV-1 in wild birds.

Molecular Detection of Beta Lactamase Genes from Salmonella Typhimurium Isolated from Poultry Droppings in Nyanya, Abuja

Salmonella infections are one of the major global public health problems. During the last decade, antibiotic resistance and multiresistance of S. typhimurium. This study aimed at molecular detection of Beta Lactamase genes from S. typhimurium Isolated from poultry droppings in Nyanya, Abuja. Fecal droppings samples were collected from two different Poultry farms using sterile screw tubes. S. Typhimurium was isolated and identified using standard microbiology methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility was carried out using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute method. Out of 180 samples collected the overall occurrence of S. typhimurium was 20 (11.1%). S. typhimurium isolated were higher in Farm A 9(10.0%) than in farm B 11(12.2%). The S. typhimurium isolates from Farm A were highly resistant to Ampicillin with 77.7% but less resistant to gentamicin with 33.3%, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and Sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim with 44.4%. Isolates from Farm B were highly resistant to Ampicillin and Sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim 81.8%, but less resistant to Cefuroxime 36.3%. the most common phenotypic resistant observed were C-CIP-CAZ-CRO-AUG- OFL -SXT- CEF (22.2%) from Farm A. CIP-CRO-CAZ- AMP -AUG- OFL -SXT- CEF (18.1%) from Farm B, The commonest MAR index observed in this study was 0.8(33.3%) in farm A and (36.3%) in farm B. The order of occurrences of the 4 Beta Lactamase genes detected was: blaCTX-M-9 and blaSHV (75.0%) &gt; bla CMY2 and Bla CTX-M (50.0%). The resistance observed in this study indicates it will be difficult to use commonly use antibiotics to treat infection caused by S. typhimurium isolated in the study location

Effects of grain-based pecking blocks on productivity and welfare indicators in commercial broiler chickens.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of grain-based pecking blocks on productivity and welfare status at two commercial broiler welfare-certified farms. Production and welfare indicators were assessed at two farms (designated Farm A and B). Both farms had two windowless houses with forced tunnel-type ventilation and housed broilers at stocking densities of approximately 16.7 birds/m2 (Farm A) and 16.8 birds/m2 (Farm B). Each house was divided into two or three equal sections and was provided with or without pecking blocks. Grain-based pecking blocks, measuring 25 × 25 × 25 cm, were given to broilers in both farms at 1 block per 1,000 birds. Various parameters including productivity (body weight and flock uniformity), corticosterone levels (in fecal droppings and feathers), footpad dermatitis, hock burn, feather dirtiness, gait score, litter quality, body surface temperature, and volatile fatty acids in fecal samples were assessed at 26 days of age, whereas litter quality was analyzed at 13 and 26 days of age. There were no significant effects of providing pecking blocks on productivity (body weight and uniformity), fecal and feather corticosterone, welfare indicators (i.e., footpad dermatitis, hock burn, feather cleanliness, and gait score), and litter quality (i.e., moisture, nitrogen, and pH). No differences in body surface temperature between the control and enrichment treatments were noted in Farm B, but body surface temperatures of the head (p = 0.029) and legs (p = 0.011) in the enrichment vs. control group were elevated in Farm A. Butyrate concentration in the enrichment vs control group was higher in Farm B (p = 0.023), but this effect was not detected in Farm A. It is concluded that grain-based pecking blocks did not affect performance and welfare indicators. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the potential impact of grain-based pecking blocks on gut health indicators.

Human-geladas conflict and assessing local human attitudes for community-based conservation in Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Understanding the nature and magnitude of human-wildlife conflict at the local level is critical for developing a wildlife management strategy. I used a questionnaire, focus group discussions, fecal dropping analyses, and direct observations to address the human-geladas conflict and promote the conservation of a relic monkey population in the Tigray region, Ethiopia. I analyzed data using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. A high degree of human-geladas conflict was recorded as a result of habitat disturbance, agricultural expansion, and killing in response to crop-raiding. Geladas caused direct and perceived costs for the local people. The majority of the respondents from Hadnet (76%, n = 75) and Debre-Abay (71%, n = 74) villages had a negative attitude toward the geladas. To help reverse this sentiment and take steps toward reducing future human-geladas conflict, I recommend that local communities play a more active role in the management and conservation of the endemic geladas.

Helicobacter ibis sp. nov., isolated from faecal droppings of black-faced ibis (Theristicus melanopis).

