Intestinal Tract Of Birds Research Articles

Bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis related Enterococcus cecorum isolates are genetically distinct from the commensal population and are more virulent in an embryo mortality model

Bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) is a common cause of broiler lameness. Bacteria that are found in BCO lesions are intestinal bacteria that are proposed to have translocated through the intestinal epithelium and have spread systemically. One of the specific bacterial species frequently isolated in BCO cases is Enterococcus cecorum. In the current study, caecal isolates were obtained from birds derived from healthy flocks (12 isolates from 6 flocks), while isolates derived from caeca, colon, pericardium, caudal thoracic vertebrae, coxo-femoral joint, knee joint and intertarsal joint (hock) were obtained from broilers derived from BCO outbreaks (111 isolates from 10 flocks). Pulsed field gel electrophoresis was performed to determine similarity. Clonal E. cecorum populations were isolated from different bones/joints and pericardium from animals within the same flock, with intestinal strains carrying the same pulsotype, pointing to the intestinal origin of the systemically present bacteria. Isolates from the intestinal tract of birds from healthy flocks clustered away from the BCO strains. Isolates from the gut, bones/joints and pericardium of affected animals contained a set of genes that were absent in isolates from the gut of healthy animals, such as genes encoding for enterococcal polysaccharide antigens (epa genes), cell wall structural components and nutrient transporters. Isolates derived from the affected birds induced a significant higher mortality in the embryo mortality model as compared to the isolates from the gut of healthy birds, pointing to an increased virulence.

Colibacillosis in poultry: A disease overview and the new perspectives for its control and prevention

Escherichia coli (E.coli) is a common bacterium that can be naturally found in the intestinal tract of birds and as a result in their environment. However, it can cause clinical disease called colibacillosis which is regarded as one of the most common and important diseases in poultry. Strains of E.coli that have the ability to cause clinical disease are described as Avian Pathogenic Escherichia Coli (APEC). Colibacillosis can affect birds of all ages and different types of poultry production including broiler and commercial layers and breeders. The ability of E.coli to cause colibacillosis is not always the same; that is why its role as primary or secondary pathogen triggered by various predisposing factors is contradictory and differs from case to case. Antibiotics have been used as the main tool against colibacillosis for many decades. However, the emergence of increased antibiotic resistance has posed the need of alternative treatment to colibacillosis as well as emphasizing on preventive measures to avoid disease. Τhe scope of this article is to assess recent scientific literature data on avian colibacillosis emphasizing on disease characteristics and recent data on prevention and control of the disease.

Avian Intestinal Mucus Modulates Campylobacter jejuni Gene Expression in a Host-Specific Manner.

Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of bacterial foodborne illness in humans worldwide. However, C. jejuni naturally colonizes poultry without causing pathology where it resides deep within mucus of the cecal crypts. Mucus may modulate the pathogenicity of C. jejuni in a species-specific manner, where it is pathogenic in humans and asymptomatic in poultry. Little is known about how intestinal mucus from different host species affects C. jejuni gene expression. In this study we characterized the growth and transcriptome of C. jejuni NCTC11168 cultured in defined media supplemented with or without mucus isolated from avian (chicken or turkey) or mammalian (cow, pig, or sheep) sources. C. jejuni showed substantially improved growth over defined media, with mucus from all species, showing that intestinal mucus was an energy source for C. jejuni. Seventy-three genes were differentially expressed when C. jejuni was cultured in avian vs. mammalian mucus. Genes associated with iron acquisition and resistance to oxidative stress were significantly increased in avian mucus. Many of the differentially expressed genes were flanked by differentially expressed antisense RNA asRNA, suggesting a role in gene regulation. This study highlights the interactions between C. jejuni and host mucus and the impact on gene expression, growth and invasion of host cells, suggesting important responses to environmental cues that facilitate intestinal colonization.IMPORTANCE Campylobacter jejuni infection of humans is an important health problem world-wide and is the leading bacterial cause of foodborne illnesses in U.S. The main route for exposure for humans is consumption of poultry meat contaminated during processing. C. jejuni is frequently found in poultry, residing within the mucus of the intestinal tract without causing disease. It is not clear why C. jejuni causes disease in some animals and humans, while leaving birds without symptoms. To understand its activity in birds, we characterized C. jejuni responses to poultry mucus to identify genes turned on in the intestinal tract of birds. We identified genes important for colonization and persistence within the poultry gut, turned on when C. jejuni was exposed to poultry mucus. Our findings are an important step in understanding how C. jejuni responds and interacts in the poultry gut, and may identify ways to reduce C. jejuni in birds.