As part of a larger study on Epsilonproteobacteria carried by wild birds in the city of Valdivia (southern Chile), two curved rod-shaped Gram-stain-negative strains (A82T and WB-40) were recovered from faecal samples and subjected to a taxonomic study. Results of a genus-specific PCR showed that these isolates belonged to the genus Helicobacter. Further identification by 16S rRNA and hsp60 (60 kDa heat-shock protein) gene sequence analysis revealed that they formed a separate phylogenetic clade, different from other known Helicobacter species with 'Helicobacter burdigaliensis' CNRCH 2005/566HT and Helicobacter valdiviensis WBE14T being the most closely related species. This was confirmed by core-genome phylogeny as well as digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity analyses between the genomes of strains A82T and WB-40 and all other Helicobacter species. The draft genome sequences of A82T and WB-40, obtained by Illumina NextSeq 2000 sequencing, consisted of 1.6 Mb with a G+C content of 31.9-32.0 mol%. The results obtained from the phylogenetic and genomic characterization, together with their different morphological and biochemical features, revealed that these two strains represent a novel species, for which we propose the name Helicobacter ibis sp. nov. with A82T (=LMG 32718T=CCCT 22.04T) as the type strain.

A preliminary investigation of zooplankton diapausing eggs from waterbird faecal droppings in New Zealand

ABSTRACT We analysed internal dispersal of zooplankton by waterbirds (endozoochory) in New Zealand, quantifying zooplankton eggs in faecal droppings collected at two lakes, Lake Rotoroa (Hamilton) and Lake Rotorua. Sixty-seven faecal droppings were collected from Mallard Ducks (20), Canada Geese (11), Greylag Geese (6), Black Swans (20) and Australian Coots (10). Fifty eggs were found, with a mean of 0.75 eggs per dropping, indicating that waterbirds consume zooplankton eggs, and that these pass through the digestive system. No significant difference was observed in the abundance of eggs among waterbird species, and no eggs hatched in the laboratory. Our results suggest that waterbird dispersal of zooplankton in New Zealand is occurring, but numbers being transported are low. Further, as non-native waterbirds such as mallard ducks and geese do not migrate in New Zealand to the extent they do elsewhere, they are likely not primary vectors for zooplankton dispersal.

DAMAGE PATTERNS OF DIFFERENT BIRDS AND RODENT SPECIES IN GRAIN STORAGES IN BAHAWALPUR, PAKISTAN

Birds and Rodents can cause significant damage to grain stores in developing countries, affecting the food security and income of small-holder farmers. Methods for assessing storage losses by rodents under small-holder conditions will help farmers and policy makers understand the impact rodents may have on food security, nutrition, and health. The present study aimed to determine the different damage patterns by birds and rodents in grain storage in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. The study was conducted between August 2021 and February 2022. Twelve grain stores were selected for the observations based on environmental conditions and storage types. Damage patterns were observed through scan sampling by directly observing the damage patterns in terms of grain spreading, fecal contamination, hair contamination, packaging injuries, and feather presence. For loss assessment, the Bowls with known quantities (about 2kg) of grains were placed within grain storage and periodically monitored for weight loss, fecal contamination, and percentage of birds and rodent- damaged grains. The bowels were weighted before and after rodents or bird attack and difference in weight were used to calculate percentages losses. Grain spreading was observed as main damage pattern by birds. Its percentage was measured as 68%, followed by fecal droppings (14%), packaging injuries (13%), and feather presence (5%). Rodents main damage pattern was also grain spreading (47%), followed by packaging injuries (23%), fecal droppings (20%), and presence of hair (10%). Estimates of grain losses in the absence of measures were 23.1% annually. These losses were reduced when rodent control was implemented. So, by implementing control methods and propers storage strategies and using good quality packaging material the rodents and birds losses can be reduced.

Nigella sativa-chitosan nanoparticles: Novel intestinal mucosal immunomodulator controls and protects against Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis infection in broilers

BackgroundSalmonella Enteritidis (SE) propagates in chickens' gastrointestinal surfaces and is transmitted to humans, causing food poisoning. Oral supplementation with natural nanoparticles can overcome the harsh gastrointestinal conditions facing oral vaccines and requires no antibiotic administration to protect against microbial infection. This study was designed to study Nigella sativa-chitosan nanoparticles (CNP-NS) prophylactic immunomodulatory efficacy against SE infection in broiler chicks. The CNP-NS was prepared and characterized, and its in vivo immunomodulatory activities against an avian virulent-MDR SE-induced challenge in chicks were investigated.ResultTo verify the immune-protective activities of the CNP-NS, colony forming units (CFU) in the liver and fecal droppings; intestinal histopathological alterations and immune cell recruitment; MUC-2, TLR-4, cecal cytokines, and specific IgA gene expression levels were assessed. On the 7th and 12th days after the SE challenge, the CNP-NS supplemented chicks showed complete clearance of SE CFU in livers and fecal droppings, as well as an improvement in food conversion rate compared to non-supplemented CNP-NS that revealed the presence of the challenge SE CFU on the same days. A prominent influx of antigen presenting cells and lymphoid aggregates into the intestinal wall, spleen, and liver was detected with improvements in the intestinal villi morphometry of the CNP-NS-supplemented chicks. The changes of INF-γ, IL-1β, and IL-4 cecal cytokines, as well as TLR-4, MUC-2, and IgA mRNA expression levels, confirm CNP-NS immunomodulatory activities and provide a mechanism(s) for its protective actions against the induced SE challenge of the tested chickens.ConclusionThese findings suggest promising useful insights into CNP-NS supplementation as a safe food additive for poultry meat consumers' and a protective immunomodulator of the chickens' mucosal immune systems. It could be recommended for epidemiological purposes to reduce the risk of SE food poisoning and transmission to humans.