Antibacterial and therapeutic effects of a combination of Coptidis rhizoma and Galla rhois extracts in piglets challenged with Campylobacter coli

Abstract : The antibacterial effects of a combination of Coptidis rhizoma and Galla rhois extracts (CGE) were evaluatedin piglets. The minimum bactericidal concentration of CGE was 2.0 mg/mL. Thirty 5-week-old piglets were challengedwith Campylobacter (C.) coli after allocation to three different groups, a control and two treatment groups fed withCGE at 2.0 or 4.0 g/kg feed for 7 days. On day 7, C. coli in the feces of the CGE-treated groups were significantlylower than in the control (p < 0.01). These results suggest that CGE can be used to control C. coli in piglets. Keywords : Campylobacter coli, Coptidis rhizoma, Galla rhois, piglet Campylobacter spp. are one of the most dominant zoonoticbacteria which cause human gastroenteritis in many develop-ing and industrialized countries [11]. In the European Union,the number of confirmed-campylobacteriosis cases in humanamounted to 220,209 in 2011. In addition, human campylo-bacteriosis in the United States was estimated to affect over1.3 million persons every year [15].Both Campylobacter (C.) jejuni and C. coli asymptomati-cally colonize in the intestinal tract of birds and mammals,including food production animals which pose an importantrisk for human C. infection from contamination of carcassesat slaughter and of milk [12]. Pigs are a natural reservoir ofCampylobacter spp. with C. coli as the dominant species. Theprevalence of C. coli infection in pigs is known to bebetween 50 and 100%, and excretion levels of this pathogenranged from 10

Isolation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella from migratory brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater), common Grackles (Quiscalus quiscula), and cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis).

Zoonotic enteric pathogenic bacteria can live in the intestinal tract of birds and can be transmitted to food animals or humans via fecal contact. In the present study, cecal samples were collected from 376 migratory birds from species often associated with cattle during the fall migration in the Central Flyway of the United States. Brown-headed cowbirds (n=309, Molothrus ater), common grackles (n=51, Quiscalus quiscula), and cattle egrets (n=12, Bubulcus ibis) contained foodborne pathogenic bacteria in their ceca. Salmonella enterica was isolated from 14.9% of all samples, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 from 3.7%. Salmonella serotypes isolated included the following: Muenster, Montevideo, and Typhimurium. Our data suggest that migratory birds associated with cattle could be a vector for zoonotic enteric pathogenic bacteria to be disseminated across long distances.

The human H5N1 influenza A virus polymerase complex is active in vitro over a broad range of temperatures, in contrast to the WSN complex, and this property can be attributed to the PB2 subunit

Influenza A virus (IAV) replicates in the upper respiratory tract of humans at 33 °C and in the intestinal tract of birds at close to 41 °C. The viral RNA polymerase complex comprises three subunits (PA, PB1 and PB2) and plays an important role in host adaptation. We therefore developed an in vitro system to examine the temperature sensitivity of IAV RNA polymerase complexes from different origins. Complexes were prepared from human lung epithelial cells (A549) using a novel adenoviral expression system. Affinity-purified complexes were generated that contained either all three subunits (PA/PB1/PB2) from the A/Viet/1203/04 H5N1 virus (H/H/H) or the A/WSN/33 H1N1 strain (W/W/W). We also prepared chimeric complexes in which the PB2 subunit was exchanged (H/H/W, W/W/H) or substituted with an avian PB2 from the A/chicken/Nanchang/3-120/01 H3N2 strain (W/W/N). All complexes were functional in transcription, cap-binding and endonucleolytic activity. Complexes containing the H5N1 or Nanchang PB2 protein retained transcriptional activity over a broad temperature range (30–42 °C). In contrast, complexes containing the WSN PB2 protein lost activity at elevated temperatures (39 °C or higher). The E627K mutation in the avian PB2 was not required for this effect. Finally, the avian PB2 subunit was shown to confer enhanced stability to the WSN 3P complex. These results show that PB2 plays an important role in regulating the temperature optimum for IAV RNA polymerase activity, possibly due to effects on the functional stability of the 3P complex.

Reduction of intestinal viscosity in barley-fed broilers by β-glucanase: Site of action and effect on bird performance

The objective of this research was to determine the site of dissolution of viscous polysaccharides in the intestinal tract of birds fed a barley-based diets and the site of action of enzymes designed to degrade such polymers. A barley-based diet (60% Condor variety, 4.58% β-glucan) was fed with and without β-glucanase supplementation to broilers from 1-21 days of age (4 replicate pens of 5 birds per pen), at which time weight gain, feed intake and viscosity of digesta supernatant (12,500 x g, 5 min) from the gizzard, first and last half of the small intestine was measured. Two β-glucanase sources were tested, a commercial multienzyme product, blended from several microbial and fungal fermentations containing β-glucanase, xylanase and amylase activities (Avizyme Sx, Finnfeeds International Ltd., BG1) and a single Trichoderma fermentation source of β-glucanase (BG2). Each enzyme was added at 250 β-glucanase U/g (pH 6.8) feed. Addition of BG1 and BG2 improved weight gain by 28 and 28% respectively (p&lt;0.0001) and FCE by 23% and 18% respectively (p&lt;0.0001). Viscosity in the gizzard, first and last half of the small intestine was 10, 88 and 270 cp respectively in control broilers, an unacceptably high set of values, particularly in the hind-gut. Addition of either enzyme source significantly reduced viscosity in all gut sections and prevented the increase in viscosity noted in control fed birds. Foregut intestinal viscosity correlated well with weight gain (R2=0.907, p&lt;0.0001) and FCE (R2=0.871, p&lt;0.0001). The variance associated with weight gain and FCE was substantially reduced with enzyme addition, but particularly so with BG1. BG1 tended to reduce gizzard viscosity to a greater extent than BG2 suggesting that it is either more active at acid pH or that undefined associated activities (eg glucosidase) are necessary for optimum viscosity reduction.

Further Evidence of the Passive Dispersal of Small Aquatic Organisms via the Intestinal Tract of Birds

Viable disseminules of freshwater algae and crustaceans were recovered from feces of representatives of three orders of birds in addition to waterfowl. This indicates that dispersal of small aquatic organisms via the avian intestinal tract can occur in diverse groups of birds. Because of difference in effects upon the viability of disseminules, some birds are probably better suited as agents of dispersal than others.