Trends and status of rabbit production and research in Zambia

Rabbit production has the potential to help alleviate poverty levels through job creation, income from the sales of rabbits and their products, and a supply of nutritional food, given its urban and peri-urban functionality. However, not much is known about rabbit production and productivity in Zambia. This study is a rapid survey to document rabbit production systems, management practices and provide estimates of rabbit productivity in Lusaka, Zambia. Three production systems (extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive) were determined given the following criteria: breeds and number reared, housing provided, feed supplied, management practices and marketing of rabbits and by-products. Most producers practiced extensive production system, rearing few local and crossbred rabbits fed mostly vegetables, and housing was made of locally available wood materials and or on deep litter. The intensive production system, however, involved purebreds such as New Zealand White (NZW), Chinchilla (CH), California White (CA), Dutch (DU) and Flemish Giant (FG) and their crosses, with numbers ranging between 50 and 100 breeding animals raised in individual metal cages fed hay and pelleted concentrate feed. Mortality was lower given the conducive environment and high management practices that reduced contact with faecal droppings and allowed urine to be collected for sale. The semi intensive production system lies in the middle and is pivotal to improving productivity in the rabbit industry. Mean performances reported were litter size at birth (3.3, 5.2, 6.4), litter weight at birth (105g, 225g, 410g), litter size at weaning (1.9, 4.1, 5.7), litter weaning weight (650g, 1955g, 3256g) and average mature weight (1510g, 2120g, 2825g) for the extensive, semi intensive and intensive productions systems accordingly. The two major challenges were the limited source of breeding animals, which predisposes the sector to a high level of inbreeding and inadequate veterinary care, leading to a high mortality of over 30%. The government is encouraged to develop a national rabbit development programme that will address the above-mentioned challenges.

Molecular Characterization of Salmonella Species Isolated from Animal Sources in Southern-Taraba State, North-East Nigeria

Aims: The purpose of this research was to detect the Salmonella invA gene from chicken’s droppings in Southern Taraba, North East Nigeria. The invasive “invA” gene facilitates the invasion of epithelial cells by Salmonella isolates.&#x0D; Study Design: This study is experimental research involving ninety-eight (98) Salmonella isolates from chicken droppings in poultry farms and domestic chicken coops.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: This research was carried out in Wukari, Donga, Ibi and Takum towns in Southern Taraba, North East Nigeria between November 2021 and May 2023. A total of 400 (Donga,100; Wukari, 100; Ibi, 100 and Takum, 100) Chicken droppings were collected from 40&#x0D; (Donga, 10; Wukari, 10; Ibi, 10 and Takum, 10) small-scale poultry farms, and 100 (Donga, 25; Wukari, 25; Ibi, 25 and Takum, 25) Chicken droppings were sampled from 20 (Donga, 5; Wukari, 5; Ibi, 5 and Takum 5) domestic chicken coops and analyzed.&#x0D; Methodology: Using standard microbiological techniques, Salmonella Shigella Agar (SSA) was used to confirm and validate 98 (Wukari; 36, Donga; 19, Ibi; 27, and Takum; 16) Salmonella isolates from stock culture. Isolates were further subjected to biochemical analysis. Boiling technique was used to extract the DNA of the 98 isolates. Salmonella invA gene amplification process was done using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Electrophoresis was done using agarose gel, and DNA band patterns were visualized with the aid of ultraviolent light (UV) showing different patterns and interpreted with the 100 bp DNA ladder.&#x0D; Results: The results of this study indicate that the invA gene was detected in 80.6% (Wukari; 86.1%, Donga; 68.5%, Ibi;85.2%, and Takum; 75%) of the 98 Salmonella isolates with an amplicon size of 284bp. This finding implies that 19 isolates which did not show the targeted band are not invasive, and even if they are, other invasive genes may be liable.&#x0D; Conclusion: The detection of the invasive invA invasive gene from Salmonella isolates from the fecal droppings of apparently healthy chickens from poultry farms and domestic chicken coops is really of great concern to public health. Unless a proper hygienic protocol and biosecurity measures are strictly adhered to where applicable in food processing chain, Salmonella isolates harboring the invA traits could be opportunistically invasive among immunocompromised individuals and children.