Dispersal of Plankton: Rate of Food Passage in Mallard Ducks

To determine the possibilities of dispersal of plankton via the intestinal tract of birds, the rate of passage of viable disseminules, and the effect that maximum retention within the tract has upon the disseminules, brine shrimp (Artemia salina) eggs were mixed with various foods and fed to mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos). The rate of passage of viable brine shrimp eggs was found to be largely dependent upon the kind of food with which the eggs were ingested. The most rapid passage was observed with nonfibrous aquatic vegetation and invertebrates, the most lengthy with dried grain. A small number of eggs often entered the caeca. These were retained within the intestinal tract two or three times longer than eggs which bypassed the caeca. The only observable effect of avian digestion upon brine shrimp eggs was physical damage. A direct relationship existed between the rate of passage of the eggs and the amount of fragmentation they suffered. Experiments with canaries, chickens, and pigeons gave comparable results, but it appeared that granivorous birds may have more pronounced effects upon ingested plankton disseminules than herbivorous or omnivorous birds. The means by which plankton reach isolated or newly created bodies of water has puzzled biologists for many years. Only recently, however, has the subject received serious attention. Transport via the intestinal tract of waterfowl is presently considered to be an effective and important mechanism of dispersal for many kinds of plankton (Loffler 1963a:17, 1963b:311; Proctor 1959:623, 1964:657; Proctor and Malone 1965:in press). Loffler (1963a:17) states that relationships may exist between the migratory routes of some waterfowl and the distribution of plankton, primarily crustaceans. If such were true, says Liffler, new perspectives would be available to ornithologists. For example, if viable crustacean disseminules present within the intestinal tract of migrating birds were studied, perhaps the origins and routes of birds could be better established. In the majority of research concerning the passage of viable disseminules through the avian intestinal tract, only the disseminules which passed most rapidly were studied. In most instances, the rate of passage or the effects that maximum retention in the tract had upon disseminules was not considered. From the standpoint of distance of dispersal, these considerations are of great importance (Loffler 1963b: 311, Malone 1965a:in press). The effectiveness of dispersal of plankton via the intestinal tract of birds and the usefulness of plankton as aids in tracing bird movements will largely depend on the rate of passage of viable disseminules. Although mallard ducks have been widely used in research concerning dispersal, no information on the rate of food passage in this species is available. The present research was conducted to supply these data and to determine the effects that maximum exposure to digestive processes has upon crustacean disseminulesin this case, the eggs of brine shrimp. I am grateful to Vernon W. Proctor for helpful advice given during the course of the study. METHODS AND MATERIALS Five 2-year-old female mallard ducks were placed in wire mesh cages overnight, away from food, and fed about 8 AM the following day. A method previously de1 This research was supported by National Institutes of Health Grant GM 11394-01A1.

Isolation of an Organism Responsible for the Increased Riboflavin Content of the Feces of the Fowl

FOR many years it has been known that man and animals harbor millions of micro-organisms in the intestinal tract. The organisms present in the case of certain diseases have been reported. However, very little information is available on the nature of the bacterial flora of the feces of the fowl.Kern (1897) showed that the intestinal tract of birds contained a large number of micro-organisms. Many of these organisms were spore formers. A common characteristic of the organisms isolated was their ability to liquefy gelatin. B. coli was the most abundant, being found in most of the birds examined.Rahner (1901) studied the bacterial content of the intestine of hens and found Escherichia coli, gram-positive cocci, molds, Bacillus megatherium, and lactic acid bacteria. He believes that Escherichia coli is a constant inhabitant and tends to crowd out other organisms whose presence depends upon the food supply. This organism also increased .

VII. On the Intestinal Tract of Birds; with Remarks on the Valuation and Nomenclature of Zoological Characters.

VII. On the Intestinal Tract of Birds; with Remarks on the Valuation and Nomenclature of Zoological Characters. Get access P. Chalmers Mitchell, M.A., D.Sc. Oxon., F.L.S., F.Z.S. P. Chalmers Mitchell, M.A., D.Sc. Oxon., F.L.S., F.Z.S. Lecturer on Biology 1London Hospital Medical College Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Transactions of the Linnean Society of London. 2nd Series. Zoology, Volume 8, Issue 7, October 1901, Pages 173–275, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1096-3642.1901.tb00477.x Published: 09 April 2009

3. On the Intestinal Tract of Birds

Proceedings of the Zoological Society of LondonVolume 64, Issue 1 p. 136-159 3. On the Intestinal Tract of Birds P. Chalmers Mitchell M.A., F.Z.S., P. Chalmers Mitchell M.A., F.Z.S.Search for more papers by this author P. Chalmers Mitchell M.A., F.Z.S., P. Chalmers Mitchell M.A., F.Z.S.Search for more papers by this author First published: January 1896 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1096-3642.1896.tb03032.xCitations: 13Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume64, Issue1January 1896Pages 136-159 RelatedInformation