Efficient colonic drug delivery in domestic pigs employing a tablet formulation with dual control concept.

Efficient and reproducible colonic drug delivery remains elusive. The aim of this study was to demonstrate specific colonic delivery in vivo in domestic pigs with a novel tablet formulation based on a dual release control concept using 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and caffeine as drug substances. The developed controlled colonic release (CCR) tablet formulation employs a pH-sensitive coating based on Eudragit® FS 30 D to prevent drug release in the upper gastrointestinal tract, and a xyloglucan-based matrix to inhibit drug release after coating removal in the small intestine and to allow microbiome-triggered drug release by enzymatic action in the colon. CCR tablets were administered to domestic pigs and plasma concentration data was analyzed by physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling to estimate absorbed amounts from small and large intestine and in vivo drug release rates by model-dependent deconvolution using immediate release (IR) tablets and intravenous solutions as reference. Peak concentration times (tmax) and values (cmax) of CCR 5-ASA and caffeine tablets indicated strongly delayed drug absorption and the deduced absorbed amount as a function of time confirmed absorption overwhelmingly from the large intestine. The microbially cleaved marker molecule sulfasalazine administered alone or together with caffeine in CCR tablets reported, in combination with telemetry measurements, gastrointestinal transit times and site of absorption. Drug release from CCR tablets was inferred to take place predominantly at the site of absorption at a release rate of caffeine that was much larger in the colon than in the small intestine indicating enzymatically triggered release by the colonic microbiome. Xyloglucanase activity in rectal and cecal samples was consistent with release data and compound recovery in fecal droppings was consistent with 5-ASA bioavailability. The results provide evidence that the developed formulation can prevent premature drug release and provide targeted colonic drug delivery. Clinical relevance based on the comparability between pig and man is discussed.

Noninvasive genetic monitoring of Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) from Darjeeling district of Northwest Bengal, India

AbstractChinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) has experienced a rapid population decline across its distribution range mainly due to illegal harvesting for scale and local consumption for meat. We monitored 65 burrows of free‐ranging pangolins and collected 147 fecal droppings from five sites in the Darjeeling district of Northwest Bengal in the central Himalayas. On genetic analysis with the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, we obtained four haplotypes with haplotype diversity of 0.479 ± 0.088. At 15 microsatellite loci, we identified 35 unique genotypes with relatively low level of genetic diversity (Ho‐0.382 ± 0.091). We also estimated the population genetic parameters and demographic history using Bayesian skyline plot which revealed a demographic decline in the population size in the past 200 years. The present study generated the base‐line population genetics estimates of Chinese pangolin, that may be used in genetic monitoring of the population and also aid to the geographical assignment of wildlife crime cases.

Salmonellosis prevalence and risk factors in chicken breeding farms in and around Arba Minch town, Gamo Zone, Ethiopia

Salmonellosis is one of the diseases affecting chicken breeding farms in research locations. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Salmonella, its risk factors, and the distribution of antibiotic resistance in chicken breeding farms in and around Arba Minch town, Southern Ethiopia. A total of 390 samples were obtained from the chicks selected using stratified random selection from the breeding farms. Each chick's rectum was sampled for cloacal swabs and fecal samples, which were later analyzed for Salmonella using microbial culture and serological methods. Drug sensitivity testing was done using disk diffusion techniques. Salmonella isolates were found in 7/285 (2.45%) of fecal dropping and 14/105 (13.33%) of cloacal swabs. S. Anatum 6/21 (28.57%), S. Saintpaul 5/21 (23.8%), S. Typhimurium 4/21 (19.04%), S. Kentucky 4/21(19.04%), and S. Haifa 2/21 (9.52%) were the identified serotypes with a prevalence of 21/390 (5.38%) (95% CI = 2.2-8). According to a multivariate logistic regression analysis of the risk factors, the source of feed, contact with other farms, chick breed, and management were statistically significant influences on the presence of Salmonella in chicks (p < 0.05). The 8 antimicrobials tested were found to be ineffective against 90.47% of the isolates. These antimicrobials are used in both human and animal medicine. Our findings confirmed that risk factors such as feed source, breed, contact with other farms, and management had a significant effect on the occurrence of salmonellosis in chicks, and disease control in the study area requires special attention.